March 22, 2018

EspressYo Self – A Look at the Coffee Shops of Downtown Fargo

Photo courtesy of Twenty Below Coffee Co.

Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or a good hot chocolate, having a variety of coffee shops available to spend time alone or with others can add a lot to a community. Luckily, downtown Fargo has become a hotspot for unique, local cafes, with shops catering to every taste and need. Let’s look at the best and the buzz-iest that downtown Fargo has to offer.

Atomic Coffee

222 Broadway N, Fargo, North Dakota 58102

Not only does Atomic Coffee offer a wide selection of fair trade coffee beverages, desserts, and light fare with vegan and gluten-free options, but the Broadway-facing shop also likes to give back to the community by showcasing a local artist’s work every month and offering a free meeting room in the back of the shop.

If you visit, try: the Atomic Bomb (brewed coffee with added shots of espresso) or their Atomic Blend herbal tea mix

 

Babb’s Coffee House

604 Main Ave, Fargo, ND 58103

Known for its relaxed, Seattle-inspired décor, Babb’s Coffee House serves a full menu of breakfast and lunch options with gluten-free and vegan-friendly dishes, and beverages using their own beans that are roasted and air lifted every week from Seattle. Stop by to enjoy the atmosphere and coffee in a cozy seat, use the free wifi, or rent out one of their conference rooms.

If you visit, try: the Coffee Shake and the homemade breakfast quesadilla

 

Moxie Java

111 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102

This Broadway-facing shop offers a variety of brewed coffee, espresso drinks, baked goods, breakfast items, soups and sandwiches, and desserts. You can stop by at any time during the day and find a treat to satisfy your cravings. Because the space is shared with Piece of Cake bakery, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth with your choice of cakes, cheesecakes, and pies as you enjoy the view of Broadway.

If you visit, try: the Milkee Way (caramel mocha) with the veggie and colby jack quiche

 

Red Raven Espresso Parlor

916 Main Ave, Fargo, ND 58103

Walking into Red Raven Espresso Parlor can feel like walking into a secret world filled with vegan and vegetarian treats, eclectic art, and delicious coffee and tea beverages. The only worker-owned and operated coffee shop in Fargo, it promotes self-expression and art in the community by frequently hosting music concerts, comedy shows, poetry readings, and more. Its patio also provides a tranquil spot to relax during the warmer seasons.

If you visit, try: a monster cookie with either a Foggy Earl in the cold months (earl grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup) or a Hard Times in the warm months (their signature cold press coffee mixed with sweet condensed milk)

 

Stumbeano’s Coffee Bar

210 Broadway N #92, Fargo, ND 58102

Stumbeano’s Coffee Roasters began roasting in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 2005, and opened their first and only retail coffee bar in Fargo in 2014. Their knowledgeable baristas help customers decide between multiple coffee preparation methods, including batch drip brew, espresso, and pour over, and their fresh-made baked goods, waffles, and toast are the perfect complement to their beverages. Because they’re located in the basement of the Loretta Building facing Roberts Alley, visitors have their choice of enjoying their items inside their cozy, brick-clad space, or taking it outside to the patio.

If you visit, try: their fresh roasted beans and a homemade waffle

 

Thunder Coffee

These mobile coffee specialists have been taking Fargo by storm. Their pop-up model moves to different locations depending on where customers want to see them, and they have made their rounds catering various public and private events, including the Red River Market this past summer. Keep an eye on their social media to stay up-to-date on where these espresso and pour over fanatics will be on a day-to-day basis.

If you visit, try:  the Brown Sugar Vanilla Latte or a Sun Dried Ethiopian pour over

 

Twenty Below Coffee Co.

14 Roberts St N, Fargo, ND 58102

Ranked the top coffee shop in North Dakota by Food Network, Fargo’s only independent coffee roasters believe in high quality coffee, strong community relationships, and savoring the moment. Their warm space, homemade sourdough bread and baked goods, and sociable baristas who make it a point to get to know you make this shop feel anything but cold.

If you visit, try: the seasonal Crème Brûleé Latte (made with half and half, sweetened condensed milk, and brûleéd sugar on top) or a Nitro Brew coffee

 

Young Blood Coffee

623 Northern Pacific Ave, Fargo, ND 58102

One of downtown Fargo’s newest coffee shops has a vision “to pursue better coffee, and help foster the brilliant ideas, stories, and exchanges that take place over each cup.” With their bright space, friendly and knowledgeable baristas, and West Coast vibe, they’ve been achieving their vision, and have become one of the most popular places for locals to meet up, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and toast, and get some work done.

If you visit, try: the Miel (honey cinnamon latte) with freshly-made cinnamon sugar sourdough toast

 

By Katie Spokely