After moving to Rapid City for college, one of the first things I did was look around for a good coffee shop. Since I wasn't a native, I took the opportunity to have some of my local friends introduce me to their favorite places. I was looking for something close to campus and, since I'm not much of a coffee drinker, a good selection of well-brewed teas. Of course, if I was going to be spending my time with coffee drinkers, the coffee had to pass the bar as well. Now that I've been here for a couple years, I compiled my preferences for you to enjoy.
Because we all know that Starbucks is still the only overwhelmingly omniscient force in coffee, I had to make it the first stop for this article. South Dakota may not be the most developed state in the union, but we've got just as many Starbucks per capita as anywhere else. If you've been to one Starbucks, you've been to them all. Even if you're not in to the corporate coffee atmosphere, anyone can appreciate their espresso-powered staff. The nearest Starbucks to the School of Mines campus is west on Main Street.
If you're looking for something a little less mass-produced, you can start with Alternative Fuel Coffee House which is also on Main. This coffee shop is unique to the Rapid City area, and has a modern, contemporary atmosphere. They have a full selection of coffees and teas, as well as an in-house energy drink. If you want to pick up a quick lunch, they have soups, salads, and sandwiches. You can even top of your meal with a little dessert. They have sweets from crumb cake to caramel rolls. For entertainment, local music artists perform every Friday evening.
One of the most popular places among my friends is Dunn Bros on Omaha. It's a franchise, but not with the overwhelming presence of shops like Starbucks or Caribou. One of the great things about Dunn Bros here is that it's very roomy. You can sit at one of the booths, around the fireplace, or at the couches by the window. Better yet, if you're looking for a good place to work (or write software, in my case), they have a more secluded seating area in the back. My friends and I will often meet at Dunn Bros when we have projects or research to do. The chai is good, and my friends rate the coffee as delicious.
Among my comrades, Dunn Bros is second only to the collective favorite — Bully Blends. If you're looking for an excellent beverage and a warm atmosphere, Bully Blends is the place to be. They have every kind of coffee imaginable and the best tea in town. Never bitter or over-brewed, I first fell in love with the white tea and moved on to their delicious vanilla or raspberry chai (I can assure you that just thinking about it makes my nose tingle with delight). Their brewed coffee is the favorite among my friends. Along with the drinks, you can pick up one of their sandwiches, muffins, or scones to make a small meal. Like Alternative Fuel, they have local performers come in every packed Friday night. Looking for a harder beverage? They serve beer and wine for the adults in the crows, which is excellent for those who want to unwind with friends outside of a smoke-filled bar or casino. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly with nice staff and grandmother-like decor. Bully Blends is the winner if you're looking for a place to thaw your overworked soul for a couple hours.
Among Rapid's coffee houses, Dunn Bros is my choice for work and Bully Blends for lounging. Hopefully, you'll have the time to experience all the choices that this area has to offer and find your own personal favorite. Perhaps you'll even come across me or my pals carousing the local coffee scenes. Happy caffeinating!
