CHANGE OF SCENE

My friend, Kris, have been intending on driving to Mesa to visit a “healthy” restaurant we had both been wanting to try since it opened a few months ago. But, we were also hesitant to go that far and be disappointed.¹

So, for this “date,” I suggested we instead try Coldwater Coffeehouse (“Coldwater”) in Avondale. I’m so glad we did! I’ve had Coldwater on my “to visit” list since I moved here over 3½ years ago…

GETTING THERE

Prior to writing The Buzz, I didn’t really get out much and I’m a creature of habit so I’d just visit my favorite places over and over. Now that I have a reason to leave my desk—so I have something to share here—I’m realizing how much I was missing.

Case in point: Coldwater.

In my mind, it seemed like it was going to be really far away (when you’re a homebody, everything seems far away 🙃), but in reality, it was a quick trip south on the 10 to Litchfield, less than 11 miles from my house in Verrado, a mere 15-minute drive.

OUTSIDE

I have never been to Old Town Avondale and need to go back and investigate if there are any other shops I should visit there.²  

We went on a Monday morning (President’s Day)—nothing else seemed to be open around there and it was pretty mellow (just the way I like it).

Despite there being easel signs clearly pointing us to the Coldwater parking lot, I initially drove right passed it. The building is set back from the street and there is plenty of parking in the lot, along with a beautiful mural (top left in collage photo above).

It appears kinda ramshackle from the outside, but as with most things in life, looks can be deceiving. (Don’t change a thing! It’s perfect just the way it is!)

INSIDE

I opened the door and was blasted with the tunes playing way too loud. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to eat there because of it, but Kris quickly found a table where the music wasn’t as jarring. In fact, after that initial first blast, I never even noticed the music. Maybe they turned it down. Or maybe I just got distracted by “shiny objects,” which I’m apt to do.

Our table was in the far back corner, near the window, with sunflowers growing right outside—a perfectly warm & cozy spot to eat & chat with my friend! We grabbed a table and then went to the counter to place our order.

Coldwater is located in an old house, so it’s “sectioned” off in what you can tell used to be different rooms. The inside is fresh - surprisingly spacious, simple & clean, with rich wood floors that I assume are original to the building. Lots of windows and light. Cozy! Beautiful!

THE MENU

I love a simple menu, with lots of options! That’s a difficult combo to get right! I had my eye on the “Bollos” but my gluten sensitivity keeps me from trying so many things… sigh. While it’s not clear on the menu, the girl at the counter directed us to the gluten-free options, which is what we both ordered.

They serve breakfast all day and also serve lunch from 11AM-1PM.

THE FOOD

Since it was early, we ordered breakfast. Kris got the waffles with honey butter and I got the “Migas” - Mexican style - which is an egg scramble made with green chilis and tortilla chips and served with an absolutely delicious - and spicy - green avocado-ish salsa.

Of course, I also got an iced coffee, this time opting for a vanilla latte with oat milk. I’m always concerned about my coffee being too sweet (I like my coffee to taste like coffee, not dessert), and the girl at the counter assured me it was their style to make it just the way I like it. She was right. It was love at first sight and Kris agreed it was really good!

HEART & SOUL

According to their website, they are not just a cafe, they are a worker-owned farm-to-table cooperative dedicated to uplifting the community. They have an urban garden in the back, bake their own bread, and source their food from farmers and producers that they know and love.

I recently saw a post on their Instagram page explaining their backstory, talking about how they started way back in 2017 and their philosophy about community & food. Highly recommend you watch it and read all the comments - people love this place! Why? Because you can taste and feel the heart, soul & intention behind everything they do!

OTHER OFFERINGS

• 🥬 Completely obsessed with their offerings of organic produce for sale at GREAT prices! The day I was there they had a variety of microgreens and arugula for $5, and various other veggies: kale, carrots, radishes, red & green Salanova lettuce, and cilantro for $2.50 a bunch (bargain!);

• 🥖 They also have bread and baked good for sale, already packaged; and

• 🧼 An array of goat milk soaps.

EVENTS

The Coldwater hosts various events throughout the month, like the “Mercado Central” every Saturday from 9AM-2PM and “Old Town Avondale Saturday Nights,” the next one of which is March 8th. Those events will now be listed in here in The Buzz’s “Things to Do” section.

VERRADO FARMERS MARKET

You can also find Coldwater every Sunday from 9AM-1PM at the Verrado Farmers Market where they sell organic, seasonal produce, local fresh eggs, sourdough bread & baked goods, and gluten-free goodies. Expect to find extremely warm & friendly service there too, as that has been my experience.

BUZZ RATING

It was so nice to have a fresh, healthy meal—something I have found way too hard to come by since moving here. If you’re into clean, organic food, you must try this!

Food & Coffee: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5)

Service: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5) *Friendly & Helpful!

If you go, please tell them The Buzz sent ya! ❤️ 

Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ [email protected]

1  We recently had a bad luck experience when we visited a new sit-down restaurant and left utterly disappointed (and me still annoyed that we spent that much money on sub-par food—the guac was even brown!).

2  Do you know of a place in Old Town Avondale I should visit?