Enjoy a Local Latte in Southern Utah

February 11th is National Latte Day and if you enjoy caffeinated bean water as much as I do, it’s a fun reason to pick up a coffee. 

According to the National Coffee Association, no one really knows how or when coffee was discovered, but one of the first instances can be traced back to an Ethiopian legend. “According to the legend, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that after his goats ate berries from a certain tree, they became so energetic that they didn’t want to sleep at night”. Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula and by the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and then by the 16th century, it was known from Persia to Turkey. 

Coffee came to Europe by the 17th century and was becoming popular across the continent and began to replace the common breakfast beverages of the time beer and wine. Coffee then came to the Americans by way of Amsterdam and France “when the Mayor of Amsterdam gave a young coffee plant to King Louis XVI of France.” A French naval officer brought a seedling from the plant to Martinique and fun fact, “the seedling from that plant was the parent of all coffee trees throughout the Caribbean and South and Central America.” 

According to Merriam-Webster.com, a latte is espresso mixed with hot or steamed milk and is a drink of Italian origin.  

The Daily Meal.com states that the “Earliest record of a latte is from 1867 in the essay Italian Journeys by William Dean Howells. He was served a caffe latte with breakfast during his voyage from Trieste to Venice. It was probably closer to a cafe au lait. The modern form of lattes emerged in the 20th century and was created by an Italian-trained barista named Lino Meiorin.” 

Perks: With locations in St. George, Hurricane, Zion National Park, and Cedar City it’s easy to find a location. With teas, smoothies, Italian sodas, coffee, baked goods, and more you should be able to find whatever you’re in the mood for. 

Bristlecone: located in the heart of historic downtown Cedar City Bristlecone offers coffee, food, yoga, and merch. The comfy and contemporary interior makes it a wonderful place to sit down to enjoy a meal and chill. 

The Grind: is also located in the heart of historic downtown Cedar City. They’re family-owned and offer breakfast and lunch items and beverages that include coffee, tea, and smoothies. They also host open mic nights and are attached to Main Street Books, which as we all know, coffee and books go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

21 Eleven Coffee House and Event Center: located on the north end of Cedar City offers coffee, tea, and smoothies. They also buy their coffee from suppliers that support The Coffee Trust. The Coffee Trust works with coffee farmers to overcome poverty by supporting health, food sovereignty, and alternative income projects. 21 Eleven also hosts a Food Pantry every Wednesday from 2 pm-6 pm. 

Silver Silo: 777 Cross Hollow Rd 

Caffe Elevato: 1664 S. Dixie Dr.

FeelLove Coffee: has locations in St. George and Springdale.

Switch Point Coffee Co.: 214 N. 1000 E.

White Hive Coffee: online and located at MOFACO and Red Canyon Company

Bee Sweet: 2 W. St. George Blvd