3191 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Style and Character:9
Service: 8
Coffee:9
Food: NA
Value: 8
Date of visit: 2019-03-03
This place has a really nice mood to it. Philz is great. If you come to the Bay Area, give Philz a try. But don't expect to feel charmed by a Philz. They tend to feel just a little bit sterile. Maybe it's just good care and cleaning, but most Philz have a distinct chain feel to it. Philz feels very Bay Area, but not independent. When I'm in a coffee shop, I'm always looking for something a little unfinished, or a bit surprising, to give a place some personality, a lived-in look. Like many people I'm looking for a home away from home when I go to a coffee shop, and nice homes are tidy, but not perfect, and reflect the personalities of the people who dwell there.
This Philz looks lived in. It's a very popular Philz. There is not much interior seating, so be prepared to sit outside, but that's OK. Palo Alto usually has nice weather. The interior is long, narrow, and a bit dark. And the layout is frankly, not so great. It's hard to find a good place to stand while you're waiting for you coffee. You can stand outside, but the you might not hear your drink called out. You can stand near the corner, but then you're blocking the condiments. You can stand near the main counters, but then it looks like you're in line to order. But all this is somehow acceptable. It's crowded, and if people need to get around you they can just give you a polite "excuse me" as they brush by you, and all is well. Room for everyone, and we can all get along.
For those unfamiliar with Philz, it should be explained that it is a coffee chain, but not an espresso chain. The coffee is brewed and the options are broad and constantly changing. You barista hand pour brew your coffee. It's all really a pleasant experience, and it has made Philz a Bay Area institution. I got the "Ambrosia Coffee of God" with cream. It's slightly on the acidic side, and had a complex flavor. I recommend it for people who really like the taste of coffee. Scott had the "Ginger Snap" iced, and he loved it. Lots of ginger, and lots of other seasonings in there -- I suspect a good dose of cardamon.
The neighborhood is fairly upscale area of Palo Alto with a Bill's Cafe next door. It's a nice area to sit outside and enjoy a coffee. The outdoor furniture is well weathered and I just love it. It feels like sitting on a porch of a nice old home, a home away from home.
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