COFFEE Get a perfect mocha at the Spyhouse

There’s a funky vibe at the

Spyhouse Coffee Shop at 2404 Hennepin Avenue. It’s one of those places you go when you need to get out of the house and feel like a regular woman again. Yes, you are more than just a mommy. Really. And this place will accept you alone or with the little ones.

The place isn’t necessarily set up for kids, but then again, it didn’t seem to be anti-kid either. The black booths were covered in the sort of texture that makes spills (whether by adults or kids) easy to clean up. With a wood floor and brick walls, it’s pretty industructible. There isn’t a play area for kids, but no one raised an eyebrow when my 2-year-old ran from one

side of the booth to the other — then again — and again.

There were plenty of people set up with laptops when I visited on a Friday morning, but also a number of folks who had met others to chat over a cup of joe. And the coffee was absolutely delicious. I’m a mocha drinker, and often they’re too sweet or too bitter. This cup was just right.

Personally, I love a local coffee shop that prides itself on keeping things as local as possible, which is just what the Spyhouse does. Tea comes from the Tea Source in St. Paul, and coffee from Peace Coffee right here in Minneapolis. Other roasters include: Verve Coffee Roasters of Santa Cruz, Calif., Metropolis Coffee Co. of Chicago, Ill.,

Coava Coffee Roasters of Portland, Ore., and Counter Culture Coffee of Durham, N.C.

The Spyhouse Coffee Shop

spyhousecoffeeshop.com

2404 Hennepin Ave S (right next to Via’s Vintage Wear)

Minneapolis MN 55405

(612) 377-2278

2451 Nicollet Ave S

Minneapolis MN 55404

(612) 871-3177

HOURS: M – F 6:30 – midnight | SA – SU 8:00 – midnight

They want you to do your part to help sustain and protet the planet (they are located in Uptown, after all), so they offer these tips on their web site:

RECYCLE

–Take the time to Recycle all plastics, glass, cans, paper, and compost if available to you.

–Remember to sort for your local garbage company to help them with the process.

–Use a canvas bag when shopping to reduce use of plastic and paper bags.

–Stop junk mail. Americans receive 400 million tons of junk mail/year.

–When wrapping gifts, use old wrapping material, newspapers, magazines, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

–Buy a bike. Even if you still love your car, there are times when you don’t need to go far, or carry a lot of stuff with you. And it’s fun to look for that fun, vintage bike you used to have as a kid.

–You can also carpool, take the bus, or light-rail.

WATER

–By turning off the water when you brush your teeth, and reducing your shower time by just one minute, you will save roughly 2,000 gallons of water/year.

–Whether cleaning dishes or clothes, make sure you have a full load.

–Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, and all other chemicals.

ENERGY

–Unplug or turn off appliances, stereos, chargers, computers, etc. as much as possible when not in use.

–Conserve energy by putting on a sweater and slippers to reduce energy use and cost by 5-10%.

–Lower hot water heater thermostat, and use cold water instead of hot as much as possible.

–Buy fresh foods versus canned. Canned foods are 10 times more energy intensive to produce.

–Clean filters on AC units, dryers, etc. Turn off all lights when not in use. Plant a Tree.

DONATING AND/OR BUYING SECOND-HAND

–If you can’t use it, someone sure can.

–Not only is it cheaper and more fun to find that treasure, buy from your local antique store, vintage shop, or thrift store to help to sustain our planet and keep local shops going strong.

EXERCISE

–Try and get at least 30 minutes/day of active time. You can do as little as taking stairs instead of elevators, to joining one of the many sports groups we have in the Twin Cities. (hockey, soccer, softball, biking, kick ball, local gym membership)

SPREAD THE WORD

–Pass the knowledge along to others so that we all become more aware and conscious of our decisions.