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Balance Coffee Shop: A Midtown Original

February 4th, 2026

In a neighborhood full of places to grab a cup of coffee, Balance Coffee Shop stands apart. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, Balance is about intention. Balance thoughtfully designs every drink, every ingredient, every partnership, and every interaction to create something deeper than a daily routine. Created by local entrepreneur Nancy Guzman, Balance Coffee Shop was born a year ago following a successful stint as a long-time vendor at the Midtown Farmers Market. Blending exceptional beverage craft, healthier ingredients, sustainability, art, and community into one welcoming space, every single aspect of the coffee shop is designed with purpose. Here’s what truly makes Balance different and why it’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

balance drinks

Less Sugar, More Flavor

At Balance, craft starts with what goes into the cup. Unlike traditional coffee shops that rely on pre-made syrups and excess sugar, Balance prioritizes low-sugar and house-made syrups. This approach allows flavors to shine naturally, making each balanced drink feel genuinely good for you. With an emphasis on good ingredients, Balance proudly uses locally roasted espresso, premium ingredients, and free alternative milks, including carbon-neutral oat milk. The thoughtfully developed recipes elevate flavor, establishing Balance as a health-conscious coffee shop in Midtown, where customers do not have to choose between flavor and feeling good.

Sustainability isn’t a Trend, it’s a Standard

From offering carbon-neutral oat milk to encouraging customers to bring their own cup, sustainability is built into daily operations and long-term decisions. These small daily choices add up to make a real community impact. By eliminating unnecessary upcharges for alternative milks and partnering with responsible suppliers, Balance reinforces its belief that sustainability should be accessible.

Community Coffee Shop at Heart

A Midtown community hub, Balance thrives on relationships, familiar faces, and genuine connection. Whether you are a regular grabbing your morning latte, a dog-walker stopping in after a neighborhood loop, or a visitor discovering Balance through the Midtown Farmers Market, you are welcomed into a space that feels personal and inclusive. Community is woven into the brand through strong local partnerships and a quarterly nonprofit partner receiving a portion of sales. Every purchase supports something bigger, reinforcing Balance’s role as a community-forward coffee shop.

Art, Culture, Creativity

The shop doubles as a creative space, featuring quarterly rotating art installations from local artists. This commitment to showcasing creativity transforms the shop into a living gallery that evolves with the seasons. Balance actively supports artists and makers, positioning the shop as a place where Midtown’s creative energy and coffee culture intersect. Art, culture, and collaboration are central to the Balance experience.

Seasonal Specialties & Ingredients Matter

This menu does not stand still. Seasonal drinks, collaborative flavors, and innovative recipes keep customers excited and engaged throughout the year. These rotating offerings reflect the same intention as the core menu: thoughtful flavor development and high-quality ingredients, backed by award-winning recipes.

At its core, the coffee shop is about balance between health and indulgence, craft and creativity, community and individuality. It’s a place to slow down, connect, and enjoy food and beverages made with care.

balance me out now

Join us as we chat with Nancy about her journey in Midtown:

 

Q: Why did you pursue a balanced approach to coffee as a passion and career?

A: Our everyday consumption is littered with sugary drinks, and it is almost normal for more than 40 grams of sugar to be in one cup, when we are only supposed to have 20 grams of sugar in one day. I wanted to develop something that brings nutrition and wellness to all, and that I would feel good and comfortable eating every single day. I want to nourish my community and that shows through the passion and love we put into the drinks.

 

Q: What sets Balance Coffee apart from other coffee shops?

A: I take what my customers tell me to heart and as inspiration to create new menu items. One time a customer told me that his favorite drink was a caramel macchiato, and he had one every day. It inspired me to create a brand-new drink called, “MOL.” I made it specifically for him and after he tasted it, he turned around and said, “Mother of Love! This is SO GOOD!” That’s how the drink got its name and it is still on the menu today. I’m always trying to create beverages that mirror high sugar to show what balance can be.

 

Q: How has working in Sacramento influenced your approach?

A: The culture here is influential in many ways, especially with a variety of backgrounds. This allows us to first be introduced to many different flavors through food and drinks, then also by cultural traditions and rituals. The depth of diversity in Sacramento helps us all build empathy for one another. All of this influences the way I craft the Balance experience.

 

Q: What is your favorite part of Midtown?

A: It is very walkable! I love being able to walk into the local shops and meet owners. Often, I am talking directly to the store owner and that is so special. There are so many creative aspects to Midtown too, which are all easily accessible to people who live here and also the visitors we see on Saturdays at the Midtown Farmers Market. Midtown is quirky and interesting, with small businesses and shops that fit that mold.

 

Q: Why do you support local nonprofits and artists?

A: I worked in the education system and at PBS, and now as a small business owner I want to give back as much as I can. I partner with a different local nonprofit every quarter to help uplift and strengthen our community. Right now, the proceeds raised are being contributed to River City Food Bank which is a cause I care about deeply. I also have worked with Chicks in Crisis out of Elk Grove and admire the hard work that NorCal Resists and WEAVE are both doing to give voices to people who are overlooked.

 

Connect with Balance Coffee Shop