A Guide to Rapid City Coffee Shops
Pure Bean Coffeehouse
Nestled within the Historic Fairmont Creamery building and a hallmark among Rapid City coffee shops, Pure Bean provides guests an enchanting old-world ambiance underscored by crafty wooden accents, a crackling fireplace, hanging potted plants, ample comfy seating, high exposed ceilings, gigantic windows that allow sunlight to shine through, and the tantalizing aroma of intentionally roasted java.
While a better environment for productivity would be difficult to imagine, aside from optimum functionality, the attention to detail that has gone into designing this brick coffee house 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.
Harriet & Oak
Along with an abundance of chic rustic furnishings, touches of greenery, and a sophisticated upstairs loft area featuring cozy couches and an earnestly stocked bookshelf, there’s one rad-looking vintage blue VW van parked inside this hip cafe and roastery situated just off the main drag. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious seasonal beverages like the Pumpkin Spice and Peach Coconut Lattes, as well as mouthwatering bites ranging from avocado toasts to scrumptious waffles to nutrient-packed acai bowls to breakfast sandwiches.
Alternative Fuel Coffee House
Located on Main Street Square, Alternative Fuel is a full-service cafe keeping its surrounding community moving forward with an espresso bar and refreshing fruit smoothies. The large outdoor patio allows visitors to enjoy a cup of morning joe, iced Americano, fruity blend, or handcrafted sandwich while soaking in a front-row view of all the hustle and bustle of downtown. With regards to ice skating season, the shop’s walk-up window enables partakers to order hot chocolate, java, and more without ever taking their skates off.
Essence of Coffee
Snuggled amidst the storefronts lining Main Street, Essence of Coffee pairs its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with artisan Australian coffee roasted to flavorful perfection on-site. The friendly staff also has on hand a tempting selection of food items such as sweet and savory crepes, berry french toast, and fluffy pancakes; that’s not to mention the lunch sandwiches and burgers, which come with french fries or your choice of another side!
Dixon Coffee Company
What this adorable little drive-through abode nestled a stone’s toss from the banks of Rapid Creek may lack in size, it certainly more than makes up for in cheerful spirit, aesthetic tones, photogenic appeal, and coffees made from certified organic and fair-trade beans.
Koyote Koffee
A convenient stop along Sturgis Road, Koyote Koffee was started by a dynamic mother-daughter duo who always dreamed of owning a coffee shop that was comfortable, friendly, and passionate about the industry. Whether you’d like to sink into a comfy booth and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe or hunker down for a productive study session, whatever the case may be, the folks here have got you covered.
The Bean Counter
The Bean Counter was formed as a charitable extension of Med5 Federal Credit Union and to provide a unique experience grounded in great coffee, espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, frappes, cold brew, teas, chai, and cold brew, which is smooth, rich, and made daily! The well-manicured space can seat over 40 people in its tables and booths; there’s also a 10-person conference room for meetings, gatherings, or other needs.
Dark Canyon Coffee
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Dark Canyon, which is passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest Arabica beans on-site. Furthermore, they do have an intimately sized lobby area open to the public for limited hours and showcasing timberland vibes, coffee equipment, and other supplies, but keep in mind, there isn’t really any seating to speak of, so perhaps plan on grabbing and enjoying on the go or elsewhere.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
Across the street from Founders Park, Dunn Brothers has a reliably warm ambiance with speedy WiFi, plenty of tables, and cushioned armchairs. From strong and smooth java to blended frappes to signature drinks like the Raspberry White Mocha and Caramelized Almond Latte, there’s a little liquid delight for everybody here. They also carry food items like fresh-baked pastries, build-your-own breakfast sandwiches with hand-cracked eggs, wraps, naan pizza, and salads.
Black Hills Blend
This efficient and quality drive-thru experience is the perfect grab-and-go stop to add to your morning routine, after all, there’s a tasty reason Black Hills Blend now operates several Rapid City coffee shops. Along with a range of caffeinated beverages, they’ve got oatmeal and baked goods to snack on.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru franchise that has been serving world-class coffee for more than 20 years. The menu features an array of specialty espresso beverages, single-origin coffee, fruit smoothies, Red Bull Infusions, Cold Brew, baked-from-scratch pastries, and savory breakfast options ranging from breakfast burritos to hot sandwiches. The Caramelicious is their signature drink, you can’t go wrong with ordering this rich, velvety, caramel gem.
This rapidly blossoming java business started out in 1998 as a single drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska clinging to the following principles: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Since those humble beginnings, Scooter’s has grown to over 300 locations in 21 states across the nation!
If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Rapid City, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Sioux Falls!
I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page.
