Temple Coffee Roasters

Temple is probably my favorite local coffee shop in Sacramento because it has everything you’d ever want in a artisan coffee spot. They pretty much follow the formula for an expert coffee dispensary:
1) Baristas who are knowledgeable and well-​dressed
2) Single-​origin coffee that can be prepared in different ways (pour-​overs, etc.)
3) They sell different coffee making contraptions (chemex, etc.)
4) High-​quality baked good to go with your hot cup
5) Large tables for groups
6) Large windows for viewing the world while sipping your cup of joe
7) Plants
8) Wifi
9) Temperature controlled
Apparently they’ve won some award as one of the greatest. So, if you’re looking for a good place to relax and enjoy some coffee at local shop in downtown Sacramento, this is the place to be! I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself back here for some chill time.

This is my favorite Temple location. They make the best espresso drinks money can buy and the beans are always freshly roasted and on point. I gave this particular location 5 stars for the cool staff and ambience.

Nice place for coffee and relaxing. Good coffee in resonable price. I like the outdoor terrace

Love this location. Great coffee and no attitude. Have had the same person helping us every time we’ve been and she has been super nice and easy going each time. Excellent service and delicious coffee!

Good coffee. Original location has horrible parking but is nice. S street location is the best. Free parking. Nice staff. Lots of room.
Temple has great coffee and knowledgeable staff. I love it. Whenever I have family from out the area visiting I take them here.

I love their coffee and tea selection. Once or twice i have gotten a stale chocolate muffin. But thats okey I’m not a big fan on their pastry selection. But the Mexican Mocha is delicious and rich in taste. Love the setting environment. And beautiful view in out door sitting. They do take their sweet time in making the drink, so be patient. And please open on location in Roseville as well!

The smoothest espresso Ive ever had in my life!
Here for a fitness competiion and can only have espresso unsweetened at the moment which normally tastes horrible! But stopped here and was so pleased with their quality of espresso! I got the dharma blend and loved it! I will definitely come back here when I’m in the area again!

Tons of coffee choices, almost too many. lots of variety and a decent selection of pastries. very quiet and calm spot for socializing or working.

Visited from Vegas. I think this is a shining star, in an otherwise sleepy downtown. MUST VISIT.
Pros
* Hipster
* Good third wave coffee
* Gorgeous environment
* Takes their time
Cons
* Hipster, could be too cool for some
* Slow (if you’re in a hurry, don’t bother during busy times)
It’s really a place to slow down and relax. Wish we had something remotely as relaxed in Vegas, but not sure the pace would be welcomed where I live. It’s really an inspiring café – the smells and sounds will be missed.

I was coming here two-​ish times a week to grab a café au lait before deciding to brush off the intimidation and order a pour over. Stefan, the assistant manager and guy with an avocado tattoo on his forearm, gave me the best advice: «get the pour-​over. Always go for the pour-​over.»
And that is when I finally understood what good coffee tasted like.
The coffee is wonderful with all its undertones, and the staff is always friendly — though never «fake.» It’s not unusual to see a line out the door or to see groups gathering around the large (handcrafted?) wooden tables, lattes and coffees and mochas in hand. Don’t let this place intimidate you. The baristas are more than willing to help steer you in the direction, as long as there’s no line, and you really can’t go wrong with an order. Their teas are great, too — I’d go for chamomile hot or south african sunset iced. The atmosphere is chill, though there aren’t many outlets and it gets a tad cold where the outlets are (by the window).
I tried their latte for the first time last week and oh. My. Goodness. Definitely the best latte I’ve had. The balance of flavors is just so good. I can’t explain. Go get a cup, you won’t regret it. Actually, you’ll probably thank me.
**If you’ve read all the way to here, I’m impressed** Temple’s prices ARE steep. Trust me, as a jobless college student with little flexible income, I know. But hey, you pay for beans that are picked and shipped from Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua. And you great one great coffee experience.

Review for «The Enlightenment»:
I’m a sick person… and not with a virus or anything like that… but with the kooks… the nuts… the insanity. Why? Because its roasting balls outside at like 2 in the afternoon and I order a hot beverage. But this beverage… it’s ludicrous… ludicrously delicious. They don’t offer a cold version and i don’t care… cause i want it. Whats in it? «The Enlightenment» is jasmin green tea, honey, and steamed soy milk. That’s it! Sweet. Simple. Delicious and soothing. I’m so happy right now. Try it if you know whats good for you.

Great shop! It’s very cute and spacious. I got the Brazil Sergio pour over and it was great!

My wife and I stopped by here after dinner at Empress. We walked a block and a half over to just hangout and talk.
We both ordered Cappucinos (one Kenya and another flavor — I forget which roast). Anyhow, we liked both. The Kenya was not as strong, so my wife and I traded. I liked both and would definitely come back.

Nice hipster looking coffee shop. Very spacious and laid-​back. The Barista’s were very helpful in recommending drinks. Great coffee art as well.
Don’t be afraid by the intimidating coffee choices they offer, just go down the list and try them all. lol If I lived in this area I would be a regular and I’d try everything. If I’m ever back up North I’ll definitely be making a stop here.

I love this place! Been here a handful and a half times. I’m spoiled by the taste of true fresh roasted with love coffee beans from the best places. Mochas, Cappuccinos, lattes, fresh brewed, drink it all! I make sure to try something different every single time. Super chill space and environment. Morning Glory muffins– If there’s any left, get one! I’m not a vegan but those vegan cookies tho… yummmm
Very nice, knowledgable baristas. A customer behind me had many
Questions regarding coffee in general. The baristas explained in detail while making my drinks and seldom broke eye contact with the inquisitive patron behind me. It was mesmerizing. Keep making Sacramento proud! And awake!

Let me start by saying that if you aren’t a coffee aficionado, you might be extremely intimidated to walk in here and order a coffee. Let me also, immediately state: you’d be wrong.
The décor, aroma and clientele immediately give you the sense (and fear) that you’re going to look or sound stupid placing a simple coffee order. You’ll see professionally dressed people sipping coffee from trendy looking mugs or pouring from personal coffee carafes. You’ll see the art on the wall and wonder if you’re «cool» enough to be drinking coffee from this place. Then, you panic as you approach the counter.
«Good morning! What can I get for you?» in a friendly tone will be how you’re greeted. You panic again, you scan the wall behind the baristas, «Guatemalan pour over please» you manage to say. «Mmmmm, great choice. I’ll get that started for you» is how you’re replied to. Then, suddenly, you start to feel calmed by the soft music playing in the background. You take a seat and you’re coffee is brought out to you. Now, suddenly, you’ve become just another Temple Coffee Roasters patron; sitting there with your very own glass coffee carafe.
You’ll pour yourself your first full cup, take a sip, and instantly feel like you belong among the others. We’re all just people, enjoying some damn good coffee this morning. I sat there, just thinking about the events to take place later on during the day and night. After collecting my thoughts and making my plans (and finishing my coffee), I was ready to face the day.
Guess what? Every… single…plan I made during my morning sips of caffeinated goodness, I actually made happen (and I accomplished a lot). Thanks Temple Coffee Roasters, for serving me some jump starting brain juice.

Life-​changing items:
Lemon lavender muffin
Paired with the ~Bliss Tea~
Serious coffee
And good flavors all around
Chill place to be seen.

Stopped in to this location off 9^th Street in downtown Sacramento. I have had the coffee served at work meetings and never stopped in until recently.
I came in one morning. Line was short. The staff helping me was prompt and friendly. Staff was friendly and thorough.
I ordered a Guatemalan Luis Pedro Duaranzito by coffee press. He offered instructions but I opted out. The coffee was prepped in press with, to go cup for me request, and a timer.
I used the press and timer. I took my cup to go. I didn’t add any cream or sugar. This coffee by itself explains plenty. Rich in flavor. Bold in taste. Not bitter. One of the best coffees I have ever had.
My experience here explains why this place is rated one of the top coffee places in the United States.

My current favorite and «go-​to» place for studying and hanging out.
Atmosphere is laid back and has many seats and areas to study. Noise level can be loud at times, however any noise canceling headphones can assist with that concern. If possible, the couch area is nice and cozy and gives that warm motivational feeling. At times, while Im sitting in this area I forget about the time and the next thing I know many hours have flown by. Perhaps because of the caffeine infused studying session combined with the cozy feeling?
I enjoy their latte’s and love seeing the latte art. So far they have served a combination of tulips, flowers, swans, and leaves. Pretty cool if you ask me. The service here is also awesome and some of the Barista’s sure have a strong «back bone». Since the surrounding area does have a homeless problem, occasionally one will float in here and there. When a homeless person lingers within the area for a while, they immediately ask for them to leave. On a few occasions they have contacted the police to escort homeless people out of their coffee house.
I have no doubt that if something were to occur with any of their customers they will take action. Love the customer service and attention they pay to the environment and customers.
Highly recommended! :)

Get the Enlightenment tea latte!!! It’s one of the best milky jasmine green teas I have had (and I’ve had my fair share of them).
If you drink it there, they give you a cute little pot so you can refill. It was very aromatic, lightly sweetened with honey and just divine.
My Monkey bread pull apart muffin was baked the same morning and it was ok, not too sweet which is good but not as soft as I expected.
A very cute place to hang out!

found perfect parking corner of street and picked up the new location mug and vanilla latte so smooth and good. The line was very long but worth the wait… waiting… oh my turn
they do have outdoor seating but it’s cold in December and did not see any outdoor heater lamps. Lots of seating inside to relax and sip on coffee. Don’t forget to pick up a few bags off coffee and some gift items! staff efficient and great service

Quiet & Generally Less Busy Than Bigger Sibling @ 28^th & S During The Day — But In The Evening All Bets Are OFF
SITREP
First off, I think it’s kinda of fun (& funny perhaps?) to be writing a review of the place that you are actually IN at that moment!
That doesn’t really come all that often, but chances are when you are reviewing a coffee shop, it’s easier to «kick-​that-​review-​outta-​the-​can», because, well, what ELSE are you doing at a coffee shop when WiFi’ing? WRITING!
THE ICE TEAS
I absolutely love their Citrus Black Iced Tea. It has a nice caffeine kick over the rest of the tea varietals and I love it for that reason.
THE SETUP
Next, I really love the vibe of this Temple. It tends to be quieter during the day if you want to come into during lunchtime, grab an iced tea (sneak open that bag of chips you brought with you from Safeway) and catch up on emails or… Unilocaling reviews.
LAYOUT
Lots of big tables! Plenty of space to spread out! Great for groups of people to come and converse or for study groups.
But make sure you bring fully charged /​long-​life devices because the only outlets in this big room are along the front window where maybe 4, possibly 5 people can squeeze into together.
And perhaps that is a business metric for this establishment. I’ve noticed some coffee places, such as Temple and Chocolate Fish really promoting the «conversational» aspect of the coffee & tea experience, and perhaps don’t want all the high tech to come in.
However, unlike Chocolate Fish, Temple DOES have WiFi, so they can’t say they don’t encourage the WiFi crowd from coming in.
BUDDHA
Their Buddha is the best! He’s a nice Buddha. A quiet Buddha. And I like to give him quarters and watch them disappear…
PATIO!
They have a little patio area! It makes for a nice chill time outside during the twilight hours… as well as to see out the drama unfold before your eyes in downtown.
STUFF
My GOD. I love the coffee mugs and containers. There are some really interesting options! There is one that looks like it is a munitions round for a howitzer gun on a battleship!
Some great mugs and machines, there are some things for the coffee maker.
** CAVEAT — ANNOYANCE FACTOR **
You ARE downtown. So expect that to factor into some of the «charm» of the locale. [How should I put this? Hmmmm… okay…] Let’s just say some of the young ladies studying in their groups don’t *bump shoulders* as much with the more transient community @ the 28^th & S Temple location as they will here.
AND note, it can get a lot more noisy in the evening, which can be fun. But even NOISIER, which is NOT so fun. Remember, we’re in the heart of downtown. So just tonight as I’m sitting here, 5 cop vehicles pulled up RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE (outside the window facing 9^th Street), blaring their sirens at first, but continuously blasting their lights for almost an hour.
DISTURBING & IRRITATING doesn’t even describe the drama unfolding before our eyes. Nor can the blinds that pull down (usually to tone down the sunlight) cut down the siren lights that are glaring that entire hour.
[Having said that, I have to cut the place some slack because they can not control what goes on OUTSIDE their business grounds, but I would be remiss if I did not mention it.
PARKING
Did I say you are downtown? Yeah. You know the drill. During the day, you are screwed if trying to find something close by driving. Walking is the way to go. However you may luck out and find a meter.
During the evening after 6pm, usually not a problem cause all the state workers have headed home (or if like me and live in Midtown, I’m hanging out).
THE LOWDOWN
A great coffee stop (for me), with delicious iced tea and a nice environment to study and chat. Just be aware that YOU ARE DOWNTOWN, open to the public, with everything that entails.