Coffee Culture 2022

This special feature is like your first sip of the day. Much needed, and it goes down smooth. here, we celebrate our local coffee scene, great meeting places, hot drinks, and the people making the world turn with every sip.

SLOW & STEADY

EARL THE TURTLE, PRIZED JEWEL OF RACY D

LENES COFFEE LOUNGE

scherer

AN OG OF DOWNTOWN EAU CLAIRE, Racy D’lenes Coffee Lounge is arguably best known for its atmosphere, but true regulars are likely to think of Earl first and foremost. Yes, Earl the turtle, who has taken up residence in the coffee shop since about 2015, is as much a part of the Racy’s draw as the exposed brick walls, 90s-era blue-tiled countertop, and vintage seating.

Centered between lush velour and floral couches lays Earl’s throne: his lounging rock, bathed under two spotlights peering down into his tank. If Earl isn’t practicing slow and sure yoga poses or swimming down and over to the glass to look out at patrons, he’s probably doing stretch es on his throne.

Earl isn’t just anchored to his tank, though. You’ll find portraits of him around the shop, including a col orful drawing near the register and a gritty, cool-guy portrait of him seated to the right of his tank – “Earl” patch and all.

Though Earl has not done well living with roommates – hey, been there, done that – he seems to enjoy hanging out with his human compan ions, whether they are the Racy’s staff, regulars, or kids pressing up against his tank. “He connects with

kids,” said Josh Treankler, who man ages Racy’s. “Every kid that comes in here immediately goes to Earl, and honestly, seeing how happy they get makes my day.”

Treankler recalled an old employee of Racy’s bringing Earl into the shop years ago; since then, he’s been part of the team. Having stuck it out during the COVID-19 quarantine, Earl has proved himself a loyal Racy’s lad time and again.

Other regulars are also a big part of the Racy’s vibe, Treankler said. “In a lot of ways, Racy’s hasn’t changed,” he mused. “This place opened up in the early ’90s, we still have the same cool couches, the blue counters, and mir rors underneath, and we take a lot of pride in that old-school mentality. But there’s a lot of things that have been changing, too.”

The homey heart of Water Street, Racy’s remains the cool older sibling of the coffee com munity in E.C., with local art adorning the walls, books scat tered on the coffee tables, and bar stools turning as regulars and first-timers breeze in and out.

College kids know it as a favorite study spot; townie regulars know it as an eve ning go-to with dim lighting and espres so served into the evening; and Earl knows it as home.

Racy’s is a clas sic, but the shop also hopes to remind peo ple that the shop is a community hub too, there for more than a great cup of coffee and time with Earl (though that would be good enough for us, honestly). Settling into a new fall semester, UW-Eau Claire jazz students are likely to fill the shop’s Annex, just as they did last year.

Treankler said jazz students held

jam ses sions each Tuesday last year, and he’s hoping to continue that this fall even if it’s not on the same day. Plus, ArtFly has be come a staple at the shop, Art Talks offering a brain-pick ing sessions and sharing time for art ists, and events like Death Café offer up the type of truly communal, open events that the space holds warmly.

So, even if you find yourself just stopping in to spend some solid one-on-one time with Earl, there’s a plethora of reasons Racy’s is the longest-running coffee shop in Eau Claire. You can ponder that list in the warm low-key lighting while sinking into one of the couches or holed up at a table alongside the wall art.

Follow Racy D’lenes Coffee Lounge (404 Riverside Ave., Eau Claire) on Instagram & Facebook to keep up with them (and Earl), or head to racydlenes.com for more info.

Every kid that comes in here immediately goes to Earl , and honestly , seeing how happy they get makes my day. ”

—Josh Treankler, Racy D’Lenes

Racy d’lenes coffee lounge

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Local Fall Drink Dupes

STARBUCKS ESQUE FALL DRINKS WITH A LOCAL TWIST

words by sawyer hoff

WHEN YOU THINK OF FALL, you probably picture leaves changing color, big comfy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything. While you could sit in a Starbucks drive-thru for some spiced fall drinks, why not check out the many local businesses with specialty fall drinks that are just as good (if not better)? Being a fall-drink enthusiast, I went searching for some of the best local Starbucks dupes, and here’s what I found:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

This is probably the most popular fall drink for obvious reasons – it’s like a pumpkin pie in a cup and Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is famously delicious. Bridge Street Brew (114 N Bridge St., Chippe wa Falls) recently released their playfully titled Cereal Killers fall menu, which features the Cinnamon Slasher – a pumpkin snickerdoodle latte with whip cream and cinnamon toast crunch sprinkles. Not only is this an amazing local Starbies dupe, but it also has an extra bit of crunch to go along with it.

2. Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

If you prefer your pumpkin spice blended with ice, check out the Raw Deal (603 Broad way St. S #2457, Menomonie) where they have prepared a pump kin spice version of their famous S’connie. The Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate S’connie is a blended latte with – you guessed it – pumpkin spice and white chocolate flavoring.

3. Iced Pumpkin Chai

Our last stop on the pumpkin ex press is the classic pumpkin chai. For anyone that may not know, chai is a black tea of Indian origin in

fused with spices and typically made into a latte. The spices in the chai (usually cinna mon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, etc.) really add to the fall feeling you get when taking a sip. Swap out Starbucks’ Iced Pump kin Chai with The Goat Coffee Houses’ (336 Water St., Eau Claire) blended chai with pumpkin spice syrup. It’s a crowd pleaser for a reason!

4. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Latte

For those that prefer apple flavors, Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe (3830 Tal madge Rd, Eau Claire) has an Apple Pie Chai that will make you feel as though you’ve waltzed right into an apple orchard. Make sure to ask for an oat milk substitution to get the same vibe.

5. Caramel Apple Spice Cider

Not a big coffee fan? Cozy up with some yummy apple cider at The Blind Munchies Coffeehouse (621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie), which recently created their new Caramel Apple Cider drink. It’s basically a hug in a mug, but five times more Autumn-esque.

PUGKIN SPICED LATTES

WHERE TO GET PUP CUPS IN THE CV

compiled by natalie derks

WHETHER YOU JUST PICKED YOUR DOG UP FROM A BATH AND NAIL GRINDING, or you simply want to espresso your love for your puppy, a sweet treat from a café is something that’ll make any doggy’s day. Wondering where in the Chippewa Valley you can find a puppuccino? Whelp, look no further! One thing to keep in mind about this guide: most businesses only offer pup cups with purchase. So, treat yourself as well as your pupper, and tip your baristas!

coffee shops with pup cups and fido-friendly treats

• Bridge Street Brew (114 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls)

• Cabin Coffee (2922 Meadowlark Ln., Altoona)

• Caribou Coffee (Multiple Chip pewa Valley Locations)

• Dunkin’ Donuts (Multiple Chip pewa Valley Locations)

• Gramma Ginna’s Fudge and Coffee Bar in Scheels (4800 Golf Rd., Eau Claire)

• Kahvi Coffee House + Café (3830 Talmadge Rd., Eau Claire)

• Racy D’Lenes Coffee Lounge

(404 Riverside Ave., Eau Claire)

• Starbucks (Multiple Chippewa Valley Locations)

• Sweet Driver Chocolates and Café in Artisan Forge Studios (1106 Mondovi Rd., Eau Claire)

• The French Press (2823 London Rd., Eau Claire)

• Whirlybird Coffee Co. (2829 Co Hwy. I, Chippewa Falls)

Hoping to wolf down some food in addition to all that coffee? These local establishments aren’t coffee shops, but they serve goodies that are sure to make your dog’s ears perk right on up!

Other Hot Spots With Pup Cups and Fido-Friendly Treats

• Culvers (Multiple Chippewa Valley Locations)

• Dairy Queen (Multiple Chippe wa Valley Locations)

• Olson’s Ice Cream (Multiple Chippewa Valley Locations)

• Ramone’s Ice Cream (503 Gallo way St., Eau Claire)

• Shanghai Bistro (2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire)

• Star Cup (316 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire)

• Urban Olive and Vine (520 Sec ond St., Hudson)

• Za 51 on Thursdays (1476 Blazing Star Blvd., Altoona)

PHOTO BY LINDSEY QUINNIES

DUE TO THE INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR COFFEE, many coffee businesses have adopted harmful practices that affect not only the environment but small coffee farmers around the world. In order to combat this nega tive effect on the Earth, many coffee shops have been serving Fair Trade Organic coffee beans. But what does that mean?

When coffee is labeled as organic, it means that no harmful synthetic fer tilizers or pesticides were used to grow it, which is not only good for wildlife but for the taste of coffee as well.

Coffees that are Fairtrade iden

tify them as certified by Fairtrade International, which has minimum set prices that are paid directly to the coffee producers, meaning these small-scale farmers are getting paid at a fair price.

There are also Bird-Friendly Coffee certifications that coffee companies can receive if the farms the coffee comes from provide and maintain forest-like habitats for birds with foliage covers, proper tree height, and biodiversity.

So which coffee shops in the Chippewa Valley incorporate these good coffee farming companies?

green caffeine

LOCAL PLACES THAT USE SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SOURCES

words by sawyer hoff

Here is a list of those who advertise it openly:

The Raw Deal (603 Broad way St. S #2457, Menom onie) only uses Fair Trade Organic Coffee Beans ECDC (205 S Barstow St., Eau Claire) offers freetrade coffee beverages

The Goat Coffee House (336 Water St., Eau Claire) offers Fair Trade Organic Coffee Kahvi Coffeehouse + Cafe (3830 Tal madge Rd., Eau Claire) offers direct

trade coffee

Wonders of Nature Café (416 S Bar stow St., Eau Claire) sells Organic Fair-Trade Coffee roasted by Soul Brewed Coffee Roasters (2328 N Elco Rd., Fall Creek)

SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) and Whirly bird Coffee (2829 Co Hwy I, Chippewa Falls) offer Wonderstate Coffee with is organic, roasted with 100% solar power, and a minimum price guaran tee to farmers.

the whirlybird is taking flight

CHIPPEWA FALLS COFFEE SHOP WILL LAUNCH ICED COFFEE FLIGHTS OCT. 15

by sawyer hoff

The “Classic” flight

COFFEE FLIGHTS ARE A SOMEWHAT RECENT TREND THAT ALLOWS COFFEE SHOPS TO SHOWCASE THE DIFFERENT COFFEE DRINKS THEY OFFER, but there are very few places in the Chippewa Valley that include them on their menus.

Whirlybird Coffee, the new coffee shop inside Dove Healthcare in Chippe wa Falls (2829 County Highway I), is officially launching its coffee flights on Oct. 15.

Whirlybird will offer multiple flights that customers can choose from, including a “classic” flight that will

consist of iced chai, caramel macchiato, cold brew, and vanilla latte (the classic can be made dairy-free). They will also serve some of their fall drinks on a fall flight including the Woolly Bear, Back To School, Fox & The Hound, The Li’l Sebastian, and the Ellendale Applefest.

You will be able to choose which iced drinks from their curated menu you want on your flight (unless you’re get ting a classic). Each flight equals about two normal-sized coffee drinks, which is enough to try the different drinks without getting your heart rate going a mile a minute. Depending on which

drinks are available, the flights will be $11-$13.

Whirlybird owner Liz Van Aarde said the shop is introducing flights by pop ular demand, adding that they are a great way for people to try different kinds of coffee drinks to discover their favorites.

To learn more about Whirlybird Coffee and to follow along with their special coffee menus, go to whirlybirdcoffee. com and follow them on Facebook.

WHIRLYBIRD COFFEE CO.

@WhirlybirdCoffeeCo

hello@whirlybirdcoffee.com

whirlybirdcoffee.com

your local caffeine fix

VALLEY

4:30 AM Coffee House 608 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-6165 • Find it on Facebook Known for its signature Coffee House Salad, homemade scones and other baked good, wraps, sandwiches, and nifty little drive-up. 4:30 AM is a coffee mainstay of Chippewa Falls.

420 Internet Cafe 420 Washington St., Eau Claire • (715) 833-9945 • 420internetcafe.com Eclectic decor and soothing colors are the backdrop for 420 Internet Cafe’s full-service coffee bar and sandwich shop. Try burgers, soup, and other simple fare or the popular ice cream latte, along with some baked goods. Operated by Cafe 420 Ministries, a Christian outreach.

Acoustic Cafe - Menomonie 102 Main St., Menomonie • (715) 235-1115 • facebook.com/ AcousticMenom/ A top-notch hoagie shop, making everything from hummus to bread from scratch, the Menomonie Acoustic Café features a local artist display that changes monthly. The trademark high-back booths make it a great place to grab lunch, hold a casual meeting, or just hang out.

Acoustic Café – Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • (715) 832-9090 • theacoustic.com Known for their hot hoagies, the spacious and art-bedecked café also has pitas, soups, salads, a number of baked-from-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Try their gourmet coffees and espresso. Stop by the ice cream counter on the way out for a great selection of scoops.

Beyond Brewed Coffee Shop 1907 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 514-5736 • Find it on Face book A small coffee shop with a drive-through tucked away on Bracket Avenue in a building shared with Jay Ray’s Deli. A huge selection of espresso drinks, drip coffees, iced coffees, and more for your caffeine fix, plus breakfast sandwiches. Offers patio seating, delivery through EatStreet, and a free drink on your birthday.

+ COFFEEHOUSES

listings by james johonnott

The Blind Munchies Coffeehouse 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie • (715) 235-9300 • theblind munchies.com Blind Munchies features a full coffee bar, a from-scratch bakery, fresh sandwich es made to order, and new food made fresh every morning. Try their famous “Healthy Munchie” sandwiches.

Bridge Street Brew 114 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls • (715) 861-3334 • facebook.com/ bridgestbrewcoffeeshop/ A midwest coffeehouse serving up all manner of brews from Americano to pour-overs. They serve light fare breakfasts like crepes and oatmeal, blended lattes, smoothies, pastries, salads, soups, and paninis.

Cabin Coffee Company 2922 Meadowlark Lane, Altoona • (715) 514-5065 • cabincoffeecompany. com/locations-altoona/ Offers over 22 types of single-origin coffee including Colombian, Costa Rican, and Java, all roasted on-site. Breakfast and lunch menus are available all day including made-to-order sandwiches on bagels, wraps, and croissants. They serve a variety of bakery items. Featuring the highly caffeinated white coffee with a bold, nutty flavor.

Caribou Coffee 1408 Ninth St. E, Menomonie • // 2615 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire // 4732 Golf Rd., Eau Claire // 2114 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire // 2321 Highway 25 N, Menomonie // 101 Oak Ave., Suite 4, Menomonie // 807 W E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • cariboucoffee.com Minnesota-based coffee franchise with several local branches. Breakfast sandwiches and their decadent, highly caffeinated drinks are a specialty.

The Coffee Grounds 4212 Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com A casual café in a gourmet food/coffee/beer/wine/ci gar gift shop. They offer a variety of baked goods, homemade soups, and fresh unique sandwiches. They roast and sell their own beans.

The Danc’n Bean 2803 E Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire • facebook.com/dancnbean A large, spacious atmosphere, several seating areas, and WIFI for guests, making it a great study location. Serving Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, a favorite ice cream of Minnesotans for 70+ years. Espresso drinks and pie make it a great stop in the morning or for an early afternoon snack.

Dunkin Donuts 1431 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire // 2836 N Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • dunkindo nuts.com An all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Breakfast items are available all day and include a vegetarian option.

ECDC Eau Claire Downtown Coffee 205 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire • (715) 318-6461 • ecdc.coffee Tucked inside the Lismore hotel in downtown Eau Claire. Expect high-quality coffee drinks and food in a swanky space, including a fireplace lounge. The menu includes grab-and-go breakfasts and salads, made-to-order paninis, and fresh-baked goods made on-site.

Five & Two Café 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • (715) 833-1234 • downtoearthgardencenter.com A variety of natural foods, and fresh, local produce. Signature favorites include: toasted sandwiches, cracker crust pizzas that you can hardly find anywhere else, soups, and a variety of espresso drinks. Breakfast is available with options such as sandwiches, wraps, and bowls.

The French Press 2823 London Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 598-7017 • thefrenchpresseauclaire.com A café, bakery, and coffee house offering fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items everyday. Cozy up by the fireplace in a rocking chair and enjoy many unique menu items. Scones, cinnamon buns, sticky rolls, quiches, soups, sand wiches, burgers, wraps, and egg dishes.

The Goat Coffee House 336 Water St., Eau

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Claire • (715) 831-4491 • thegoatcoffeehouse. com A relaxed, full-scale coffee house offering an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches, and an interesting mix of furniture and décor. Breakfast options include homemade scones and muffins made daily, and The Goat’s rich soups are a pop ular lunch dish. Check out the fruit smoothies and cold, blended coffee drinks.

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie • (715) 231-5323 • goldenleafcafe.com Gourmet organic, all-natural panini sandwiches are the specialty, where you’ll also find homemade soups, salads, and pies. Peruse the connected specialty shop for foodstuffs and tea. They also offer a glu ten-free menu, as well as an espresso bar. Outdoor seating, vegetarian and vegan friendly. Proud roasters of Cafe Femenino fair trade coffee, which supports women and families globally.

Goldsmith Coffee Bar 22 S. Prairie St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 379-3458 • Find it on Facebook This school-turned-coffee shop offers specialty coffee drinks, non-coffee energy drinks, baked goods, homemade scones, and gluten free options.

Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 831-1100 • Find it on Facebook

Having been here for 22 years, Grand Avenue is a quaint (and popular) little café known for its sandwiches literature-inspired names. Gourmet espresso, vegetarian friendly and outdoor seating.

Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe 3830 Talmadge Road, Eau Claire • (715) 514-2806 • kahvicoffee.

com Kahvi is an urban casual coffee house with Scandinavian roots situated in Eau Claire’s south side. Their signature drink is the Fika Mocha which is a caramel-infused white mocha that can be served hot, iced, or blended. Dog-friend ly patio; inside dining with a fireplace, and a drive-thru.

WondERS OF NATURE