Friday night: hipster college student style

It's a Friday night, and I decided to finally do a real 'hole-in-the-wall' experience and go somewhere I had never even heard of before. I just typed in 'coffee shop' into my GPS, and I ended up here. 

Coffee Grounds is a local coffee shop with an eclectic style and cool vibe. They are a St. Paul original, located on Hamilne Avenue in the Como area close to Hamline University. Follow them on Facebook, 1,100 likes and counting! 

 They have local bands come and play, and I was lucky enough to be there for the monthly Last Friday Jazz Series. The band playing was called Cat'Tet, a local jazz group that performs often at the shop and are a local favorite.

Some of the more adorable details that made this spot somewhere to remember.

Also, I was loving the remainder of the Christmas decorations left up to spur memories for those of us who still feel nostalgic about the holiday season.

I tried the Peach Paradise tea and the Thai coffee. The Peach tea was good, but ordinary, nothing special. The Thai coffee, however.... I could go on and on. 

I have tasted this kind of coffee before, and let me say, no one does it like Coffee Grounds. It was the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, good for the coffee lover but not too strong for those still unsure of their taste buds for coffee. It was like October in a cup; I was brought back to the fall days of Pumpkin Spice lattes and cinnamon mochas. But at the same time, it was something I could enjoy in February without missing fall too much. Simply delicious. 

The atmosphere was very friendly and small-town style. Everyone seemed to know each other, I almost felt like the odd one out. But the service was friendly and laid-back, and the music made for a calming mood in which to do homework. 

The people there listening to the band were all very friendly as well. I went with my roommate, and I think they could tell we had never been before. One man came up to us to talk, and right away he said "I promise I'm not creepy, and I won't stay long." Too funny.

There was also space available for small businesses to sell jewelry or things for consignment. Local artists also had space to put up their artwork for sale. Very local and neighborhood friendly.

Here's the truth: I would come back. For the atmosphere, for the company, for the music, for the coffee. The college student atmosphere was at a 10, definitely. 

The price breakdown: 

Thai coffee, medium size: $4.11

Peach Paradise tea in a pot: $2.50 (with unlimited hot water refills) 

As far as price, I'd say this is a pretty average joint. Not too pricey, but not too cheap either. Classy, but not high class. Worth it. 

Now you can say you know what happens in the life of a cheap college student on a Friday night. As a bonus, my art history reading isn't half bad. I will now let the sweet sound of jazz fill my ears as I focus on my delicious coffee.