To better understand how our specialty drink menu came to life, we sat down with Joanna, co-owner and lead specialty menu developer, to talk through her process in creating our four specialty drinks, the stories behind them, and what inspired them in the first place. Cheers!

Tala Coffee Roasters, in addition to specialty coffee, often hosts a line of cyclists snaking their way through the cafe on weekdays and weekends–opting for more traditional fare like the single shot or Gibraltar. The history between Tala and the cycling community runs deep, extending back to when the Highwood cafe first opened its doors in 2018, and has expanded ever since.

When you walk into Tala, the first thing you notice is the atmosphere: the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the soft hum of conversations, and the comforting hiss of the espresso machine. But there’s another key ingredient to our cafe’s vibe—the music. The playlists you hear are handpicked by our baristas, adding a personal touch to your Tala experience. Ever wonder what they’re queuing up while they’re behind the bar? Let’s dive into our Highwood baristas’ favorite tracks and discover the sounds that fuel their shifts.