So, here I am at the Moxie Java Bistro off Chinden. I’ve come here with a “duel” purpose in mind: first off, to get some homework done. Second, and probably far more interesting, to do a review of one of Boise’s oldest original coffee shops.
Moxie Java’s website boasts:
“Moxie Java® has been a fixture on the Idaho coffee scene for a long time. We are consistently rated the top coffee and beverage company, beating out more established and well-known brands.”
Good, point Moxie. But ratings put aside, what does the coffee really taste like?
To put it short, crap. The coffee tastes like crap.
That being said, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t say why, and give a complete review of my experiences with Moxie Java.
Moxie brews White Cloud Coffee, a local roaster located just down the road from the Bistro/HQ. Many years ago I did a fund raiser which consisted of selling bags of White Cloud Coffee door-to-door. Many doors were closed in my face as people said “Oh. White Cloud Coffee. I think I’ll pass today.” I didn’t understand then, but I get it now. White Cloud Coffee’s roast is…sub-par. When it comes to taste, it really is rather boring. Whereas at Starbucks you get a darker taste, and at Dutch Bros you’ll receive a sweet shot, Moxie (White Cloud) boasts neither.
In fact, many fellow “coffee snobs” would say you get the opposite effect with Moxie’s coffee. I’ve talked to some that refuse to purchase it under any circumstances.
I’m not quite so radical. Moxie’s coffee holds no appeal to me, however I’ll get it if that’s what it takes for me to grab a seat (and free internet) in one of their many locations around the Treasure Valley. Ergo, my visit today.
The environment in the Moxie Java Bistro is genuinely nice. The baristas are nice, the customers are nice, the couches are nice. It has a fire place that’s on when it gets cold, providing a warm, homey feel. The Bistro is very much coffee themed, even to the point of various drinks inscribed on the walls.
I really do like the Bistro and the environment it provides. And the free internet. *hint, hint Starbucks.*
So why go to Moxie? If you’re not a HxC coffee extraordinaire you probably won’t notice a difference in the coffee. If you’re into fine brews, you probably will. Either way, you can appreciate the meeting-friendly, homework-friendly, people-friendly environment Moxie Java has to offer.
The Coffee Guy
What do you think of Moxie?
EDIT
A reliable source has informed me that Moxie Java Bistro does not use White Cloud Coffee as their roast provider. They roast their own coffee out of the attached wharehouse, and have created a “Moxie Java International” which the Chinden Headquarters runs. That being said, the coffee is still a very weak roast. A “different” roast to be sure, different in that it tastes bad.
