A Review of the Three Coffee Shops in Dubuque, IA

As in many towns across the country, there is no shortage of places to stop in and grab a cup of coffee in Dubuque, Iowa. I have visited all three of the coffee shops featured in this article and will be discussing my opinions of each further. These three coffee shops in particular have been chosen because of their convenient locations and accessibility to anyone who is traveling through Dubuque.

Our first stop for a good cup of coffee in Dubuque is a Starbucks. This coffee shop is located within the right-hand entrance at the Hy-Vee Foods store at 400 S. Locust Street in Dubuque, Iowa. It's location within the grocery store makes it convenient for people who are stopping in to pick up a morning nibble at the Hy-Vee restaurant or just going about their regular shopping. Since it is located immediately inside the store, with a "quick" shopper zone of parking spaces near the door, it is also an easy location to pop in and out of when coffee is all you want.

This shop offers all of the coffee beverages you are used to finding at a Starbucks store. Regular blends, espressos, teas, and Starbucks' fan-favorites like Caramel Macchiatos are on the coffee menu. The store also features a selection of merchandise including cups, bagged coffee, and boxed teas. All of their menu items are at typical Starbucks price levels. No matter what you are drinking though, a small size will run you less than $5.00.

The downside to this location is sit-down space. There are only a couple of tables immediately near the Starbucks and even they seem to be an afterthought, but this is understandable considering the coffee counter's location near the entrance of a grocery store. As long as you treat this coffee shop as a run-through and pick-up destination you will be pleased with the service. This store is open from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm.

A second place to get a good cup of coffee in Dubuque is located just a few blocks off of Highway 20 (Dodge Street) at 806 Wacker Dr., Suite 116. The Aroma Coffee Bar features brewing hours of 6:00 am through 9:00 pm on Monday through Thursdays, 6:00 am through 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7:00 am through 9:00 pm on Sundays.

The Aroma Coffee Bar contains many options for a cup of 'joe' or tea. The Aroma Coffee Bar also offers a variety of pastries and cakes for a morning pick-up and is now serving a selection of Panini's for people looking for a tasty lunch or afternoon snack. The price ranges for their coffee and foods are in the mid-range for a bit of coffee and a snack. A plain cup will only run you a couple of dollars, while a fancier drink will be a little bit less than $5.00 depending on the size you choose.

The décor in the Aroma Coffee Bar has recently been updated, and it is a very nice to place to stop in. There is an adequate amount of seating, and the table and chair sets are very charming and comfy to relax in while you sip your coffee. The overall ambiance is open and friendly.

The last coffee shop in Dubuque, Iowa featured is the Seattle's Best Coffee located inside the Dubuque Borders at Kennedy Mall. The store is open on Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

I recently visited this coffee shop for the first time and was delighted with every aspect of it. The first and most immediate plus was the location. There are few things more soothing to me than enjoying a cup of coffee with a good book, much less a good bookstore!

The Seattle's Best Coffee offers a variety of coffees, teas, and espressos as well as a delicious assortment of breads and cakes for enjoying. The staff that I have encountered there has always been exceedingly pleasant to interact with, as well as very helpful when it comes to suggesting items or informing you of discounts you may not have been aware of coming in. (For instance, I was recently going to buy a small coffee for a price of over $1.00 when I was informed that with a current promotion I could get a medium cup of the Seattle's Best anniversary blend for only $0.39. I received way more coffee for a mere portion of the money I was originally going to spend!)

The prices at the Seattle's Best Coffee are very reasonable. I have skimmed the entire menu, and I do not remember seeing an item that ran for over $5.00 with the exception of specialty items like beans, cups, and boxes of tea.

The décor in this coffee shop is superb. There is a mixture of regular tables, high tables, and more comfy sofa settings. Despite being in a bookstore in a mall, the shop remains a soothing and relatively peaceful setting that is ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee.

All three of these coffee shops are easily accessed when driving through Dubuque, Iowa and are welcoming to locals and strangers alike, and all three are definitely worthy of your business!