coffee bean addict and alky have one thing in common : " too late in the day " is n’t really a thing . Sure , normal coffee drinkers may be coolheaded with pick up a average joint from the local McDonald ’s or Starbucks in the morning . But if you ’re abstruse in the java game , it ’s imperative you fuck where the very good topographic point in your ' bonnet is AND that it ’s willing to prey your craving any meter of the sidereal day . So , to help oneself you out , here ’s a cheat sheet of some of the best hidden gems throughout the Twin Cities . They may not be the most famous , but that does n’t intend they deserve to be overlooked .
The Coffee Shop Northeast
Set back on Johnson St in a bantam Northeast strip shopping centre , The Coffee Shop is an retiring delight . Walk inside and you ’ll see it ’s deceptively bounteous ( in both size and offering ) , with a chalkboard computer menu that has everything from your basic cold press and espressos , to more unique selections like a dirty chai with a flavor nip , or some seriously mythologic scones . If you ’re looking to save a buck , this place allows you to buy the edible bean as well . Bottom line : there are so many oculus - catching feel combos , coffees , and solid food that it ’s hard to narrow down the best . Now , having enunciate that , we ’d be remiss if we did n’t recommend the Cocos nucifera portmanteau .
Uncommon Grounds
The first noticeable thing about this place is the exterior : it ’s in a renovated Victorian family from the late 1800s . The shop is swish , but casual , with some informal low lighting and well-to-do judiciary hind end inwardly . But the only thing better than the ambience is the coffee tree . From the one - of - a - form brass section espresso machine , to the bottles of exotic and exciting nip line the back wall , there ’s as much character in the cups as there is in the four walls . So whether you ’re the glum and strong character , or you ’re in the mode for something scant and flavorful , there ’s no wrong choice here . And if coffee is n’t your affair , this place has the best chai in Minneapolis ( and loads of awards on the rampart to prove it ) .
Fresh Grounds
At first mountain pass , Fresh Grounds is a solid coffee store with a deluxe nutrient selection , $ 2 lattes on Tuesdays and Thursdays , and even free fortune cooky on Fridays . But the real magic is n’t just in the coffee smoke ( though it is there , too ) ; it ’s also in the people pouring them . As a non-profit-making social speculation , the shop prides itself on hire individuals leave temporary transitional housing situations – halfway household , sedate houses , surrogate homes , etc . – and generate them the training and structure necessitate to transition into the next stage of their lives . All of the profits go directly back into funding the grooming program , which means you ’ll find an even better buzz buying from here base on the help you ’re providing to the residential district .
Sparrow Cafe
Ripped correctly from a sketch out ofPortlandia , Sparrow Cafe is the only coffee workshop in the Twin Cities that is certified bird - favorable . uncanny , correct ? Well , do n’t worry , you wo n’t recover any snort indiscriminately flying around the shop ; there ’s just some beautiful murals of birds , some kitschy interior decoration , and an regalia of excellent coffee and pastry . It ’s a quiet corner daub tuck away from the more populated nearby expanse , make it a great one for that early - morning caffeine fix .
Bordertown Coffee
Located in the heart of the University of Minnesota , Bordertown is way more than your stock college java shop . Yes , it does have coffee tree and espresso to facilitate keep you revved up for a night of study ( or just watching Netflix ) , but the real reason to visit is the sunbaked goodness . Each is seemingly unspoilt than the next , though that carrot cake with cream high mallow glaze is likely towards the top of the list . When you ’re here , do n’t skitter the sausage & cheddar cheese scones , or those dark chocolate truffles . And since the menu change frequently , you ’ve stick plenty of reason to stop in at least once a week … or once a day … or once an hour .
Vicinity Coffee
If you necessitate the crew at Vicinity to describe the shop in five words , it would likely go a little something like this : espresso , burnt umber , sweets , eats , beloved ( because you ’ll love everything ) . Stop in and get yourself something from either the breakfast or lunch menus , as both are surefire wins . The signature $ 5 morning jazz group – a cooky sandwich and a 12 oz umber – is the jump-start you never knew your sidereal day needed , and the beer - knock about pod sandwich and poulet enchilada soup are never a bad option .
Corner Coffee
This place is fun for the whole family . There ’s some unique graphics on the wall , a fleck for the store ’s weekly open mic , and even a quad where the shaver can glow off some vitality ( while you try your good to bring yours back up ) . The drink menu is pretty abstruse , ranging from traditional coffees to delicious French washing soda ; and the intellectual nourishment computer menu is packed with some great breakfast and luncheon sandwiches , like the breakfast burrito and grilled cheese .
Vicinity Coffee|Flickr/Sarah
The Coffee Shop Northeast
Sparrow Cafe
Vicinity Coffee
