Growing up, my mom drank instant coffee. I remember promising her that I would NEVER drink it. I thought it tasted terrible and made your teeth brown. Thankfully, my mother has refined her coffee choices and I have grown to love it — and I certainly don’t drink instant! These days, it’s part of my everyday life — can anyone say caffeine addiction? Working in Uptown has its perks in this avenue. I work right across the street from Dogwood Coffee Co. and it’s become my go-to spot for a great cup of joe.
Dogwood was created in October 2010 and opened their Lake and Hennepin location in November 2010. They are all about superior coffee, as you can see from their website –”We concentrate our efforts on developing relationships with producers at origin, learning about and executing the craft of roasting, exploring the science of brewing and sharing delicious coffee with you.” I’ve been consuming it since they opened and try to visit once a week.
Does the clean, modern design intimidate you? Can the act of choosing a coffee that’s not simply a dark or light roast leave you feeling frustrated and confused? Let me help you navigate the nuances of Dogwood’s craft coffee bar.
My first tip? Step right up and dive in. The knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions you may have. They have an ever-changing list of single-origin coffees and an espresso bar. The single-origin coffees are brewed by the cup, so make sure you give yourself enough time to wait. If you’re in a rush, this may not be the smartest choice. This visit’s beverage of choice? A soy miel ($3.99 for 10oz).
My next tip? Take some time to sit and stay awhile. Their space is clean, modern, and comfortable — the perfect place to sit and enjoy a stellar cup of coffee while surfing the internet or reading a good book. It is fairly small, so coming with a group and finding seating is not ideal.
And last but not least? Savor it. These guys work hard to provide you with a cup of coffee that is amazing (be sure to tip them well, this is their livelihood!) Take some time to enjoy it. I certainly did.
Atmosphere
It’s an interesting space inside Calhoun Square, but they’ve certainly made it their own — the clean, modern palette and rich woods make a great combination.
Service
I’ve never had poor service — everyone is ready to answer questions and make you an excellent cup of coffee. Remember though, great things come to those who wait. Great coffee takes longer than regular coffee.Presentation
Simple, logo-stamped white paper cup. Oh, and by the way, have you seen their latte art?Taste
Truly the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. It’s that good.Value for Dollars
You get what you pay for — my Miel was $3.99 + $1 tip. It’s a bit more expensive than your typical cup at Starbucks, but it’s certainly more enjoyable.
But don’t take my word for it:
Dogwood Coffee Co.
3001 Hennepin Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Dogwood on Facebook
Dogwood on Twitter
Dogwood on Yelp
XOXO,
