It’s finals week. Your project that was assigned nine weeks ago hasn’t been started, you have four papers due next week, and you have three tests to study for. What do you do? Assuming the answer is not to beg for mercy via e-mail to your professors, the next best thing would be to find the closest coffee shop, set up camp on a comfy couch, and chug cold brew like it’s water in the desert. But what coffee shop you might ask? Here in Grand Forks, we have a plethora of coffee shops at our disposal, on and off campus. This is your official guide to some of the best coffee shops in the Grand Forks area.
Archives Coffee House
If you’re new, Archives is the coffee shop on campus where you will find a quirky and calm atmosphere perfect for reading a good book, visiting a friend, writing a paper, or all three. Good luck out there! Located in the middle of campus on University Avenue, inside you will find large angular windows that pour light into the space, giving an ambient glow to the interior at any point in the day. There is always something new to try on their ever-changing menus depending on the season. Last week I had the plankton, which is a pistachio latte from their recent SpongeBob menu. This week I had the Ted Bundy, which was a vanilla latte with drizzled honey from their monster’s menu. Can you think of a better establishment with such beverages?
Take a seat in the leather sectional in the sunlight or pick a high-top table in the corner with local art hanging behind your head. Each seat has a perfect view of University Avenue outside, and the perfect range for the insatiable scents that come from their homemade baked goods. Whether it be cinnamon rolls, pepperoni flatbread, or the constant smell of coffee. They also serve wine and beer in the evening, where they also have a booth of trinkets and goods from local companies and artists. Everything from candles, earrings, art, and more. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to give some pets to, in my opinion, the Archives’ very own mascot, Sammy. He’s white and has black spots all over him and is truly the highlight of my day.
You can find them on Instagram and Facebook @archives_coho.
Urban Stampede
As a Grand Forks native, I have full confidence when I say this is the ultimate coffee shop for small town artsy vibes. It’s a little less than a ten-minute drive from campus, though I would highly recommend making the trek. Located on the corner of Kittson Avenue in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, Urban is a favorite, from your local townie. After opening the classic squeaky door, you’ll find a warm and eclectic setting filled with the best Grand Forks has to offer. Local art adorns the walls, and plants fill the windows. There’s just something about a coffee shop on a downtown street. If your cool artsy aunt could be embodied in a coffee shop, it would be Urban, and the coffee’s great too. Take your pick from their three local roasts in an ever-changing menu, as well as their vast beverages and homemade bakery items. Their seasonal French toast latte is my new favorite. They also sell their own merch with your personal zodiac sign on it.
You can find them on Instagram or Facebook @urbanstampede.
The Ember
Newly remodeled and opened, The Ember is a favorite of Grand Forks locals and UND students alike. A few steps away from Town Square, you can find the perfect study spot in this coffee shop. The stylish and minimalistic setting creates a quiet ambience for your ideal study needs. Located in the middle of downtown Grand Forks, right next to local shops and restaurants, the ember is your first stop among many for a day on the town. Aside from their classic coffee menu with a few quirky and sophisticated selections, the service is unmatched. Take a spot in the window bar for some afternoon sunlight, or upstairs in their loft overlooking the entirety of the shop in all its glory. If you’re feeling up for it, play a tune on the vintage piano at the front entrance.
You can find them on Instagram and Facebook @theembercoffeehouse.
Among the multiple coffee shops in Grand Forks, these three simply take the cake. What is your favorite coffee shop in town?
Danika Ogawa is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
