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