The Tribune readers showed up for their favorite coffee shops in the county, casting more than 40,000 votes across two polls to share their pick for the county’s top coffee shop.
The winner was Tribe Coffeehouse in Arroyo Grande, which received about 9,000 of the 25,000 votes cast for the top coffee shop in the second iteration of our coffee shop poll.
Top Dog Coffee Bar in Morro Bay came in at a close second to Tribe Coffeehouse in round two of our poll, receiving about 7,900 votes.
The coffee shop poll started with more than 40 local cafes and was winnowed down by our readers to a top 10. The coffee shops the received the most votes in the first version of our poll were Skipper’s Brew in SLO and Morro Bay and Kin Coffee Bar in San Luis Obispo.
In the first version of the poll, Tribe Coffeehouse received about 900 votes.
Our coffee shop poll is nonscientific and all in good fun, but one thing is clear: Thousands of readers feel that their local coffee shop is the best place to work, unwind with friends or catch up with the barista behind the counter.
The Tribune is confident you’re going to get a memorable cup of java from any of the dozens of coffee shops sprinkled throughout our coffee-loving county, so fill up a cup to support your favorite local business.
Tribe Coffeehouse: Where everyone feels welcome
Tribe Coffeehouse opened in Arroyo Grande on Jan. 2, 2019, said Amy Pinkerton, a San Luis Obispo County local who owns the coffee shop with her husband, Bret Pinkerton.
Amy and Bret Pinkerton opened Tribe Coffeehouse in Arroyo Grande in January 2019. Tribe Coffeehouse was voted the best coffee shop in San Luis Obispo County by Tribune readers in our 2022 poll. Photo courtesy of Amy Pinkerton
The couple opened Tribe Coffeehouse because they found themselves driving up to San Luis Obispo when they wanted a cup of coffee. They wanted to bring the same high-quality coffee and community ambiance to their South County community.
“First and foremost we wanted to focus on quality coffee,” Pinkerton said. “Also to create a place where we can connect with our community. We wanted a place where everyone feels like family.”
The Pinkerton family make a point to showcase other local businesses at Tribe Coffeehouse. The coffee brewed at Tribe is sourced and roasted by Cacti Coffee Roasters out of San Luis Obispo County and the baked goods sold come from SLO Baked Bakery, she said.
Tribe Coffeehouse doesn’t just sell coffee and pastries. Since the coronavirus pandemic, Pinkerton expanded the shop to include retail items like clothing, candles and accessories that are sourced primarily from women-owned small businesses from around the world.
The coffeehouse also hosted several maker’s markets over the past three years to highlight local artisans, Pinkerton said.
Inside Tribe Coffeehouse, which was voted the best coffee shop in San Luis Obispo County by readers of The Tribune in 2022. Photo courtesy of Amy Pinkerton
Tribe Coffeehouse donated about half of its proceeds on Aug. 28, 2021, to the Spirit of Sport Scholarship in honor of Amy Pinkerton’s sister, Delaney Lemus, who was an avid volleyball player at Nipomo High School before she died from cancer in 2011.
“Part of our logo is a feather and I have it tattooed on my arm in remembrance of my sister,” she said.
The commitment to community building, high-quality beverages and an inviting ambiance are some of the things that draw patrons to Tribe Coffeehouse.
Pinkerton graduated from University of California Santa Barbara with an art degree, and spent part of her career designing storefronts for the retail clothing store, Anthropologie. Pinkerton’s eye for design is evident by the light and bright decor coupled with modern and bohemian details at Tribe.
Some of the retail items for sale at Tribe Coffeehouse in Arroyo Grande. Photo courtesy of Amy Pinkerton
“Stopped by on a whim in the morning. Great service, great latte, great atmosphere,” wrote Karen Love in a Google Review of the business.
“Well this place is just an absolute treasure for those who appreciate an alternative to the mainstream coffee shop,” wrote Roxana Maldonado in a Google Review. “They have a wide variety of coffees and teas all of which are delightful. I am a huge fan of their turmeric drink, its like a spicy chai, but better... I love this coffee shop.”
Tribe Coffeehouse plans to have a three year celebration featuring a performance by local musician Chris Beland, depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lastly a big thank(s) to all of (our) amazing staff and customers whom we love and keep us going everyday,” wrote Pinkerton in a text message.