5 Fun Facts About Philz Coffee In Bethesda Row

BETHESDA, MD — If you've been to Bethesda Row, you may have passed by Philz Coffee, a San-Francisco-based java brand with a cult following. Nestled under a yellow awning, the cozy — yet spacious — café at 7247 Woodmont Ave. is usually packed with locals looking for their caffeine fix.

But what Philz Coffee offers is different than most big-name chains, like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. So, don't expect to find your basic espresso, latte, or cappuccino. The full-service coffee bar is better known for its single-origin brews and customized blends.

With that being said, I decided to give Philz Coffee a shot.

I will admit that I haven't tried many drinks on the menu. But I did try the Minto Mojito and I am loving it. The non-alcoholic drink (sorry to disappoint) is light, sweet, and creamy. It's great iced and topped off with mint leaves, making it the perfect refreshing drink.

Whenever I pop into Philz Coffee, I see at least one familiar face. A handful of customers are usually clacking away on their computer keyboards or studying for an important exam or presentation. The 2,535-square-foot store is also a space for casual conversations and coffee dates.

The West Coast roaster was founded by Phil Jaber more than 25 years ago. To date, Philz Coffee has more than 55 stores across the country. In Washington, D.C., there is a location in Adams Morgan, The Yards, and Dupont Circle. The store in Bethesda Row, which opened in late 2018, is the company's first location in Maryland.

But that's information you can find online. I wanted to learn more about Philz Coffee, so I spoke with a few of the baristas.

Here are five fun facts about Philz Coffee:

1. Coffee, rose water, and the comforts of home: The java chain recently came out with the Iced Coffee Rosé — which was inspired by Phil's son, Jacob. When he was younger, his mother used to infuse coffees and teas with rose water. The Iced Coffee Rosé drink will now be a permanent item on the menu.
2. Philz Way or Jacob's Way: Phil and Jacob are particular about the way their coffee is made. If you want your drink the way Phil likes it, order it "Philz Way" (medium cream, medium sugar). You can also order it "Jacob's Way" (medium cream, medium honey).
3. Secret menu: Philz Coffee actually has a secret menu. Items include Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Oatmeal Cookie.
4. Practice makes perfect: Tesora is the quintessential Philz Coffee blend. It took Phil seven years to perfect it.
5. A new calling: Phil wasn't always in the coffee business. In fact, Philz Coffee grew out of a corner grocery store in San Francisco's Mission District. After creating different coffee blends and selling it in his store, he turned his corner market into a coffee bar. And the rest is history.