NoFi Slow Bar Takes Its Time in San Antonio

At the NoFi Slow Bar in San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Solomon Gerges, courtesy of NoFi.

A new place for people to gather over coffee in San Antonio, Texas, called NoFi Slow Bar promises an unwavering fidelity to coffee in its simplest forms.

There are no syrups behind the bar, no sugars or sweeteners of any kind on the counter and no wi-fi in the air. Drinks are served in ceramics for in-house enjoyment only, meaning no paper cups or travel tumblers.

While plans are in the works for future development of the Beacon Hill neighborhood shop, the NoFi Slow Bar is launching with the cleanest possible slate for appreciating high-quality coffees and teas, including some coffees roasted in-house on a Stronghold S7X roaster.

Photo by Solomon Gerges, courtesy of NoFi.

“We wanted to push the envelope and present astounding coffees and teas in their most basic form,” NoFi Slow Bar Co-Owner Hana Buck told Daily Coffee News. “As we evolve, we are certainly interested in exploring craft coffee beverages, perhaps with unconventional brewing methods or additional ingredients, mixologist-style.”

So far reception has been warm, according to Buck, including for the “no takeout” policy.

“Folks have been graciously receptive to our policy and supportive of our vision for a slower paced coffee experience,” said Buck. “No one has been so bold as to bring their own cup — yet. And if they so choose, that’s their prerogative.”

Photo by Solomon Gerges, courtesy of NoFi.

The relatively intimate 1,000-square-foot shop features earth tones, wood and stone surfaces that are enhanced by warm lighting and naturalistic textures. A Tiffany stained glass lamp, a bonsai tree and other creative touches are intended to help set guests relax, while music from vinyl records emanates from a set of high-end vintage speakers. 

“NoFi was meant to be a place for intention and mindful presence,” said Buck. “It’s felt like the shop has always been there and sparks a pseudo-familiarity that makes you feel right at home. The black and white mosaic tile floor and dark moody aesthetic makes you feel like Ernest Hemingway, if he drank coffee instead of rum.”

Buck and her husband, Rolando Almaraz, are co-owners of both NoFi and the San Antonio multiroaster coffee shop called Bright Coffee, which opened in February of 2022. While both shops take pride in showcasing high-quality coffee, as well as in their Hi-Fi sound systems, the overall vibes between the shops are distinct. 

Photo by Solomon Gerges, courtesy of NoFi.

Bright Coffee’s mid-century-modern furniture stands on wood floors throughout. Mirrored walls and movable dividers are ideal for the dance and yoga classes held in the space. The Bright menu features pure coffee drinks, as well as drinks like the Drosselmeyer — a pistachio milk latte with cardamom syrup — and other lattes elevated by flavors of red bean, melon, sesame or banana.

“The design of NoFi and Bright are polar opposite, but they are definitely sister shops in some ways,” said Buck. “There is a feeling of coziness in both shops that is prioritized. We want customers to feel comfortable and settle in at both shops.”

After a first coffee job at Starbucks in 2013, Buck’s curiosity led her to visit and work at a variety of specialty coffee shops in and around San Antonio, Estate Coffee Co. for several years.

At NoFi, Buck’s explorations continue with a Slayer Espresso V3 espresso machine paired with an Option O Lagom 01 single-dose grinder outfitted with Mizen 102-millimeter blind flat burrs. A Ground Control Cyclops machine generates larger batches of brew, while a fleet of Fellow kettles for coffee and Brewista kettles for tea line the manual brew bar.

Photo by Solomon Gerges, courtesy of NoFi.

Working with green coffees primarily sourced through Ally Coffee and Crop to Cup inside an approximately 400-square-foot space on site, NoFi partner David Falk is overseeing the coffee roasting. Buck said that while the intention is to eventually transition both cafes to all house-roasted coffees, consistency and quality remain the driving goals. 

“The main priority is a tasty cup,” said Buck. “Outside of that, we want consistency and uniqueness. We want to share the spectrum of what coffee can be with our city. If we can roast a crisp, clear Panama Gesha or a Colombia co-ferment well, and our guests can have a wonderful experience, that’s a win for us.”

NoFi Slow Bar is located at 819 Fredericksburg Rd. in San Antonio. Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN’s editors here. For all the latest coffee industry news, subscribe to the DCN newsletter. 

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