By Alex J. Rhowuniong
September 9, 2016
Its common knowledge on Guam that thousands of people just love drinking coffee. Majority get their fix daily.
While many drink at different times of the day for different reasons, some like to drink coffee only in the morning, like Joleen Santos of Mangilao.
“Just to get my day started,” she said. Otherwise, a cup in the afternoon for her will keep the 41-year old wired well into the evening.
Here are some coffee shops on island where people like Santos–during their favorite hours–go to rendezvous with Mr. Coffee:
1) INFUSION COFFEE & TEA
Signature drink? “Coffee toffee frappe is our most popular,” said store owner/manager, Mika Gibson. “It’s a great pick-me up in the middle of the day.” Other signature espresso based drinks include caramellas and mochas.”
“Our goal is that you leave our cafe’ happy and completely satisfied.”
Tamuning, in front of the old Ben Franklin; 646-0263; Open daily 6am-10pm
Tamuning, inside of Oka Payless; 969-2266; Open daily 6am-7pm
Upper Tumon, across Nissan Motor; 647-0260; Open daily 6am-7pm
Dededo, inside of Payless Supermarket; 969-2153; Open daily 6am-9pm
Harmon, Compadres Mall parking lot; 632-0697; Open daily 6am-7pm
Harmon, next to Go Play; 649-5867; Open daily 7am-7pm
2) PORT OF MOCHA COFFEE HOUSE
Signature drink? “We have 10 different kinds of signature mochas customers can choose from.” founder and owner of Port of Mocha, Jay Dewan, said. He added these are made with their own special signature recipes with pure cane syrup, gourmet chocolate sauces and the finest espresso.
Store manager, Richard Abanilla added that their crews’ good customer service skills and drinks’ reasonable prices keep customers coming back for more.
Tumon, Grand Plaza Hotel; 649-CHAI (2424); Mon-Sat: 7am-10pm / Sun: 8am-10pm
Dededo, Micronesia Mall; 637-6622; Open daily 10am-9pm
Hagatna, next to PDN; 477-COFE (2633); Mon-Fri: 6:30am-6pm
Hagatna, next to Bank of Hawaii; 477-BAGL (2245); Mon-Fri: 6am-7pm / Sat: 7am-5pm / Sun: 8am-4pm
Hagatna, Agana Shopping Center; 477-JUCE (5823); Mon-Sat:7am-8pm / Sun: 8am-8pm
Tamuning, across ITC; 646-3788; Mon-Thurs: 6am-10pm / Fri-Sat: 6am-11pm / Sun: 7am-10pm
3) BREWED AWAKENINGS
Signature drink? “Our white choconut!” said barista Julian Castaneda. “It’s a blend of white macadamia nuts and white chocolate. ‘Brewed Awakenings original.’”
“We have a lot of customers’ vibe and ambiance going on in here,” Castaneda said. “That draws crowds.”
Harmon, across Napa Auto Parts; 989-2793; Mon-Sat: 6:30am-7pm / Sun: 6:30am-2pm
4) ISLAND GIRL COFFEE ‘N QUENCHERS
Signature drink? “It’s our iced white mocha!” said owner/manager, Connie Hurley. The “cold brew” (with a killer secret ingredient) will actually sit for 18 hours and be served the next day with milk, water and white chocolate. “It’s a high octane, more caffeine, more mellow drink that’s easier on the stomach.”
Their coffee’s freshness plus a superb crew of young girls who “know their stuff and their customers” are what keep customers happy at IG.
Yigo, Payless Supermarket parking lot; 989-3728; Weekdays: 5:30am-6pm / Weekends: 7am-6pm
Maite, parking lot next to Bensons; 989-3727; Weekdays: 6am-6pm / Weekends: 7am-6pm
5) GUAM COFFEE COMPANY
Signature drink? “Siphoned coffee is our special… its coffee for the island’s royalty,” said RT, part of the crew at Guam Coffee Co. It’s (processed by hand), just a different way of brewing “to bring out the unique flavors in coffee.”
Two Lovers Tea (their top tea drink promoting Two Lovers Point)—meshes mango and calamansi like the legendary lovers leaping to their death.
Besides great coffee, RT said the ambiance and workers are really cool, keeping customers flowing in and out of his shop.
Tumon, across PIC; 648-2326; Mon-Thurs: 7am-6pm / Fri: 7am-4pm / Sat: 7am-6pm / Sun: 7am-12pm
6) JAVA HUT COFFEE SHOP
Signature drink? “Twisted GPD,” said barista Anastasia Vaughan. Coffee with heavy cream. “It tastes like coffee with marshmallow.”
“Their customers appreciate their excellent customer service skills!” she added.
Tamuning, behind Oka Payless; 647-5282; Weekdays: 6am-6pm / Sat: 7am-6pm / Sun:7am-4pm
7) JAVA JUNCTION, LLC
Signature drink? “Caramel mi
st and caramel cappuccino,” said general manager John Ray Taitano.
“We’re completely a family run… all local,” Taitano also said. “Our love transmits through our products.”
Hagatna, in front of Paradise Fitness Center; 472-8880; Mon-Wed & Fri: 6:30am-6pm / Thurs: 6:30am-8pm / Sat: 7am-12pm
8) HAVA JAVA
Signature drink? “I’d say our co
conut mocha frappe from toasted coconut, coco syrup, chocolate and espresso…topped-off with cream and more toasted coconut flakes,” Carol Ragan, shop manager, explained.
Having the oldest shop on Guam, she said, sets them apart. “20 years!”
Hagatna, behind Hagatna Post Office; 477-0600; Mon-Sat: 6:30am-6:30pm / Sun: 7:30am-5pm
9) THE TEA DISTRICT
Signature drink? It’s called purple
Oreo, a blend of purple taro and Oreo with their own secret ingredients. “Really good for both kids and adults…they really like it,” said Ramil Argana, baristo at The Tea District.
Their good coffee helps keep coffee lovers coming to his shop.
Tumon, ground floor of Bayview Hotel; 647-8323; Sun-Thurs: 10:30am-10pm / Fri-Sat: 10:30am-10:30pm
East Hagatna, next to Feathers ‘n Fins, Diamond Plaza; 475-8323; Open daily 11am-9pm
10) DUSIT GOURMET
Signature drink? “It’s difficult to choose just one,” said Marissa Borja, marketing communications & public relations manager for Dusit Thani Guam Resort. They serve many exotic drinks like “Kalamae Kanom Krob with Heath candy, caramel” and such…just to name a few.
A killer five-star luxury resort experience keeps coffee lovers lining up at her shop.
Tumon, ground floor Dusit Thani Guam Resort; 648-8520; Open daily 6am-11pm
11) TURE’ CAFÉ
Signature drink? “Pure Sensation is their most sought after drink…with espresso coffee and milk, coconut and macadamia flavor; topped-off with whip cream.” said barista Eva Parages. “It’s different from what’s on the normal coffee menu.”
Their killer view of the beautiful East Hagatna bay from their patio helps bring customers back over and over.
East Hagatna, across Shell Gas Station; 479-8873; Mon-Fri: 6:30am-8pm / Sat-Sun: 6:30am-3pm
