Pacific Bay Coffee Co.

Pacific Bay Coffee Co. on Newell Avenue in Walnut Creek has won several Golden Bean medals and a Diablo Magazine Best Coffeehouse nod. They roast on-site, and the roaster's in the room. It's small and modern, with six tables, big windows and a quiet feel, even on weekends. They recently added food and smoothies. No dogs, and parking can be tricky.

The flat white comes in a set size. Single-origin pour-overs rotate, and the Guatemala and Peru are favorites. The strawberry matcha latte is a bright seasonal pick, and there's an iced raspberry mocha and cappuccino. The baristas are happy to talk about what's roasting.