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