By Michelle Sathe

Coffee. Rarely has there been a beverage that inspires such debate or loyalty. At It’s A Grind in Castaic, owner Rick Faulise knows why the brew served at his Hasley Canyon Village coffeehouse is so popular. "We are very selective about our coffee beans and have a dedicated roaster in Seattle. If you visit any of the 80 It’s A Grind locations nationwide, you’ll get the same coffee," he said.

And you can get that coffee in light, medium, or dark roast, as well as one of a rotating roster of flavors available daily, including the best-selling vanilla nut (all available by the pound as whole beans or ground). It’s A Grind also serves up popular iced and blended specialties, such as the classic blended mocha in caramel, mint chip, black cherry, or chocolate, in addition to innovative varieties like the Fros-tea wild berry or mango smoothie. Hardcore java lovers gravitate toward the Road Warrior, an iced and blended mocha mixed with chocolate covered espresso beans.

Hot drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, or lattes can be enhanced with syrup flavors or additional espresso shots ("The Fog Lifter") according to the customer’s preference. "We have a customer that comes in and orders a regular coffee with five extra shots," Faulise said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a kids’ menu offers iced and blended non-coffee drinks, as well as rich hot cocoa, soft drinks, or juice. “Our philosophy is family and community. Our purpose is to create exceptional experiences for each and everyone we meet,” Faulise said.

Noshers can enjoy fresh Western Bagels with peanut butter or cream cheese, while dessert lovers will rejoice at the pastry case offerings. A wide variety of tasty scones, buttery croissants, crumbly coffeecakes, sticky cinnamon buns compete for your attention. For the true sweet tooth, It’s A Grind’s decadent dessert bars are a must. The dense, delicious squares come in carrot cake, mocha, lemon, and raspberry varieties.

Hopping in the morning hours with commuters, regulars, and business meetings, daytime brings a mellow vibe to It’s A Grind. The coffeehouse offers free WIFI for laptop users; plays classic to contemporary jazz and rock; and boasts comfortable leather chairs, as well as a working fireplace, perfect for lounging, reading, or chatting. "We wanted to provide an environment where people can sit back and relax. It’s really conducive to kicking back," Faulise said. "People can come in, get one cup of coffee and hang out here for hours. I welcome that."

On weekend evenings, the (coffee)house often can be found rocking with live classic hits performed by local band PCH or karaoke night the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Regular customer and Castaic resident Mark Eddie, "The Rock n’ Roll Comic" featured on HBO and Comedy Central, has been known to drop in regularly and perform an impromptu set.

Providing more than just coffee is how Faulise, a retired health insurance executive and New York native, hopes to unite the community. "It’s an alternative to bars and really family-oriented. There aren’t that many places where people can come together and gather. Everyone knows your name here," he said.

For more information about this great coffee house in Santa Clarita, call 661.702.9636.