Black Coffee and Waffle Bar // Minneapolis

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar

1500 Como Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Would I go back? Definitely 

     So…big surprise, I actually haven't been to all the coffee shops around the University of Minnesota. I know I know. If you know me you might be shocked. But there are still more to experience! I recently went on a Saturday morning adventure to Black Coffee and Waffle Bar in the Como neighborhood with a couple friends to study and drink delicious coffee. I found myself wanting to stare at the awesome store and people watch instead of do my homework, but nonetheless it was successful. This place is awesome. A gem I wish I had found last year! First of all, they serve Dogwood Coffee -- basically the best coffee you've ever put on your tastebuds. So naturally I went for a classic cup of black coffee and I couldn't have been happier. And as a bonus, my friend got a waffle, so I got to try an incredible bite of food. This waffle was the weekend special and was pretty much pumpkin cheesecake and caramel on top of a waffle. How could you go wrong there? It was awesome. 

     The design and feel of this place is great. Very hipster, but comfortable as well. It's a little more like a restaurant than a coffee shop (at least in the mornings) because of the menu they serve, but its still a great place to study or hang out and have coffee. I still can't believe I get to live in an area that has such great places like this one and I'm definitely going back soon! So, if you live near the University of Minnesota (or, seriously if you don't) you need to try this gem.  

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah

Quixotic Coffee // St. Paul

Quixotic Coffee
769 Cleveland Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
Would I go back? Yes

     I parked a block away adjacent to the cute street of Cleveland Ave. Busy, yet quaint, it made me fall more in love with St. Paul. Quixotic Coffee sits in the midst of it all. I started my morning there with a currant scone infused with earl grey from a local bakery. YUM. Have I mentioned how much I love that we accept eating cake-like things for breakfast? Its awesome. This coffee shop is great. They have ample seating and a very minimalist style going on. I enjoy the amount of bar-style seating they have. Not all coffee shops have this and its something I really like to see. I, however, chose the couch because why not? On the walls they have hanging by an industrial wire, beautiful photographs. My guess is they come from local photographers. Although its something I've definitely seen before, it worked very well with the shop. The photos gave the store a warmer feel that I really enjoyed. 
     My friend and I both got a pour over. Quixotic has a fairly minimal menu which is a green light for me because that means they do the classics and they do them well. A good pour over is always a gem to find. Each cup they pour they fresh grind the coffee. Thumbs up for that. Good work. I was able to see the barista make it right in front of my eyes at the front of the counter. I appreciate being able to watch artistry. Yes, coffee is an art. A tasty art. It was an extremely enjoyable cup of coffee. If I'm ever in that neighborhood again, Quixotic will definitely be on my list to go to again. It will be a good addition to your day of shopping at the local bookstore (not that I did that or anything). 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

J & S Bean Factory // St. Paul

J & S Bean Factory
1518 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105 
Would I go back? Yes

     I love St. Paul. Its a city with old charm and character, something you can't find everywhere. Most of the coffee shops I have explored have been in Minneapolis so I was excited when I got to venture back to St. Paul to try J & S Bean Factory. This place is so funky and eclectic. I had to get a coconut latte because when I find a place that makes them I always pounce on it. They are my favorite in the summer. The latte was delicious, but what made it so great was the mugs they serve their coffee in. The mug you see in my photo was one of many kinds and designs. They have a mismatch of mugs and that is so fun. When you think of your coffee mug collection at home, most of us don't have a set of twelve identical mugs. We have a mismatch of designs and each have story of where we got them and why, etc. I can imagine the people of J & S being able to tell similar stories about their mugs. It was a perfect morning to sit outside so my friend and I took advantage of the very large outdoor space they provide. I felt like I was in someones backyard; it was great. The shop is nestled at the end of a cute neighborhood street which made it feel even more quaint. There were lots of people outside, but I didn't feel like the table next to me was going to hear my conversation, it was very comfortable. 
     Something I have yet to try of J & S is their bean selection. That's what they are known for.  An adjoining room to the coffee bar hosts a wall full of different beans they roast in house. You can even take a peak into another room where they roast the magic. They always have a special roast for the day. I am definitely going to go back and buy some beans and do some tasting. Nothing like a cup of black coffee to charm the senses. A place like this would be good to try your hand at black coffee because they have so many choices. You can choose one that resonates with you. Good work J & S! I'll be back.

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Peace Coffee // Minneapolis

Peace Coffee
3262 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Would I go back? Probably

     This place is unique. I want to meet the person who designed Peace because they nailed it. The style isn't for everyone, but for the neighborhood its located in, its perfect. It matches the name perfectly. I can see this place nestled in a quaint area of Portland, Oregon. The style is hippie and very eclectic, and they pull it off famously. I imagine the designer going to random shops finding unique items and pairing them together, wanting mismatched colors and fun patterns. It works. Like I said, not for everyone. Although a place like this isn't my first choice, I always like exploring shops outside my normal scope. The only reason I said "probably" on if I would go back is because of its location. Its not in my favorite area of Minneapolis and a little out of the way for me to go just to grab a cup of coffee. The neighborhood is quiet which is nice if you aren't looking for a bustling area. The coffee, though, is ON POINT. I respect places that make their own syrups for drinks which is exactly what Peace does. Vanilla, caramel and chocolate are the three on the list. I had a classic vanilla latte and it was superb. I exclaimed out loud when I took my first sip, just ask my friend. You could see the vanilla bean specks in my latte, exactly what should be. Although I probably won't be back here soon, that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. After going to so many places, I get picky and I learn what I like the most for my particular taste. The beauty of today is the vast amount of choices we have for coffee shops. Peace Coffee deserves the recognition it has already received and hopefully will continue to receive. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Bob's Java Hut // Minneapolis

Bob's Java Hut
2651 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 
Would I go back? Absolutely

    There are SO MANY coffee shops out there today. Sometimes they run all together and you can't find something thats truly unique. Go to Bob's Java Hut. This place is great. So unique. I think one thing that makes it so great is they chose their motif and rocked it, right down to a garage door that opens into the shop. My friend and I sat at the bar that opens out to the street and it was glorious. The weather was perfect and it was so nice to sit down on vintage (yet surprisingly comfortable) chairs and look out onto the uptown bustle. Everything they have is vintage biker stuff, so awesome. They even sell cigarettes that people gladly smoke outside the shop, which would normally bother me when I'm enjoying coffee, but it just works. Its all a part of the experience. 

     I went simple on my coffee this time with a classic cold-press. There aren't many better things than cold-press on a summer day. A splash of cream and simple syrup made this 20 oz wonder even more fabulous. Simple syrup is so much better than putting straight sugar in your iced coffee - get used to using it (make it at home, its so easy). So do yourself a favor and check this place out. The coffee is delicious, the environment is killer and you will feel awesome when you walk out. I love it that much. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Dogwood Coffee Bar // Minneapolis

Dogwood Coffee Bar
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Would I go back? Yes

     There is no question that Dogwood coffee is among the best around. It is served in many of my favorite coffee shops in the Minneapolis area. If you want quality beans for your personal cup of joe at home, buy Dogwood coffee. There's something about the roast I can't put my finger on, I just know the coffee is prime. And the other drinks (such as the latte pictured) are delicious as well. I was very excited to visit the coffee bar that carries such a namesake brand. The shop is almost more exciting to me than the coffee itself. Atmosphere is key. The Dogwood style came through very well and whoever designed the special touches they have is very talented. I enjoy the style very much, but the location is left to be desired. I personally don't like where they chose to house this incredible coffee. Its in the middle of the shopping on Hennepin Ave and is open to the rest of the indoor shopping. To me, this makes any shop lose its charm. Its like a bank that is housed in a grocery store -- the personal feeling is lost. Although dogwood did a good job making the space their own, I still can't get over the fact that its not a full store. I would go back again for the coffee, but next time I want a good place to read or study, I will not be choosing this location. 

May your coffee be caffeinated,

Sarah 

Bull Run Coffee Bar // Minneapolis

Bull Run Coffee Bar 
3346 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Would I go back? YES 

     The first thing I noticed when I walked in to this awesome place was a couple people playing cards, which immediately made me smile. I love stuff like that. What does that mean? Its a great place to hang out long after you've finished your cup of joe. What I noticed was different about Bull Run from other coffee shops I've been to was their efforts to design an eye-pleasing environment without looking like they tried too hard. There are urban touches here and there including old school-room look alike chairs and pipe shelving. However this did not command the space. It was very comfortable and low key. I didn't feel like I walked into a place where the baristas thought they were above me; they were there to make me a cup of coffee, and make it well. The baristas seemed approachable and that they enjoyed their job. I really like seeing that at coffee shops. Since I enjoy coffee so much, I get a lot out of employees who will match my excitement for it. Another unique part of this shop are the ceilings which I give you a picture of. With the simplicity in design of the rest of the shop, these are a really awesome touch. Also, they had a World Cup game playing on a laptop, which I thought was just great. 
     As for the coffee, I enjoyed a latte. My first sip was a surprise. Delicious, yes, and very strong. Which I love! I like a latte where the milk doesn't overwhelm the espresso. The milk should be there to enhance the coffee and not cover it up. This latte was just that. Thank you, Bull Run. I can see myself pouring over statistics homework here with a cup of black coffee this fall. The location is in my favorite part of the Uptown area with a park right across the street. So get yourself over to Bull Run Coffee Bar and enjoy yourself.

May your coffee be caffeinated,
Sarah 

Urban Bean // Minneapolis

Urban Bean Coffee 
2401 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405 
Would I go back? I already have 

 

     I frequently miss my second bus on the way home from work which can be extremely frustrating, like today. Except for the fact that there's an Urban Bean on the same corner as my stop. That makes it a little better. Although this place didn't make the top ten list, who cares. It's rockin. The name speaks for itself, and urban it is. For starters they have the cutest  logo and the hippest atmosphere. As I sit here writing this, to my left is a giant chalk board wall and straight ahead I'm looking out the big window onto the quaint street corner. And did I mention the espresso is slap you in the face good? Because it is. You need a kick? Get a macchiato. None of this large caramel crap. A REAL macchiato. You know...double shot with a touch of milk and foam. Yeah, I'm sure half this country doesn't even know what a traditional macchiato is because of the commercialized Starbucks macchiato. Friends, don't be lied to anymore (Can you tell I'm passionate about this?). To the right is a photo is one of these amazing macchiatos. Just look at it, beautiful right? And if you can stand espresso, don't put a drop of sugar in it. I want you to experience a macchiato the way it should be. Watch them make it too, its an art form, and I'm obsessed with it. Anyways, they only have one location and it's so worth it. And they serve cold press in mason jars, so what's not to love? Don't expect cheap and economic because, after all they serve dogwood coffee. But do expect deliciousness. 

May your coffee be caffeinated, 
Sarah 

Kopplin's // St. Paul

     My journey this summer is to explore the coffee shops of the Twin Cities. My fascination isn't just with the taste of the coffee, but with the atmosphere of the shop. Every detail makes a difference. The chairs, the mugs, the lighting, the music, the location. I've been in places where the music is so loud I can't even put headphones in and silence it, some locations are really inconvenient for parking and some places have chairs that will make your back stiff in a matter of minutes. To me, its the places that pay attention to details like these that make it on my list of places to return to. I found a list online of the top ten coffee shops in the Twin Cities to try, so I am going to go through that list along with others I have found. 

Kopplin's Coffee
2038 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 
Would I go back? YES 

     I didn't research this place really at all before trying it. My friend found it on the top ten list (it ranks #1) and suggested we go. I've been to so many places sometimes they run all together, but I have to admit, this place is adorable. I would definitely classify it as a neighborhood coffee house. The atmosphere felt very down to earth and comfortable, they had nothing to hide and weren't bogged down by big name higher-ups. The front of the shop has a counter with a couple bar stools, a nice couch and coffee table and some other little tables. The back of the shop has ample more seating. Perfect for an afternoon of studying (which is a key thing for my current college days) or just reading or chatting with a friend or two. Details: mason jar water station, a weakness of mine, I just love stuff like that. The coffee was superb. I always like to try the latte of any store I visit because it shows the basic but necessary skills of the barista. There was nothing to disappoint there, the foam art was beautiful and the espresso nutty. Although the prices were pretty much normal for these days, a 12 oz latte was $1 more than the 8 oz, which seemed a bit pricy for me. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a comfortable place to relax or study. The neighborhood is cute and easy to get around. However, if I were to make a top ten list, this would not be on my #1. Although they didn't do anything wrong, there wasn't anything to wow me or put it over the top. Try it out for yourself. You can always use another cup of coffee. 

May your coffee be caffeinated, 
Sarah 

I'm Back and I Made Gnocchi

I'm sitting here in a coffee shop sipping a macchiato and realized I haven't posted in 9 months. I guess going to college had something to do with that. Let me tell you, the dorm is not the easiest place to cook and blog about it. My taste buds had to take a break and learn to eat food I wouldn't necessarily pick right off the bat. But what else is college about? Summer is upon me once again which means I can cook to my hearts content! 

To start off my cooking endeavors I made potato gnocchi. This is such an easy thing to make and it looks fancy. I have made gnocchi before, just with mascarpone cheese instead of potato, but I think this is my favorite! I adapted a recipe I found on foodnetwork.com -- just type gnocchi on google and there you go, but here's what I did: 

• 3 potatoes (I used a combo of russet and yellow because that is what I had on hand)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• Kosher salt

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Poke holes in your potatoes and place them on a pile of kosher salt on a baking sheet. The salt helps dry out the potatoes and keeps them from browning too much. Bake them for about 45 minutes. I found for the size of potatoes I used that this wasn't enough time, so check by poking a hole in them. They should be very pliable and a little overcooked. You want them to be very soft. Once they cool, take the flesh out and put it through a ricer. Mix with the egg, flour, a teaspoon of salt and mix with your hands until the dough comes together. Split the dough into 6 pieces and roll into 6 snakes about 1/2-1 inch thick. Cut them into 1/2 inch pieces. Boil a pot of salted water and cooke the gnocchi letting them rise to the top -- once they do that cook them for another minute. Strain and enjoy with your favorite sauce! I used butter, sage and parmesan cheese.