I’ve never been a “regular” at any place. I’ve only been on the other side of the spectrum as a server and crew member at eateries where people come in on the daily and order “the usual.” Mountain Grind Coffee Company is the first place I can see myself being a regular at, and my only regret is that I didn’t find the place sooner.

The eatery opened on April 1 at the old location of River City Bagels, Suite 102 of the businesses attached to North Avenue Hall. The owner, Savannah Tompkins, took Mountain Grind Coffee with her when she recently moved from Parachute to Grand Junction.

Mountain Grind Coffee is the opposite of a Starbucks. It’s relaxed and perfect for solo studying or meeting with your group for a project. The baristas are extremely helpful and friendly from the get-go. When I let them know that it was my first time, I was hungry and I was a vegetarian, there was zero hesitation from the staff to give me multiple food and beverage suggestions. I decided to go with their recommendations and ordered the Summit Scrambler and a vanilla avalanche with an extra shot of espresso.

My coffee came with a chocolate covered espresso bean—something I quickly learned from observation was one of their trademarks. I’ve never been to a place and been so genuinely impressed by a breakfast bagel and a cup o’ joe that the first and only word that came to mind was “quality.”

After visiting the place again, I realized that quality is a regular thing at Mountain Grind Coffee, both in the food and in the service. Every customer was greeted with a friendly “Hello!” and asked how their day was going, if it was their first time here and given an explanation of the menu and different suggestions catered to the individual.

Along with coffee and tea, Mountain Grind Coffee also serves smoothies, specialty hot drinks, wraps, salads, paninis, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and oatmeal. Customers have the option of starting a Mountain Grind CoffeeCard, which is free to sign up for and leads to a free drink after the purchase of 10. Guests also receive a free drink on their birthday and can reload it like a gift card.

It’s cozy and outdoorsy, with brown accents (a lot of wood and sofas perfect for lounging). Customers can buy custom-made coffee mugs, tumblers and water bottles located on a shelf designed like half of a wooden boat. The decorations go perfectly with the coffee shop’s tagline: Coffee Elevated. Mountain Grind Coffee Company is characteristic of the Western Slope in every way.

One of the best things about this place is how close it is to the rest of campus. Additionally, the prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of each item on the menu. Be sure to try the “Maverick,” a breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with their signature peach-jalapeno jam. Maybe you’ll be so impressed that you become a regular here as well.

★★★★★

arildefonso@mavs.coloradomesa.edu