First Sip: Coffee and wine in Ferndale
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A look inside Balam Coffee & Wine. Photo: Courtesy of Balam
👋 Joe here, after a trip to Balam Coffee & Wine, a recent addition to Ferndale's coffee scene.
Dig in: Balam opened in March next to its sister restaurant on 9 Mile Road, Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen.
- I visited as part of our First Sip series spotlighting local coffee shops.
What to expect: A variety of traditional and Latin American-inspired coffee drinks, a decent selection of food options and plenty of space to relax.
Yes, but: Some menu items, like the breakfast empanada and cafe de olla, weren't available on my visit.
- I settled for a veggie empanada with broccoli, carrots and cheese ($6) and an iced banana latte with oat milk ($8.40).
The vibe: The cafe has a sandy, earthy feel as soon as you enter. Walls have a stucco-like appearance, with pieces of driftwood and cactuses inside as decorative accents.
- Specialty drinks include flan and churro lattes and the Chocolate Abuelita, made with Mexican hot chocolate and cinnamon.
- The wine menu has a selection of Latin American reds and whites ranging from $9 to $14 per glass.
The verdict: Balam's atmosphere was unique and spacious, with ample outlets and free WiFi for remote work.
- Next time I'll hold out for the breakfast empanada, though.
If you go: 207 E. 9 Mile Road
- 7am-10pm Monday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Sunday