By Kristi Trimmer, Guest Blogger, Foodies Like Us.com

I am the first to admit that I don’t know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, and certainly can’t explain an espresso except perhaps, caffeine on steroids? I have a lot of clients who enjoy meeting at coffee houses, while I secretly wish we could meet at a wine bar instead!

Early for a lunch appointment in Glendale recently, I ventured into Next Coffee to kill some time. I ordered a caramel apple cider and my dining companion ordered a latte. I was stunned when the bill was over $9. Seriously? In fact, the cider was not up to my expectations. I admit I was disappointed.

A week later I headed to Starbucks in search of free Wi-Fi and was not treated very well by the staff when I ordered my non-coffee drink nor when I asked about their Wi-Fi.

I really thought restaurants (and coffee shops) would understand the meaning behind good customer service, a welcoming smile, and a friendly attitude.

I am very conscientious as to where I spend my hard-earned dollars, so I decided to head to Next Coffee and give them another chance, because although I didn’t care for what I ordered, their staff was super nice and they are locally owned.

I have to remember that independently owned places prices do tend to be a tad higher priced than chains, but that the majority of money spent locally stays within that local community.

During my second visit to Next Coffee I took in my surroundings. Big comfy couches and leather chairs were everywhere with large square tables that fit four people with laptops quite comfortably and high bars that ran along the windows as well.
I kept taking everything in – from the conference room that was available for rent with audio/visual equipment and a printer/scanner to the stage area that also had long cushy couches that were just waiting for me to take a nap on them.

The lighting is perfect too for reading or computing as it was very sunny and natural. I just might have found my new spot to hang out.

This time I ordered a vanilla steamer and it was delicious. The barista was very cheery and made me smile. Most times I feel foolish being in a coffee place when I don’t like coffee. There was no “coffee snobbery” on this trip to Next Coffee!

Bright and cheery--the inside and the staff!

Fortunately, I sat at a table next to the Director of Next Coffee, Lauren Fisco. I love to hear how businesses start out and what makes them tick. It really energized and inspired me.

Lauren was happy to tell the tale of how Next Coffee came to grace this Glendale neighborhood. Back in 2006, Next Student was the third largest student loan marketer behind Citibank and Sallie Mae. The owners of Next Student opened Next Coffee across the street from Midwestern University to help attract students to their coffee house and to their very approachable version of student lending. Of course they did not for see the market crash. With the lending market at a virtual stand-still, the owners looked around at their prime real estate and state-of-the-art coffee house and realized that the coffee business was now going to be their primary business.

I learned right away that not all coffee establishments are created equal. Next Coffee’s baristas hand craft every drink. There are no push buttons here, plus, they layer and mix all the concoctions so they are the flavors are exact.

I had no idea how many ingredients and complexity exist for some of these specialty drinks! They use high-end Monin syrups that are more expensive but the highest quality. One resounding concept Next Coffee strives for: to be the best and to have the best.

Lauren offered me their signature drink, the Him Ham, short for Himalayan Hammer, which is a blend of chai tea and espresso.

I sampled the blended concoction and couldn’t believe that I actually loved this coffee drink! It didn’t taste like coffee at all yet gave the caffeine boost I so desperately needed. I have returned for the Him Ham several times now and I am happy to report that barista Rhonda blends the best!

Not only does Next Coffee strive to serve the best drinks; they have been successful in adding in some tasty treats. They posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a professional chef who could create a high-end gourmet menu that specialized in sandwiches, salads, and hand crafted soups.

They found Executive Chef Rose Fisher, the previous personal chef to Director Steven Spielberg who created most of the menus at New York, New York in Las Vegas.

I was stunned that they found a chef of such high caliber on Craigslist! Not only did she create a very yummy menu but also added handmade pastries and hearty breakfast treats.

Scratch Made Vegetarian Chili

I have tried quite a few things off of their menu and overall, have been pleasantly surprised by how delicious the food is.

My hands down favorite was the Chicken Salad that had just the right amount of mayo and is loaded with tons of walnuts, cranberries, and uber fresh grapes.

Tasty and fresh chicken salad

The Chicken Cordon Bleu was little balls of chicken with a soft cheese filling – so yummy! It was quite tasty but it honestly could have used a side of dipping sauce because the outside was so crunchy.

One thing that impressed me was the ready-made to-go sandwiches that looked and tasted amazing. Specialty sandwiches can also be created to meet any foodie’s palate!

They also offer a unique and healthy all-you-can-eat buffet for only $5? They actually have this Monday-Friday from 3:00-8:00 pm with the purchase of any specialty coffee, wine, or beer. ($9.99 without the purchase of a beverage.) YES I did say wine or beer! I can’t believe it has taken me this long to mention it! They have specialty import beers and some really great wines on their list. I just might move in!

Wine at a coffee place? Be still my heart!

Their buffet options vary by ethnicity. I enjoyed the Mexican with the pork carnitas and cheese enchiladas with Spanish rice. One word of caution on the enchiladas was that they were filled with jalapenos. I think mild salsa at Taco Bell is spicy, so I was not expecting jalapenos in my cheese enchiladas.

I loved the lasagna on Italian night but was sad that they ran out by 6:00 pm. The lasagna was served with Italian sausage and peppers plus butter beans and garlic bread. All for $5! Next Coffee also offers full service catering.
Next Coffee has live music on Fridays from 8-10 and a Comedy Night the last Tuesday of every month. Clearly, this isn’t a typical coffee joint. There is no folk music here! The musicians mostly play jazz, instrumental, vocals, and contemporary music.

Next Coffee has a Loyalty Program that doubles as gift cards that when patrons spend $50 (50 points), they receive $5 back in reward bucks. Tuesdays are double points days and Wednesdays are Lotto days! If I spend more then $8 they hand me a Powerball ticket. Great promos!

So many specials, so little time!

I have found my new writing home at Next Coffee. If anyone needs me, I’ll be at Next Coffee.

Next Coffee is open Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. They are open 6:00 am-10: 30 pm on Fridays, 7:00 am to-10: 30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Next Coffee is located at 19420 N. 59th Ave Glendale, AZ 85308