People stay loyal to a certain type of coffee shop not because of its logo or how it looks on Instagram, but because of something more subtle: consistency, friendliness, and a menu that delivers. That’s a good way to describe Sundance Espresso in Selah, Washington. It’s a locally owned business at 406 South 1st Street that has gained a loyal following in a small Yakima Valley community. The menu reflects what the business seems to value: good ingredients, classic comfort drinks, and a few seasonal options that keep things interesting.
The coffee here is made with D&M Coffee beans that are roasted right here in the valley. It’s more important than it sounds that detail. People who buy from this shop often say that the beans are fresher than those at a chain store because they are roasted in small batches. A lot of reviews say that the coffee is great, but some also say that shots can taste a little bitter sometimes, which is the risk of any espresso program that isn’t always dialed in. The consistency might be a little different on some days or depending on who is running the machine.
Most people say that the white chocolate americano with nonfat milk is the best drink to get. It comes up a lot when regulars talk about what they normally do. Ghirardelli powder is used in the shop’s white chocolate, which makes it taste a little richer than cheaper options. People are also interested in the salted caramel cold brew with caramel soft top, which is ideal for the warmer months. Seasonal items change. For example, the spiced pumpkin shaken espresso is new for fall and gets real excitement on their social media, which shows that regulars know what’s coming out.
In addition to espresso, the menu has mochas, vanilla lattes, and other basic espresso-based drinks that don’t make things too hard. You can use oat milk or soy milk instead, and you can ask for half-caffeine blends. It seems like the drinks menu was meant to be simple and direct. It looks like Sundance isn’t following every coffee trend, which is probably the best choice for a place in Selah.
Even though the drinks are more important, the food is still worth mentioning. People often grab a ham and cheese croissant or a sausage breakfast sandwich for breakfast. A chicken pesto sandwich on a croissant has gotten good reviews that make it sound like it’s even better than the format suggests. It makes sense for a coffee shop with a drive-through to have a small food menu rather than a big one. Still, some reviews say that the food wasn’t always cooked the same way—there were cold spots in a heated croissant and a bag that was too wet. These are small operational issues that most coffee shops in the area deal with when they’re busy in the morning.
There’s a gift shop part to Sundance that some people don’t expect. There are local books, small gifts, and one-of-a-kind items in the indoor seating area. This makes it feel less like a typical café and more like a community shop that serves great coffee. Both inside and outside, the seating is designed to be comfortable and easygoing. The way reviewers use words like “homey” and “cozy” makes it sound like they are really saying them, not like they are practicing.
The most interesting thing about Sundance Espresso is how personal it feels. The staff seems to learn what the regulars want. One reviewer said that they were recognized at the drive-through just by their voice. Details like that aren’t just there by chance; they come from a small team that pays attention and works in a town where the same people show up week after week. That’s hard not to like in a time when most coffee experiences are pretty much the same.
From 5:30 AM until mid-afternoon most days, the shop is open. This lets early birds in. You can use the Sundance Espresso menu to plan a quick breakfast, pass through on your way to work in the morning, or find a place to work for an hour.
