Best Coffee Shop: Coffee Hag
A spunky menu makes this coffee shop one of a kind
Once again, The Coffee Hag wins Best Coffee Shop of Mankato for their quirky and accepting atmosphere and fun-loving employees.
Known for their support of local artists and businesses, The Coffee Hag is popular among college students, young adults, and those who appreciate art.
Upon entering, the first thing one notices is their eccentric art. One wall displays a local artist’s work for sale. Another has vintage mirrors, colorful canvases, and other trinkets. Their bulletin board, walls and doors are full of posters advertising different events, plays, and activities in the Mankato area, making it a wonderful place to find information on upcoming events.
The front counter has many different baked goods, pastas, salads, and a local chef’s creations. The menu is spunky with creative names for their drinks. One of their most popular drinks for coffee-lovers is the Yin-Yang, which combines both white and dark chocolate for a sweet taste to contrast the bitter coffee. Other popular drinks include The Bee’s Knees, named after the addition of honey into the beverage, and their White Mocha.
Those that are not coffee-drinkers are in luck. Their hot chocolate is sweet without being overpowering, and they also have an assortment of other coffee-less beverages. Their monster cookies, berry streusel, and cherry chocolate chip muffins are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, while their salads and pastas are savory for those looking for a little something more to munch on. Their drinks are typically $4-$5 and their pastries are not too pricey, either.
Their drinks and dishes are often adorned with little hearts, special foam creations, or a kind message. This along with the accepting atmosphere help The Coffee Hag to stand out. The establishment is LGBTQ+ friendly, and their employees make a point of making sure that it remains a safe environment.
The door to the bathroom labels it as an all-gender bathroom with a sign that states “Any person may use this restroom regardless of gender identity or expression.” A rainbow flag hangs in a corner of the shop. The customer base clearly appreciates these aspects of their establishment.
Their dedication to helping local artists and business, the atmosphere, kind employees, eccentric art, and quirky furniture has kept this coffee shop in the running for “Best Coffee Shop” for many years. The Coffee Hag has won many local awards from “Best of Mankato,” as well as other contests, and will likely continue to win them for years to come.
The Coffee hag has created a safe environment for all to come and talk, play games, listen to music, or enjoy a pastry and a cup of coffee. The shop is located at 329 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001. Their hours are Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.