Up until today, I had pretty much despaired of ever finding a decent cafe in Fresno. It's pretty much all Starbucks all the time here, and even the independent shops are all mediocre at best.

However, today a new cafe called Iron Bird opened in downtown. It's in a building with a bunch of newly constructed, hip lofts with ultra-modern styling. The cafe itself follows the modern aesthetic, complete with lots of polished concrete, granite and stainless steel. The exterior also features some interesting sculptures of gargoyles and lions. Very hip and modern, especially for Fresno, which is normally pretty conservative.

Parking on the street is a bit of a crapshoot, but I didn't have any trouble finding a spot today.

Inside, they're serving coffee from Barefoot Coffee Roasters. I believe they're using The Boss espresso blend right now to pull shots. Their machine is a three group Linea, and they have two Mazzer grinders (Super Jollies I think). The barista was friendly and pulled me a decent double shot, pulled somewhat ristretto. It was a bit light colored and not quite as heavy and rich as I like, but still sweet and very drinkable. I haven't tried their cappuccinos yet, but I'm definitely encouraged. They also have a full lunch menu, so I'll be going back soon to have lunch and some more espresso drinks.

Anyway, if you're in the neighborhood, you should give the new place a try. I'm hoping they'll get enough business to stay around for a long time, although I've seen so many places come and go in downtown Fresno that I'm not too optimistic.

Im lucky that barefoot is down the street from my work and a short drive from home for me. I've been using their espresso, specifically the Element roast. I think its a bit sweet for my taste. Once Im depleted I'll try out the Boss.

That's great news for coffee fans in the San Joaquin Valley, and from my experience in San Jose at coffee shops that pull Barefoot, it looks like Barefoot is pretty involved with the cafes and making sure that they are properly trained to properly represent their product..

from my experience in San Jose at coffee shops that pull Barefoot, it looks like Barefoot is pretty involved with the cafes and making sure that they are properly trained to properly represent their product..

Yes, it looked like the barista had been trained in the "correct" way to pull a shot, Barefoot style. She thwacked the doser while grinding, and rotated the PF in the fork as she dispensed the grounds. She seemed to be watching the shot closely as it pulled, but I couldn't see very well whether she cut it off when it started to blond. When I asked for a double, she explained that they always do double shots and asked if that was OK. I assured her it was. The shot itself was pulled a ristretto, probably 1.5 ounces, in a proper 3 ounce demitasse. Color was a bit light, and the flavor lacked some of the complexity and body that I've gotten with that blend in the past. By contrast, I've had shots pulled at Barefoot's cafe in Santa Clara that were much darker and thicker, with lots of complex layers of flavor. But still, it was very drinkable and about 100 times better than what I've gotten from other shops in Fresno, so I'm very encouraged.

Next, I'll have to see if they can do proper microfoam and maybe even latte art. If they can make a good cappuccino, I'll be in heaven.

Hi and thanks for the info...I live near Modesto and often am tearing down 99 in early am toward so. cal. and Fresno is a good place to stop for a little boost...can u give me the address ?? thanks

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=1915+Fulton+St.%2C+Fresno%2C+CA+93721

1915 Fulton Street, Fresno. Look for the modern loft building with the weird gargoyle statues on the roof.

Here's a link to their Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-CA/The-Iron-Bird-Cafe/182794029918

That's great news. I have a bunch of family in Fresno and go there on occasion. Based on previous trips I had despaired of even finding good drip coffee, much less espresso.

Yes, it's been a coffee wasteland up until now. I'm still in shock that someone actually decided to open a good shop and do it right. I just hope they do well and stick around for a long time. I'm certainly going to do my part and try to patronize them often. In fact, I plan to go there today for lunch and a cappuccino.

Hey Eli!
Thanks for the 'heads up' regarding The Ironbird Cafe! I finally got up to Fresno yesterday, and I'm heading back there this morning (trying to get ready for the surgery). It was great to order a ristretto and expect to get one . Rene and Star both seemed to understand what they were doing and seemed to enjoy doing it as well. And, the espresso was enjoyable. Not outstanding yet, but they are on their way. They've only been open a month, both ladies seem eager to serve a quality shot so...
We'll have to wait until I heal up before we can reschedule our espresso 'tasting/marathon'.