Eats Tip: Hartman’s Coffee Shop, Clark Fork, Idaho
Avocado Toast and Peaceful Vibes on the Way to a Hike
Is there a better breakfast treat than avocado toast? A buttery goodness that might actually lower bad cholesterol: count me in.
The problem at most breakfast places I’ve been to out here in Northern Idaho is that they pollute its simple goodness. The correct recipe is fresh avocado, a little olive oil, and a touch of salt, spread on toasted sourdough bread. Mmm. Mmm. Good.
Head to Sandpoint, the closest “city” to me (population about 11,000), order this delicacy, and you’ll often find the savory green fruit buried under a pile of shaved vegetables—radish, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber—and those grassy sprouts that inevitably get stuck in your teeth. I’m a fan of those toppings in general, just not piled on my avocado toast. The worst part is, I’m 100% certain they only add the salad to justify charging $16. Add the requisite cappuccino plus tip, and you’re out nearly $30.
I might as well go for a full brunch instead.
Thank goodness Hartman Coffee opened in my hometown of Clark Fork this past May. They do avocado toast the right way, and it costs a mere $5.
The café owners describe it as “Small town coffee, big mountain views. Serving handcrafted coffee, good conversation, and a little peace.”
When Ken and I stopped in this past week, we settled into a big, cushy couch, sipped lattes, and talked over our planned hike of Scotchman’s Peak while the cool mountain vibes of Buffalo Traffic Jam played in the background. It felt like the perfect pit stop—back-country cool—before or after any of the gorgeous trails nearby: Alpine Lake, Delyle Ridge, or Scotchman’s itself.
Aside from the best avocado toast around, they offer scones, muffins, cakes, cookies, and even breakfast burritos, plus all the fancy hot and cold coffee and tea drinks you’d expect. They even have shaved ice for a hot afternoon.
Hours are 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Easy to find at: 117 W 4th Ave, Clark Fork, ID, United States, 83811
Check it out.