Preheat Oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish.
In a medium bowl stir together cocoa, soda, coffee (optional).
Stir in 1/3 C. of melted butter.
Add boiling water and stir until thick and smooth.
Add sugar, eggs, remaining butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Add flour and salt, blend completely.
Stir in chocolate chips. Stir in nuts (optional).
Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake 35-40 minutes until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan.
Cool in pan on wire rack.