Blue Bottle is coffee for the textbook stuck up coffee connoisseur. Everything is meticulously crafted for what seems to be marketed as the objectively perfect cup of coffee, or at least, the industry approved ideal roast & brew. And for the most part it is. Most of us plebeians might not even be able to discern the nuances of the taste profiles, but there’s a reason why this Oakland born coffee brand has spread around the world to become a celebrated standard for quality coffee. They are committed to incredibly high standards themselves, from only serving single origin coffee roasted within 48 hours to the exact temperature of each brew. They are picky just beyond reason, and thanks to that, we’re gifted with coffee that has done its homework and extra credit.

Since opening in 2002 as a small-batch coffee roaster, Blue Bottle has taken the world by storm with over 90 cafés spanning across both coasts and in Japan, Korea and Hong Kong, not to mention a brand name and recognition far beyond its physical footprint. The iconic blue bottle has become a signal that you’re in a cool part of town in whatever city you have. In fact, so long as you stay within safe distance to a Blue Bottle, you’ll probably be in good (or at least… hip) company.

As for the name? Well according to their website, it’s inspired by central Europe’s very first coffee house, The Blue Bottle, which opened in Vienna in 1683. Needless to say, the 2000s take on it is much more sleek and minimalist.