Dubuque’s Cool Coffeehouse Scene Heats Up with New Competition

With recent reports of national chain Starbucks planning to open an additional Dubuque location, it's safe to say the local coffee competition is heating up.

Last month, a developer signaled plans to soon construct a new Starbucks at 2075 John F. Kennedy Road. The location is mainly known as the original Pizza Hut building, which has sat vacant in recent years. Dynamic and contemporary retail activity in boarded-up buildings is required for a vibrant local economy.

While Starbucks' expansion is exciting to see, It'll be good to remember some of Dubuque's other favorite coffeehouses in refurbished and recycled buildings.

Dubuque's Locally Owned Coffeehouses

CONVIVIUM URBAN FARMSTEAD is the brainchild of a husband and wife duo who left their corporate gigs to recreate an urban neighborhood. The long-standing working-class neighborhood is experiencing something special.

The couple mostly wants to increase awareness and build a community around healthy eating and organic urban farming. It's a pretty remarkable and ambitious goal. So they purchased and turned the old Hopper's Greenhouse into an urban farming operation that is an ecologically driven-education center for healthy living and community connections.

This is a beautiful place to grab a coffee, savor some fantastic food, and see something pretty cool happening on Dubuque's Northend. An enthusiastic online review reads, "Definitely a GREAT place!! Food is impeccable! Staff is friendly & the atmosphere is relaxing! We will DEFINITELY be returning! With all the wonderful things Convivium is doing in the community, I hope their success is long-lived!"  convivium-dbq.com

DEVOUR CAFE
One of Dubuque's most excellent cafes and coffeehouses is located on "the Central Curve" at 1798 Central Avenue.

Owner Ryan Dies started roasting coffee beans at 13 and has brought his passion to Dubuque with Devour Cafe. The place has a great vibe and is decked out with fantastic artwork and exposed brick walls in a well-restored historic building.

The cafe also features an original and fresh menu with a breakfast burrito, sandwiches, a souffle, and quiche, among other savory items.

One enthusiastic online reviewer raved, "This is the best coffee shop I have ever been to! I travel the country and search for local coffee shops everywhere I go and this place is my favorite one so far!" Devour Cafe Facebook

JUMBLE COFFEE

Jumble attracts accolades from a loyal following of coffee drinkers with three drive-thrus in Dubuque, Asbury, and Peosta locations. The old schoolhouse in Asbury is a sweet sitdown spot to sip your java.

"The BEST people and coffee in Dubuque! Always leave with a smile on my face!! " shared an online reviewer. jumblecoffee.com

ONE MEAN BEAN
Located inside Foutain Park at 2728 Asbury Rd, One Mean Bean is a casual coffee shop in the pleasant living room of a big brick mansion. They offer signature creations and typical drinks and snacks. In addition, they score high marks for providing complimentary newspapers and magazines for your reading pleasure. One online reviewer shared, "This place is great. I like the atmosphere, the prices, and the signature creations!"

MONKS
It doesn't get any better than Monks for that historic downtown vibe. Coffeehouse by day, local bar by night, Monks get high marks for its atmosphere and authentic neighborhood feel in a funky old Dubuque rowhouse. Monks may be Dubuque's equivalent to that iconic 80s TV sitcom Cheers, where everybody knows your name. With live music and comedy, it's a perfect hangout.

But is the person behind the counter a barista or bartender? That may depend on what you decide to order, as they've got a fantastic selection of coffee drinks and microbrews. One online review raved, "Just the spot to chill, hang out, read, or sit with your laptop." Monks Facebook

WAYFARER COFFEE
Wayfarer Coffee gets rave reviews for its fun location inside a renovated warehouse at 955 Washington Street. The coffeehouse is located in Dubuque's trendy historic Millwork District where it brings a good community vibe to the neighborhood by roasting premium coffee and serving exceptional espresso drinks, teas, and fresh food.

One online reviewer raved, "Looking for the best locally Roasted Coffee in the tri-states? This is the place." wayfarercoffee.com

JITTERZ COFFEE & CAFE
This independently-owned spot has been serving great java at its upper-Main Street location since 2007. In addition, Jitterz delivers an impressive assortment of pastries to complement your favorite hot beverage. The historic storefront on this block of Main St. is part of Dubuque's downtown revival.

Many online reviews rave about Jitterz like this one did, saying, "Very friendly staff and great hot egg sandwiches, scones, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and espresso drinks." Jitterz Facebook

Do you have a favorite Dubuque coffeehouse that we may have overlooked? Please add to the list and continue to support locally owned businesses.