Best Coffee: Temple Coffee Roasters

Davis’ favorite spot for caffeine and a warm atmosphere

By MOLLY THOMPSON — opinion@theaggie.org 

Sitting on the corner of 3rd and G Street, Temple Coffee Roasters has been a Downtown Davis staple since it opened in 2015. Its iconic woodgrain tables and stools give it a calm and grounded ambiance; the shop is flooded with daylight as the sun filters through expansive windows that line its walls, adding to the open, airy atmosphere. 

“I like how modern it feels,” Nolan Trout, a second-year cinema and digital media major, said. “I like the large windows.”

Trout, among many others, can often be found sitting at the countertops, latte in hand, people-watching through the glass. 

The menu is minimalistic, but everything is expertly crafted, according to the company’s founders. The care they put into making each beverage is evident: the flavors are balanced and creative, many ingredients and pastries are artisan and locally sourced and the drinks are often topped with a ring of whipped cream or a milk foam swan. They also incorporate a rotating menu of seasonal specials, currently featuring flavor combinations like strawberry, coconut and matcha or apricot, basil and espresso for spring.

Temple is also dedicated to sustainability, using a “Farm to Cup” sourcing model for their coffee beans and choosing to work with producers who prioritize water conservation and minimal environmental impact (along with quality) as they grow and process coffee. Additionally, they offer reusable dishware for customers who want to sit as they sip and snack. 

For UC Davis students, Temple is a favorite study spot — you’d be hard pressed to walk in without seeing any open laptops or notebooks. 

“Whenever I have to get work done, Temple is always my go-to spot,” Makayla Garrett, a third-year animal science major, said. “I absolutely love the calming environment, music and their delicious iced chai [lattes].” 

Pattarin Khajornchaikul, a second-year economics and communication double major, echoed this sentiment, adding her appreciation for their cozy vibes.

“I love how Temple both has great WiFi and serves their drinks in glass or ceramic cups,” Khajornchaikul said. “It really adds to the ambiance, especially when it’s winter quarter and nobody wants to go outside.” 

Beyond just the atmosphere, staff and patrons alike love Temple for its welcoming environment and community.

“It’s so epic to work here,” Taylor Davis, a barista at Temple, said. “The clientele is a compatible demographic with me. My coworkers and the customers are my homies.” 

Each member of the staff is friendly, charismatic and goes above and beyond to make the experience of each customer special. 

“The staff are always super friendly, and the coffee is delicious,” Jada Langley, a second-year applied chemistry and forensics double major, said. 

Temple’s process is so efficient that there’s rarely any wait time — by the time you finish your transaction, your drink is ready to be passed from the barista who took your order to the cashier who garnishes it and slides it across the counter and into your hands. It’s easy to become a regular; it’s not uncommon for baristas to learn your name and recognize your order before you even make it to the front of the line. 

Whether you’re looking for a new drink to try, a new spot to study in or just a new side quest for your next Sunday morning, you can’t go wrong at Temple Coffee Roasters. Their ambiance, drinks, pastries, central location and friendly staff make it a Davis favorite for a reason. 

“I probably spent more time at Temple than in my dorm during my freshman year, and I still love studying there now,” Langley said. “It's a great spot to meet up with friends, and even when I go alone I feel like I always run into someone I know.”

Written by: Molly Thompson — opinion@theaggie.org