Lincoln Avenue Espresso

QUICK TAKE: They do a good job, but could be more consistant. I will probably be back.

This morning I was really in the mood for a good cappuccino. The problem is, here in Yakima it's pretty hard to find a really good espresso or cappuccino because most shots are pulled bitter and hard to enjoy unless they are masked with copious amounts of sweeteners and then whats the point.
I had been thinking of stopping by Lincoln Avenue Espresso for quite a while and desided this was the morning to do it. There was only one space left to park in the small crouded lot on the corner of Lincoln and 18th, and cars were lined up on both sides of the drive-through.
I sat at the small bar that wraps around two sides of a center island directly across from the three group Nuova Simonelli machine that appeared monsterous in the small shop that's just big enough for four tables, although quite small inside, lots of windows help give the place a bigger open feel. I didn't really care for all the advertising with business cards under their class table tops of the two taller corner tables, but that's just me. I ordered a dry soy capuccino and to my suprise not only was the soy milk frothed very well, the coffee itself was pretty darn good. There was no harsh bitterness, instead, I was treated with smooth sweet undertones that were slightly nutty and earthy.
I have held off on going to Lincoln Avenue Espresso for a long time because of the high traffic area and cramped parking situation, but I will definately be back. I just hope this was not a one time fluke where the espresso shot fairy was feeling especially generous, but even if it was a "lucky shot" finding somewhere that knows how to make good foam from soy milk around Yakima is pretty rare.
They do roast their own beans near by, and the decaf is processed using the Swiss Water method.
I do recommend this place, whether you would like to sit down for a few minutes or just want to swing through the drive through.

Review Update: Although L.A.E. is still one of my top choices here in Yakima, I have found some rather noticeable and unfortunate inconsistancies in espresso and cappuccino, even with the same barista.

Lincoln Avenue Espresso
1801 W Lincoln Ave.
Yakima, WA 98902
(509)576-6086