Upper Left Roasters Now Open In Ladd’s Addition

Upper Left Roasters is a new coffee shop and roastery exclusively roasting and serving single-source beans, and it comes courtesy of Jim Harris (who started Food In Bloom and The Daily Cafe with his wife, Kristen) and his daughter, Katherine. Having opened last week, Upper Left Roasters will continue its grand opening celebration by offering one free cup of drip joe per person tomorrow, August 13, from 6:30 until 11 a.m.

Located on one of Ladd's Addition's northwestern spokes, the 38-seat cafe (which seats another 20 outside) features espresso drinks, drips, and pour-overs. Chris Alspach serves as head roaster, and Upper Left Coffee roasts its single-source East African and South and Central American beans on-site.

Alspach says the cafe also offers housemade chai and Steven Smith teas, as well as food menus for breakfast and lunch. On the morning menu, toasts will be the star: Think slices like walnut raisin (with ricotta cheese and honey) and country wheat (with avocado, radish, and a poached egg).

As for afternoon, Upper Left sets its sights on presenting the most artfully prepared open-faced sandwiches. All sandos are served on country wheat and are flavored with tuna (cannelloni beans, lemon juice, and dill), prosciutto cotto (with Emmentaler and whole grain mustard), and tofu salad (with heirloom tomatoes).

Upper Left Roasters, 1204 SE Clay St.; Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays