Local shops differ in vibes. But each coffee shop has their strengths and unique features that set them apart. Sometimes you need to pick a shop based off their unique vibes. Let’s dive into what we would award some of our local coffee shops in the Coffee Crown awards.
“Best place when you’re feeling like a social butterfly” goes to Sidecar Coffee on College Hill.
Sidecar Coffee on College Hill is a swarm of college students and life. Being central to campus for University of Northern Iowa students, there are constant meetups filling the building with chatter and conversation. It’s rare to find the hill empty or silent during the school months!
“Best place for when you want to feel like you’re a character in Gilmore Girls” goes to Cup of Joe.
Cup of Joe mimics some features from Luke’s cafe in the show Gilmore Girls. You can read about my love for this show in my first blog post! The coffee shop feels a little vintage with the color and decoration choices. Cup of Joe also has baked goods which makes me think of Luke serving up cinnamon rolls or donuts to Lorelei and Rory.
“Best place for a study session” goes to Sarah’s Espresso.
Sarah’s Espresso has dimmed lighting to set an ambiance for studying and focusing. It feels similar to at night when I am at my desk in my room. The dimmed light creates a safe space to grind out work. There are also energy drinks to produce productive work.
“Best place for cozying up with a book on a rainy day” goes to Sidecar Ridgeway.
Ridgeway takes this award because of the large windows to provide natural light. On a rainy day, it is a little darker inside making the string lights above the barista station bright and a vibe to watch the raindrops drop down the windows. With a red couch and two red chairs inside, it is easy to get lost in the cozy atmosphere Ridgeway provides. There have been days when I sit down in a red chair and before I know it three hours have passed and I am in need of a new book.
“Best place for feeling like you’re sipping a cap in Paris” goes to Le Petit.
Le Petit is a cafe on Main Street that sells homemade pastries and offers coffee options to accompany. Everything about this shop feels dainty and pure. After studying abroad in Italy and seeing the way European coffee shops are set up, I can vouch for Le Petit in saying it gives you an European experience in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
That is the coffee awards I could come up with. Feel free to comment if you have any opinion on what coffee shops should get awards!