Introducing: Abby at the Coeur d’Alene cafe
Abby has been with our Coeur d’Alene cafe for two and a half years, and she brings an easy, genuine warmth that people notice right away. She grew up in North Idaho, so caring for this community comes naturally to her. When she is not behind the bar, she is usually at church, out with her family, or settling into newly married life after her wedding this past summer.
She has played the violin for fifteen years, loves skiing and reading, and is always up for a beachside camping trip when the weather is kind. All of those pieces of her life come through in the calm, cheerful presence she brings to the cafe every single day.
The craft: What’s your favorite drink to make, and why?
“A ‘for here’ cortado. It’s fun trying different art styles in such a small glass,” Abby says. “It’s the most challenging yet rewarding drink to make.”
For her, the cortado is more than just espresso and milk; it’s a tiny blank canvas. The small glass leaves very little room for error, which makes every pour feel like a delicate little performance. When she nails it, the result feels just right: balanced, smooth, and full of character.
The reality: What’s one thing most people don’t realize about being a barista?
Behind the counter, the work can feel routine but it is far from boring. Every shift brings its own little surprises, like a new regular, a familiar face trying something different, or a fun moment of connection over a shared love of coffee.
“There are so many repetitive tasks, mainly cleaning,” Abby laughs. “Yet every day brings a different interaction and opportunities to make good coffee for new people, and that makes it worth it.”
Those small interactions are what keep the day interesting and remind Abby why she loves this job.
The journey: How did you get into coffee in the first place?
For Abby, coffee has always felt like a mix of curiosity and community.
“Evans Brothers was the first ‘real’ coffee shop I ever went to,” Abby recalls. “I stopped in on my 14th birthday and thought everything was so cool. I’d always wanted to learn about coffee and loved downtown CDA, so working here made sense.”
The idea of learning the craft while being part of the downtown Coeur d’Alene vibe was impossible for Abby to resist. Joining the team turned a teenage fascination with coffee into a career she loves and a place where she could grow her skills every day.
The taste: What’s your go-to coffee order when you’re off the clock?
Abby loves exploring new flavors and finding little surprises in every cup. Even when she is off the clock, coffee is a chance to get creative and share something special with the people around her.
“Usually my favorite drink is a 12oz iced maple cinnamon latte with oat milk, but I’m always excited to try seasonal drinks and experiment with different flavors,” Abby says. “I make a lot of coffee at home for my family and friends, so really anything’s on the table.”
The heart: How would you describe the vibe or community at Evans Brothers?
For Abby, the cafe feels like a place where curiosity is welcomed and kindness is the norm.
“You can actually learn about coffee here. It doesn’t matter if you have never even had coffee, you can ask us about anything without being embarrassed,” Abby adorns. “I have learned so much by just asking questions because everyone here is so supportive and helpful.”
The staff encourages each other, the customers ask great questions, and no one needs to pretend they know more than they do. It is a community built on support, patience, and a genuine love for sharing good coffee.
Brewing connection, one cup at a time
Abby brings a bright, easy warmth to the Coeur d’Alene cafe, the kind that makes people relax the second they step inside. She laughs with regulars, remembers tiny details about their lives, and somehow keeps the whole bar feeling calm even on the busiest mornings. It’s clear she loves what she does, and that love shows up in every drink she makes.
With each shift, Abby helps turn the cafe into a place where people feel seen and welcome, one simple, meaningful moment at a time.
Written by Allie Drinkward