Coffeesmith

My new favorite coffee shop? I think so! While visiting the area, some friends told me that I had to try this coffee shop. I’m so glad they did! The baristas were friendly, and the atmosphere was wonderful. (The bathroom even had a cool mural!)

Stop in here for coffee! Really neat building, very friendly staff and great drink. Large Latte to go for me. They use Duluth Coffee . The building itself is done up well - large, airy, a place to hang out or just to grab coffee. The upstairs seemed blocked off right now - unsure what's happening there but could be fun. Easy in-and-out by car from Highway 61. Good coffee and reasonably priced. Barista with hat was a friendly person to get coffee from. I'll be in again.

If I could give Coffeesmith 6-stars, I would do so! I traveled here in the afternoon last week to meet a client for a meeting. Wow, what a place to meet him!

Coffeesmith: Are you tired of the "commercialism" of coffee, ala Starbucks? Do you want to have a wonderfully unique, bright, and comfy nook to tuck in to to sip a wonderful latte while chatting with your best friend? Well, Coffeesmith Forest Lake is your spot.

Located just in between North Shore Drive and Hiway 61 in downtown Forest Lake, Coffeesmith is on the main floor of a restored, historic, 1902 brick mansion. The house is a landmark in Forest Lake, and completely renovated for the coffee shop. Most of the original charm of the house - large wood moldings, wood floor, radiator heating, 4 inch thick pocket doors, curved windows, oak doors, large wrap-around outdoor patio, are all still present after the renovation to Coffeesmith.

But, the historic house now have the sounds of soft music throughout, and the smells of lattes and espressos wafting throughout the nooks and crannies of the main floor.

The staff are eager to help, with a full array of coffee selections. I chose a simple mocha, and the baristas went to work. Prices were less than Starbucks, and the design in the foam of my large cup was an added treat (and surprise). See my photos.

Coffeesmith even has a "mascot" in the form of a small pug, which happily greets customers (no lie). We sat in a booth for our meeting, which featured wrap-around, curved windows original to the home. Free Wifi was available, and many other customers were utilizing this.

If you go, check out the butler's pantry, now converted to the main bathroom. It's totally "hip" and "groovy"! I loved it! The entire coffee shop has a "cool vibe" and it is relaxing and so so comfortable.

I cannot give this location more accolades. For a truly relaxing, enjoyable, and beautiful location to sip a fine coffee, then this is your place. I was extremely impressed. I'm so happy that the renovation did not take away from the unique charm of this historic old Forest Lake home.

My one negative comment: I had a tough time FINDING the place initially: Google Maps reliably pointed me to the location, but, I didn't expect a beautiful old mansion to be the coffee shop! - they don't have a big sign erected yet. I heard they were adding this in the Spring. There is a smallish parking lot, able to hold 10 or 12 cars.

See my photos! The place is amazing.

Went here for a coffee date. We will definitely be going back again to try their other flights of coffee. They have a lot of different options for coffees, this includes multiple options for coffee flights and some non-coffee coffee flights. I got the barista signature, which included a 5oz Bourbon Caramel latte, a 5oz Almond Vanilla Latte, and a 5oz Miel (honey and cinnamon flavored). They have a couple of different options for pastries, I got the ham and cheese croissant. The overall atmosphere was pleasant and very welcoming. They even have a coffee shop dog that is very friendly.

While this place was very busy when we went, and while I liked that this coffee shop was located on the ground floor of a house, I wasn’t really a fan of the coffee itself. I don’t know what it was exactly (maybe it was too bitter or burnt?), but either way, I didn’t really like the taste of it.
I was quite clear in ordering a large hot latte, but ended up getting an almond-flavored latte instead. I’m not sure why that mistake was made or where the miscommunication was. Because the staff was quite busy, I didn’t want to bother anyone and request a new beverage.
The Frenchie that walks around is super cute and well-behaved!

This place has become one of my favorite spots to go to! I stop in at least once a week for a coffee - I also love seeing Louis, such a cute dog! The owner and employees are always super friendly and always make the drinks to perfection! Stop in here for the best coffee drink you'll ever have!

It’s a cute space, with delicious coffee. I love how the drinks are not super sweet, and did you know all the syrups are made in house??! And all the drinks have a special design in the foam. ❤️
I’m glad we have another small town coffee space.
When it’s warmer outside they also have great outdoor seating.

Fun spot for good coffee. Options to sit inside or outside. I just got a small dark roast which was pretty quick. Looks like their coffee comes from Duluth Coffee Company. Best coffee in Forest Lake.

Best coffee shop in Forest Lake! Lots of care and craft goes into the drinks including house made syrups, local sourced coffee and milks, and staff trainings.
Inside is small but they pack a lot into the space.
They have wifi and outlets.
Highly recommend a latte or hot chocolate with the bourbon syrup!

Coffeesmith has good coffee but it's the experience that sets it apart. The historic home converted to coffee shop. The large wrap around pourch to sit and visit with friends. These are the things that the Starbuck just can't do. I could do without them forgetting my name anyway. Don't forget my name Coffeesmith and I'll keep coming.