From rich, roasted coffee beans to artfully crafted desserts, Goodthing Coffee, a new coffee shop has opened in downtown Palo Alto.
Goodthing opened its second location at 532 Ramona St. in the beginning of November, delivering coffee creations and fluffy pastries to Palo Alto.
The cafe, which moved into the space that previously held Wood Oven Pizza, hosts a modern, clean interior spread across two stories.
On the ground floor, cozy study corners and snug tables make it a popular spot for students and workers alike. The top floor features quaint benches with large glass windows that offer natural light, as well as a clear view of the busy street below.
According to Chef Peter Mon, the location was chosen for its similarity to the first location in Burlingame.
“This place [downtown Palo Alto] has the same vibe as the Burlingame location,” Mon said. “We didn’t have a fully equipped kitchen in Burlingame, so that’s why we opened here.”
Barista Angel Lin said Goodthing offers high quality baked goods and drinks.
“Our desserts and pastries are baked in-house,” Lin said. “The coffee we use is unique, and we put a lot of effort into making them.”
Mon said the cafe uses a reliable, popular matcha source for authenticity.
“Our matcha is from Rocky’s, and its origin is from Japan,” Mon said.
According to Mon, the cafe’s beverages and desserts are influenced by Western and Asian flavors.
“Our coffee shop has Viennese cream top coffee,” Mon said. “Our cakes are very Asian themed and French as well, so that’s really different from other traditional cakes and coffee.”
After a four-minute wait for our drinks, we settled in for an afternoon coffee, and here is what we discovered:
Urban Angel ($9.75) with oat milk ($0.50 extra) – 8/10
Goodthing’s most popular drink, the Urban Angel, is an elevation of the classic matcha latte. The iced creamy oat milk blends smoothly with the earthy matcha, creating a balanced and comforting flavor. It is topped with airy pistachio whipped cream that adds a light sweetness and makes the drink feel extra indulgent without being heavy. Overall, it is a well-balanced drink that we would recommend to those who want a caffeine boost without choosing a traditional coffee.
Pistachio Einspänner ($9.50) with oat milk ($0.50 extra) – 7/10
This beverage is far more exciting than a plain coffee. The rich, roasted espresso pairs well with the creamy oat milk, creating a smooth base that highlights the nutty flavors. It is topped with a sweet pistachio cream and topped with crushed pistachios for an added crunch. Overall, it is a satisfying drink that we would recommend to anyone looking for a more complex coffee experience.
Tiramisu Cheesecake ($12.00) – 7.5/10
This dessert is a fusion of two classics. The bottom layer is a rich, traditional cheesecake—not too dense—with a smooth, slightly tangy flavor and a faint taste of acidic coffee beans. Wrapping the cheesecake is a layer of creamy, airy tiramisu mascarpone that brings a light sweetness. The dusting of cocoa powder adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall depth of the dessert. Overall, it is an indulgent desert that we would recommend to anyone who enjoys trying new and innovative treats.
Goodthing sets itself apart from other cafes through their distinctive fusion flavors, evident in their carefully crafted drinks and intricate desserts. Although the cafe charges premium prices, it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to have an elevated coffee break.
