A Guide to the Best Coffee Shops in Fargo
Twenty Below Coffee Co.
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, Twenty Below can trace its humble roots back to a passion-fueled coffee roasting operation started in the founder’s basement. The since opened store on Roberts Street is a favorite gathering place among Fargo coffee shops, by way of its relaxing atmosphere, neutral tones, ample furnishings, art-adorned walls, and amenities for a productive cafe day. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to meticulously brewed, rewardingly delicious coffee beverages like the Vanilla Latte, as well as delicious food options including loaded down toasts and scrumptious pastries.
Babb’s Coffee House
Situated on Main Avenue, Babb’s offers guests a comfortable hangout showcasing local artwork, elegant ceiling tiles, and iconic neon signage that mimics Pike’s Place in Seattle. Whether you’d like to appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, groove to the tunes of a musician performing live, immerse yourself amidst a poetry reading, or simply study the daylight hours away, whatever the case may be, this faithful abode has got you covered.
Youngblood Coffee
Neatly snuggled amongst storefronts lining the base of an unassuming apartment building on 2nd Avenue, Youngblood carries an admirable retro vibe underscored by wooden accents, cute potted plants, stylish furnishings, trendy wallpapers, modish light fixtures, and lest we forget the main attraction, a vintage record player. Upon being drawn inside by the sounds of timeless tunes and perhaps the tantalizing aromas of baked goods fresh out of the oven, folks can’t help but stick around as they savor their morning delight and soak in an aesthetically pleasing environment where all are welcome.
Thunder Coffee
Starting with secondhand equipment and a first-rate work ethic, the mobile Thunder coffee cart began with only three menu items. The founders set up anywhere and everywhere people would allow them; as fate would have it, they’d sling top-notch java at pop-ups, catered corporate events, concerts, fitness festivals, farmers markets, and tattoo expos. Then came 2019, when they opened a beautiful brick-and-mortar store boasting cozy homestead appeal, warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, vibrant touches of greenery, and should weather permit, natural sunlight pouring through the windows.
The friendly folks here recently took a giant leap when they began roasting their own beans on a handsome Mill City Roaster, producing some pretty fantastic coffees in the process. That being said, Thunder now has a rotating selection of single-origin coffees, an espresso blend that’s served at the coffee shop, and retail bags to take back home.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar
The idea for Black Coffee and Waffle Bar came about over time, as most good things do, largely thanks to the gradual slimming down of a menu to the point its sole focus was on tasty waffles and perfected coffee. This alignment also culminated in the grand opening of the business’s third store, where the Dakota Luau Waffle reigns as an exclusive delicacy featuring pulled pork, pineapple salsa, and a drizzle of honey barbeque sauce on top. The downtown location is a great setting for breakfast with loved ones, grabbing an energizing cup of joe on your way to work, and visiting with friends after-hours to enjoy a glass of craft beer or fine wine.
Third Drop Coffee
What began as a family-run fudge and candy store during the 80s successfully entered the java industry by the 90s, and in 2019 was ultimately rebranded Third Drop to signify three generations having the chance to work together. The quaint though bright and airy shop on Broadway has a decent amount of seating arrangements capable of accommodating a group or lone scholar looking to post up at a high-top table facing the street and passersby. Along with signature caffeinated beverages, they serve light bites like bagels, salads, and pastries.
Atomic Coffee
Tucked inside one of the gorgeous buildings just steps from downtown’s historic Fargo Theater, Atomic Coffee has a relaxed ambiance with bicycle-themed decor, an abundance of light wooden table tops to contrast the darker wooden and red walls, and a private room available for booking your next staff meeting, small party, club gathering, or study group. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this space with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.
Bully Brew Coffee
Inspired by some timeless advice from her great grandmother (who lived to 103 years old) and the unrelenting cuteness of her own furry four-legged companion, the founder of Bully Brew has established a java empire known for serving freshly roasted java, specialty coffee beverages, blended drinks, and tasty breakfast treats and snacks. Moreover, the location on Veterans Boulevard is a short drive from the Red River Zoo – a former ranch that’s now home to 300 animals from similar climates, including red pandas and meerkats.
Red River Coffee Co.
Near the banks of the Red River stands this warm and cozy enclave providing the neighborhood a place to study, drink, eat, play board games, and peruse a gift shop showcasing the works by local artists. Aside from the creative expressions and cool merch, Red River Coffee Co. sells coffee, shakes, teas, smoothies, traditional hand-scooped ice cream, and baked goods.
West Brew Nutrition
On the western edge of town lies this health-conscious retreat, which maintains a menu offering patrons a variety of drinks from coffees and teas to meal replacement shakes and refreshing aloe beverages. Considering they have a little something for everybody, and protein snacks, be sure to stop by this gem among Fargo coffee shops for a boost on you’re way to the gym or anytime you’re embarking on a journey into or out of town.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Fargo, be sure to check out our list of the Top 25 Coffee Shops in Dallas!
