Somnium Cafe Bar, Krakow Poland

One of the great things about the coffee culture, especially in Europe, is that it's often associated with community and social gatherings. The Third Wave, or specialty coffee movement has swept into parts of Europe in recent years and has cultivated many destinations such as Berlin, Amsterdam, and more recently, different cities in Poland. The Third Wave movement takes an interest in the entire coffee-making process, from cultivation to import, roasting to brewing; and especially in the economic and environmental impact of the organic {green} farms located mainly in Central America.

Krakow is different than many of the "touristy" areas of Eastern Europe.  It occupies its historical features while retaining a finesse and character that is unique only to them. It's coffee mirrors that same unique personality.  During my travels, I discovered Somnium Cafe Bar, which specializes in the art of coffee and is located in historic Kazimierz just south of Old Town Krakow.

I love European coffee venues because many of them are small and seat maybe seven people at most.  This tells me that I am going to receive some wonderful personalized treatment while experiencing craft coffee at its best.

My barista was extremely knowledgable and professional and talked with me about what kind of roast and brewing technique would be best for me.  We decided on the Colombian roast by Audun Coffee Roasters, a small-scale company based in Poland, brewed in the Chemex.

Taste Notes: Chocolate, bourbon 

Acidity: Low

My pour over was served in a corked carafe with a pink ceramic mug, and a side of woda {water}.  One of the things I look for in a coffee house is its unique style. Everything from the way the coffee is presented and served to the the seating arrangements to the art on the wall makes a difference in how the experience affects me.  Somnium has all kinds of little quirks strategically placed through out the shop.  I like to spend at least two hours even in a small venue because I see new things as I look up from every sip. My coffee was divine and exactly as the barista had described. 

Somnium had a good vibe and a laid-back feel.  The music was moderate but not over powering with a touch of modern to classic Indie. I watched people come and go as the afternoon ticked away while being inspired by the European architecture that surrounded my body, soul, and spirit.

I chose the small cobalt-blue tufted chair on the first riser next to the staircase. This gave me one of the best views of then entire rustic building including the outside.  After my pour over, the barista asked if I wanted something for lunch.  He made me a custom dish {not on the menu}containing a ham omelette over a field of greens. Thank you!

Their coffee portfolio includes various espresso-based options as well as alternatively brewed ones: cold brew, V60, Chemex and AeroPress. It might seem like the standard for speciality places, but in Krakow, these brewing methods are an art form unique to each designer of the craft.  The attention to detail and artistry varies person to person and day to day.  And that's what makes Somnium stand out in a town that already possesses so much character while offering a wealth of pride and joy to its community.