Iron & Kin Coffee
536 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711
An indie favorite for Claremont, they describe themselves as having “humble beginnings” as they started selling coffee outside of their garage and they dream of expanding throughout the Inland Empire. They have a very good relationship with their roasters and they also offer glassware if you are dining in.
The Review:
The Oat Milk Latte: They say they have a very good relationship with their roasters and you can taste it in this drink. If you want a more coffee forward latte, this one is the one to get. There is still a very nice balance with the oat milk (they use Califa Barista Blend for both their oat and almond milk) but you really get a rich coffee forward flavor. I honestly had to stop myself from just sucking it all up in one gulp. 10/10
Oat Milk Latte The Featured: The Mango Sticky Cold Brew. "Cold brew, Mango syrup, condensed milk, coconut sweet cream, topped with toasted coconut." When It came to trying their recommended drink, I was convinced that Iron & Kin were better off sticking to the simple flavors that they do well. Their Courageous drink's complex flavors all kind of melded together for me. However, my views changed after trying this cold brew. To be honest I tried to hold off on this seasonal flavor; I was going to wait till they changed to their fall menu but I'm glad I didn't. The sweetness of the Mango is a nice compliment to the bolder flavor of the cold brew, and the coconut cream and toasted coconut on top added a creaminess and nuttiness that really brought out the flavors. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the bits of rice that sit at the bottom of the drink; but that's my personal opinion. I'm not the biggest fan of boba in my tea or pulp in my orange juice, it's a texture thing. Overall, the flavors worked together really well and this drink encouraged me to come out of my comfort zone more! 9/10
The Mango Sticky Cold Brew The Recommendation: The Courageous. "A latte with Old Forester Bourbon, brown sugar, organic cream, and pink salt." I substituted the organic cream with oat milk as the barista said it would not change the flavor that much and that oat milk still provided that creaminess that was what made the drink good. I honestly expected a little more from this drink. Maybe my palette isn't refined enough but to me the flavors kind of blended together. It was fine and overall Iron & Kin use really good ingredients so it's a solid cup of coffee but it didn't wow me as something to be recommended by their barista. 5/10
The Courageous Latte
The Price:
The Oat Milk Latte: $5.75 -> Oat milk $1 -> Total $6.75 before tax and tip
The Mango Sticky Cold Brew: $7.50 before tax and tip
The Courageous: $6.75 -> Oat milk $1 -> $7.75 before tax and tip
The Accessibility:
Parking: Parking would be available right outside of the packing house, located in the parking structure. There is quite a bit of accessible parking on either side of the structure, however it is a little bit of a walk as the shop is located in the packing house. On the other side of the packing house (not in the structure) there is no accessible parking so park in the structure!
“Outside” the Shop: Outside of the shop, located in the packing house, are quite a few tables, all with varying amounts of chairs. The chairs are light and easy to move, the tables are just as light and easy to move (though I do have the issue of if I lean on them they WILL move so... do as I say and not as I do... don't lean against them), as well as a decent height. There is no sign of our blue friend to show us where we’re supposed to sit but all the tables seem suitable for us.
The Door: The door to the shop is propped open, always, during business hours. So points to them for not having a heavy door to open! I will say in my recent visit, the door that people usually leave the shop was closed and it is of medium heaviness, so if you struggle with doors I would say to either have someone open it for you or push passed the people waiting in line at the entrance that's always open.
The Shop: The shop itself is basically a large square room. There is one large line that is usually out the door, so there is no confusion or being in the way of other customers. There is a fridge on the side where there might be an issue reaching stuff on the high shelf as well as a merch shelf with the same issue. The counter to both order and pay is low, HOWEVER, a big issue I noticed is during ordering. The counter where you order has 2 large grinders in between you and the barista, to an able bodied person there is no issue speaking over them as they are usually taller but I found it a little awkward ordering between the 2 machines. The counter to pay is nice and low and you can easily reach to put in your card. They also have tap to pay and offer a points membership. They usually hand you your drink right after you paid.
Seating: There are tables on each side of the wall as well as a large table in the center with benches. The tables on the side have chairs you can easily move, the large table you can roll up to on the ends easily, and all tables are a good height. There’s lots of seating and the shop is spacious so I never feel in the way.
The Staff: Not only do they know their coffee but they seem lovely and willing to help. There hasn’t been a chance that has had them going above and beyond for me but they seem nice. They know their regulars by name and have asked me how my day is going/ am I doing anything fun that day with genuine interest.
The Bathroom: There is no bathroom directly in the shop but there is a bathroom in the packing house. You just have to ask the staff for a code to it. Since this is not Iron and & Kin’s responsibility I will not be reviewing based on it.
Overall: Iron & KIn have made a pretty accessible shop on their own. I think I am not raving about anything simply because it seems that accessibility is already on their mind and was never a second thought. The only improvements I could ask for them to make is to move their grinders somewhere else as it makes ordering while in a wheelchair a little awkward. I would also like to ask for better access to the fridge and merch stuff (just make some things a little lower thank you). The staff is kind and will help accommodate anything else you might need. Their coffee is worth it. They have a good relationship with their roasters as well as their customers so if that is something that is important to you I do highly recommend!
Final Score:
The Sleeve: No sleeve today 🙁
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