Spyhouse - The warmest lighting and coziest feel makes this the hipster oasis of Uptown
Number three on the list of best independent coffee shops in Minneapolis may be an obvious, or seemingly overdone one, but you can’t deny the great ambience.
It’s none other than…
SPYHOUSE COFFEE (Hennepin)
The one on Hennepin Ave that is. And yes, it makes a difference which location.
I could easily give you one phrase to sum up this coffee shop:
“Hipsters Unite!”
What image pops into your head after reading that, is probably correct. Now, for you haters out there, don’t be so hasty to write off this great little shop on Hennepin.
When I moved back to Minneapolis a year and a half ago, I needed to find my local coffee shops in order to make it feel like home. And this little guy, tucked away on the corner was my first stop.
I fell in love.
Why you ask? I know you’re dying to know.
Believe it or not, it wasn’t …
- The overly hipster baristas (straight out of urban outfitters) that take your order. Although, they definitely add to the ambience.
- It wasn’t all of the vintage signs on the walls of old ice cream shops and contractors.
- Or the mismatched vintage frames creating beautiful arrangements on the walls.
- It wasn’t the intimate space it occupies.
- The winding little hallway that leads you to a tucked away nook in the back of the shop.
- Or even the great pane windows at the front of the shop
Don’t get me wrong. I do love all of these things. I don’t care how cliché some people find it.
The hipster in me is living for it.
However, what really sold my love for this shop was this:
Exposed. Brick.
Yes, Lord.
Bring on the brick.
Nothing makes me happier.
But what makes the brick so wonderful in this environment is the understated lighting that works hand in hand with the embracing brick.
The large windows at the front of the shop let in a small amount of natural light, but it is in no way their focus. Too much would ruin the ambience they have so carefully constructed.
Then you pair the old refurbished wooden floor and table tops, with 60’s style chairs and leather booths, and I am yours.
The final touch to this hipster paradise would have to be the imprinted tin ceiling.
Yes. Just. Yes.
Painted in a sleek black that wraps up the cozy interior, the ceiling is wonderfully accented by the simple fixtures that hang from it.
They provide a warm glow, rather than a bright light, making you feel like you’re at home, wrapped in a warm blanket with a good book in your hands.
The lighting reflects off the texture of the imprinted ceiling, and settles into the embracing brick.
Spyhouse nails the warm comfort of vintage style.
And of course I wouldn’t forget my chai lovers.
Their chai is usually nice and subtle, but sometimes it can be spicy enough that it burns your throat. I know which barista makes it the way I like, so it may be a trial and error on that one. But I know everyone loves their coffee.
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 1
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 2
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 4
Read: Top 5 Coffee Shops With The Best Lit Ambience - Part 5
