PINE

Pine charges fourteen dollars for a premium pour-over and six for a cortado. People still come back. That's the most honest line you can draw under what's happening at this newer Boise cafe just outside downtown, where manager Brian gets singled out in reviews for a palate that's clearly been doing the work. The Fun-11 Colombia El Diviso pour-over is the bean to know. The house-made syrups carry the lattes. The bar reads like a small team with a strong opinion about what coffee should taste like.

The room is light, airy, modern-retro, with big windows that let the sun in and a calm intentional feel that fits both quiet conversation and laptop work. The footprint is small and the seating runs mostly to two-tops, which is part of why it stays calm. Head In the Clouds is the regulars' latte pick. The vanilla-lavender latte and Stormy Weather rotate through the order rotation, and the seasonal drinks keep regulars curious. The waffles, cinnamon or cherry almond, are the breakfast item to know, and the breakfast burrito holds its own. The caramel latte is the safe bet for the people not ready for a $14 pour-over.

The price point is the one filter to apply honestly. If specialty coffee at specialty coffee prices is a friction point, Pine isn't going to talk you out of it. If you've been chasing a real pour-over program with house-made syrups in a room that respects you wanting to sit and read for an hour, this is the Boise stop. Bring the dog. Staff is accommodating about it. Bring a laptop, take a two-top by the window, work for the morning. Don't bring eight people. There aren't eight seats together. The Fun-11 is the pour to order if you came to taste what they're proud of, and the Head In the Clouds is the latte for the day you didn't.