The Brim Aims for CoffeeMaking History in Eagle
By Kurt Orzec Photos Kimberlee Miller
Every cup of coffee comes with a story, as any lover of the beverage will tell you. From the
place where the beans were grown to how they were prepared, coffee lovers savor not just the
taste of their drink but also the rich narrative behind it.
The Brim Coffee House in Eagle has a special story of its own, not to mention a plethora of
unique drink blends. The motto of the establishment is “Spilling Over Since 2016,” but that’s
somewhat deceiving, as the Brim is housed in a building that’s roughly 110 years old. The Eagle
Hotel — nicknamed “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” — originally served as quarters for bridge builders
and teachers, before it was transformed into a loan office, reopened as a hotel, and eventually
modified into a candy shop.
Now, the Eagle landmark is home to the Brim, where the scents of freshly made macchiatos,
cappuccinos, and chai tea lattes swirl through its single main room. The walls are lined with
framed photos that pay homage to the building’s history, while the modern LED lighting and
sleek rustic furnishings (including live edge wood tables) lend an artgallery atmosphere to the
quiet space.
“Our Downtown Old Eagle location in the Old Eagle Hotel is quite an enigma. Classy, yet laid
back. Refined, yet casual,” General Manager, Christian Gunderson said, noting Brim owner
Krista Coleman’s eye for authenticity. “We charge what we need to and focus on the quality of
our coffee; for there is no better environment than that.”
The Brim’s focus is sharp, indeed: It is a place run by, and for, devoted coffee drinkers. The
menu consists almost solely of coffee offerings, exclusively roasted by Evans Brothers Coffee
Roasters in Sandpoint, Idaho. One of the main appeals is the Brim’s pourovers — which some
coffee aficionados consider superior to espresso caffe Americanos — while other exotic options
include doppios con panda, affogatos, and cortados.
“Our menu may expand more with the new year,” Gunderson said. “We are, of course, a
coffee
shop proper but with our attention turning to selling wine in the evenings, and in particular
expanding to a fullservice tea bar, our food options will evolve to cater additional needs.”
On the subject of catering, Gunderson revealed that the Brim — small as it may be —
occasionally hosts postwedding gettogethers and other private events of modest size.
