When you think of coffee, what comes to your mind? For some, it is that rich flavor and the perk of feeling awakened by that first sip. For others, it might be the idea of gathering with friends to have an iced coffee in the afternoon. Even if you don’t like coffee and prefer hot cocoa or a cup of tea, coffee shops are a great gathering spot. Whatever thought comes to mind when you think of coffee, there is a place for you to grab a cup of joe in Downtown Minot.

According to nescafe.com, the history of coffee dates back to around 800 AD when an Ethiopian goat herder noticed that his goats were acting energized after eating some berries and decided to bring the berries to a group of monks. These monks thought the berries were the work of the devil and threw them into the fire. What happened next was not expected, but the heavenly scent that was released from these berries surprised them and they stored the berries in a jug of hot water to preserve them. They soon realized that this drink was as delicious as it smelled and that was the beginning of coffee.

Now is that story a tale or truth, we will likely never know, but it sure sounds like it could have been a good start to the art of coffee drinking. It is definitely true that coffee has been a drink of choice for many hundreds of years and I don’t think that is going to change. If you are looking for a cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning or a chance to catch up with a friend, there are several perfect spots in Downtown Minot to savor the flavor.

Black Iguana in Margie’s: From hot mochas and black coffee to boba tea and smoothies, there is so much more than coffee at Black Iguana. They have a large selection of syrups and can special make just about anything your heart desires. What is even more fun is that you can sit and paint ceramics and sip a hot or cold beverage in a fun environment that is sure to be a great spot to meet friends. Black Iguana is located at 109 Main St S. and is open Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:00 am – 8:30 pm and Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am – 5:30 pm.

Prairie Sky Bread: If you are looking for a local bakery and coffee shop, Prairie Sky is your spot. It is a perfect spot to meet a friend or have a breakfast and coffee date. Located at 3 1st St SE, you will find a variety of seasonal fall drinks from Iced Caramel Apple Chai to Churro Cold Brew and Brown Sugar White Mochas to traditional coffee drinks. Prairie Sky Breads is open Tuesdays from 9 am – 2pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:30 am – 4 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am – 4 pm.

Cookies for You: While Cookies for You is mainly known for their cookie selection, they also offer a selection of beverages including coffee, frappes, Italian sodas, bottled juices, and specialty coffee drinks. They have so many different syrups including a lot of sugar free options. Cookies for You is the fun choice for grabbing a cookie after school with the kiddos and a chance to get a little pick me up drink. Located at 117 Main St S., their hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5pm and Saturdays from 9 am – 3 pm.

Central Brew: A cozy little shop for a study break or to visit with friends, Central Brew is located at 400 East Central Ave in the south end of The Foundry building. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 7 am – 5 pm and Saturdays from 8 am – 5 pm. They also have a great selection of seasonal drinks including the Maple Butter Pecan Latte, White Pumpkin Mocha, Caramel Apple Cider, and traditional coffee drinks. Spend some time relaxing on their cozy couch or at one of their tables. It is a quiet place to enjoy some time and a coffee.

Now that I have you dreaming of your next coffee drink, make a stop at one of the tasty coffee shops in Downtown Minot. Grab that to go cup and browse around all the fun shops for a day with friends or family. There is truly something for everyone downtown and autumn is a great time to find all those hidden gem shops that you just might not have discovered yet.