The Pour Choice, Auburn
There are few things in life more satisfying than discovering a coffee shop that exceeds every expectation. By some stroke of fortune, I find myself within driving distance of Pour Choice in Auburn, an establishment that embodies everything I seek in a local hangout. In the eternal debate between coffee shop or tap room, Pour Choice boldly answers "Yes." This Auburn gem has mastered the art of being your morning coffee guru and your evening beer, wine, and cocktail destination—all while providing a menu that elevates the entire experience.
First Impressions & Atmosphere
Walking into Pour Choice feels like entering a thoughtfully curated space where industrial-meets-cozy aesthetic, and creates the perfect backdrop for any time of day. Exposed brick walls and high ceilings create an airy atmosphere, while comfortable leather chairs and wooden tables invite lingering conversations and productive work sessions. The multi-level space offers a variety of seating options, including two stories of indoor seating with balconies on both floors. The covered outdoor section, protected by a shade sail, accommodates over fifty guests, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meetups and larger gatherings.
The Coffee
Pour Choice's coffee program demonstrates an unwavering commitment to quality. Sourcing from local roasters who prioritize craft and complexity, their baristas transform each drink into an experience worth savoring. Their house-made syrups—available in varieties like old-fashioned, vanilla, lavender, brown sugar, honey, and chai—elevate familiar favorites into something special.
As someone who considers the vanilla latte a benchmark for any coffee shop to be measured on, I've found Pour Choice's version to be exemplary. It strikes that perfect balance between sweetness and coffee profile, allowing the complexity of their expertly pulled espresso to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
Beer, Wine & Cocktails
As afternoon arrives, Pour Choice reveals its second expertise: craft beverages. With 28 taps featuring Northern California breweries, their beer program rivals dedicated tap rooms. The carefully curated selection extends to wines and house-crafted cocktails, ensuring there's something for every preference.
Even non-alcoholic options receive the same attention to detail. Their rotating kombucha selection, for instance, offers a perfectly balanced flavor profile that avoids the overwhelming vinegar notes common in many commercial versions.
Beyond the Bean & Brew
The Avocado Toast
This isn't just any avocado toast—it's a creation I find myself craving on a daily basis. I've visited Pour Choice half a dozen times with the intention of writing this post and every time I could not resist ordering the avocado toast. Built on perfectly baked thick-cut bread with a crispy crust and soft center, it's topped with avocado mash, microgreens, and shaved watermelon radish. Optional additions like six-minute eggs, candied bacon, or goat cheese allow for personalization. My preferred combination of candied bacon and goat cheese creates a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that exemplify Pour Choice's attention to detail.
The Breakfast Sandwich
A house-made biscuit serves as the foundation for this masterpiece, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon (regular or candied), manchego cheese, and arugula. The combination manages to be both comforting and sophisticated. The biscuit is always perfectly made - flaky and crunchy on the outside & soft and chewy on the inside.
The Wrap
This refreshing creation combines Diestel turkey, house-made onion and herb spread, cucumber, pepperoncini, mixed greens, candied bacon, and sun-dried tomato aioli in a whole wheat wrap. It's a testament to Pour Choice's ability to make even simple offerings extraordinary. If there was a moment that my brain wasn't craving the avocado toast, I was most likely craving this wrap instead.
Crustless Quiche
I loved the creativeness of this dish and found it to be refreshing and balanced. The quiche featured potatoes and seasonal vegetables, paired with a mixed greens salad which included beets, squash, and a creamy black pepper dressing. For those who love black pepper - this salad is going to absolutely make your day. I am not a salad-in-the-morning kind of person, but I would be very happy to eat this for lunch as well!
Honorary Mention: 3rd Base Sauce
This locally-made Carolina-style hot sauce deserves its own recognition. With its unique blend of heat, sweetness, and vinegar notes, it adds an unexpected dimension to any dish it accompanies. The subtle pickle undertones make it unlike any other hot sauce I've encountered. We are a house of hot sauce lovers and we loved this one so much we asked if they sold it in bottles to take home! (Sadly they do not.... yet!)
Some more dishes I am excited to try in the future from their menu:
Farm Salad (fennel? Yes, please!)
Wild River Toast
Hot Italian Sandwich
Sourdough Pretzel Bites
Mediterranean Plate
Final Thoughts
Pour Choice has become Auburn's community living room. On any given day, you'll find students typing away on laptops (fueled by endless coffee), friends catching up over drinks and shared plates, and remote workers who came for the Wi-Fi but stayed for the atmosphere. It's the kind of place where conversations between strangers start naturally, usually beginning with "What are you drinking? It looks amazing!"
Pour Choice earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for executing every aspect of their concept with excellence. They've created something rare: a space that serves multiple purposes without compromising quality in any area. Whether you're seeking your morning coffee, an afternoon work spot, or an evening gathering place, Pour Choice delivers consistently exceptional experiences and I look forward to returning every time I leave.
Essential Details
Location: 177 Sacramento St, Auburn, CA
Hours: 7am-8pm daily
Website: https://thepourchoice.com/
Amenities: Fast WiFi, dog-friendly patio, street parking
Insider Tip: Visit between 2-4pm to experience the magical transition from coffee house to beer garden, when the natural light is perfect and the vibe shifts effortlessly from day to evening.
Fair warning: A visit to Pour Choice may result in an irresistible desire to become a regular and a new standard for what a local establishment can be.
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