Photo courtesy Katie Ballalatak
This year, the service industry has showed us just how creative and innovative they can be with their businesses. Pivots range from offering delivery for the first time to coming up with new service protocols that encompass both good customer service and the safety of employees and guests. For many in the coffee industry, the solution has been utilizing walk-up windows, which are practical and adorable to boot. Below are five coffee shops with walk-up windows for you to visit in the Twin Cities area:
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Claddagh Coffee
A new addition since COVID-19, Claddagh Coffee has built walk-up windows for both its Wee Shop on Selby Avenue and its West Seventh location. While you’re waiting for your coffee at Claddagh’s Wee Shop, take a seat on its sidewalk patio. Spend a few moments feeling the morning sun on your face and listening to the hustle and bustle of the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. Wee Claddagh Coffee, 612 Selby Ave., St. Paul; Claddagh Coffee Cafe, 459 West Seventh St., St. Paul; claddaghcoffeecafe.com
Spyhouse Cafe
This little service window has been at Spyhouse’s St. Paul location since it opened, but now it’s really coming in clutch. Limited indoor and patio seating is available for those who want to stick around, but if you’re looking for a quick, contactless coffee run, this is a good place to go. 420 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, spyhousecoffee.com
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The Coffee Shop Northeast
A quick jaunt from Audubon Park, the Coffee Shop Northeast is known for its awesome coffee drinks and great food selection. Back in April, the Coffee Shop Northeast implemented a new service window to allow them to continue business as usual. 2852 Johnson St. NE, Minneapolis, thecoffeeshopne.wordpress.com
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Black Sheep Coffee Café
Black Sheep Coffee Café is owned by South St. Paul natives and is known for light roast coffee, delicious coffee pods (compatible with most k-cup machines), live bluegrass music on Saturdays during normal times, and its cute walk-up service window, which is how the café is currently serving all customers. 705 Southview Blvd, South St. Paul, blacksheepcoffee.com
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Mudslingers
Mudslingers in Roseville has been doing the drive-thru coffee thing before it was trendy. The coffee shop has been voted best coffee shop in Minnesota by USA Today and offers everything from cold press to smoothies, plus some and delicious baked goods from Grandma’s Bakery in White Bear Lake. 2154 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, mudslingersmn.com
