We continue our series on queer-owned cafés across the 50 states, exploring shops in the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond.
BY EMILY JOY MENESES
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Daniel James via Unsplash
In this article series, we’re showcasing our favorite queer-owned cafés, one for each U.S. state. Read on to discover more noteworthy cafés, and click here for part one and here for part two.
Maine: Higher Grounds
Priding itself on being the East Coast’s first-ever cannabis and coffee shop, Higher Grounds is making waves with drinks like the French Toast Latte (made with maple, vanilla, and cinnamon) and the Speckled Ax cold brew. If you’re feeling frisky, you can choose to have your drink infused with CBD or THC.
Maryland: Thread Coffee
Women-owned, queer-owned, and employee-owned, Baltimore’s Thread Coffee Roasters is setting an example in the coffee world in a number of ways, such as directly sourcing coffee beans from indigenous communities and encouraging transparency on how all of their coffee is sourced. The café also has free brew guides available on their website, providing information on how to brew their coffee via Chemex, V60, and more.
Massachusetts: Kohi Coffee Company
With locations in Provincetown, South End, and Brighton, Kohi Coffee Company has become a local favorite with specials like its Cardi B Latte (made with cardamom and honey) and its Loud and Proud coffee blend—a collaboration with Seattle-based Broadcast Coffee Roasters.
Michigan: Constellation Cat Café
Cats and coffee: the combination is as natural as bread and butter. Stop by East Lansing’s Constellation Cat Café to get your caffeine fix and possibly adopt a furry friend.
Minnesota: Cream and Amber
Sip on café drinks and explore an impressive selection of books at Hopkins, Minn.’s Cream and Amber. The shop also offers seasonal flights of locally brewed beer and hosts tons of fun events, like Pride Month tie dye parties, queer book fairs, and sidewalk sales.
Mississippi: Cups Espresso Café
With multiple locations throughout Jackson, Miss., Cups Espresso Café serves as a warm community hub, often showcasing the music and artwork of local customers. The café recently launched its holiday menu, featuring tasty mint mochas and candy cane hot chocolate.
Missouri: MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse
Located in St. Louis, MoKaBe’s is known for its stellar food (like vegetarian biscuits and gravy) and creative drink specials like iced mocha floats and the Mad Maddy’s, made with white chocolate and hazelnut.
Montana: Rooster Café
Rooster Café operates out of Bolt & Bruizer’s Bakery & Barkery, Missoula’s first queer-owned bakery. The shop hosts community events like Queer Prom and has raised funds for organizations like Empower MT to support queer youth in Montana.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Joy Meneses (she/they) is a writer and musician based in Los Angeles. Her hobbies include foraging, cortados, vintage synths, and connecting with her Filipino roots through music, art, food, and beverage.
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