Universal Coffee

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	1157 Santiam Rd SE, Albany, OR 97321, USA
Phone:	+1 541-981-2126
Site:	universalcoffee.co
Rating:	5
Working:	7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 41

Reviews 36

John Mellison

Easily the best coffee shop in Albany (in my humble opinion). If youre in to Second Wave coffee (emphasis on sugar, syrups, flavors, whipped cream, and not on coffee) then go to Starbucks, Dutchbros, Snow peak, etc. If you like Third Wave style coffee (emphasis on quality beans, roasting, extraction, etc.) then this is the place for you. Fine coffee can be enjoyed for all the types of nuances and subtleties found in wine, beer, scotch, etc. If thats what youre into - and you want coffee in Albany - Im not aware of any other place. Its certainly not as good as some places you can go in Corvallis, Salem, Portland (think Coava, Dapper/Wise, Courier, Tried and True, etc.), but is certainly the finest that Albany has.

mandy boswell

I have traveled most the country and worked at a couple coffee shops when I was younger... this is by far the best coffee shop Ive ever been to. All organic yet lower pricing than a regular coffe shops. They have regular options but a lot of different unique options. We tried 3 out of the ordinary choices and each one was amazing! We werent sure what to expect but we were blown away. On top of amazing product and prices was an employee named Juan. A very genuinely friendly and very knowledgeable individual. He took the time to educate and assist in our choices. You can tell his great passion in coffee. This place needs to be everywhere! I tried their organic ice cream with espresso poured over it, SOOOOO YUMMY!

James R MacLean

Essential stop for any visitor to Albany, or, for that matter, the planet Earth. I stumbled across this amazing place by sheer good fortune. First, the essential point: the coffee here is DIVINE. It is beyond excellent; "excellent" is just too weak a word to capture the sublime, inspired joyfulness-in-a-cup that the staff prepared. Ancillary virtues include the delightful good company of the people who work there; the ambience of the shop itself; and its location next to a similarly fantastic Mexican bakery (yum!). Seriously, dont dither: get your morning coffee here.

Eric Pratt

Ive never been so impressed by a business. Juan is a huge asset to this shop. Very friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed the unique options and that everything was organic. Prices were good too. I like that they focus more on the flavor of coffee versus over loading it with sugar and syrup. They dont have to cover up bad tasting coffee because theirs are superb! By far the best experience in coffee Ive ever had. A must try! I wont go anywhere else if Im in the area. I wish there was several locations.

Daniel Moore

I can say with confidence that this is the best coffee in Albany. Its also fun because it had a Latino twist which is fairly rare among coffee shops. Slightly spendy but you get what you pay for. The shop owner is also a great host and always greets and thanks me warmly and is always up for a conversation. If youre in Albany looking for good coffee and dont know where to go I would encourage you to check out Universal.

Phillip Rice

I went here to kill some time with my girlfriend because we got down here early for a wedding. The owners are sooooo nice. The have a great selection of coffee drinks, all of which can be ordered without coffee if you dont like coffee like me! We went there for the gf coffee fix, but I was able to get something great too.

Terry Lamphear

Great unique coffee shop. Dont miss out on this. You can get regular coffee drinks but so much more. I like the galleta (cookies) drink. It is a desert but have it anytime a day. Alex is owner and is my brother-in-law. Even if he wasnt this place would still get my thumbs up!

J Presley

After recommending Universal Coffee to my guests we made a visit & they, including myself, enjoyed (understatement) the coffee. Todays espresso was Nicaraguan & cold brew Guatemalan. The espresso was flavorful & delighting, while the cold brew smooth & subtle.

Zach Rierson

Very cozy shop, with excellent coffee and very helpful staff. Their coffee is a little different with a very distinct traditional Mexican twist on it, but this is one if the best cups of coffee I have ever had. 10/10 would recommend.

David Humphrey

This place is amazing. Their regular drinks (think mochas and cappuccinos) are amazing, but the Costa Rican style drinks are totally unique and something special. Id give 10 stars if I could.

Suzanne Nixon

I had a champurrado blanco and it was great. I really appreciate that they have non-coffee options. The service was excellent, and I would go back any time I was in the area.

Bryan Smith

High quality coffee made in an unique style using corn to sweeten. Lots of settling will occur with these "pre-hispanic" coffees so drink with a straw or swirl often.

Zeth Owen

I have no idea how I did not know of this place since Ive lived here for 5 years. Great selection of Mexican Cafe and a great little environment to enjoy it in.

alvaro cervantes

Champurrado con café y Leche de almendra, mi bebida favorita. Excellent people, and ask Alex to play a song for you, he is an excellent classic guitar player.

Kelly Daleo

Organic coffee, best place in town!!! Great atmosphere and if youre lucky you too can feel like the bachelorette and hear some beautiful live guitar playing!

Slavka Eberhart-Garah

Tremendous little spot! Offering real Mexican hot chocolate and wonderfully gently sweetened fresh chai tea. The soft live guitar music is an added bonus.

Matt Sparr

Super nice owner from Costa Rica. Great roasts on the coffee and its single origin. They do champurrado as well, and its delicious. Great little shop.

Connor Soejoto

I love this place! Knowledgeable baristas, incredible quality, and hand crafted drinks that are to die for. I cannot recommend this place more!!

good vibes

such a positive and unique experience! The owner was so friendly and told us about the drinks. Such a dope environment. 10/10 would recommend.

Dominic Maze

Great coffee, great people. Stopped by on drive from Portland to Corvallis. Will be back... Better than most Portland coffee shops.

Shannon Thompson

Best Chi in the Willamette Valley. You will not get a better Chi any other place. It is real Chi Tea!!! NOT A BOX Chi.

Guadalupe Alvarez

The best coffee in albany oregon I taste all the coffee in the city and that one is the best it is organic coffee

Christopher Kelley

Fantastic, unique selection. All organic, and all delicious. Friendly staff to boot. Worth a trip!