In 1999 a small, drive-through Dairy Queen was transformed into Squeeze & Grind. In 2011, husband-and-wife team Jeramy and Marci Wilcox purchased the business. The mainstays of the menu are coffee and espresso beverages, fresh pastries from Marsee Baking in Portland, and real fruit smoothies. The coffeehouse keeps early hours for the commuting crowd and a drive-up window for on-the-go service, in addition to a petite indoor seating area.
What I tried: I decided on a London Fog (Earl Grey tea with milk and honey) and a slice of gingerbread loaf. My dining companion had a Mango Madness fresh fruit smoothie.
I was going to have a simple tea but tried the London Fog at the recommendation of the server. I was glad I did, because it was very tasty and satisfying. I always appreciate when someone isn’t afraid to suggest something different if they sense that I’m not completely set on my selection. The gingerbread loaf, topped with a slight amount of icing and a sprinkling of candied gingerroot, was delicious! It was perfectly moist, not too sweet, it had a nice balance of ginger flavor, and the candied gingerroot added some festive panache. If I lived in Camas, it would definitely be a holiday habit for me.
My dining companion found the mango smoothie full of genuine mango flavor (and bits), refreshing, and blended just the right amount to sip through a straw but not too runny.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: A variety of Tazo brand teas are available. Pastries generally include donuts, bagels, Danishes, scones, loaf breads, muffins, and cookies.
Espresso beverages include the usual, and are all available in hot or cold versions. Smoothie flavors cover a wide range of fruit such as blueberry, strawberry, cranberry, lime, and pineapple. There is also a peanut butter smoothie. Protein boosters may be added to the drinks.
Atmosphere: With sitting room for about eight people, the space is cozy. A contemporary décor painted in dark purple and taupe with accents of black offsets the light variegated stone-colored, ceramic tile flooring, giving the coffee shop a comfortable vibe. A bookcase displaying mugs, handmade jewelry, and a few seasonal items for sale, along with a seating arrangement of soft upholstered chairs and ottomans, add a touch of hominess. During my visit, a Christmas tree and stockings added a touch of country charm as well. Baked goods are showcased at the ordering counter, and an attractive menu board is posted above.
Other observations: Service was fast and friendly. Gift cards are available. Squeeze & Grind has 96-ounce coffee boxes to go. There are a few gluten-free snacks.
Cost: Espresso beverages come in 8-ounce, 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 20-ounce sizes and cost from $1 to $4.45. Flavor shots, soy, and almond milk options are a few cents more. Smoothies come in 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes and cost $4 (protein boosters are an extra .50 each). Coffee boxes are either $15.95 with cups, cream, and sugar, or $12 for just coffee. Pastries are $1 to $2.25.
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: 537 N.E. Cedar St., Camas.
Telephone: 360-833-2404. Facebook is another source of information on Squeeze & Grind.
Health score: Squeeze & Grind received a score of 5 on Oct. 6. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
