When hubby and I first started food blogging, we decided that we would not review a restaurant that fell below a three fork rating. In just over two years, we’ve only experienced three fails. Today is one of those places where we knew from the minute we walked in the door that it wouldn’t be a good experience. The server was grumpy, stone-faced, and rude. A man’s voice could be heard yelling from the back of the restaurant practically the entire time we were eating. Awkward! And, worse, the food was mediocre.

Ernie here: This is kind of role reversal today with Dora taking the lead. The food at the no name restaurant was somewhere between terrible and uneatable. NOTE to self, make sure you check out the reviews before eating at a new restaurant.

So…for today’s edition of Excited about Eating we’re switching gears and reviewing our favorite coffee shop in Boone, Higher Grounds Coffee Shoppe.

Tucked in the corner of New Market Shopping Center

Tucked in the corner of New Market Shopping Center, Higher Grounds is easy to get to and plenty of parking, although you might not snag a close spot especially when Capone’s Pizza finally opens. (CANNOT wait for Capone’s to move in here!!)

Ernie: Now we are talking about a great place to eat! Capone’s is the BEST pizza in Boone.

We’ve been coming to Higher Grounds for years, so we knew we couldn’t go wrong reviewing here. lol. Ample seating. Eclectic and comfortable. Relatively quiet. And always awesome coffee and service.

Ernie: Not sure I would use the term “for years”, but for sure the last couple of years.

Eclectic. Homey. Comfortable. Awesome.

I have tried a few different coffees and liked all of them, but my favorite beverage is the Iced Chai Latte. And, miracle of miracles, they are the only place I know that carries it in DECAF, people! Maybe they just tell me it’s decaf, but it works for me. lol. See all those dark crystals on the bottom of the cup? Yummies, and they are heavenly! Warm at first, but then the ice kicks in, and the perfect strength. It’s probably loaded with sugar, but I don’t care.

Ernie: I chose the same this time and it was equally good.

We rate this coffee shop 5 forks (spoons) out of 5 for a family friendly place serving outstanding coffee.

See all those crystals at the bottom? Heavenly yummies! Best Iced Chai Latte ever! And decaf!

What about you? What’s your favorite coffee or tea? Do you have a go-to coffee shop?