One "Bad Ass Coffee Co."

Hi, I'm Phillip Deems, coffee correspondent and I am on the search for the 'Perfect Cup Of Joe'.


Sometimes you just feel like being bad or a "Bad Ass" as in Bad Ass Coffee Co. That is just what I did today on my search for the perfect cup of coffee. Now, I visited based on a request from a friend that I work with...this friend seemed to be much more schooled in Coffee than me, so I naturally took him up on his suggestion and drove all the way out to I-Drive in Orlando, Florida. (Thanks Mike).

Since I am truly a bad boy from the Northside, I tried to get in the spirit of things, threw on my black leather, threw on the shades, exposed the tattoo and chest hair, then got on my hawg and peeled out of the driveway. Wait...sorry, let me clarify by being honest, because there are some holes in the statement above...namely the chest hair. (Scratch this paragraph)

Correction: Since I am no bad boy, I tried to get in the spirit of things, threw on my jeans and sandals, unbuttoned my top button of my polo shirt, put on my dollar store sunglasses and backed out of the drive way in my wife's Chrysler Crossfire. (okay, my karma is still intact, but the visuals are true...see the attached picture)

Although us locals of O-Town despise I-Drive, I took the trek anyway. After creeping through the out of town drivers, I pulled up to Bad Ass Coffee Co. Right away you can tell that this is a franchise based on the 'Marketing Engine' that was running the place. Huge "Bad Ass" logo (disclaimer: I will use that term frequently throughout this piece because it is fun to say) on the front of the 18 foot draped awning, "Bad Ass" T-shirts with Donkeys on them with cute sayings like "I Love My Bad Ass Attitude", theme park style volcanoes, palm trees and beaches painted on the walls, sculptured surfers etc...I expected this based on location, so I was not surprised by the Hawaiian decor. (Kona is the coffee served)

As I walked through the door, the wonderful smell of coffee beans slapped me in the face. Good Start! I went to order a standard cup of coffee, 100% Kona, I was told that they were out of that kind because they only brew the Kona once a day and that I would have to get a cup of a blend. So, I spent the next couple of minutes making sure that I picked a coffee that was representative of the brand. I can't judge Bad Ass Coffee Co. unless I drink a cup that reflects the franchise. I chose a "Bad Ass" American blend and whipped out the credit card for the $2 and change cup of coffee and was politely asked if I had any cash because they did not like to take credit cards for orders under $5. Okay, not such a Good Start! Being the Marketing and Advertising guy that I am, I got it! So, the nice person behind the counter up sold me a bag of "Full City Roast". (Call me a sucker, but I had no cash...nice job getting more money out of me)

I sat down as I started taking in the "Bad Ass Merchandise" and took my first sip. Not Bad! Although the place is definitely made for tourists, I was pleasantly surprised at the obvious focus on quality coffee product. It was strong, but smooth and without the bitter taste of a burnt pot. (Sorry, sometimes that happens with my coffee at the house) The next few sips got better and better as my mouth got used to the mixed blend that I was served. As I finished the cup, I was satisfied and pleased that I was up sold in the first place. I see a home brew of "Bad Ass, Full City Roast" in my future.

Here is the question..."Is it the Perfect Cup Of Joe?". That is left to be seen and will be answered as I partake in future journeys. I can say this...if there was one close to my house, I would come back again.

Atmosphere: Nice, but touristy.
Price: 12 oz - 1.95 + tax which is competitive for standard cups.
Specialty drinks range from $2.95 to $5.95
Bags of coffee range from $11.95 to $23.95