A Gem of a Cafe in the Gem City
Dayton, Ohio’s nickname is the Gem City, but it is best known as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright Brothers invented their famous flyer in Dayton, and even after their historic first flight they stayed in their hometown. Like a lot of Rust Belt cities, Dayton has had a rough couple of decades, but there’s never been a better time to get a cup of coffee in the Gem City, especially if you visit Press Coffee.
Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Dayton, Press serves coffee roasted by sister company Wood Burl Coffee Roasters and Minneapolis’s Dogwood Coffee– a microroastery that’s built a solid reputation over the past three years. The cafe space is small but smartly designed, with lots of natural wood grains and vintage children’s bicycles that add a playful touch. The cycling theme is a fitting homage to Dayton’s most famous sons, who manufactured bicycles before they pioneered aviation.
‘Spro Good
After admiring Press’ shiny La Marzocco Linea and Mazzer grinders, I ordered a shot of the Neon Espresso- a syrupy, ristretto shot that took me all of two sips to finish. Normally I like a longer extraction, but this shot was sweet and pleasant with none of the harshness I normally associate with ristrettos.
A Scientific Endeavor
It’s hard to pass up a well prepared pour-over, so I also ordered a V60 of the Panama, Don Pepe per the recommendation of the barista. This coffee had a syrupy brown sugar sweetness that only intensified as it cooled. The coffee was thoughtfully presented on a wooden tray in a beaker- a subtle reminder that proper extraction is a scientific endeavor.
Ohio is for Coffee Lovers
In a state with a rapidly growing craft coffee scene, Press Coffee is brewing with the same passion and care you’ll find in Cincinnati and Columbus. You might come to Dayton for the aviation history, but you’ll stay for the coffee.
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I’ve been to Press before. Great coffee! Thanks Michael for the heads up on Wood Burl Roasters. I’ve never had their coffee before and wonder where I could find it.
I spotted a bag of Argo Sons behind the counter and almost asked where they picked that up! Glad you enjoyed your visit too!
Michael,
Thanks for the great review.
It’s always nice to hear the appreciation of good coffee & design from others who work within the industry.
James, we hope to have a website up after the new year to order Wood Burl’s coffee online. In the meantime, we are selling gift boxes of our coffee. If you’d like to get one, you can contact us at [email protected].
– PRESS