Need to get some work done, preferably while sipping on a latte? These local coffee shops are the perfect place to work, catch up with a friend, or just enjoy a peaceful few minutes to yourself. Plus, they serve fantastic coffee and other tasty drinks.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Located off of Highway 14 on the SE side of Rochester, this sit-down coffee shop is an overlooked gem. Its vibrant decor is reminiscent of a day spent on the beach even when the weather outside says otherwise. Bad Ass is part of a chain, but the Rochester location is the only one in the Midwest. Try their Bad Ass Mocha and feel like, well, a bad ***!
Hours: Lobby hours — 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Drive-through hours — 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Cafe Aqui
Imagine a greenhouse with a coffee shop inside. That’s pretty much the inspiration behind Coffee Aqui located in Sargent’s greenhouse on 2nd Street. There are plenty of spots to sip and work that are spaced throughout this light and airy greenhouse. Cafe Aqui also serves some select deli items including rosemary lemon scones and goat cheese & tomato empanadas. If you need to schedule a business meeting or a meet and greet, Cafe Aqui is the place to do it.
Hours: Open weekdays: 8 AM – 6 PM and weekends: 8 AM- 5 PM
Cafe Steam Skyway
Need to kill some time between appointments at Mayo Clinic? Look no further than Cafe Steam in the Skyway. The modern, bright design and strong coffee are enough to draw in most Skyway walkers. Cafe Steam’s baristas are top-notch, and you won’t be disappointed with your coffee. I recommend the Americano with some half-and-half; a classic that they just get right.
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed on weekends.
Scooters Coffee Shop
Scooters’ location also makes it worth a mention. Located off South Broadway next to the fairgrounds, Scooters has free parking, a drive-through window, and awesome teacher promotions. They also have booths for comfier seating options if you’re planning to stay awhile.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM -8:00 PM.
Forager Cafe
Located within Forager Brewery & Restaurant, Forager Cafe is open from 8 AM to 3 PM. Complete with a full coffee menu, smoothies, house-made juice & cocktails, Forager Cafe has it all. Grab a cup of joe (or juice) and some food as you enjoy their cozy atmosphere and indoor plants. I recommend their flight of juices: 3 delicious, 8 oz pours of unique combinations of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Hours: Cafe/coffee & juice bar open from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Breakfast menu served until 11:00 AM. Dinner menu is available at 11:00 AM.
Old Abe’s Coffee Shop
Located on 7th Street NW, Old Abe’s is an eclectic coffee shop with delicious food & drink options. This coffee shop has limited street parking, so if parallel parking is not your jam, opt for the parking lot at Cook Park. With a funky interior with indie music regularly playing, Old Abe offers something for everyone.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 7 am – 7 PM. Sunday- 7 AM – 4 PM.
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Don’t sleep on the Rochester coffee shop scene. Which one will you check out next?
