Vicinity Coffee - Abundant natural light reflecting off all metal surfaces and fixtures, creates the most inviting industrial feel you could ask for.
Number 2 on my list of best independent coffee shops in Minneapolis, leads us to none other than:
Vicinity Coffee (Nicollet)
Windows. Metal.
Those two words could sum up Vicinity.
First off, they are all about their natural light.
Almost two full walls are completely covered in windows. In fact, the entrance into the shop is an inlet of complete window walls.
But the coolest window is one they chose to surround in glass blocks, creating a nice focus point in the shop.
The windows are cool in and of themselves for sure, 'cause who doesn’t love natural light. But it’s what they chose to compliment that natural light with.
Metal.
Everything is metal. Tin. Steel.
Industrial.
From metal chairs to metal tables to metal light fixtures to exposed metal ceiling ducts, to an entire wall made out of rippled tin. They even chose to paint majority of the walls in a messy, dripping, metallic silver to keep that feel and flow of metal.
Keeping with that bare industrial mood, is the menu behind the baristas.
Two words.
Chalk.
Board.
Yes.
Okay, so three words I guess. (And yes, grammar police, I know chalkboard is one word, but it is more dramatic sounding when I separate them. So, embrace it.)
Now, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes at the “overdone” idea of chalkboard usage.
I’m the first one to admit that it has definitely become a fad that will spam up your pinterest board faster than burlap, but in this case it really is a choice.
We are not dealing with another groupie jumping on the chalkboard train.
When you are going for that bare bones industrial feel, a chalkboard menu fits. It finishes off the idea that some baristas decided to use a found space.
Just the way it is.
Then you set all of that on a foundation of a rich, dark stained wooden floor, and add in a nook with big, comfy, leather couches, and you have yourself a very distinct vibe that makes Vicinity coffee a place all their own.
Side Note: For all my chai lovers out there: Their chai is made in house. Holla. So good.
Also, for all my foodie peeps: they have great baked goodies (including gluten free options), as well as awesome breakfast and minimal soup and sandwiches you can order all day. So you can really come and hunker down here, cause they have everything you need. Bless.
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 1
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 3
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 4
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 5
