DCIM104GOPRO

Slipstream was not on my original list, but as I was headed to compass coffee on day 2, I passed it.  One of the rules of coffee travel is that if you come across a decent looking cafe, you must go- so I went!

It turned out to be a great decision.  First off, I was hungry, and their breakfast food options were much better than any of the other coffee shops I visited that day.  Second, they have good coffee, as well as coffee cocktails-  not something you see everyday (or ever, in MA).  I was sorely tempted to try one of the coffee cocktails, but it was 8 A.M. and I had a long day of coffee ahead of me, so I opted for my gold standard of coffee comparison- a cup of black drip coffee.

toast for breakfast

The coffee is apparently roasted by “Madcap Coffee” and it is balanced between sweet and acidic.  It is not unlike el gallo blend, but it is balanced instead of acidic.  It was served in a notneutral lino coffee mug, which is actually a fairly normal looking white mug.

The bar stools and chairs are a light colored wood, while the tables are stained a dark walnut color.  I think this brings attention to the weighty tables, over the chairs, which are comfortable but unremarkable.

The back, under the skylights

The lighting is interesting and worth noting, since the place is a single large chamber that serves as both a brunch spot, a bar, and a coffee shop.  It is modern and clean, with lots of glass, wood, air and light.  Most of the light is provided by the floor-to ceiling windows at the front of the cafe, as well as the skylights at the back of the cafe.  The rest is rather dimly lit by reflected light from the outdoors, and more indirect lighting from large domed reflectors on the ceiling.  This means that there is little in the way of direct lighting, making the inside seem soft.  In the daytime this gives it a cool, shady feeling, and I imagine at night it gives it a nice bar ambiance.

I am very happy that I made the stop at slipstream.  I ended up with a full stomach and plenty of time left to explore the rest of the city.