All I have found that is consistantly good to great is "Black Sheep" in South St Paul. There is another "Paradise Roasters" shop or two in the Twin City area. Check Paradise's web site. I will watch this thread and hope for others! richard PS, I have a 65 mile drive so I try to keep my selection to the best I have found. Also their owner came in 6th at the this last barista championships . Se another thread. my 1¢ richard
Posted Fri May 18, 2007, 3:21am Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
espressme Said:
All I have found that is consistantly good to great is "Black Sheep" in South St Paul. . . Also their owner came in 6th at the this last barista championships . Se another thread. my 1¢ richard
I would concur with that. Peter takes pride in his shop and his coffee. He uses Paradise Roasters coffee and it is first class. Stopped in the Saturday after competition and he was setting up his signature drink, free for the house. Grabbed some of the Kenya roast he uses (Paradise Roasters) but he wouldn't accept anything for it because I really was after another coffee that he was out of.
BillK Senior Member Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 77 Location: AZ Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Wed May 23, 2007, 10:07pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
The best two shops I know of in the Twin Cities area are Black Sheep, as indicated above, and Kopplins, across the street from Cretin High School in St. Paul. If you enjoy truly great coffee, you will not be disappointed in either of these places. Both use Synesso machines, both feature outstanding Paradise coffees, both have nothing but highly trained baristas, both are attractive and comfortable cafes, and both have excellent pastries/food (at Black Sheep, Peter's partner does all the pastries/sandwiches/soups on site, and the quality is on a par with the coffee).
My wife and I stopped by Black Sheep today to congratulate Peter (he wasn't there). We each had a Southwest-style chicken chili and split a brownie for lunch. We then sampled Peter's competition drink. I finished with a double shot of Paradise Classico. By the time we were ready to leave, I had to peel my taste buds off the ceiling. I am not kidding.
Posted Thu May 24, 2007, 5:50am Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
BillK "The best two shops I know of in the Twin Cities area are Black Sheep, as indicated above, and Kopplins, across the street from Cretin High School in St. Paul."
Hi and thanks for a new stop! I get to the cities about twice a month and am always open to a treat! sincerely richard
javaj Senior Member Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 165 Location: San Francisco, CA Expertise: Professional
Posted Thu May 24, 2007, 7:49pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
Paradise Roasters is not only the best roaster in Minneapolis, but one of the top ten roasters in the country (per Food and Wine Magazine).
So much so, that despite some small challenges in shipping, JavaJ in Roseville, CA (Sacramento area) is proud to be a customer. And we even have a lot of options out here!
Posted Fri May 25, 2007, 1:50pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
Kopplins is very good. Best part is that they have Clovers in addition to great espresso. The clover makes some amazing coffee. My understanding is that there are only 60+ machines in use in the world. LA Times made a big deal about a shop in Southern Cal having one and Kopplins has two. Definitely worth a visit.
Paradise is fantastic. We are fortunate to have a place like this located in Twin Cities. I like the Espresso Classico as much as Black Cat.
Posted Fri May 25, 2007, 5:57pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
Hello Gentle beings, I am convinced that a drive to "The Cities" is definitely in the cards for Sunday afternoon! Thanks again! richard PS Both blends are in my top 3!
pjdiez Senior Member Joined: 30 Sep 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Washington, DC Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto Grinder: Super Jolly, Macap MC4, 2... Vac Pot: 5 FP's, Eva CafeSolo,... Drip: Chemex, Mellitta, Bodum Roaster: Behmor
Posted Fri May 25, 2007, 6:53pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
I usually avoid ordering espresso while traveling to avoid the (almost inevitable) disappointment, but I happened to notice some serious barista tattoos while on a caffeine visit and ordered a pull at the Artists' Grind on U Blvd in St. Paul. The results were excellent, and produced w/ purpose and care. This was a year ago, and the planets may have realigned, but I recommend a visit if you're in town/near by.
Posted Sun May 27, 2007, 6:01pm Subject: Re: Best Shops and Roasters in Minneapolis?
Hi, I found Kopplin's today! It is hidden a couple shops from the corner on Hamlin So. of Randolph in Saint Paul. Park nearby and walk! The folks are pleasant and I tried the "Clover machine" coffee, after a double Ristretto of "Paradise Classico." It was to my taste and I enjoyed it muchly. They have other roasted coffees also. Prices are very reasonable and the trained help likes coffee! Thanks espressme Kopplin's click here And: Black Sheep click here
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