Ember Coffee Co.

Here's a scenario every parent knows: you desperately need coffee, but taking a toddler into a quiet café feels like bringing a hurricane to a library. Finding a coffee shop that genuinely welcomes families, not just tolerates them, can feel impossible. You want good coffee and a space where your kids can move around without getting glared at. Does such a place exist? In Minnesota, yes. We've pulled together a list of truly family-friendly coffee shops across the state, places where the staff doesn't flinch when your three-year-old asks a loud question, and where you might actually finish a conversation. What Makes a Coffee Shop "Family-Friendly"? Before we dive into the list, let's define what we mean. Not every coffee shop with a high chair qualifies. True Family-Friendliness Means: Space to move. Kids can't sit still for an hour. Family-friendly shops have room for little legs to stretch, open floor plans, outdoor seating, or dedicated play areas. Kid-specific offerings. Steamers, hot chocolate, kid-sized portions. A menu that acknowledges small humans exist. Patient staff. The barista who smiles at your baby's shriek instead of sighing. Staff who engage with kids rather than pretending they're invisible. Appropriate noise tolerance. Not silent, not a daycare. A space where normal family sounds don't make everyone uncomfortable. Clean, safe environment. Low tables, stable chairs, and bathrooms that accommodate diaper changes. Things to do. Books, coloring supplies, games, or play areas. Something to buy parents a few extra minutes of conversation. Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Coffee Shops Ember Coffee Company, Big Lake *Full disclosure: this is us. But we built Ember specifically to be family-friendly, so we belong on this list.* What makes it family-friendly: Dedicated kids room. A separate space where children can play while parents enjoy coffee within eyesight Reservable for groups, Birthday parties, playdates, homeschool meetups Kid-friendly menu. Steamers, hot chocolate, juice options Staff who genuinely like kids. We hire for hospitality, and that includes small guests Space to breathe. Our layout was designed knowing parents would bring strollers Best for: Families with toddlers through elementary age. Parents who want actual good coffee in a space designed with kids in mind.  Address: Big Lake, Minnesota Pro tip: Reserve the kids room in advance for larger groups or birthday parties. Spyhouse Coffee, Minneapolis (Multiple Locations) Spyhouse is known for serious specialty coffee, but several of their locations offer surprising family-friendliness. What makes it family-friendly: Spacious layouts at most locations High ceilings and open floor plans reduce the "quiet café" pressure Staff are consistently friendly and unhurried Good pastry selection for kids Best for: Older kids who can sit at a table. Parents introducing their kids to specialty coffee culture. Best location for families: The Northeast Minneapolis location has the most space. Rustica Bakery & Cafe, Minneapolis Rustica combines excellent coffee with bakery offerings that kids love. What makes it family-friendly: Amazing pastries that double as kid entertainment (croissants, cinnamon rolls) Multiple locations with different vibes Generally welcoming atmosphere Plenty of seating at most locations Best for: Families who can pair coffee with a treat as a bribe (no judgment, we've all been there). Note: Can get busy on weekends; early arrival helps. The Get Down Coffee Co., Minneapolis A café built on community values, with a notably welcoming vibe for families. What makes it family-friendly: Genuinely warm, community-oriented atmosphere Kid drinks available Regular community events Staff that prioritizes hospitality over hipster vibes Best for: Families seeking a diverse, inclusive community space. Dogwood Coffee, Minneapolis (Multiple Locations) Another specialty coffee staple that manages to be approachable for families. What makes it family-friendly: Clean, bright spaces Generally patient staff Good drink options for kids Less pretentious than some specialty spots Best for: Coffee-loving parents who want quality without stuffiness. Urban Bean Coffee, Minneapolis A longstanding Twin Cities favorite with a neighborhood café feel. What makes it family-friendly: Comfortable, lived-in atmosphere Regular crowd includes families Good food menu alongside coffee Outdoor seating in warmer months Best for: Families looking for a casual, relaxed environment. Café Astoria, St. Paul A Grand Avenue institution with European café vibes. What makes it family-friendly: Full menu means something for everyone Spacious seating areas Welcoming staff Enough ambient noise that kids don't stand out Best for: Multi-generational outings where grandparents want coffee and kids want food. Five Watt Coffee, Minneapolis (Multiple Locations) Known for creative drinks and strong community ties. What makes it family-friendly: Inventive kid-friendly drink options Community-focused ownership Generally welcoming vibe Some locations have more space than others Best for: Families with older kids who might appreciate creative drinks. Pennywhistle Place, Prior Lake A dedicated play café, coffee shop meets indoor playground. What makes it family-friendly: Literally designed for families. Indoor play structure with separate coffee area Entry fee for play area, coffee area free to use Supervisory structure so parents can actually relax Perfect for winter days when kids need to burn energy Best for: Families with young children (infant to about 7 years). Parents who need their kids to run around, not sit still. Note: The play area has an entry fee, but it's worth it on a rainy Tuesday. Muddy Paws Cheesecake, Rosemount A unique combination: coffee, cheesecake, and dogs. What makes it family-friendly: Dogs! Kids love dogs Casual, fun atmosphere Great desserts as kid entertainment Outdoor seating with pet-friendly setup Best for: Animal-loving families. Birthday treats and special outings. Tips for Taking Kids to Coffee Shops Even at the most family-friendly spot, a few strategies help everyone have a better time. Before You Go Time it right. Avoid peak adult commute hours (7-9 AM) when the shop is busiest and customers are least patient. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon tend to work better. Bring supplies. A small bag with crayons, a quiet toy, or a book can buy precious minutes. Don't rely solely on what the shop provides. Manage expectations. If your kid is having A Day, maybe this isn't the day for coffee shop adventures. Reading the room starts before you leave the house. While You're There Order quickly. Kids' patience starts depleting the moment you walk in. The faster you can get a drink in everyone's hand, the better. Claim strategic seating. Corner tables near walls contain chaos better than center tables. Outdoor seating is more forgiving of volume. Have an exit plan. Know when to call it. A graceful early departure beats a meltdown that ruins everyone's day, including yours. Respect the Space Clean up after yourselves. Crushed crackers and spilled milk happen. Cleaning them up maintains your welcome. Mind the volume. Family-friendly doesn't mean consequence-free. If your child is disturbing other guests, take a walk, step outside, or pack it in. Tip generously. Your server dealt with crumbs, spills, and questions about marshmallows. Acknowledge the labor. Frequently Asked Questions Are there coffee shops in Minnesota with play areas for kids? Yes. Ember Coffee Company in Big Lake has a dedicated kids room that's free with your coffee purchase and can be reserved for parties. Pennywhistle Place in Prior Lake is a full play café with an indoor playground (entry fee for play area). These are your best options for shops where kids can actually play, not just sit. What should I look for in a family-friendly coffee shop? Look for: space to move, kid menu options, patient staff, appropriate noise tolerance, and things to occupy kids (books, games, play area). A shop that genuinely welcomes families feels different from one that merely tolerates children. Trust your instincts, if the vibe feels unwelcoming when you walk in, it probably is. What age are family-friendly coffee shops best for? It varies by shop. Play cafés like Pennywhistle work for infants through about age 7. A shop like Ember with a kids room suits toddlers through elementary schoolers. Specialty coffee shops without dedicated kid spaces work better for older children (8+) who can sit and chat. Match the shop to your kids' current stage. Can I host a kids' birthday party at a coffee shop? Some shops offer this. Ember Coffee Company's kids room can be reserved for birthday parties and group events. Call ahead to discuss options, timing, and any fees. This can be a great alternative to hosting at home or renting a party venue. What are good coffee drinks for kids? Most family-friendly shops offer steamers (steamed milk with flavor), hot chocolate, and Italian sodas. Some have "kid-sized" versions of drinks. Avoid anything with espresso for young children (obviously), but a steamer with vanilla or caramel can make kids feel included in the coffee shop experience. The Bottom Line Family-friendly coffee shops exist, you just have to know where to look. The best ones aren't just coffee shops with high chairs. They're spaces designed with families in mind, where the staff welcomes your kids instead of wincing at them, and where you can actually enjoy your coffee without constantly apologizing for your toddler's volume. In Minnesota, we're lucky to have options. From dedicated play cafes to specialty shops with welcoming vibes, there's a spot for almost every family's needs. We built Ember to be one of those spots. The kids room exists because we're parents too, and we know what it's like to just want a good cup of coffee in a space where your kids are genuinely welcome. Come see us in Big Lake, we'll make room.

You want your coffee to support farmers, not exploit them. But the labels on coffee bags, Fair Trade, Direct Trade, ethically sourced, can be confusing. What do they actually mean? Which one helps farmers more? The honest answer: both models have strengths and limitations. Understanding how each works helps you make informed choices about the coffee you buy. The Problem Both Models Try to Solve Coffee farmers face a fundamental challenge: they're at the bottom of a long value chain, often receiving only 1-10% of what consumers pay. According to Fairtrade International, approximately 44% of the world's coffee farmers still live in poverty. At least 5.5 million coffee farmers earn below the international poverty line of $3.20 per day. The global coffee market is worth nearly $500 billion, but most of that value accrues to roasters, retailers, and middlemen, not the farmers who grow the coffee. Fair Trade and Direct Trade emerged as different solutions to this same problem. Fair Trade: Certification-Based Protection Fair Trade is a formal certification system with established standards, third-party audits, and guaranteed minimum prices. How It Works Producers must be organized into cooperatives or democratic organizations. Certified buyers agree to: Pay at least the Fairtrade Minimum Price or market price, whichever is higher Pay an additional Fairtrade Premium for community development Meet environmental and labor standards Submit to regular third-party audits Current Prices (Fairtrade International, 2023) In August 2023, Fairtrade International raised the minimum price for Arabica coffee from $1.40 to $1.80 per pound, a 29% increase and the first major change since 2011, bringing minimums to $1.80 for washed Arabica, $1.75 for natural Arabica, and $1.35 for washed Robusta, with an additional $0.20 per pound premium and $0.40 per pound organic differential across all three. The Premium in Action The $0.20/lb premium doesn't go to individual farmers, it goes to the cooperative for democratically-decided community projects: Water treatment plants (one Colombian cooperative provided safe drinking water to 70 families) Schools and educational programs Healthcare clinics Leadership training and women's empowerment programs Strengths Guaranteed floor price protects farmers from market crashes Third-party verification ensures standards are met Community investment benefits the broader farming community Consistent standards across all certified producers Consumer recognition, the label is widely understood Limitations Certification costs can exclude the smallest farmers who need help most (costs can add up to 5.5 cents per pound) Minimum price may not be enough, Fairtrade International itself acknowledges it "is not enough for all farmers to progress towards a living income" Quality disincentives, guaranteed minimum can reduce incentive to improve quality Limited farmer benefit, research suggests farmers receive only about 1/6 of the consumer premium paid for Fair Trade coffee Direct Trade: Relationship-Based Sourcing Direct Trade is a sourcing approach where roasters work directly with individual farmers or cooperatives, cutting out middlemen to pay higher prices based on quality. How It Works Roasters establish direct relationships with producers: Visit farms regularly to assess quality and conditions Negotiate prices based on cup quality, not just commodity markets  Provide feedback on harvesting and processing  Make long-term purchase commitments  Pay premiums above Fair Trade and market prices No Standardized Certification Unlike Fair Trade, Direct Trade has no governing body, no official criteria, and no third-party audits. Each roaster defines their own standards. The term was coined in the mid-2000s, attributed to Geoff Watts of Intelligentsia Coffee, and developed through collaborations with Stumptown and Counter Culture Coffee. Price Premiums Direct Trade roasters typically pay significantly more than Fair Trade minimums: Intelligentsia guarantees at least 25% above Fair Trade price Many roasters pay $2.00-$4.00+ per pound for exceptional quality A coffee scoring 85+ on the SCA scale can earn farmers double or triple commodity rates Strengths Higher premiums, often 25-100% above Fair Trade prices Quality focus, farmers have direct incentive to improve because quality = income Relationship transparency, roasters know exactly where money goes Flexibility, can adapt to individual farm circumstances No certification costs, farmers don't pay fees to participate Limitations No verification, "any company can slap 'direct trade' on their packaging" without proving genuine relationships "Relationship washing" risk, marketing claims without meaningful commitment Relies on roaster integrity, no external accountability Scalability challenges, works best for small-to-medium roasters Premium use unmonitored, unlike Fair Trade, how money is spent isn't tracked Price Comparison: What Farmers Actually Receive Commodity coffee on the C Market typically ranges from $0.80 to $1.10 per pound and often falls below the cost of production, while Fair Trade USA sets a $1.40 per pound minimum through 2025, Fairtrade International sets a $1.80 minimum plus a $0.20 premium, and Direct Trade usually ranges from $2.00 to $4.00 or more per pound based on quality. For context, during the 2001 coffee crisis, prices dropped to $0.41 per pound, the lowest in 100 years in real terms, leading to abandoned farms and families struggling to put food on the table. Both Fair Trade and Direct Trade models grew in response to that crisis, offering farmers more stability and protection from volatile commodity pricing. Which Model Actually Helps Farmers More? Research on Fair Trade Studies show mixed results. Some research finds positive income impacts; most find no significant difference between certified and non-certified farmers' incomes. However, Fair Trade has documented positive effects on: Child education rates Women's empowerment (especially for poorer farmers) Income inequality reduction within communities Farm owner income (approximately 10% gains) The challenge: increased production costs and lower productivity can neutralize price premium benefits. Research on Direct Trade Less formal research exists because there's no standardized system to study. Anecdotally, farmers in direct trade relationships report: More stable income due to long-term commitments Greater investment confidence Direct feedback that improves quality over time The caveat: without verification, claims are hard to confirm industry-wide. The Honest Answer Neither model is perfect. Fair Trade provides a certified floor but may not pay enough. Direct Trade can pay more but lacks accountability. Both are better than commodity trading, which often pays below production costs. The best approach may be both, certified floors combined with quality-based premiums and genuine relationships. Other Certifications to Know Rainforest Alliance Focuses on sustainable farming, ecosystem preservation, and farm management No fixed minimum price, pays a "Sustainability Differential" over market Merged with UTZ in 2018 Works with over 400,000 certified coffee producers globally USDA Organic Prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs Does not address farmer wages or labor conditions Often combined with Fair Trade certification 4C (Common Code for the Coffee Community) Entry-level certification with 27 sustainability principles Designed to bring more producers into baseline compliance Evolved into the Global Coffee Platform in 2020 What to Look for When Buying Signs of Genuine Ethical Sourcing Specific farm or cooperative names, not just "ethically sourced" Roaster visits producers, relationships require presence Prices paid disclosed, transparency about farmer compensation Long-term commitments, not just one-time purchases Quality focus, specialty-grade coffee indicates farmer investment Red Flags Vague claims with no specifics "Direct Trade" without any relationship details No information about sourcing on website or packaging Prices too low to support ethical premiums Frequently Asked Questions What's the difference between Fair Trade and Direct Trade coffee? Fair Trade is a formal certification with minimum prices, third-party audits, and standardized requirements. Direct Trade is a relationship-based approach where roasters work directly with farmers, paying quality-based premiums without formal certification. Fair Trade guarantees a floor; Direct Trade often pays higher but has no external verification. Is Fair Trade coffee actually fair? Fair Trade provides real protections, minimum prices, premiums for community projects, and labor standards. However, Fairtrade International acknowledges the minimum price "is not enough for all farmers to progress towards a living income." It's better than commodity trading but not a complete solution to farmer poverty. Does Direct Trade pay farmers more? Often yes, Direct Trade typically pays 25-100% more than Fair Trade minimums, and exceptional coffees can earn 2-4x commodity prices. However, without standardization, some "Direct Trade" claims are marketing without substance. Look for roasters who disclose specific relationships and prices paid. Which certification is best for coffee farmers? No single certification is universally best. Fair Trade provides guaranteed minimums and community investment. Direct Trade can pay higher prices for quality. Rainforest Alliance emphasizes environmental sustainability. The ideal is roasters who combine multiple approaches, certified floors plus quality premiums plus genuine relationships. How do I know if coffee is ethically sourced? Look for specificity: named farms or cooperatives, disclosed prices paid, evidence of roaster visits, and long-term relationships. Certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance provide third-party verification. Vague claims like "ethically sourced" without details are marketing, not accountability. Where Ember Stands We believe in transparency over labels. We source specialty-grade coffee through relationships we can describe specifically, the farms, the people, the prices we pay. Some of our coffees carry certifications; all meet our standards for quality and ethics. We're a small roaster, which means we can know our supply chain personally. We visit origins when possible. We pay premiums that reflect quality. We commit to relationships over transactions. You can ask us where any bag of Ember coffee comes from, and we'll tell you. That accountability matters more than any certification alone. Shop our air-roasted coffees →

Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas through a pressurized tap system, creating a creamy, smooth texture with a cascading effect similar to draft beer. The nitrogen creates tiny bubbles that give the coffee a velvety mouthfeel and naturally sweet taste without adding sugar or cream. If you've seen coffee poured from a tap that looks like Guinness, you've found nitro cold brew. Here's what makes it different from regular cold brew and regular coffee. How Nitro Cold Brew Is Made Nitro cold brew starts with regular cold brew, coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Once the cold brew concentrate is ready, it's put into a keg and infused with nitrogen gas (N₂) through a pressurized tap system with a special restrictor plate. The nitrogen creates microbubbles that are much smaller than CO₂ bubbles (like in soda). These tiny bubbles give nitro cold brew its signature creamy texture and cascading visual effect when poured. The Process Step-by-Step Brew cold brew concentrate (1:4 to 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio) Strain and chill the concentrate Transfer to a keg system Pressurize with nitrogen (typically 30-40 PSI) Pour through a special tap with a restrictor plate The restrictor plate forces the liquid through tiny holes under high pressure, which creates the cascading effect and dense foam head. Nitro Cold Brew vs Regular Cold Brew Both start with the same brewing method, but nitrogen infusion creates distinct differences: Regular Cold Brew Smooth, low-acid coffee Can be diluted to taste Served over ice or straight Slightly flat texture Nitro Cold Brew Creamy, velvety texture (like a latte without milk) Served straight from the tap (no ice) Cascading visual effect when poured Naturally sweeter taste due to nitrogen's effect on flavor perception Dense foam head Nitro cold brew is usually served without ice because the cold brew is already chilled, and ice would disrupt the foam and texture. Why Does Nitro Taste Sweeter? Nitro cold brew isn't actually sweeter, it just tastes that way. The nitrogen creates a creamy mouthfeel that mimics the richness you get from adding milk or cream. This texture tricks your palate into perceiving more sweetness. Additionally, nitrogen slightly suppresses bitter notes while highlighting the natural sweetness in coffee. The result: you can drink nitro cold brew black and it tastes smooth and slightly sweet without any additives. Many people who normally need sugar or cream in their coffee find they don't need it with nitro. Caffeine Content in Nitro Cold Brew Nitro cold brew typically has more caffeine than regular hot coffee but about the same as regular cold brew (since it's made from the same concentrate). A 12-ounce nitro cold brew contains approximately: 200-300mg caffeine (depending on the coffee-to-water ratio used) Compare to: 80-100mg in 8 oz drip coffee Compare to: 150-200mg in 12 oz regular cold brew The higher caffeine comes from the brewing method (long steep time, high coffee-to-water ratio), not the nitrogen. The nitrogen doesn't affect caffeine content at all. Health Benefits and Considerations Lower Acidity Cold brew (including nitro) is significantly less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, about 67% lower acidity. This makes it gentler on your stomach and teeth. The cold brewing process extracts fewer acidic compounds from the beans, while air-roasted coffee (like what we make at Ember) is already lower in acidity than drum-roasted coffee. Calorie Content Plain nitro cold brew has about 5 calories per 12-ounce serving, essentially zero. The nitrogen adds no calories, sugar, or fat. Contrast this with a 12-ounce latte (150-200 calories) and you can see why nitro appeals to people who want creamy coffee without the calories. No Dairy, No Problem Nitro is naturally dairy-free and vegan. The creamy texture comes entirely from nitrogen, not milk. This makes it a great option for people with lactose intolerance or those avoiding dairy. Can You Make Nitro Cold Brew at Home? Yes, but it requires special equipment. You'll need: Cold brew concentrate A nitro coffee maker or whipped cream dispenser Nitrogen cartridges (N₂, not CO₂) Home Nitro Options Whipped Cream Dispenser Method: Pour cold brew into a whipped cream dispenser, charge with a nitrogen cartridge, shake, and dispense. This gives you a nitro effect but not the same cascading pour you get from a tap system. Mini Keg Systems: Home nitro coffee systems (like NitroBrew or Royal Brew) work like commercial setups but on a smaller scale. They're pricier but deliver authentic nitro coffee. If you don't want to invest in equipment, many coffee shops now serve nitro cold brew on tap, making it easy to grab one on the go. Where to Find Nitro Cold Brew Nitro cold brew has moved from specialty coffee shops to mainstream chains: Starbucks: Nitro Cold Brew (nationwide) Dunkin': Nitro Cold Brew (select locations) Local coffee shops: Many indie cafes have nitro on tap Canned nitro: Brands like Stumptown and Rise sell shelf-stable canned nitro cold brew (widget can releases nitrogen when opened) If you're ordering at a coffee shop, ask if they have nitro. It's usually served in a clear glass so you can see the cascading effect. Frequently Asked Questions Does nitro cold brew have more caffeine than regular coffee? Yes, about 2-3x more caffeine than an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee. A 12-ounce nitro cold brew typically has 200-300mg of caffeine compared to 80-100mg in hot coffee. Why is nitro cold brew more expensive? It requires more coffee grounds (cold brew uses a higher ratio), longer brewing time, and specialized equipment (kegs, nitrogen tanks, tap systems). The cost reflects the labor and equipment. Can I add milk or sugar to nitro cold brew? You can, but most people don't. The creamy texture and naturally sweet taste make additives unnecessary. Adding milk will also break down the foam head. Is nitro cold brew bad for you? No. It's just cold brew coffee with nitrogen, both are safe. The high caffeine content means you should moderate your intake, but there's nothing inherently unhealthy about nitro coffee. What's the difference between nitro and draft coffee? They're the same thing. "Draft coffee" and "nitro coffee" both refer to coffee infused with nitrogen and served from a tap. Nitro Cold Brew: Creamy Coffee Without the Cream Nitro cold brew delivers a rich, velvety texture and naturally sweet taste without adding milk, sugar, or calories. It's smooth, low-acid, and high in caffeine, perfect for people who want indulgent coffee that's still technically black coffee. If you're making your own cold brew at home, start with quality beans. Our air-roasted organic coffee is ideal for cold brew, clean flavor, naturally low acidity, and freshly roasted so you get maximum flavor extraction. Whether you're going nitro or keeping it classic, fresh beans make all the difference. Shop our air-roasted coffees →