Refuge Coffee

Relaxing (quiet) local shop just off the main strip. During Mardi Gras this is a safe haven away from the crowds! Wonderful staff on our visit and delicious fresh coffee.

I was told to visit this coffee shop by a friend in Guatemala and it lived up to the hype. I’ve lived in Europe for 11 years and when I’m in the states I miss good cappuccinos. I was hopeful when I saw they don’t offer different sizes but serve only one size…just as God intended when He allowed Italians to invent cappuccinos. It was probably the best cappuccino I’ve had on this side of the pond.

You must purchase their beans if you prepare your own espresso. It's either me or my wife who comes here for single-origin roasted beans. Before I found this store, the experience with other locals and other online stores had been lackluster. I tried their coffee first and was immediately enamored. We visit here for the bean at least once a week, and more frequently if we have a lot of visitors at our house. The store owner did provide us some discount for being a good patron, which I'm very appreciative of. My recommendation if you're making your own espresso: don't cheap out on your beans. Most beans at the local markets only tell you when it's good for, not when it was roasted. Typically, I wouldn't touch the bean that has been roasted for more than a month. Get the "Defender," and you won't be disappointed.

Refuge is a quaint little coffee shop near the library in Fairhope. It has a nice, calm, and classy atmosphere. The staff seem good natured, and knowledgeable in their preparations. I believe each cup is hand-crafted to order. I got their signature sweet blend, which consisted of a Cinnamon flavor. It was perfect to warm up during the winter months. The sweetness of the flavor didn't overpower the coffee either, it was a perfect balance between cinnamon goodness and the nice natural flavors of the coffee. If you're stopping by Fairhope and need a pick-me-up, I'd recommend poking your head I here for a bit.

Coffee so delicious you needn't mask the flavor with sugar at all. Just enjoy the incredible flavor! The presentation is beautiful, and I'm always met with a friendly smile from the barista.