Amongst the luxury stores that line Stanford Mall, Gregory’s Coffee transports customers to a hip New York café. The chain, whose returning customers are known as “Gregulars,” has recently expanded to the West Coast, opening locations in Arizona, Washington, and now the Stanford Shopping Mall. Best known for their vast cold brew selection, the café offers specialities like Salted Caramel, Lavender Honey, and NuBrew, a combination of Nutella and cold brew. The cold brew comes from an electronically prompted, industrial-sized tank.
Cortado ($4.10): 8/10
A cortado is an espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. Gregory’s cortado is foamy, creamy, and delivers the perfect amount of espresso. However, darker coffee lovers may prefer an extra shot, as Gregory’s Night Vision Blend is on the lighter side.
The New Yorker Sandwich ($3.95): 7/10
The New Yorker is a typical bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich—nothing special. The brioche bun is soft and chewy, enveloping layers of spongy eggs, salty bacon, and plentiful, stretchy cheese. In true New York fashion, the sandwich comes heated and tightly wrapped in foil. While its simplicity makes it shine, a dash of salt and pepper or a touch more seasoning would improve the classic bite.
Cold Brew ($4.95): 9/10
Gregory’s offers a wide range of flavored cold brew drinks, but the plain version is near-perfect as is. They stock a variety of plant-based milks without additional charge—a win for cash-strapped, lactose intolerant risk-takers and vegan environmentalists alike. The cold brew with almond milk had a strong, familiar zing, and just the right amount of punch. Its smooth notes shy away from the dirt-like bitterness often found in other chains’ cold brews. Although Gregory’s offers exciting flavor combinations, the pure cold brew is a masterpiece that holds its own.
Pistachio Muffin ($3.45): 10/10
At first glance, customers may be apprehensive about this fluorescent, monstrous, overflowing pastry. Yet, a flavorful ecstasy lies behind the heap: the muffin is the perfect amount of sweet, with fluffy pistachio cake concealed under crispy, charred edges. The wispy, sugary cake bakes under convection heat has an irresistible meringue-like texture. An unsuspecting candidate, the pistachio muffin is a must-try and a unique thrill for any prospective Gregulars.
