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Z Spot Coffee House
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July 20, 2009 11:27 AM by Jess
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By Sarah J. Worthman
Of the Frontpage Milwaukee staff July, 20, 2009
Z Spot Coffee House
Cuisine Type: Coffee house Price per cup: Ranges from $1.00 - $6.00
Attire: Any Reservations: Never
Payment: Cash, Credit, Check Cards
Z Spot Coffee House
1024 Indiana Avenue M-TH: 6AM-9PM
Sheboygan, WI F-SAT: 6AM-10PM
p 920.457.6690 SUN: 7AM-6PM
Located at1024 Indiana Avenue, Z Spot is “Z Spot to be”. Remarkably helpful service and an inviting atmosphere always allow me, or any coffee connoisseur to indulge in rich and flavorful adventures.
Bottles and bottles of flavor syrup persuade any experienced coffee drinker to construct and design a tantalizing experience that, with a little help from one of the experienced staff, can make tongues dance with smooth, savory flavor.
For those who don’t have a passion for coffee, Z Spot offers two large blackboards loaded with other recipes. Teas of every spice and aroma, juicy smoothies and even chocolate milk for the young at heart are available. Even when I’m running from class, to home, so I can change for work, eat, and finish my homework, Z Spot offers a convenient drive-thru window so it’s possible for me to receive the same excellent service and flavor of this traditional coffee house, with the speedy delivery of a “Jo To Go”.
I have been there numerous times, particularly when I am in need of some serious studying time. The background music keeps my mind focused on what homework or essay I may have for the afternoon, while the splendid coffee keeps me surreptitiously amused. Natural colors splashed on every wall always invite me into a feeling of earthy, practical and sensible flavor. Large, oriental style fabric lights drop from the ceiling, allowing a glow of luminescence to escape and drape the walls in warm light.
On my last encounter with Z Spot, it was a Thursday afternoon. It had been raining all day, and I was having an increasingly difficult time not falling asleep despite the bountiful amount of homework I had been so graciously prescribed. So, I walked in and as usual, was greeted gleefully by Z Spot owner, Jeff Zenk. I ordered my choice beverage, a large iced mocha, paid the below standard price and bee-lined it straight for my preferred nook. Most coffee houses are one giant room, but Z Spot has this interesting small additional room, within the larger room. One could almost assume this would be comparable to Queen Elizabeth’s walk-in closet in size. Here we have multiple leather chairs, nearly sofas in size, and a nicely sized round table.
Half way through my homework, Jeff walked in and, as usual, his superior customer service skills shined through. He asked how I was doing, how school was going, and if I wanted anything else while he was up. Of course, I could not possibly turn down one of “Joni’s Bisconis”. These are wonderful little biscottis that Joni, another Z Spot employee, makes by hand in the back of the coffee house. These are made especially with tiny pieces of chocolate and toffee, and incredibly moist.
If I had been feeling a bit hungrier, unlike many other coffee houses that only feature baked goods, Z Spot also includes hot ham sandwiches on a Sheboygan hard roll, Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) from Aleka’s Authentic Greek Kitchen, and usually has a vegetarian special soup prepared.
Most coffee houses focus solely on the beans and flavor shots, but Z Spot also takes into careful consideration, how coffee consumption can bring hunger. Food is not really listed on their black boards of treasures and teasers, but just mention that your tummy is grumbling and immediately they’ll start the food profile. Asking question after question to see what you like, the Z Spot staff will make anything from soup to sandwiches. They also have a collection of fresh daily bakery.
Homemade scones, muffins and turnovers overflowing with fruit and flavor can keep anyone here for days. The signature snack of the “Joni Bisconi” softly crumbles into a menagerie of chocolate and cookie, without the normal rip and tare of a typical scone.
Original developer and owner, Jeff Zenk opened this café in June of 2005. Originally a “One Hour Moto Photo”, Zenk gutted and renovated this pebble into a diamond. The portion of the new Z Spot that has kept its original structure is a small room, off to the side. This room, a favorite of most Z Spot goers, has three large and cozy leather chairs.
A hefty sized table fills the rest of the room, allowing drinkers to sprawl out books, play games, or write a review. Just outside this room is another, taller table, with entertainment for all ages. Scrabble, checkers, chess, cards, and all kinds of books allow a Z Spot regular to stay an entire day if their heart needs that much tranquil repair.
Sheboygan does offer a few other coffee houses of nearly equal caffeinated options, but Z Spot wins my heart over every time. Paradigm is probably the second most popular within this area, but the atmospheric mood emits a sense of pain and misery. The staff is very pleasant, but it feels as if you’re entering a cave of deep, dark secrets and despair. The Funky Bean and Weather Center offer a sunnier environment, but are smaller and feel more commercial.
Z Spot will always and forever steal my vote from other potential caffeinated caregivers. The friendly staff not only makes the effort to be pleasant and patient with my questions, but knows me by my first name.
Due to these diligently dedicated employees and other outstanding characteristics, I give Z Spot five out of five of my coffee cups. When entering Z spot it doesn’t feel like a commercial pushing Starbucks chain, but more like the serenity and completeness of finishing the lengthy and difficult, “War and Peace”.
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