Mnemonic Coffee, a new 70s-inspired coffee shop in Bankers Hill is pouring specialty drinks at its first groovy outpost.
The stylish cafe lands on Fifth Avenue after spouses and business partners Sarah Girdzius and
Gia Giambalvo decided to take their coffee careers to the next level.
Mnemonic Coffee, a new ’70s-inspired coffee shop in Bankers Hill is pouring specialty drinks at its first groovy outpost.
The cafe opened at 2604 Fifth Avenue after spouses and business partners Sarah Girdzius and Gia Giambalvo decided to take their coffee careers to the next level.
Both coffee connoisseurs had been working for San Diego coffee companies for years, including James Coffee Co., where the pair met.
When the owners of Parlor on Fifth barbershop approached the duo about taking over the space next door, the idea for Mnemonic Coffee shop was born.
Combining Girdzius’ background in green coffee sourcing and quality-control training and Giambalvo’s cafe management experience, the two established their first permanent location serving specialty coffee from James Coffee Co., herbal teas, and zero proof drinks. They plan on featuring coffee from other companies down the line.
“We both love the bar culture in a way, so we wanted a space that felt very inviting and trying to get people to sit down and enjoy the coffee with us instead of a grab-and-go type feel,” said Girdzius.
Design-wise, the cafe features wood tones with bright colors that lean into a warm and vibrant 1970s basement look with a bar down the middle and tables lined up against the wall.
Coffee specials include the Early Bird with house-made orgeat, cold brew and orange, while non-alcoholic beverages like the RGY (red, green, yellow) mixes rooibos tea with lime syrup and pineapple foam.
Classic teas from Rishi Tea and ceremonial garden direct teas served in a Gaiwan or a traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel are also on the menu.
Learn more at mnemonic.coffee and follow @mnemonic.coffee on Instagram.
Roxana Becerril is a freelance writer.
