Guess what? It's National Coffee Day.
That's right, your daily, de-zombifying ritual is finally being recognized, and now is the time to celebrate. Isn't it great? The world never stops plying you with reasons to Instagram.
But how do you observe NCD, as the hipsters call it, when, well, you've already observed the bottom of three coffee mugs this morning?
We say: resist the urge to beeline over to one of the mega chains, some of which are doling out free cups of caffeinated motor oil. (OK OK, it's not *that* bad.) Instead, maybe embrace the java jubilee as an opportunity to check out one of a handful of hot, newish coffee shops that have cropped up around the Twin Cities in the last year or so – all of which are brewing something better than your average Joe.
Pour-overs. Nitro cold brew on tap. Matcha lattes. Coffee cocktails. Things with edible gold – EDIBLE GOLD! That's some serious sipping, folks.
So here you go: five excuses for that mid-day, java-filled office exodus you were going to take anyway. PS: if you don't Instagram it, it didn't happen.
Northern Coffeeworks: Minneapolis' Mill District's newest cafe checks all the boxes: looky environment with lots of tile, cool concrete furniture, tasty eats – oh, and top-notch espresso and pourover coffee from the world over.
Find it: 1027 Washington Av. S, Mpls. (photo by Amelia Rayno)
Penny's Coffee: After a rousing debut in downtown Minneapolis, Penny's has opened a second location, in Linden Hills. Think the original, with La Colombe draft cans, pretty matcha drinks and crepes – but even lovelier, with garage doors that open to the street and an extended food menu.
Find it: 3509 W. 44th St., Mpls. (photo by Amelia Rayno)
Cafe Astoria: Everyone loves a secret, and this St. Paul gem is promoting whispers all over town. So go for the exposed brick and gorgeous teal backdrops, and stay for the 24k gold latte – complete with gold flakes – a treat that isn't on the menu but has a city full of fans.
Find it: 180 Grand Av., St. Paul (photo by Tom Horgen)
Cardigan Donuts: OK, we know this is really a doughnut shop. But National Donut Day (June 1) isn't coming back for a long time, and we all know coffee and doughnuts are BFFs. Cardigan knows that too, and has nitro on tap along with regular java and the sexiest lineup of fried dough.
Find it: City Center, 40 S. 7th St. #207, Mpls. (photo courtesy of Cardigan's Facebook)
Botany Coffee: Did we mention Instagram yet? This place is made for it. Think lots of white, wallpaper and succulents to frame that third wave-style brew, including cocktails like the Pomelo – with espresso, grapefruit syrup, rosemary and spritz. Coffee happy hour?! We think so.
Find it: 1830 E. 38th St., Mpls. (photo courtesy of Botany's Instagram)
