- Attraction: Espresso News
- Location: 267 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
- Industry: Coffee Shop
- Website: espresso-news.myshopify.com
The aroma of fresh-roasted coffee beans fills a historic 90-year-old building where locals have gathered for three decades to drink handcrafted espresso from unique vintage mugs.
Espresso News stands as Boone’s oldest coffee shop, founded in 1994 by Mark DeBroder and Teresa Webb in a former Ford tractor dealership that’s been transformed into the High Country’s most beloved bohemian café.
Tucked behind Footsloggers and Rock Dimensions on Howard Street, this hidden gem serves Appalachian State University students, mountain locals, and outdoor enthusiasts who consider it their second home and community gathering place.
Coffee Craft & Roasting Excellence
In-House Daily Roasting: Owner Uijin Park maintains the founders’ commitment to quality by roasting small batches of beans fresh in the shop every week. You’ll smell the intoxicating aromas of roasting coffee throughout the space, with beans sourced from around the world including their signature Espresso Blend with notes of caramel and dark chocolate.
Signature Coffee Varieties: The menu features carefully curated single-origin coffees like Sumatra Aceh Ketiara (fair trade organic with notes of baker’s chocolate and black licorice), Mexico Chiapas (their most popular with tangerine and brown sugar notes), and Colombia Sierra Nevada with honey and brown sugar complexity.
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Keep Exploring →Creative Smoothie Selection: Beyond coffee, they’re famous for uniquely named smoothies like “Monkey Junky” (bananas, chocolate, milk, and espresso), “Hulk” (spirulina-powered green blend), and “Moody” (bananas, berries, spirulina, and peanut butter) that provide energy boosts for students and outdoor adventurers.
Handcrafted Everything: From scratch-made pastries baked daily to expertly pulled espresso shots, everything maintains the artisanal quality that founder Mark DeBroder established. Even the latte art receives careful attention, with baristas creating beautiful designs in each cup.
Unique Mug Collection: One charming detail is their collection of mismatched vintage mugs for “for here” orders. Each mug has its own personality and history, adding to the authentic, community-oriented atmosphere that regulars cherish.
Bohemian Atmosphere & Hidden Spaces
Historic Building Character: The 90-year-old structure retains its original black and white checkered tile floors and tall windows that once displayed Ford tractors. These architectural elements create an authentic vintage atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Secret Upstairs Study: The second floor houses a quiet study area and lending library with multiple cozy nooks perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. This hidden space offers mountain views and intimate seating areas away from the bustling ground floor.
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Discover MoreCollege Town Vibes: Publication racks filled with Mountain Times and Appalachian Voices, eclectic local art on the walls, and the constant hum of student conversations create that quintessential college town coffee shop atmosphere that makes visitors feel instantly at home.
Two-Level Experience: The ground floor buzzes with energy and conversation, while upstairs provides tranquil spaces for studying, reading, or quiet conversations with friends. This layout accommodates different moods and needs throughout the day.
Other Considerations
Community Institution Status: After 30 years, Espresso News functions as much more than a coffee shop – it’s a community center where locals meet friends, students study for exams, and visitors experience authentic Boone culture. Owner Park’s children even consider it their extended family.
Limited Parking Challenges: The tucked-away location means limited dedicated parking, though public parking is available within walking distance. The inconvenience is worth it for the authentic, non-commercialized experience that most visitors find refreshing.
Affordable Mountain Pricing: Despite being a specialty coffee roaster, prices remain reasonable for a mountain town, reflecting the “people over profit” philosophy that Park maintains from the original founders’ vision.
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Keep Exploring →Seasonal Specialties: The menu evolves with seasons, featuring drinks like Chai Cider in fall and other rotating specialties that keep regular customers coming back to try new creations.
Pet-Friendly Welcome: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and staff often provide water bowls for four-legged customers, reinforcing the community-oriented atmosphere that makes everyone feel included.
Local Impact & Legacy: The shop represents Boone’s authentic character before corporate chains arrived, maintaining the bohemian, outdoor-oriented culture that attracts people to this mountain town in the first place.
Multiple Seating Options: From bar seating along the curved windows for people-watching to intimate table arrangements and outdoor seating, the space accommodates solo visitors, study groups, and social gatherings equally well.
Espresso News
📍 267 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
