Shannon and Jenni Neffendorf are names synonymous with the rise of specialty coffee in Dallas. Over a decade ago, long before Instagrammable cafes and trendy lattes became the norm, this couple began cultivating a true coffee culture in the city. Driven by a passion for bringing exceptional coffee to Dallas, they started roasting beans at home, laying the foundation for what would become Davis Street Espresso.
Shannon’s inspiration sparked during business trips to Milan. In a previous interview, he recounted being impressed by the superior coffee quality and the vibrant neighborhood coffee shop culture he experienced in Italy. Returning to Dallas in the 2010s, he noticed a significant gap in the market for high-quality coffee. This realization fueled his ambition to introduce authentic Italian espresso culture to Big D, and thus, Davis Street Espresso was conceived.
Image: The welcoming entryway of Davis Street Espresso in Dallas, featuring reclaimed wood and blue accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers.
Their journey began with Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters in 2008, operating out of their garage. By 2010, they acquired a 6,500-square-foot former auto shop, envisioning its transformation into a dedicated cafe space. This location had a rich history, previously serving as McDowell Grocery and Market, Davis Street Hardware and Plumbing, and Torres Auto Body until the 1960s. After extensive renovations and a commitment to their vision, Davis Street Espresso finally opened its doors in the fall of 2013.
The modern industrial design of the coffee shop is a complete departure from its previous utilitarian life. The interior is thoughtfully designed with inviting seating and warm, reclaimed wood, creating a comfortable and stylish environment. Outside, a charming patio area, complete with a repurposed Airstream trailer, has replaced what was once a neglected alleyway, offering a unique outdoor coffee experience.
Image: The inviting patio at Davis Street Espresso, showcasing the transformation of a barren alleyway into a vibrant outdoor space, complete with an Airstream, perfect for enjoying coffee in Dallas.
Instead of expanding rapidly, the Neffendorfs chose to focus on depth, centering Davis Street Espresso around exceptional coffee, customer engagement, and coffee education. This philosophy remains at the heart of their business today, with no plans to become a chain of coffee shops. However, Davis Street Espresso has continuously evolved and expanded its offerings.
In 2017, they introduced Five Mile Chocolate, followed by a full bakery operation named Candor, further enhancing their commitment to in-house quality and craftsmanship. More recently, they launched East Kiest Farms, an urban farming initiative producing permaculture orchard fruit, pasture-raised eggs, and local honey. These farm-fresh ingredients supply both the coffee shop and their collective of businesses under the umbrella of Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, known as CliffMade. This vertically integrated approach highlights their dedication to local sourcing and sustainable practices.
Image: A close-up of the simple yet elegant menu at Davis Street Espresso, highlighting their focus on quality ingredients and classic coffee preparations, alongside house-made bread and butter.
Looking above the barista counter, you’ll find three straightforward menus. The first menu spotlights locally sourced ingredients, featuring partners like Mill King Creamery and Barton Springs Mill Flour. The central menu is dedicated to coffee, the core of Davis Street Espresso. You won’t find an overwhelming array of elaborate lattes or artificial syrups here. Instead, this is a haven for genuine coffee aficionados. While there’s a time and place for flavored lattes, Davis Street Espresso emphasizes the foundation of coffee shop menus: expertly prepared espresso, long black, cortado, cappuccino, and latte. These are the drinks that showcase the quality of the beans and the barista’s skill.
The final menu showcases their homemade bread and pastry selections, including tempting cinnamon rolls, chocolate brioche, and cookies. Even the butter, jam, and chocolate are made in-house, and they even mill their own whole-grain flour, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to quality and scratch-made goodness.
Image: A perfectly prepared Van Buren cortado at Davis Street Espresso, served with seltzer water and a square of Five Mile Chocolate, showcasing their signature drink and attention to detail.
During our visit, we opted for the Van Buren, and it proved to be an excellent choice. Named after the cross street of West Davis, the Van Buren is their take on a cortado, featuring a balanced combination of 2 ounces of espresso and 2 ounces of steamed milk, served in a charming small glass jar. The popularity of this drink was evident as we observed several trays carrying the same distinctive presentation of coffee, seltzer water, and a small square of 5 Mile Chocolate.
The addition of seltzer water alongside the cortado is a thoughtful touch, acting as a palate cleanser to enhance the coffee tasting experience, both before and after enjoying the espresso. While the role of the chocolate in this ritual might be less defined, we certainly found a moment to savor it amidst the coffee experience.
Image: The interior of Davis Street Espresso, highlighting the cozy nooks and inviting atmosphere, designed to encourage in-person connection and community engagement in Dallas.
In a move that further emphasizes their commitment to fostering genuine connection, Davis Street Espresso went completely offline in August 2022, announcing their decision on Instagram. They encouraged customers to visit in person or stay connected through their newsletter, the CliffMade Acorn, for those further away. This offline approach extends to their in-shop experience as well; Davis Street Espresso intentionally avoids offering WiFi and to-go cups. This deliberate choice is aimed at creating a space that encourages face-to-face interaction and community building.
Even if you can’t visit Davis Street Espresso in person, it’s undeniable that the Neffendorfs’ vision has had a significant impact on the North Texas coffee scene. They have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of local coffee, contributing a vital element to the foundation of countless coffee experiences across the region.
Davis Street Espresso, 819 W. Davis St. Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Sunday.
