15 July 2024
Duluth, Minnesota is home to an array of coffee shops that cater to every coffee lover’s taste. Nestled by Lake Superior – These cafes offer more than just a caffeine fix providing welcoming spaces, each with its unique atmosphere and charm.
We’ve rounded up 10 best coffee shops in Duluth – From local roasters to quirky cafes ensuring that your search for a great cup of coffee is both enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re after a quick caffeine hit or a cozy place to hang out, Duluth’s got you covered.
These aren’t just places to grab a drink – they’re local hangouts where you can soak in the city’s vibe. So grab your mug and let’s explore Duluth’s coffee scene together!
1) Duluth Coffee Company Coffee Shop & Roastery
Located in downtown Duluth, Minnesota – Duluth Coffee Company has been a local favorite for over a decade. It all started with Eric Faust roasting coffee in his garage and delivering it in his pickup truck.
Now, they roast coffee right in the shop using their own special machine. They focus on sourcing coffee globally and maintaining direct relationships with farmers in countries like Colombia and Costa Rica with the mission is to roast and craft coffee with integrity.
The shop offers lots of different coffees all roasted locally and they even help people set up coffee machines at home. When you walk in, you feel welcome right away where you can relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee, made with care from start to finish.
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (750+ reviews)
Location: 105 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
Website: Visit Website
2) Wussow’s Concert Cafe
Wussow’s Concert Cafe, a Duluth gem since 1999, is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a lively hub where music, food, and community come together. The cafe serves up tasty homemade eats, great coffee, and local beers and wines.
Every week, there’s something exciting happening with Wednesdays for Open Mic nights, where anyone can take the stage, Thursdays bring the community together for special events with artists and thinkers, and Sunday brunches come with a side of live music, from toe-tapping bluegrass to soulful folk. For musicians, Wussow’s is extra special. They can even record their live shows right in the cafe.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting – Wussow’s warm, welcoming vibe makes it a must-visit spot in Duluth.
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (700+ reviews)
Location: 324 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
Website: Visit Website
3) Perk Place Coffeehouse
Perk Place Coffeehouse is a cozy spot in Duluth known for its great food and strong coffee proudly serving beans from Duluth Coffee Co., to ensure top-notch quality. Breakfast items are available all day, along with a full espresso bar, fruit smoothies, and sandwiches. Their bakery case is filled with fresh pastries.
They are open for inside dining from 7 am to 3 pm every day. Customers can also order for pickup or delivery. Special orders can be made with 24 hours’ notice for large quantities of food items and pastries.
Perk Place is dedicated to exceptional customer service and consistency in quality – Always striving to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel known and valued, making it a favorite spot for locals.
Google Review Rating: 4.5 (250+ reviews)
Location: 1336 W Arrowhead Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
Website: Visit Website
4) 190° Coffee And Tea
190° Coffee And Tea is dedicated to brewing the perfect cup with their baristas are always improving their skills to keep up with new trends in coffee. They make sure that all their coffee and tea are sourced properly and made to high standards.
They support the local community, by showcasing local artists and working with other coffee shops in the area.
If you’re a student, teacher, or work in the industry, you can enjoy special discounts. It’s more than just a coffee shop – it’s a cozy spot where creativity flows as freely as the coffee. Whether you’re there for a quick drink or to soak in the artsy vibe, 190° welcomes everyone with open arms.
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (250+ reviews)
Location: 1832 W Superior St Suite 103, Duluth, MN 55806
Website: Visit Website
5) Dovetail Cafe & Marketplace
Dovetail Cafe & Marketplace is a cozy spot in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District, offers a mix of handcrafted food, coffee, and beer, creating a welcoming place for everyone.
The cafe is a project of the Duluth Folk School aiming to build community connections with weekly activities like Cribbage Night on Wednesdays and Open Mic on Sundays which makes it a lively place to visit.
With friendly hours from 8 am to 8 pm most days, Dovetail is a great spot for meeting friends, working, or just relaxing with a good cup of coffee.
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (370+ reviews)
Location: 1917 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806
Website: Visit Website
6) Yellow Bike Coffee
Yellow Bike Coffee, established in 2017, is a cozy spot in Duluth known for its friendly atmosphere and quality brews, crafting everything they make, from coffee beans to espresso drinks, with great care.
The shop is also committed to make the world a better place by donating 8% of the proceeds from each bag of their Hero Roasts to various foundations.
Visitors often rave about their cold brew and great playlists – Customers like Marissa love the atmosphere at Yellow Bike Coffee and find it to be their new favorite spot. Yellow Bike Coffee aims to help people find balance and success in their lives, just like the early days of learning to ride a bicycle.
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (350+ reviews)
Location: 4411 Venture Ave, Duluth, MN 55811
Website: Visit Website
7) Amity Coffee
Amity Coffee is a family-owned spot nestled in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. They serve freshly baked delicious scones, specialty coffee drinks and offer a rotating selection of beers and wines for those afternoon visits.
The staff at Amity Coffee maintain a friendly and relaxed atmosphere by keeping the place tidy and welcoming for all guests.
Local coffee roasters provide the beans to ensure high-quality flavors in every cup. For non-coffee drinkers, their chai tea and other options are popular choices.
Amity Coffee is not just about beverages – they offer unique gifts and tasty treats making it a perfect spot to relax or grab a quick bite. Many locals consider it the best coffee shop in Duluth.
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (300+ reviews)
Location: 4429 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804
8) The Back Alley
The Back Alley is a unique gem tucked away in Duluth, MN, right on Lake Superior. Born out of passion in 2017, it started in the founders’ apartment alley before finding its current cozy spot in 2019. This isn’t your average coffee shop – it’s a surf lover’s paradise that also happens to brew great coffee!
Whether you’re looking to catch some waves, sip on a tasty drink, or browse local art, The Back Alley has you covered. Grab some Lake Superior-ready gear, sip a perfect brew, or snag a local artist’s creation – all with a side of laid-back charm.
The shop’s vibe is as cool and laid-back as its name suggests with fun events and a welcoming atmosphere making it clear that the owners are living their dream and want to share it with everyone who stops by.
Google Review Rating: 5 (50+ reviews)
Location: 2409 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806, United States
Website: Visit Website
9) The Loch Café & Games
Matt and Erin Glesner, the owners of The Loch Café & Games, opened their doors in 2023 as a unique spot blends a coffee shop with a game store and an aim to create a place where everyone can feel welcome and enjoy their hobbies.
Located in Duluth, MN, The Loch Café & Games serves specialty coffee made by Erin and offers a variety of games.
The café also hosts events and has a strong community vibe where people gather to play, relax, and share ideas.
Google Review Rating: 4.8 (90+ reviews)
Location: 318 N 18th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55812
Website: Visit Website
10) Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters
Tucked away in Two Harbors, MN, Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters is like a warm hug for coffee lovers. As soon as you walk in, the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans wraps around you and a cozy vibe that makes you want to sink into a chair and stay awhile.
The folks here are serious about their coffee, but in a fun way. They’re always excited to chat about their latest roasts or help you find your perfect brew. And don’t even get me started on their treats – they’re the perfect sidekick to your cup of joe.
The staff feels more like friends who can’t wait to share their coffee passion with you. So, whether you’re a coffee pro or just looking for a tasty pick-me-up, you’ll leave the place feeling like you found your new favorite spot.
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (100+ reviews)
Location: 543 Scenic Dr, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Website: Visit Website
History of Coffee Culture in Duluth
Duluth’s coffee culture began to grow significantly in the late 20th century. Initially, coffee consumption focused on convenience and mass production. Over time, local artisan roasters began emerging and contributing to, what is now considered the “third wave” of coffee.
Duluth’s coffee shops are more than just caffeine stops – they’re the heartbeat of the community with unique brews and welcoming vibes that serve up a perfect blend of quality and character.
From cozy corners to sleek spaces, each spot brings its own flavor to the city’s rich coffee culture.
Unique Coffee Beverages to Try
Duluth’s coffee scene is a flavor playground, with each shop brewing up its own magic. From quirky lattes to cool cold brews there’s always something new to tickle your taste buds.
Specialty Lattes
Imagine sipping on a Neapolitan iced latte that tastes like your favorite ice cream, or a Peach Pie latte that’s basically dessert in a cup. Duluth’s cafes don’t just make coffee; they create experiences. Fancy a touch of floral sweetness? Try a Lavender Honey latte. Craving something cozy? The Maple Cinnamon latte is like a warm hug for your insides.
Cold Brews
When the sun’s out, Duluth’s cold brews come out to play. Ever had a Nitro Cold Brew? It’s like your regular cold brew got all dressed up – smooth, creamy, and extra fancy. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew might be your new best friend. And for those who like to mix it up, how about a coconut or caramel twist on the classic?
Seasonal Drinks
As the seasons change, so do the drinks. Fall brings the classic Pumpkin Spice latte, sure, but have you tried a Maple Pecan blend? It’s like autumn in a cup. Winter warms you up with Peppermint Mochas, while spring and summer cool you down with fruity iced teas or a zesty Lemon Cold Brew. These seasonal specials are like a tasty way to mark time in Duluth.