So, here I am at the Moxie Java Bistro off Chinden. I’ve come here with a “duel” purpose in mind: first off, to get some homework done. Second, and probably far more interesting, to do a review of one of Boise’s oldest original coffee shops.
Moxie Java’s website boasts:
“Moxie Java® has been a fixture on the Idaho coffee scene for a long time. We are consistently rated the top coffee and beverage company, beating out more established and well-known brands.”
Good, point Moxie. But ratings put aside, what does the coffee really taste like?
To put it short, crap. The coffee tastes like crap.
That being said, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t say why, and give a complete review of my experiences with Moxie Java.
Moxie brews White Cloud Coffee, a local roaster located just down the road from the Bistro/HQ. Many years ago I did a fund raiser which consisted of selling bags of White Cloud Coffee door-to-door. Many doors were closed in my face as people said “Oh. White Cloud Coffee. I think I’ll pass today.” I didn’t understand then, but I get it now. White Cloud Coffee’s roast is…sub-par. When it comes to taste, it really is rather boring. Whereas at Starbucks you get a darker taste, and at Dutch Bros you’ll receive a sweet shot, Moxie (White Cloud) boasts neither.
In fact, many fellow “coffee snobs” would say you get the opposite effect with Moxie’s coffee. I’ve talked to some that refuse to purchase it under any circumstances.
I’m not quite so radical. Moxie’s coffee holds no appeal to me, however I’ll get it if that’s what it takes for me to grab a seat (and free internet) in one of their many locations around the Treasure Valley. Ergo, my visit today.
The environment in the Moxie Java Bistro is genuinely nice. The baristas are nice, the customers are nice, the couches are nice. It has a fire place that’s on when it gets cold, providing a warm, homey feel. The Bistro is very much coffee themed, even to the point of various drinks inscribed on the walls.
I really do like the Bistro and the environment it provides. And the free internet. *hint, hint Starbucks.*
So why go to Moxie? If you’re not a HxC coffee extraordinaire you probably won’t notice a difference in the coffee. If you’re into fine brews, you probably will. Either way, you can appreciate the meeting-friendly, homework-friendly, people-friendly environment Moxie Java has to offer.
The Coffee Guy
What do you think of Moxie?
EDIT
A reliable source has informed me that Moxie Java Bistro does not use White Cloud Coffee as their roast provider. They roast their own coffee out of the attached wharehouse, and have created a “Moxie Java International” which the Chinden Headquarters runs. That being said, the coffee is still a very weak roast. A “different” roast to be sure, different in that it tastes bad.
You mean you’ve never smelled them roasting coffee on the way to Vineyardl in the morning? ;0)
(And it doesn’t smell good. I think they over-roast/burn their beans.)
Oh man, I so have. I’m not sure if it’s due to over-roasting, or simply just to roasting gross beans. Over-roasting generally produces a darker (burnt) taste. Think Starbucks. Roasting of gross beans will produce…well you get the idea.
That being said, I could be wrong.
Don’t judge coffee by what it smells like while being roasted. Roasting is very often not a very pretty smell, even for properly roasted coffee.
That being said, White Cloud Mountain coffee used to be a very fine brew indeed, but I am afraid their quality has taken a significant dive.
Justin,
Thanks for commenting! Regardless of the roasting smell, Moxie’s coffee simply doesn’t taste good to me. What are some local coffee shops you like?
I am a big fan of Dawson Taylor coffee, my favorite being the Back Country blend, or the Tanzanian Peaberry. I like my mochas to have a real kick to them, and think that Dawson Taylor, with their Ghirardelli syrup and unlimited shots makes them as powerful as they come. Eagle Roasters also has some pretty good stuff as well. Purple Bean roasters has my favorite Columbia Supremo roast, but the local Flying M never has enough places to plug in my computer, so I don’t make it in there very often.
Hi Coffee Guy,
Moxie Java did indeed use White Cloud coffee until they opened the Bistro building that you wrote your article from. At that time they decided to roast their own beans. They took the same roast and blend names that they had established with White Cloud and tried to manufacture the roasts themselves. While I never was a big fan of of Moxie with the White Cloud bean, they really lost me when they moved away from them.
The coffee is inconsistent, weak, and often bitter. The same drink will taste much different at various Moxie locations. One bag of beans marked Cowboy blend will taste different than the next (and often not better).
Although I appreciate the free internet, the big painting of the gorilla at the bistro makes just doesn’t fit. I find the setting to be unnerving.
And yes, my biggest frustration with Moxie is polluting the morning air with the putrid smell when they roast. I love the smell of roasting coffee, but what comes out of their facility makes me want to retch as I go outside to pick up the morning paper.
Just because it is an Idaho franchise does not mean it is good or worth supporting with my patronage. I’d rather have a cup of the instant VIA coffee from Starbucks than anything out of a Moxie shop.
Chad-
Great points! I’ve decided I’d rather spend my time at Barnes & Noble. They now provide complimentary wi-fi, have free study materials (books galore!) and Starbucks coffee. I’m not a die-hard fan of Starbucks either, but at least it’s consistent. Like you said, Moxie’s different every time. Never good, just different shades of gross.
CG
Great review
And I have to agree (about the flavor….don’t know much about odors de roasting 
I have tried mochas and lattes there and have given up as they always taste as though they have spoiled milk in them. Last I had their mexican mocha it wasn’t bad but they can’t ice it so that cuts out summer…haven’t tried their drip so I can’t judge that 
I am a die hard DT fan though so generally speaking I spend entirely too much gas driving me out of my way to get to my addiction :p
Kerri-
Thanks for your thoughts! I’m actually at DT downtown right now writing a review! Check it out and let me know your comments!
CG
Coffee Guy,
I love your site…have linked mine to yours.
And I am not EVEN a java drinker…never have been. But I DO love the smell of napalm in the…er, I mean “coffee” in the morning.
Thanks for providing a service to the bean-heads of the area.
May your coffee cup overflow with joy and good java juice.
DMan
I’ve never been a Moxie fan, as they really don’t have a clue how to make good espresso…. yeah, they were “first” in Boise…but it doesn’t seem they looked into how it worked before they began! The only coffee I like there is their flavored coffee, because no one else serves that and I LIKE flavored coffee… I know, I know, a “real” coffee connoisseur won’t drink flavored brews… so sue me. As far as that roasting smell…. I don’t think quality of beans has anything to do with it. My dad has his own roaster, buys super beans, and makes amazing coffee (which smells fab when brewing) … but it still stinks when it’s roasting. Just the nature of the beast, I think.
Nah, Moxie wasn’t the first coffee roaster or shop in Boise. Giuseppe’s Coffee House (which is now Dawson Taylor) was roasting their beans from the basement of the building across where they are currently located. They supplied beans to Cristina’s Bakery, which had one of the first espresso machines in town.
Is it worth mentioning that we’ve been kicked out of that particular Moxie?
Hey have you been to the Roastere off Cloverdale? It’s my favorite next to Dawson’s (also a local place)