Froth Brews Up Coffee and Community

At the bottom of California Avenue, just a few easy blocks from Cal Poly Humboldt, a familiar storefront is quietly buzzing with new life. Longtime locals might recognize the address as the former home of Blondies — a place that carried its fair share of stories, laughter and late nights. These days, though, the space has been transformed into a fresh and welcoming community hub: Froth.

Froth opened its doors in April of 2025 under the new ownership of Matthew Pipis, whom many already know from his work with Hey Juan Burritos. After taking over that long-standing burrito spot in 2018, Pipis had been looking for a way to expand — not just in business, but in spirit. Froth, he says, is about creating more room for connection: a place where students, neighbors and friends can gather, linger, and feel rooted in community.

Froth’s interior has been thoughtfully renovated, and the resulting vibe is unmistakably Arcata: funky, relaxed, a little eclectic. A vibrant mural stretches across one wall, while a combination of bar seating, café tables and tucked-away corners invites people to settle in however they like. Pipis drew inspiration from the kind of neighborhood bodegas you’d find in much larger cities and reimagined that energy in a spot nestled among the quiet, hilly neighborhoods of Arcata’s east side.

A cappuccino and croissant with white chocolate and pistachio cream. Credit: Cassandra Johnson

Unlike a traditional coffee shop, Froth evolves throughout the day. In the morning, it hums as a coffee bar and café, the air filled with the comforting aroma of espresso and fresh pastries. The breakfast menu keeps things simple but satisfying: made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, flaky baked goods. Froth offers a full lineup of classics like lattes and cappuccinos brewed from Fogline Coffee’s locally roasted beans, as well as matcha and chai. The baristas also conjure up a rotating selection of drink specials that keep more adventurous sippers on their toes.

By midday, the kitchen shifts gears (though the coffee menu is available throughout the day). The lunch menu currently highlights traditional-style banh mi that’s bright, flavorful and totally satisfying (a vegetarian option is available, too). Seasonal grilled cheese specials make frequent appearances as well, offering warm, melty comfort with a twist.

The stage has already hosted poetry readings and other community events. Credit: Cassandra Johnson

As the afternoon drifts into evening, Froth takes on yet another personality. The lights soften, conversations stretch a little longer and the bar comes into its own. With 16 rotating beers on tap alongside cider, hard seltzers and wine, there’s something for nearly every palate. Froth leans into a laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere, where you can unwind without shouting over other patrons. Froth’s appeal is rooted in ease. It’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for campus clubs, study groups, and local organizations looking for a comfortable place to meet. Since opening, the space has already hosted poetry readings, fundraisers and social gatherings.

Froth fills a much-needed niche among the coffee shop and restaurant scene in Arcata. Anyone who’s spent time café-hopping knows the subtle pressure that can come with lingering too long over a single drink. At Froth, that pressure simply doesn’t exist. The Wi-Fi information is displayed proudly right alongside the drink specials — a small but telling gesture that says, “stay a while.” Whether you’re deep into a study session, catching up with an old friend, or just taking a breather from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, you’re welcome to settle in and make the space your own.