Follow the Yellow Brick Road for Great Coffee
If you’ve ever wandered down the Yellow Brick Road on a misty morning, you may have noticed a curious little kiosk tucked between a patch of poppies and a field of corn. The locals call it “The Emerald Bean,” and it’s not your average coffee stand. No, this place brews cups so enchanting that even the Scarecrow can keep his thoughts in order—at least until the last sip.
The barista? A cheerful Munchkin with a twinkle in her eye and a knack for latte art that looks suspiciously like flying monkeys. She pulls shots of espresso with the help of a ruby-red lever machine (rumored to be enchanted by Glinda herself), and each drink comes with a dash of sparkle dust that clings to the foam just long enough to make you believe in magic.
The menu is equally whimsical. There’s the “Courage Cappuccino,” guaranteed to put a little roar in your morning. The “Tin Macchiato” comes with a drizzle of molten caramel that warms even the coldest heart. And if you’re feeling especially daring, you might order the “Wicked Brew,” a dark roast so strong it could melt a witch—or at least power a whole brigade of Winkie guards through an all-night shift.
Regulars include Toto, who laps up a saucer of “Pup-kin Spice,” and the Cowardly Lion, who sheepishly admits he can’t start his day without a double shot. The place has become such a gathering spot that even the Wizard sneaks out from behind his curtain now and then for a flat white, mumbling something about how the steam helps his dramatic entrances.
Of course, every great coffee stand has its own story. This one began when the Munchkin barista grew tired of working in the Emerald City’s overly polished cafés and decided to strike out on her own. With a patch of land, a secondhand espresso machine, and a pinch of fairy dust, she created a place where anyone—from farmers to witches—could share a table, a laugh, and a caffeine kick.
And while you may not stumble across The Emerald Bean unless you’ve got a pair of ruby slippers handy, there’s a place in the real world that captures a similar magic: Madres Espresso in Olympia. Quirky, welcoming, and filled with heart, it’s the kind of stand where coffee feels less like a routine and more like a small adventure—no yellow brick road required.
