As a senior at St. Olaf, I have now had three full years to eat and drink my way across the small town of Northfield, Minn. Believe it or not, the town has a lot to offer, and even with covid-19 standing in the way of a walk into town, I think that once allowed off campus, there will at least be time for a good cup of coffee.
I am a coffee person through and through, so naturally, that’s what I’ve focused on here in Northfield. Here are four places where you can get a great cup of coffee, that I think are worth the trip!
Little Joy:
This is probably the “coolest” of the coffee places in town, and has some pretty fancy drinks available. I think their coffee is really great, and would recommend a drink from here. As far as staying and sitting goes, it is normally pretty busy, and is not the coziest of places. Maybe just stop in for the coffee and head back to campus.
Goodbye Blue Monday:
This is a popular spot in town, and was somewhere I frequented as a first-year especially. Coffee quality is not as good as Little Joy in my humble opinion, but it is definitely a cozier place to study for a few hours. Beware, though, you will definitely see lots of Carleton students at the Blue Monday tables.
Brick Oven Bakery:
Brick Oven is best for baked goods. Their cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls are to die for, and they have good coffee to go with. I would recommend this as an affordable Sunday morning breakfast option with friends.
Hideaway:
My favorite coffee in town. Hideaway has some good baked goods and food options, nice big tables for studying or coffee with friends, and a trip to Hideaway has been known to put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. Five stars.
