By Emilie Nelson
This past week, I made it my personal mission to find the best matcha spot near campus. After extensive research and a little too much caffeine, I’ve narrowed it down to three establishments that I believe serve the best matcha lattes in town: Berkley’s M.K.T., Café Duro, and Sadelle’s. I consider myself a bit of a matcha snob, so here are my guidelines for a magnificent matcha: a good balance of earthiness to sweetness, a variety of additional flavor options, the perfect shade of green, and a reasonable price tag. Let me tell you why these matchas take the cake!
Berkley’s M.K.T: Starting off strong with a relative newcomer to the Dallas café scene, Berkley’s Market has taken the top spot, serving hands-down my favorite Matcha in the area. They have a large variety of flavors and styles, including a strawberry matcha, which caught my attention. I ordered the strawberry, iced matcha latte, and an iced matcha latte with sugar-free vanilla and oat milk. When I took my first sip, my eyes instantly widened as it was the perfect flavor, color, and temperature. Each matcha, after taxes, was $6.77, which is decently priced considering my add-ons. If you’re looking for a bright café with an open layout to get some work done or chat with friends, while sipping a matcha of course, Berkely’s is the place for you.
Café Duro: This place is an absolute hidden gem. Located in Lower Greenville, Café Duro is a classic European street-style café and wine bar owned by the same restaurant group responsible for hot-spots like Mister Charles and Sister. The ambiance is unmatched, featuring an Italian espresso counter, standing bar tops, and a covered patio. While the menu is ever-changing, I truly adore the matcha selection and unique range of seasonal drinks. I ordered the pumpkin-chai matcha latte, which had cinnamon sprinkled on top. It was a mixture of flavors I never imagined in a matcha, yet they complemented each other so well. After taxes, my matcha was $7.58, which is definitely on the pricier side, but worth every penny.
Sadelle’s: Sadelle’s in Highland Park Village will always be a staple in the local brunch scene, but did you know about their grab-and-go café? Nestled within the classic and charming ambiance of the main restaurant, the café offers Sadelle’s beloved baked goods, bagels, and beverages without the commitment of full brunch service. The restaurant’s timeless theme reflects perfectly in the decadent yet simple matcha latte they serve. If you do choose to dine-in and are in the mood for a unique and delicious beverage, consider trying their spicy matcha margarita. Sadelle’s matcha costs around $7 to $8, but the enjoyment of taking a stroll around the scenic HP Village while sipping your beverage is priceless. If you’re in the mood for a good, classic matcha, I strongly suggest Sadelle’s!
Now I’m craving another matcha, which one will you try?