What would Starbucks look like if you injected it with high doses of testosterone, HGH, and alternative rock? It would look like Black Rifle Coffee Company. It’s not technically “near” 30A, as it stands in Niceville across the toll bridge from Destin. But it’s so unique in the area, I had to write a review.
Wait. Where’s Niceville?
What possible reason could you have for visiting Niceville during your vacation to South Walton? Virtually none. If you’re former military or hopped up on 80s action movies, though, this is the place for you.
The walls are decorated in photos of special forces units, American flags, helicopters, dark wood grains, and masculine finishes. Some of the coffee bags for sale have skull designs, while others have shields and eagles, and still others have kettlebells.
I’m sitting on a comfy brown leather chair with an animal skin rug and dark grain coffee table between me and a dark brown sofa. The floors are stained concrete, the front display windows are lined with long tables and low backed stools.
I look up to take in the vibe of the customers in line. Young man with rugged olive colored backpack, three young men with the exact same haircut super short up to the top and hair top (military?), One woman who looks like a soccer mom, and one older guy who looks like he either drives a tractor or works as a janitor at the local high school. In the corner sits a buff young man in workout clothes. In general, the vibe says “We’re not trying to start a war, but we’ll sure finish one.”
One guy pulls up his sleeve to show off the new “1981” tattoo he recently added, running vertically down his right tricep. Definitely NOT the year he was born. This guy looks to be 22 at best. For a few minutes I wondered how the branding of this coffee shop somehow draws such a particular type of customer, and then it hit me:
This coffee shop is located 11 minutes away from Elgin Air Force Base. These young men aren’t just aspirational militia. They actually WORK for the military.
I guess that explains why after two hours here, 8 out of every 10 men walking through that door are fit and trim.
On to the Menu
Now that we’ve solved THAT mystery, what about the coffee?
On my visit, I first ordered an Americano – my go to drink. And I brought my own stevia powder, as one does. I’m pretty particular about my stevia (I don’t want it cut with other sweeteners or mixed with glycerine like a tincture.
The flavor was weak to non-existent, but not unpleasant. I’m so picky about my coffee flavor that I am annoyed by 85% of all coffee shops everywhere. I don’t like burnt flavor or unsweet caramel aftertaste, which covers almost everyone everywhere.
The two most popular food items on the menu are the breakfast burrito and the sausage egg waffle sandwich. The burrito is a little spicy and the waffle sandwich is a little sweet.
Is it worth the drive from Santa Rosa Beach to Niceville? Not at all. But if you happen to be visiting someone in Niceville or taking in a tour of the Air Force museum, do stop by and check it out.
