You’ll find me at Cultivar Coffee Bar almost every time you can think of. The distance between this coffee shop and my house is a 3 minute drive, only because I have two street lights I need to go through. Super convent for me, it has in a very short period of time, become one of my go-to places in Oak Cliff. Especially with MBA school starting this fall, I’ll become a regular in no time.
This is the last coffee shop I visited during my staycation with Vic. To say that I had drank more coffee that week than I had in over a span six months… is a lie. LOL I drink coffee constantly, I’m always out there looking for the coffee beans. They find me, I find them, and that is why I am so glad I was able to explore all of these great shops that are so close around me. Even if it was in such a short and rushed period of time.
Now let’s get back to Cultivar. My first encounter with this coffee shop and roaster was in Denton back in my undergraduate years. They shared space with Hypnotic Donuts right by The Square. Their trustworthy coffee lead me to visiting their East Dallas location which is always super packed with people on the weekends. They share space there with Goodfriend Package Store. At this location you can come and order one of Goodfriend’s biscuit sandwiches which are served all day!
Unfortunately their Denton Location is no longer in business… it brings tears to my eyes. But their new Oak Cliff shop is just down the street from my house and I am stoked because their coffee is BOMB. Now, I don’t have to be a college student to get the hook up. Although I will be, again. Another plus of this location is that they finally have the entire place to themselves. I know that sounds mean –not sharing. They definitely partnered with amazing local businesses so that you could at least have a delicious donut, or delicious sandwich with your coffee, but at the East Dallas location for example, sometimes it can be difficult to sit and sip your coffee in peace. Here you can pick a seat, find a plug, and blog away without any interruptions. Best part is that you can still have delicious pastries and sandwiches here!
Let me just list a few of the awesome details Cultivar has curated for their guests:
- They make their syrups and almond milk in-house… from Scratch!
- Their regular milk comes locally from McGregor, Texas
- Their pastries are locally made from La Casita Bakeshop
I’m sure there’s plenty more amazing stuff that Cultivar has to offer, I’ll let you come in and ask for yourself. The staff at Cultivar, at either location, shows so much hospitality and enthusiasm. TBH, the barista at the Oak Cliff location was literally one of the very few barista’s I’ve ran into throughout this whole journey, who can actually recommend a specialty or signature drink, after I told them I was blogging about the place. Most people continue to tell you, “just get a vanilla latte?” but this chick was like interviewing me. Asking me what type of drink I liked, strong or sweet, did I want hot or iced, did I do dairy or non… just perfect interaction and hospitality. She recommended the Cortado with comes with a mini Top Chico, super cute btw because I didn’t even know the smaller sizes existed.
Okay let’s talk environment very quickly before getting into their drinks. I’m running this blog post kinda long, but that’s what happens when I really like something!
Cultivar sales wine, and thus, the wine glasses hanging by the bar. I have yet to try one, but am so excited to invite someone soon and just say “hey let’s have some coffee and maybe even some wine, at Cultivar!” The vibe here is very relax and chill. I would say very laid back but still very stylish. The people who work here dress with individuality but don’t stand out so much that you feel intimidated. That’s important to me only because despite my cute Instagram posts, I like to walk in with t-shirts and and baggy sweat pants from time to time and I want to make sure that is still welcomed. There is plenty of seating every where you turn. That’s a huge pro when it comes to finding a coffee shop to study. Like I said, school is around the corner and I’m just comforted by the fact that Cultivar is right next door.
The music really depends on the barista. I’ve been here a few times, every time someone different is attending me. The music can range from mellow and meditational, to conversational and rhythmic. The high ceilings sometimes does increase the intensity of other people’s conversations, but just bring some headphones and you’ll find no issues doing some work here. I believe you can even ask the barista for the Spotify playlist if you end up falling in love with one of the songs you hear.
The coffee.
I’m the kind of girl who takes the risks and drinks all the coffee, with no creamer, no sugar, no milk. Nothing. But just as much as I love that acidity, I do enjoy a smooth, more balanced taste of espresso. The Cortado is a perfect drink when looking for this balance because its small enough that if you find it just a tad bit too strong, you can practically almost chug it. Yet, it has just enough of that milk that it can be sipped on with no problem. The plus side to this drink is the calories haha. Milk adds basically no calories compared to other larger volumed drinks like lattes that can taste about the same.
Their Cortado specifically was very smooth, deliciously strong but I really received the taste of the oat milk it was prepared with. The super upside was that it came with the mini Topo Chico because it’s hot AF outside and I didn’t want to dry up my throat.
Another awesome drink that I believe is worth mentioning on this review is the Cold Earl. So I did mention that Cultivar makes their own syrups, right? Well the have made their own, homemade-like agave honey lemonade syrup which is mixed with a shot of espresso. A cold brew made like never before! Why try to decide between the Purple Drink or the Cold Brew at Starbucks when you can have a Cold Earl at Cultivar?
Seriously, as you’re reading this just imagine yourself sitting here. It’s hot outside, you’re not too sure what to do today but you know you just don’t want to step a foot outside the door. Really you want to be a functional adult, but deep inside you hear Netflix calling and the next season of whatever show you’re watching is about to start. Well, good thing you’re at Cultivar coffee. You get to enjoy a Cold Earl and later on when you’re V comfortable, you get to deciding you want a Cortado with a Topo, as well. Ah! And don’t the pastry from La Casita Bakeshop you’ve been craving ever since so and so said the word “cake” in episode ten.
I want to let you know that I’m not done here. I’ve been inspired to continue my hunt for the next drip of coffee. Hopefully as I continue blogging, I can also begin to show you a a more visible perspective of my lifestyle. I want you to be part of the experience as much as possible, so please continue sharing and supporting my blog! Next I’ll be talking about shops that are great for sparking conversations with friends. I’m stoked.
Let’s talk, I want to hear all about your own coffee addiction! And if you liked my post please hit like to this post, follow my blog and comment your thoughts. If you have time go visit my personal Instagram page, click here.
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