Apr 8, 2021

Whether you prefer a fancy espresso drink or a good old-fashioned cup of Joe, there is something for everyone in the Mekinock area. Every coffee house listed below is within 30 minutes of Mekinock and is owned by North Dakota families. If you are looking for a great cup of coffee, check out these five coffee shops recommended by Rydell Outlet Center.

1. Archives Coffee House

Cappuccino with latte art heart drawn in it and bowl of sugar in the backgroundImage via Flickr by Cheryl Foong.

Archives Coffee House is a locally owned and operated shop dedicated to making every beverage special. All of the coffees on the menu are single-origin and responsibly sourced. Coffee lovers can choose from hot or cold coffees, flavored espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas from the expansive menu. You can also fill your growler with Archives’ homemade cold brew coffee that’s perfect for sharing. Tea aficionados can choose from a wide array of black, green, white, and herbal teas. Non-caffeinated drinks include hot chocolate, Italian sodas, and fruit smoothies.

In addition to their flavorful coffee, Archives has an impressive food menu. If you visit Archives for breakfast, you can enjoy one of the many breakfast sandwiches or baked treats. Baked goods include jumbo cookies, muffins, scones, cupcakes, and bagels. If you visit Archives, be sure to try the local favorite Dakota Harvest caramel roll. There are many vegan and gluten-free options available for those with special dietary requirements. Lunch options at Archives include sandwiches, homemade soups, and flatbread. On the weekend, you can enjoy Archives’ weekend brunch menu of stuffed French toast, egg bakes, baked oatmeal, and breakfast sandwiches.

Archives is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee and meet your neighbors. The shop has a free library for patrons, monthly paint-and-sip events, and live music on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can dine inside or on the patio (weather permitting), or get your coffee to go. Freshly-roasted coffee beans, Smith teas, baked goods by the dozen, and Archives’ signature baked oatmeal kit are also available for purchase in the store.

You can visit Archives on University Avenue in Grand Forks. They are open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. Darcy’s Cafe

Darcy’s Cafe is known for its delicious freshly-brewed coffee, friendly faces, and just-like-grandma-made dishes. You can enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee served in one of Darcy’s signature red mugs. Coffee refills are always free.

Darcy’s Cafe serves breakfast all day, with traditional breakfast dishes like brioche French toast, corned beef hash, omelets, cinnamon roll pancakes, and biscuits. If you stay for lunch, you can enjoy one of Darcy’s burgers, sandwiches, soups, or salads. Make sure you leave room for a piece of Darcy’s homemade pie, perfect with a cup of coffee.

Darcy’s is on North Washington Street in Grand Forks. It is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Menu items are available for dine-in, or you can order by phone for easy curbside pickup.

3. Bully Brew Company

Mocha in mug with latte art heart drawn in it
Image via Flickr by Matt Brown.

Named in honor of the owner’s bulldogs, Bully Brew Company is a fun place to meet friends and enjoy a great cup of Joe. Bully Brew Company is committed to great coffee, delicious food, and top-notch service. They roast the beans in their own roastery, and all their bakery items are homemade.

Coffee lovers can choose from several varieties of hot coffee or Bully’s signature cold brew. Espresso drinks include Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. When you visit, be sure to check the Bully Brew Company chalkboard for special seasonal coffee drinks. Non-caffeinated drinks include fresh fruit smoothies, several flavors of tea, hot chocolate, steamers, and Italian sodas. For a special treat, try the local favorite “Blended Big Train,” a frozen drink in your choice of chocolate, white chocolate, or chai tea.

In addition to drinks, Bully’s menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, and baked goods. Freshly baked bagels, oatmeal, and breakfast scrambles are perfect first thing in the morning. At lunchtime, you can enjoy hot and cold bagel sandwiches. Fresh baked goods include caramel rolls, oat balls, and puppy chow snack mix.

If you can’t get enough of Bully’s coffee, take home some ground, whole bean, or Bully K-cups to brew at home. Bully’s signature Empower Blend coffee supports the nonprofit Women’s Fund. Other local favorites include fireside spice, blueberry cream, Sumatra, and Indian monsoon coffees.

Bully’s Brew Company has two locations in Grand Forks. The South Washington Street location is drive-up only, and the Bully’s on South Columbia Road offers both dine-in and takeout. Both locations are open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep an eye out for Bully’s Brew Coffee Roastery in Grand Forks. Opening soon, the Roastery will be home to coffee classes and tours.

4. Urban Stampede

Urban Stampede is a funky little corner coffee shop in downtown Grand Forks that serves responsibly sourced, freshly roasted coffee. Coffee drinks include pour-overs, cold brew, drip, and air pot brewed. Espresso drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, mochas, and the unique iced espresso tonic. Non-coffee drinks include several teas, chai lattes, sodas, and lemonade. Be sure to check their menu for seasonal drinks, such as the one-of-a-kind pistachio rose latte, made from espresso, oat milk, pistachios, and rose syrup. Pair your coffee with one of Urban Stampede’s bagels, sweet breads, scones, muffins, or homemade scotcharoos.

You can visit Urban Stampede on Kittson Avenue. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5. Roadhouse Cafe

Roadhouse Cafe serves hot coffee and breakfast 24 hours a day. Menu items include huge, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, cinnamon rolls, French toast, omelets, and egg platters. Later in the day, you can also enjoy Roadhouse Cafe’s famous sandwiches, finger foods, or dinner platters.

Roadhouse Cafe’s coffee pairs perfectly with a homemade dessert. Fresh pies, carrot cake, chocolate cake, and several kinds of cookies are always available. You can enjoy Roadhouse’s coffee by the cup, or you can fill your thermos to go.

Roadhouse Cafe is on Gateway Drive in Grand Forks. Indoor dining and takeout are available.

There you have it! These are our five favorite coffee shops around Mekinock. Help our local businesses grow by visiting them the next time you need a caffeine fix. Did we miss any great coffee shops? Let us know, and we will add them to our list!