The Memphis area suburb of Bartlett, Tennessee not that long ago had no coffee at all. Then we got a Starbucks, and then about a year ago, the owners of Side Porch Steak House opened The Pharmacy Coffeehouse next door to their restaurant. Not long after that, a 7 Brew drive-up chain outlet opened on Stage Road, and now Baaloo Coffee Roasters has appeared on Bartlett Road, just down the block from Brad’s Bar-B-Que.
I had seen bags of Baaloo Coffee in the Al-Aqsa Market on Stage Road, but was not sure where they were from, so I was amazed and thrilled when the signs went up on the building in Bartlett where extensive renovation work was going on. And finally, when there was a soft opening, I drove by to try it out. Sadly, they were closing as they were operating someone clandestinely for the purpose of training their newly-hired staff. But my first visit was anything but a disappointment, because the manager graciously agreed to sell me a coffee although they were technically already closed for the day. So impressed was I by his kindness that I also bought a 12-ounce bag of Guatemalan beans to make at home, and when I did, the coffee roaster (and possible owner), who was from Ethiopia introduced himself and graciously gave me a small bag of Ethiopian Yergacheffe beans for free to enjoy as well as my purchased Guatemalan coffee.
I would be amiss if I did not mention the warm and welcoming atmosphere inside the place. The room is spacious and inviting, the chairs and tables comfortable, and the place feels like somewhere you might want to stay all day. In addition to hot and cold coffee drinks, Baaloo also features any number of baked goods too, including really good chocolate chip cookies.
Baaloo is still relatively new, and the hours seem to be a work-in-progress. Check their website and/or social media profiles to make sure they will be open when you visit.
Baaloo Coffee Roasters
2821 Bartlett Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 509-2307