St. Paul is a mecca for independence and that independence filters into the business community. If you're looking for coffee in St. Paul, you might pass several independent coffee shops like A Fine Grind, Brewberry's, Old Man River Cafe, or Ginkgo's, before finding a Caribou or Starbuck's.
St. Paul has chain stores, but finding them is a bit harder than in some communities. We believe in retrofitting old buildings to house current business. As a result McDonald's on University and Rice is in an old bank building hardly resembling the golden arches of the suburbs.
If a business associate suggests meeting at Caribou, you know they're not local. They're probably from the other side of the river where our sister city sports more brand names than independents.
Eclectic is de rigueur in St. Paul coffee shops. The themes will vary. The decorating will vary. Even the menu will vary. One thing is certain, the toilet will have special flushing instructions. One may have to hold the handle for 10 seconds or jiggle (the handle or the body?) when flushing, but they're guaranteed to be quirky just like the coffee shop itself! Shown below is the Artists' Grind at 2399 University Ave. W. in St. Paul.
Hey,get off it. Seattle is the coffee mecca.
Posted by: Larry Cragun | June 23, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Larry, are you sure it's not Portland? I thought I'd missed my flight when I landed there. A river, a BIG used book store (Is it Powell's?), and the best coffee shops in the world. Just like home! ;-)
Posted by: Bonnie Erickson | June 23, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Isn't Caribou Coffee out of MN? We have chains here, a Starbucks on every corner in some parts of town. We have some Caribou Coffee places. We also have local places.
One of the Starbucks in Worthington got set on fire a couple of years ago, I don't think they've ever found out who did it but it was ruled arson. At first they thought it was lightening (spelled right?)
We have two local chains though too and independents.
Posted by: Maureen McCabe | June 23, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Oh honestly. I posted about Minneapolis coffee today before I read your post. I guess great minds think alike. (I'm also letting you know "we" on this side of the river aren't crazy about those generic big brand chains either).
See. www.minneapolisnokomis.com
Hope you're well, Bonnie!
Posted by: Lisa Dunn | June 25, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Hey, Lisa, 42nd and 42nd S.? I think it's that general area. It's on 42nd for sure. They have the best blended chai tea ever! I've written several purchase agreements over there in rain, on the sidewalk with the mosquitoes, and while enduring the entertainment as well (that was the hardest because we couldn't hear or talk!). There are good coffee shops throughout the metro but the further you go out from city centers, the more chains one encounters. As to my well-being? I'm busy and well!
Posted by: Bonnie Erickson | June 25, 2007 at 11:01 PM