Savor the Moment with Fleet Coffee

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Shelby Bella

Blending art, science, and heart is the recipe for the perfect cup of Joe.

Patrick Pierce’s knowledge of the coffee industry is extensive and intimate. He cut his teeth as a barista for Medici Coffee Roasters, eventually learning his way around various aspects of a burgeoning business. Around the same time, he began to navigate the playful side of a sometimes intense industry by organizing Thursday Night Throw-Downs latte art competitions. When the opportunity came to bring his own coffee concept to life in the fall of 2014, he jumped at the chance to put his expertise on a project of his own, officially opening Fleet Coffee in March 2016. 

Blending together the art and science of craft coffee-making takes a careful, studied hand. Patrick’s approach, which includes meticulously testing each new blend he receives to bring out just the right flavors before serving his guests, is based on “meeting people where they are,” he explains. Though his perfect order is a shot of espresso and a cup of black coffee, he doesn’t take his coffee convictions too seriously. For new customers, he always asks what they like at other shops before making a recommendation, never trying to sell a shot of espresso to someone who is accustomed to something much sweeter. He brings elevated versions of standard sugary drinks without compromising the value of simply good coffee. 

The Fleet Coffee experience has changed a bit over the past year, perhaps for the better. Rather than queuing up inside the shop, customers line up for their daily caffeine fix outside the now iconic Fleet Dutch door, a practical addition that breathed new life into the space. Patrick finds that, now operating exclusively on the patio, “COVID gave us the opportunity to [press] the reset button,” he shares.

The E.T. is a stand-out on the intentional menu. Take a peek under the ‘Coffee And’ section, and guests will find this unique treat featuring espresso, tonic water, simple syrup, and citrus, served over ice in a Collins glass. The umami flavor of the espresso tempers the sweetness of the simple syrup while the citrus and bubbles bring a playful effervescence to this lighthearted, refreshing drink. 

Another menu standout is the humble vanilla latte. Fleet’s house-made vanilla syrup is thoughtfully blended with muddled juniper berries, giving a unique florality to this coffeehouse classic. 

The name Fleet is rooted in Patrick’s coffee philosophy. Fleet’s coffee source is constantly changing and always fleeting, in order to bring the best flavors to East Austin patrons. As Patrick puts it: “Enjoy it while it’s here, because it might not be here next time. And that is Fleet Coffee.”   

Something Extra: 
Fleet Coffee serves up breakfast tacos and select pastries daily for the perfect pairing to a morning commute or midday pick-me-up.

Contact: 
2427 Webberville Rd.
fleetcoffee.com
@fleetcoffeeco