1. The Mocha Monkey, Waconia

The popular downtown location feels like home because it’s in one—specifically a century-old, two-story beauty with a fireplace and lots of lounging spots. Meet friends, hold a meeting, study or read a book, or just enjoy your coffee while taking in the café’s unique vibe.

While the expansive drink menu has a coffee beverage for everyone, it goes all in on mochas, with nearly 10 varieties of chocolate-flavored coffee drinks on the menu, including the Zebra Mocha, which combines white and dark chocolate, and the Rhesus Monkey Mocha, which has dark chocolate and peanut butter, garnished with Reese’s peanut butter cups. You can buy owner Jon Schmidt’s hand-crafted pottery here, too.

2. River Rock Coffee & Tea, Saint Peter

Opened in 2002 by founder Tamika Bertram, this coffee shop has always focused on building a strong community and focusing on sustainability. Early in the morning, you can find a choice of drip coffees: The first is always a smooth and balanced blend and the second is a single-origin coffee, which highlights an individual growing region and varietal.

Handmade baked goods and deli items, often created with local farm finds, pair beautifully with the coffee shop’s thoughtful selection of teas and coffee-based drinks in this airy spot in one of downtown’s historical brick buildings. The coffeehouse also has organic house-made syrups for those customers who want to add a flavor to their coffee drinks. In 2019, River Rock Coffee & Tea opened a second location in downtown Mankato.

3. The Coffee Hag, Mankato

A beloved Old Town coffeehouse for 30 years and counting, this eclectic community hub serves organic and fair-trade coffee, tea, espresso and smoothies, as well as fresh, delicious vegetarian dishes. Food options include soups, quiche, cashew egg salad sandwiches, toasted hummus and vegetable wraps, and more.

The coffeehouse’s gallery features a different artist every month, and its stage hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The coffeehouse’s brick walls and high tin ceiling create a charming atmosphere.