A Shot Of Java: Coffeehouse Review

A Shot of Java
7003 N. 58th Ave in the Alley
Glendale, AZ 85301
623-847-2423

JJ and I loved to meander about while we were on our road trip. We cherished those moments when fate would grab us by the hand and lead us, blind and trusting, to our next destination. Phoenix, however, was a planned stop for us as I was raised in Arizona (then “moved to Babylonia” – just kidding). We still have family there ~ Grammy and Pompy to be specific; they are JJ’s grandparents and my parents.

After spending months of getting soggy in the northwest; camping out in random parking lots hoping for a little peak of the sun, we were so happy to be experiencing the closeness of family and the bright sunshine. Out came the shorts, tank tops and big smiles! We were ready for all that Phoenix has to offer!

In the 1930’s my grandparents, Ray and Lottie Filer, moved from Iowa to Arizona and opened a bakery in the small farm town of Glendale. Filer’s Bakery was a local icon for nearly 40 years. It was nestled neatly among a tight row of other businesses that framed the park in the center of town. Grandma Filer made all the wedding cakes for the town’s brides and grooms while Grandpa took the fire department left-over doughnuts nearly every afternoon. They were an integral part of Glendale and involved in the ins and outs of the daily routines of the community. . They ran that business together as a partnership for most of their whole lives, waking up at 3:00AM to make the bread every day, except Sunday that is. It’s no longer theirs as Grandma sold the business after Grandpa passed away in 1968.

However, each time I visit Phoenix I make it a point to go by the old bakery to reminisce and feel close to them. My mom read in the local paper that it had become a coffeehouse … perfect! That would be the best place ever to experience coffee. We drove over on a Sunday afternoon to the re-gentrified downtown Glendale. The bakery had now become a “shabby-chic” tea house. Very cool, but unfortunately closed on Sundays. After peering in the windows for several moments, wishing the door would somehow magically open to let us in, we started strolling down the block looking around us … hmmm … where to now?

A park-like walkway had been built between the block of side-by-side businesses that lead to the alley. I have a general fascination with alleys, so followed along to see where it led. Lo and behold: a sign with a big arrow said “coffee” … the gods had answered! We found this little gem; “A Shot of Java” with a Harley Davidson parked on the sidewalk in front. Perfect.

A charge of gentle, positive energy hit us as we entered. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the guitar shouting from its corner “Play me!” since I can’t play one I just touched it in recognition. On the walls hung the works of local artists. And there were signs about supporting local business. Yup. This was a great alley find!

The barista, “Ro”, was more than willing to share the success story of the coffeehouse. The Dowd’s fully support sustainability by recycling and re-using furniture & coffee mugs ~ adding uniqueness and flare to the experience. They often have musicians performing on their alley patio for the gathering artists and neighbors. And they, like my grandparents, give special discounts to the public servants and local businesses of Glendale.

We were there for an hour or more just oh-ing and ah-ing about the subtleties that filled the small space. Near the window was a man who, for more than twenty minutes, watched as I wandered from a painting to a poster to a newspaper article to a book; clicking away with my camera as I sipped on my latte. He was quite intrigued by my excitement for the coffeehouse. I just had to say something to him, so I introduced myself. His name is Wink! Tee hee hee ~ funny name The Harley was his, and he visited A Shot of Java everyday! He was (and is) a loyal regular customer that supports his favorite local coffeehouse. Hi Wink! Thanks for being you.

A Shot of Java almost had to close its doors earlier this summer due to extended construction chaos in the alley where they reside resulting loss of business. However, with “the best customers on the planet”, Lisa Dowd said they were able to make it through. Cheers! to the people who support their local businesses!

Peace out.