Every day coffee lovers of the world unite by sipping their morning cup of joe. And whether you’re a person who enjoys their coffee black or likes mocha-choca frappes from your favorite coffee place, coffee is something people will always have time for. September 29th is National Coffee Day and to commemorate this day, this article is about some of the local coffee shops Winona has to offer.
Acoustic Café
Acoustic Café is a cute little place located on 2nd street. This local eatery is a fan favorite of college students as well as locals. Acoustic Café roasts their own coffee beans and has about 20 varieties of beans for you to try. One of my favorite things about Acoustic is the environment; it’s a great place to get a cup of your favorite coffee and study for a couple of hours. If you are in the mood to study to some local music, every Friday and Saturday Acoustic brings in local bands and singers for live entertainment.
Blue Heron Coffeehouse
Right down the road from Acoustic Cafe lies Blue Heron Coffeehouse. The vibe here is still very college-oriented, so you will often see many college students here on a daily basis. Along with their normal menu of coffee, soups and sandwiches, Blue Heron offers a vegan and vegetarian menu for our friends who do not eat animal products. I have also heard from a very reliable source that the scones are to die for, so be sure to try them!
Caribou
When it comes to coffee, of course Caribou has to be included in the mix. Located off of highway 61, this Minnesota staple is perfect for anyone looking for classic coffee drinks. I have studied here a lot in the past, and Caribou still happens to be one of my go-to study locations. Even though there is a constant flow of people, the environment still manages to stay quiet and welcoming, just as any good coffee shop/study lounge should be.
Mugby Junction
There are two Mugby Junctions in the Winona area: one is on Huff Street across from campus, and the other is on Mankato Ave. next to Walgreens. Both are great coffee joints; however, if you are looking for a quick place to study in between classes, the one across from campus is very convenient and has a menu with a wide variety of coffees. I tend to get coffee here quite frequently, especially if I have a little time to kill. I personally find it hard to study at Mugby, though, because of all the constant hustle of the cars on Huff and the people walking to and from classes.
Whether you’re getting one to go or filling up your second cup, National Coffee Day is a day that should definitely be observed. I’m thinking I’ll cozy up to my laptop with a nice Campfire Mocha; what will you be drinking?