5. Happy Monday & Co.
The clean indie-girl bedroom
When we walked into Happy Monday, sunlight flooded the room from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A recently-engaged college couple chatted about their wedding plans over a Grandma’s House latte at a low table. Behind us, a student sat at a table for two, glued to her computer with AirPods in both ears. Couches lined the walls, but we decided sitting at a table felt more like the vibe. The large building felt like a living room with its large tables, couches and bar seating. We ordered a sweet pastry with two iced lattes and sipped on them as we watched some people chat away with friends about their latest Bible study and Bethel students focused on their school work.
The coffee at Happy Monday is smooth and sweet. According to customers, hot lattes are the way to go. Food options include pastries, pizza, focaccia, bagels and salad. The only allergy-safe option is oat milk instead of whole. The only gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan food option is the beet salad. Based on the quality of food and drinks at Happy Monday, the prices are high, usually $8 for a latte and $5 for a pastry. Although we recommend it, our on-campus salary of $12.75/hour pretty much pays for one grande latte.
The shop is in Roseville, nine minutes away from Bethel. There is a free parking lot outside the shop with many spots available.
4. Backstory Coffee Roasters
The futuristic, overgrown utopia
When we walked up the steps into Backstory, we were met with luscious plants and towering bookshelves encompassing the shop. The spacious building was filled to the brim with customers, each sitting at comfy couches, long tables or an industrial coffee bar. Two adults on a couch nearby discussed their work schedule with computers open to Google Calendar. Across from our table, a group of women laughed while drinking iced lattes. The environment was relatively quiet with relaxing but not distracting music.
Backstory has many drink options: coffee, matcha, chai and fun seasonal flavors including cherry maple, banana cream and
mint matcha. There are also pastries and a full meal menu. Gluten- and dairy-free options include milk alternatives in drinks and oatmeal and gluten-free pastries. The prices at Backtory are lower in comparison to other Minneapolis coffee shops: $6 for a latte, $4-5 for a pastry and $6-10 for a meal.
The coffee shop is 17 minutes from Bethel in North Loop, Minneapolis. There are two entrances to the shop and paid parallel parking spaces nearby.
3. Silver Fern
The cozy, industrial lounge
The coffee shop’s light wooden tables, soft leather chairs and fun lighting fixtures invited us in. Although it is usually packed with customers, we were able to sit in a comfortable booth rather than hover at the bar waiting for a spot to open up. Almost every customer had a computer open, as there are outlets at nearly every table and strong Wi-Fi. As we enjoyed flavorful croissants and iced lattes, we laid back and chatted about the helpful workers and relaxing music.
The pastries at Silver Fern are flavorful and filling, and the walnut croissants are an absolute must-try. The latte flavors are bold and balance well with the espresso. The foam and latte art are always stunning. Silver Fern has a full menu showcasing sandwiches, French toast and much more. There is a plethora of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options for pastries, meals and drinks. The prices at Silver Fern are slightly higher than other Minneapolis coffee shops with meals ranging from $10-15, coffee $6-7 and pastries $4-8.
Silver Fern is located in Minneapolis and is about 15 minutes from Bethel. The parking nearby is relatively accessible with parallel parking spaces nearby that cost around $3 per hour. There is also a parking garage kitty-corner to the establishment, providing more parking availability.
2. French Meadow
The Parisian countryside cafe
As we entered French Meadow, we were transported to Paris with its European-style interior. The chalkboard menu covered the walls behind the counter with an overwhelming number of coffee and meal options. The welcoming shop had countless tables and booths, making it easy to find a place to sit after ordering our coffees and pastries. The quiet environment allowed us to sprawl out our computers and backpacks and focus on homework. Around us, an older couple shared a large meal together as they happily talked about their day.
The food and coffee at French Meadow is all organic and made in-house. The meals can easily be split with another person because the portions are substantial. The hot lattes at French Meadow are a warm hug in a mug, topped with whipped cream or stunning latte art. There are many gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. Prices range from $15-17 for a meal, $7 for a latte and $5 for pastries.
French Meadow is in Minneapolis around 17 minutes away from Bethel. There are several parking options: two free lots for the shop, street parking and a parking ramp directly across the road.
1. Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
The California carnival pier
With its boho artsy vibe, we felt invited to sit and stay for a while at Fairgrounds and sip on its delicious coffee. Although there were various tables, couches, and bench seating, we were drawn to one seating in particular: the rope swings hanging from the ceiling. We remarked on colorful art and how polite the workers were as we enjoyed the scenery. Around us, some customers chatted amongst each other and added to the shop’s atmosphere.
Fairgrounds simply does it best; food options range from protein-packed breakfast bowls and melty chicken sandwiches to acai and Greek yogurt bowls. There are many drink options, including lattes with fun spring flavors, bright smoothies made with real fruit and a tropical matcha lemonade. The staff are incredibly accommodating for dietary needs. Prices at Fairgrounds range from $7-12 for a meal and $7 for a latte.
The shop is roughly 18 minutes from Bethel and is located in Minneapolis. There are $3 parallel parking spaces outside of the shop as well as around the corner.
