Downtown coffee culture can’t be beat for flavor, variety and places to try
Do you do drip? Or are you a latte lover? Whatever your coffee craving, downtown Coeur d’Alene has you covered. More than just providing excellent coffee, however, Coeur d’Alene’s coffee shops serve as a social hub for those in need of a place to work on the laptop, have a quick meeting, catch up with friends, or enjoy one of the numerous free events hosted there from live music to community gatherings.
CALYPSO’S COFFEE is one of the grooviest places to get a cup of coffee, which they roast in-house and serve for you to enjoy in a cavernous space stocked with funky, mismatched chairs amidst all kinds of local artwork.
COEUR D’ALENE COFFEE is locally owned and features on-site roasting in a modest space inside the thriving social and entrepreneurial hub called the Innovation Den. Bring the kids — they’ll love writing on the giant chalkboard while you sip seasonal specials like the Scotch nog shake.
Have some of the best baked goodies in town with your cup of Umbria brand coffee at BAKERY BY THE LAKE, located across from McEuen Park and the library. It’s a favorite meeting spot for small groups, families and people heading out to or in from the lake, including for breakfast and lunch on their fresh-baked assortment of breads.
Originally from Sandpoint (and with a soon-to-open shop in Spokane), EVANS BROTHERS COFFEE features organic, fair trade coffee thoughtfully sourced and roasted locally. Look to the Coeur d’Alene cafe for occasional live music, coffee tastings and warm and cozy space that cultivates community.
FINE BREWED advertises as baristas, bagels and brews but they’re even more than that, especially for breakfast — acai bowls, smoothies, artisan toast — and extending into happy hour. Keep an eye out for their $10 bottomless mimosa events.
VAULT COFFEE is located inside a former 1904 bank, a theme it carries through the décor. Look for locally roasted coffee and in-house breakfast and lunch items in a cozy setting with classic Coeur d’Alene views of busy Sherman Avenue.
Every single thing about WOOPS! BAKERY is adorbs. The farmhouse kitchen shabby-chic style, the rainbow of artfully arranged macaroons, the café seating next to big, bright windows. This is the place to treat yourself to a little something sweet and a hot, fresh cuppa Joe.
Special Events
Rebel Junk Vintage Holiday Market
NOVEMBER 8-9
One of the top vintage markets in the country makes its way to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds this weekend. Shop for antiques, farmhouse accents and funky junk, while also enjoying music, cocktails and food. Tickets $5-$10 at the gate or online; Friday 6-9 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm.
Dawna Stafford
NOVEMBER 8
Head to Honey Social Club and Eatery this Friday to enjoy the acoustic arrangements of singer-songwriter Dawna Stafford. Her upbeat and modern take on folk is fun, relatable and family friendly. Even better — there’s no cover charge. Free; 6:30-8:30 pm; Honey Eatery and Social Club.
ArtWalk
NOVEMBER 8
Exposure yourself to art in charming downtown Coeur d’Alene. On the second Friday of each month from April-December, more than two dozen galleries, businesses and restaurants showcase local and regional artworks. Free; 5-8 pm.
North Idaho Beer Fest
NOVEMBER 9
Idaho Brewers United and Idaho Craft Brewers Guild is proud to present one of the first beer festivals to feature only Idaho breweries. Your general admission ticket gets you a festival cup and eight beer tokens! A screening of For the Love of Craft, a documentary about what it means to be a craft brewer starts at 4:45 pm. $25; noon-6 pm; Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
NYC Comedy Night
NOVEMBER 12
The NYC Piano Bar presents a night of comedy with headliner Deece Casillas, who was recently voted the Inland Northwest’s Best Comic by Inlander Readers. Deece started his career in improv and as a comedy writer and now tours as a stand-up comic and is the host of a weekly talk show, the Social Hour. Tickets $8; 7-8:30 pm.
