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Octane
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 11 pm
Fri 7 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
232 reviews for Octane
Review Highlights
"They brew every cup fresh to order in a french press."
(in 30 reviews)
"Free wi-fi, good coffee, wonderful beer selection."
(in 13 reviews)
"I'm from originally from NC and love counter culture."
(in 12 reviews)
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232 reviews in English
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Review from Thao L.
Atlanta, GA
10/8/2011 ROTD 11/17/2011
King of Pops Strawberry Limeade Popsicle in my mouth....I swished it around and thought to myself, holy shit there is a Hot Vanilla Chai Latte in my right hand. I'm eating a Popsicle and drinking Chai. Words spewing out without a filter. Laughter and cries of more and less, "WTF, is wrong with me?"
Intervention was made. The Baristas were friendly, very accommodating on a busy Friday night. They made eye contact, they made yummy caffeinated alcoholic drinks to start our night. Thievery Corporation was on heavy rotation. The night was young.
We've returned since this review has been sitting in my queue. Octane is perfect for introspection and late-night discussions. I don't know about studying because the people here are too interesting, and too sexy.
Service is stellar. Scene is warm and welcoming. Music is top-notch. -
Review from Mary-Nevin H.
Atlanta, GA
2/3/2012
The coffee is good, but the atmosphere behind the bar is not. I get annoyed enough when I have to refer to a bartender as a mixologist but trust me I was a coffee maid for many a year in all types of places, so I have a very low tolerance for the weird caste system baristas at certain coffeeshops tend to have. I know its a fun job with a sense of community, but cool it on the overly vocal talk of the latest show you saw at eyedrum gallery. It's like a Portlandia skit in real life...
Anyways, that being said, the coffee is from counter culture which is a plus but as with local products its a little expensive. I'm good paying higher dollar for locally roasted coffee and all, but octane tends to give you a kid size instead of an actual small. I know organic milk is more expensive(which the last few times I've been there they haven't been using) but the markup is a little much.
Each location has a good amount of space, but I prefer the West Midtown location. It's definitely trendy\hipster, but if that's your crowd then awesome, just be warned. Beyond that, they have a solid bar and a fair showing of baked goods, other fun facets. It's definitely a good place to go to meet people but for me isn' t the best location to get a quiet corner and study\get work done.
I like Octane, its number 4 on my top 5 coffee shops but I would recommend this as a place to meet after dinner or a place to meet a friend for an hourish. If you're looking for a place to settle in and spend the afternoon, look elsewhere. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Long Beach, CA
I love the space and atmosphere of this place. I love me some {MOCHA} a little bit of chocolate and coffee makes my heart happy. I came here on a late night with some friends, octane is great, for studying of if you are trying to catch up with some friends you haven't seen in a while. I haven't tried the food yet but I will be sure to next time.
my {MOCHA} http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Kristen N.
Atlanta, GA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came to Octane for the first time yesterday. People have been telling me how amazing this place is, so I had to see for myself. I ordered a soy mocha, PB&J granola parfait, and a blueberry muffin. Yeah, I was hungry. While ordering, I noticed the health rating was 84. I don't know what that's about, but everything seemed pretty clean. Might want to work on that though. I was immediately given my food and then my coffee came out a couple of minutes later. The coffee and the parfait were pretty amazing. As usual, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, so I took the muffin to go for later.
Octane is spacious with plenty of tables and chairs for sitting. The tables are big enough to sprawl out your things, unlike other coffee shops where the tables are minute. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be coming back, and next time for a cocktail. -
Review from Cove C.
Atlanta, GA
2/4/2012
Best coffee in the city. The staff is awesome. Go get high on life.
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Review from Alex L.
Naperville, IL
1/2/2012
Had their hummus sandwich and hot chocolate.
Hummus sandwich was a bit of a let down. I originally wanted hummus and pita, though they were out by the time I got there. For some reason the sandwich didn't taste like what was in the ingredients. It tasted like gari more than anything. Good thing I could wash that down with hot chocolate.
The hot chocolate isn't anything to rave about. It definitely tastes better than the powdered stuff you can make yourself, but it's definitely overpriced IMHO. The quality was just alright.
I did enjoy the decor and it was a great place for a catch-up conversation with a good friend I haven't seen in a long time. I'll give this place a second try next time I'm in town. -
Review from Davin D.
12/14/2011
I have to admit, I am a coffee snob and I always walk into a coffee joint expecting a mediocre experience, but Octane delivered near zero disappointment. Here are the reasons:
1. The person taking my order treated me like a human being. He made eye-contact, smiled, answered my questions with honesty, and gave me the impression that he was there to insure that I had the best experience at Octane. He seemed more like a concierge than a barista.
2. The atmosphere is great. Octane has a homey industrial feeling with all types of seating, couches, small tables, comfy chairs, large meeting tables, and a bar to sit at also.
3. The coffee and food was top notch. They serve their coffee in french presses and the hummus cheddar sandwich I had was fresh and wonderful.
I am taking off one star because I wish they had a better tea selection. -
Review from Mimi C.
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars
Atlanta's not known for their coffee but Octane roasts and brews a good decent cup of joe. It's got a very dark geeky type vibe in here where almost everyone owns a supped up laptop and some witty gray t-shirt. They serve alcohol too (though not sure when). Atlanta (and possibly other eastern cities) .. do not allow alcohol to be sold on Sundays. Oh those conservatives...
As for coffees --- we (actually my friend & husband... I just sipped) had the Guatemalan coffee -- it tasted perfectly okay to me (being an ignorant coffee drinker) but the husband who likes socially drinking coffee says it's okay. He's lucky to have tasted so many different coffees in so many different parts of the world (I travel quite a lot) and nothing about this coffee was that memorable.
Octane didn't have a lot of pastries when we were there .. granted it was a Saturday morning. Which turned out well for us because Sublime Doughnuts was only .3 miles away. *their pastries are from Holeman & Finch & Sublime .. for Sublime doughnuts they cost $0.50 more @ Octane.
**park on the nearby streets if you can snag an elusive open spot! -
Review from andrew a.
Atlanta, GA
12/5/2011
Overall: Love the selection and atmosphere. Will definitely return and recommend to others. Bit pricey for a coffee shop and lack of parking makes it a bit more difficult.
Food: It's a coffee shop. Had a cup of black coffee with a Sublime Orange Dream Star doughnut. Also had yogurt and granola. Everything was delicious and highly recommend each one. Also in the summer time, they have King of Pops which is awesome! Love the selection of this place.
Service: People are extremely helpful and polite. Enough said.
Atmosphere: Busy with lots of people with computers studying, facebooking, or whatever else you can imagine. Lively place and fun to people watch.
Parking: Limited parking in front of the building. There is street parking available as well but it's a bit of a fight to find a spot. -
Review from Ben E.
Atlanta, GA
11/1/2011
A cafe and bar run by folks who care about coffee and booze and aren't snotty about either. Sits in the ranks of the best coffee shops in the country for its unpretentiousness and commitment to high quality drinkies, inky cremas, and artistic foam.
The space caters to students and wonky habitues of west midtown - if Rivers Cuomo is looking for 20 twins, he'd surely find them here - but is more likely a daily respite for future entrepreneurs and authors than mindless surfers. Walking in without a laptop would be far more uncouth than walking in without skinny jeans and a skanky beard.
Tasty snacks; a more diverse selection of goodies would bump the joint up to Trente status. -
Review from SC S.
Atlanta, GA
12/29/2011
Overall, Octane is great, but I do have some suggestions in case someone from management ever reads these reviews:
(1) turn the music down during the day--I realize that this place is somewhere between a coffee shop and a bar, but its probably best to keep the music low before 7 or 8. That way those who came to work, can.
(2) The cheapest coffee you offer costs about $3--that's too much for coffee. I understand that you get the whole French Press, but I can't drink all the coffee in an entire French press, and it's cold after about 30 mins anyway, so...yeah, charge less, give less. -
Review from Nikolai C.
Atlanta, GA
10/7/2011
This is a fantastic coffee shop. Unfortunately, it's out of my way based upon where I live so I'm unsure how often I'll visit. Fantastic iced chai is the way to my heart and this place makes a great one.
For doing work or relaxing, this is a pretty cool and industrial looking space. Getting a seat is pretty tough as a lot of students and professionals will be there when you arrive. They used old lab tables for sitting spaces. Very cool. If you're feeling naughty, you can even buy a King of Pops popsicle. The staff were friendly and quick on the orders. This is definitely a great alternative to the might Starbucks. Their coffee is fresh made on a French press. That's impressive.
Parking is pretty tight so you'll probably have to park on the street and walk there. -
Review from Alyssa J.
Alpharetta, GA
12/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as service!! Calm environment where one can either do work or hang out with friends.
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Review from Jen C.
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hip coffee house with contemporary décor and exposed brick walls filled where just about every patron is behind a computer screen and coffee only served via French press. French press is obvi an art, so preparation can take longer than the average Starbucks wait. There is a chalkboard near the register which lists the beans of the day. Guatamala was okay, but I might go with something different next time...maybe an Indonesian or South African bean? Come here if you are feeling a particular coffee bean/region and want it well prepared.
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Review from Addy C.
8/9/2011
Not just great coffee but Sublime Doughnuts and a freezer stocked with King of Pops, too! And as my co-worker said, the perfect remote office :) I love the vibe here.
FYI - if the parking lot is full, street parking is available next to Nouvelle.Listed in: Coffee / Tea in Atlanta
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Review from Brian K.
8/28/2011
I'm going to preface this review by stating that I took a wrong turn en route to Octane for the first time, which subsequently resulted in an unsolicited, and seemingly horrifying, tour of the sights and scenes of Bankhead. Accordingly, my mindset during the visit to Octane may have been slightly biased as a result of the aforementioned psychological trauma.
Coffee: In my never ceasing attempt to find a coffee shop in Atlanta that serves both stellar java and desserts, I ventured to Octane; unfortunately, the quest continues. Octane certainly serves up a decent variety of high quality drink options, not the least of which is their french pressed coffee served on its own wood serving tray. However, the desserts leave much to be desired. Upon entry, I was initially thrilled to see that they serve both Sublime doughnuts and King of Pops popsicles; a seemingly fortuitous sign. Sadly, the selection was limited and the offerings were lacking in freshness. I ultimately ended up with a cream cheese danish, which did little to satiate my appetite.
Service: The service was friendly, but slower than most other coffee shops I've encountered; I imagine this is likely due to the fact that all coffees are French Pressed to order.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Octane is welcoming and the clientele is eclectic; however, during my first visit, it became excruciatingly apparent that the vast majority of patrons come here to do work (Wi-Fi is free), not socialize. Upon entry, I was immediately blinded by a sea of laptops; the place was nearly at 100% capacity and 90% of the patrons were silently typing away. My dining partner and I were almost reluctant to stay, as any conversation we had was unintentionally broadcast across the silence.
Cost: Comparable to most other coffee shops. A regular coffee will run you $2.25 and most specialty drinks are around the order of $2 to $4. Sublime doughnuts are $2 and sandwiches and salads are $4 to $6.
Other: The parking situation at Octane can be troublesome, particularly on the weekend evening that I was there. They do have a small private lot out front, but for the most party you will likely have to resort to parking on the street. -
Review from Alex H.
Atlanta, GA
11/13/2011
I love Octane. They have everything I need at a coffee place. Their coffee is the second best tasting (sorry, Dancing Goats is like one notch above), they have a lot of comfy places to sit, they have fast wi-fi, the service is cool, and they're open late. If you go at 9 pm on a Friday night, they're pretty hopping, and there's no annoying person with an accoustic guitar caterwauling for tips or anything like that. They will even give you your own French Press with coffee to refill your mug. They've got the King of Pops posicles that got huge at some point in Atlanta while I was living out of town. I can't remember about the pastries, I guess they have some locally made yogurt, though. Apparently, they serve beer and stuff so I guess that's why they stay open late. Good place, Octane.
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Review from Allene T.
8/29/2011
Atmosphere:
Came here once to do some studying, and I didn't really get anything done. It's better as a hang out place than a study place. There's not really anywhere to sit because the place is always pretty packed. I ended up in a pretty uncomfortable couch made completely out of cardboard.
Drinks:
I had the cappuccino - it was a bit over priced, but fresh and foamy just like I like it.
Devout Octane fans might hate me, but I'd like to say I still prefer Starbucks :( -
Review from Tom C.
8/21/2011
They serve great quality teas. I got a Jasmine Green Tea and I love it!
Good place to think and do work? Not really. The background music they play is loud.
But this would be a good place to hang with friends or catch up with old friend. -
Review from Lady J.
Atlanta, GA
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm only taking off 1 star for the stained chairs and cleanliness, however it's a coffee shop and I've seen worse. I actually had a really cool time here with the hubby. We originally stopped by to have coffee but opted for a glass of wine and a beer. We shared our drinks on the leather love seat and enjoyed the vibe. This is definitely a laid back spot that I will revisit in the future.
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Review from Katrina W.
Atlanta, GA
7/16/2011
I have a bit of a soft spot for Octane because this is where my Atlanta adventure started off - led to me getting the job I have now and living in Atlanta, much happier than being in Chattanooga!
Anyway, I love the lattes here, it was the first time I actually had latte "art" in my drink :)
My husband got an iced coffee and they serve it up in a beer glass, nice and cold! They also have some tasty doughnuts and croissants.
I've yet to go there to try out their beer and cocktails but I did spy some homemade espresso liquor on the wall! Hmmmmm? :)
Love the vibe there and it's really close to work, so I will be visiting often. Parking is pretty bad in the lot, but there's usually plenty of street parking. -
Review from Alex D.
Atlanta, GA
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Coffee shop crowd with $2 beers on thursday
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Review from Jessica A.
Atlanta, GA
7/31/2011
I'm not a coffee-lover (in fact I don't like coffee) AND I'm not a fan of coffee shops, BUT I love this place! It's spacious so if you want to study and spread out (like I love to do), then this is the place. If you want to meet up with a friend and just hang, then this is the place for you! There are long tables and couches to suit whatever event brings you here.
I met some old college friends here and ordered a hot chocolate with caramel - the house has a special caramel recipe. And it is delicious! This is my new favorite coffee shop in Midtown Atlanta. I'll be back... -
Review from Shamir V.
Acworth, GA
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Freaking awesome.
A coffeeshop that's open late, serves beer, pretty fast wifi (even when the place is pretty full), indoor and outdoor seating, couches, lots of bar top space, couple lounge chairs, and a freaking table made out of a tree stump?
Freaking awesome.
Iced Chai Latte is dank.
There's even an outlet outside.
Freaking awesome. -
Review from Elisabeth S.
Marina del Rey, CA
5/22/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The best combination of a coffeehouse serving delicious, strong, and beautified* espressos, with a buzzing work atmosphere, and a cool and slightly artistic ambience (due to foto or other visual art exhibitions on the wonderful red brick walls) I found in the US so far! Even in the European coffeehouse mekka Vienna I have not found a perfect location for me and my laptop so far... (The Octane is far away from a run down student cafe the details of which you'd prefer not to see during day light!)
I also like that they host Pecha Kucha nights, and that Friday nights are laptop free!
My absolutely favorite relaxed work-study coffeeplace!
* artwork in the coffee foam by award winning baristas :-) -
Review from May T.
Atlanta, GA
8/7/2011
After hearing all the good comments, we decided to pay a visit. I got tea and partner got some kind of coffee. We also got hummus and pita bread and a sandwich just for snacks. First of all, I do not like how the food had to come in these plastic bags, it felt wasteful and had no purpose. Hummus in a plastic container in a plastic bag on a plate. Really? It's just a hummus and a few old pita bread.
Also, I do not like how businesses charge you for something so small like water in a cup. The kind of water that you could get for free anywhere else, charged at a dollar. Something for you to learn Octane--charging for a cup of water does not make you so much richer. If you didn't, it will not put you out of business either, in fact, you might have earned me as your regular. You do the math. I know you are here for business, but if you learnt more about your customers, they are here for service and experience too. If you wanted business, please don't appear so desperate. Make some effort to show me you care about my experience rather than trying to make sure you got a dollar out of my pocket for your precious water. I'm not trying to appear stingy with that dollar, but you get what I mean.
As you can see, no matter how good your drinks were nothing mattered here after the ridiculous charge. I thought the drinks were mediocre. -
Review from Sheri C.
Atlanta, GA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best thing about this place... it has plenty of plugs and you can work until your heart is content.
As for the service... it needs a little work. When I walked in the waitress looked sort of spacey. Maybe she was feeling my vibe, since it was my first time being there. Miss excuse me, but I am looking for help ... DUH!
The crowd is inspiring though, I was able to work through mid morning coffee and enjoy my lunch while still working feverishly.
I needed to get out the house and this place did justice and the sandwich was good as well.
I would definitely recommend Octane for business meetings as well. Meeting for the creative types that is. -
Review from Ashvin V.
Atlanta, GA
10/15/2011
decent foods, good drinks, got variety
great study and work environment. plenty of tables and couches.
open later than most coffee shops, since it does double duty as a bar. -
Review from Sam A.
Norcross, GA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wowowow! Visiting Octane redefines espresso. All of their drinks are truly high quality and unparalleled to any nearby offerings. Some of their regular coffee roasts are a bit too exotic for me, but the fact that they french press it to order keeps me intent on finding the right brew for me.
Be sure to try the Americola made at Octane. Espresso + sugar cane Coca-Cola. Yum yum yum!
Also, if you're going to be a regular, make sure you ask for the punch card Octane offers-- even more incentive to go back! -
Review from Tilia M.
9/22/2011
great little place to go for coffee or tea and wi-fi. been here a million times, for meetings and such, and its usually not to crowded, mostly students studying. its right on the corner of marietta; you cant miss it.
the parking's hit or miss though, so, be warned. -
Review from Raj B.
Atlanta, GA
11/7/2011 13 Check-ins Here
By far the best coffeehouse in Atl. Knowledgeable baristas, and almost always delicious espresso bar beverages. I also enjoy having a french press made to order, and for later in the evening, they have a (small) but excellent beer selection. Friendly clientele, and while many, myself included, can be found perched behind their laptops - folks tend to be pretty friendly.
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Review from Ginger W.
Atlanta, GA
5/27/2011
Product is great. Parking is just ok.
Weirdest thing is that when you walk in everyone with a laptop stares at you!!!! -
Review from Rick A.
Atlanta, GA
7/21/2011
Great coffee, nice atmosphere with plenty of outlets. Food is average.
No Air Conditioning tonight. Melting away, not sure if I'll finish this sen -
Review from Lucas D.
Atlanta, GA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simply coffee done right, by a folks who take pride in what they do
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Review from Maria A.
Miami, FL
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mac-loving youngsters meet Southern Hospitality over caffeine, baked goods, and free wi-fi, throw in an artsy vibe and we're talking Octane. For those of us in "interesting" "lifestyle" jobs this is the kind of place we dream of; consider it a hub of buzz builders.
The moment I stepped in I knew I liked the ambiance and aesthetic.
The minute the girl at the counter smiled hello I knew they had friendly, accommodating service.
The first bite into my pastry told me I'd gain lbs just hanging out here as even the air must be saturated with delicious calories.
The deal was sealed when they made that lovely heart in my hot chocolate. -
Review from Cara B.
Atlanta, GA
3/11/2011
I'm from originally from NC and love counter culture. I was thrilled to find out there are companies brewing their coffee in Atlanta!
Octane cares about the coffee they make. It's a science and more importantly an art. Espresso drinks or french press, either way the coffee is always the delicious. If I am in the mood for sweet, I particularly like their vanilla latte. They make their own syrup in house, so it doesn't have the artificial flavor that often comes with flavored coffees. The espresso drinks are particularly fun because they are always beautifully presented. They also serve wine and beer, but to be honest I never think about Octane for anything other than coffee!
The atmosphere is industrial, artsy, and hip. They have small tables, larger tables that look like old science lab benches, and a few comfy couches. Sometimes the music can be a bit loud if you are there to work on something where focus is necessary. I've probably only had this problem once in the many many times I've been here though, so I like to think of that experience as a fluke.Listed in: Westside
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Review from Ken T.
3/16/2011 17 Check-ins Here
I am tiredz. I needz coffee. I go Octane.
How I feel like when I'm not super charged with caffeine to take on the day. Thankfully, Octane saves me for being walking distance and easy on the wallet.
No lie, I definitely had a dream about this place. I was eating at another restaurant/cafe (Can't say, just like You-Know-Who), and wanted dessert and coffee. They told me it would take 30 mins as they'd have to walk over to Octane to get me some.
Hrmm, O RLY? -
Review from Angela M.
3/11/2011
Delicious hot chocolate, beautifully presented with foam and design on top. I was surprised that it was in a glass, but it allowed you to see the richness of the layers. It's been a while (since I haven't regularly consumed caffeine in 6 years) but I recall that their chai latte is amazingly delicious. I was there at 7 on a Thursday night, and it seemed fairly busy, but it really started to pick up at I was leaving at 8:15. I was meeting one of my Tech proteges who ordered tea, which was presented on a tray with its own pot, cup, and mini pitcher of milk.
Why wasn't this here when I was a Tech student?!
#Yelp365 - 70/365 -
Review from Cindy W.
Atlanta, GA
Updated - 2/13/2011
I've gone a few more times since my last review....and I have to admit, going to Octane is some slow loving; it takes some time to foster love out of me!
I was actually meeting the founder of Malaria Networks (http://www.malarianetw...) to discuss some rather serious business...malaria outbreaks, Guinea Worm eradication...and what we can do.
For this particular occasion I ordered the same deliciously smooth and mellow Ethiopian Yirgachaffe french press...and I forgot to mention in my last review that a french press is HUGE, easily 2 cups of coffee, and in my case, 3 because I put so much cream and sugar in my coffee (yeah, I'm one of those. Don't hate.)
Octane has half and half, and 3 types of sugar- regular refined, sweet-n-low, and raw sugar cane crystals (yum, try it for a hint of molasses).
The music was tolerable this time, but it was still a little too loud for me, and it was awkward because we took turns leaning over to get our words heard. I had also gone in the evening and one thing I noticed was that it was extremely dark- I had to squint a little and try very hard not to fall asleep. Going to Octane at night is hardly conducive to learning, so I suggest go during the day.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2011
Every now and then a friend and I are due for coffee dates. After many compliments (and a scalding… Read more »
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Review from Onle G.
St Augustine, FL
8/17/2011
best place to have a conversation you've been waiting to have for 2 yrs... and each cup of java is served in its own french press... don't make me use profanity!
shh, they also sell crafty brews.
