For Your Bucket List: Latte Art Competitions

You’re about to get a glimpse into the secret world of baristas and latte art. It’s Tuesday and Halloween TNTs are coming up quick! “TNT” stands for “Thursday Night Throwdown,” which is barista-speak for a latte art competition. In cities around the country, baristas from different coffee shops come together to “throw down,” that is, show their latte art skills and compete for the city’s trophy.

The trophy is different in each city. In Philly, it’s a burr grinder blade hung on on a strap as a medallion. In NYC, it’s a gold-foil-gilded milk steaming pitcher. But no physical trophy could capture the glory of being the city’s most milk-skilled barista. Competitors go through March Madness-like bracket rounds, facing off one-on-one. Judges (there are usually 3) then evaluate both lattes and point to the best one. When judging latte art, we’re looking for form, symmetry, contrast, and complexity.

Halloween TNTs are notoriously fun and rowdy, and all are welcome. We’ve got latte art competitions happening in 3 different cities on Thursday (10/27), and you’re invited!

Chicago

There’s nothing like a Chi-town Throwdown! This month’s TNT is at True Brew, then Friday we’re having a Halloween party at our roastery, so come through in your spookiest digs.

For the TNT, come to True Brew Outfitters @ 7pm
2155 S Carpenter
Chicago, IL

For Friday’s party, come to La Colombe’s Chicago Roastery @ 7pm
2837 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL

True Brew

LA

We’re teaming up with our buds Hedley & Bennett and Mooon App to host our first-ever LA TNT! Baristas, there’ll be a $5 buy in with some fun grand prize and bragging rights as LA TNT’s first revival winner.

Come to Hedley & Bennett HQ @ 7pm
3864 S Santa Fe Ave
Vernon, CA

Philly

Our buds at ReAnimator have dibs on hosting Philly’s Halloween TNT at their stunner-level roasting space in Kensington. Costumes are encouraged…they make you pour better.

Come to ReAnimator’s Roastery @ 8pm
310 W Master Street
Philadelphia, PA