Northern Grounds - Ely, MN

A coffee shop maximizing it's revenue streams in the Northwoods . . . 

At the south west corner of THE intersection in Ely is Northern Grounds.  A coffee shop, a coffee roaster, a bakery, an internet cafe, a grab-and-go, a market, a gift shop, a liquor store, a bar, anda self-proclamied Wine Society.  Did I miss anything?  Oh yeah, a meeting and event space.  Hey, why not?  Good on them.  Can we maybe get some pinball machines?

Yeah, there's a lot going on here.  Pleasant attractive space, dark yet light filled.  The pale tin ceiling helps.  Maybe a bit cold and awkward by the bar area, but oh well.  You can see why people might linger here, and why a sign like this is necessary:

Would be hard to flip tables if they're filled with people like me trapped in the woods for a week, desperate for a high speed internet connection.  But they don't leave us hanging.  Voilà!  

There's a quiet stale work room upstairs that must make a lovely event space when decorated and lit properly.  But beggars can't be choosers.  I'd sit in the alley by a dumpster for a good internet connection after a few days deprived

How was the food?  I barely had anything.  The one thing I was really looking forward to, their quiche, was out by the time I arrived a noon.  Bummer.  And when I saw all their "freshly-made options" for breakfast were pre-packaged instead of made fresh to order, it was a huge turn off  

Also a turn off was the lack of visible pricing.  When I asked, I was shown a printed menu at the register.  Now, I understand that what they serve may change up somewhat day to day.  And prices have been out of control this year.  But display your prices.  It's annoying

I did partake in a solid if not particularly noteworthy Pistachio muffin and Iced Americano, while being serenaded by Hoobastank “The Reason”, FF “Everlong”, Billy Joel “Movin’ Out” (if that does anything for you)

I WOULD like to try more of the menu, and I can see us hanging out there for a respite after being touristy along the main drag in a hot humid dinosaur swamp weather Minnesota summer. And THANK YOU for high speed interwebs. THAT more than anything would ensure I'd come back

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www.thenortherngrounds.com

IG #thenortherngrounds

Northern Grounds - 2 W Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731 

218-235-6125