A newcomer on the coffee scene, High Ground Café and Espresso Bar, has made quite an impact. Opening its doors in October 2020, and during Covid-19, must have been an exceptional challenge for owner, Corey
A newcomer on the coffee scene, High Ground Café and Espresso Bar, has made quite an impact. Opening its doors in October 2020, and during Covid-19, must have been an exceptional challenge for owner, Corey Larkin and his team. In fact, my husband and I were making our monthly Coffee King visit, when I look over and saw Corey and his staff sitting down with the owner of Coffee King.
Coffee is King
Asking the salesman what was going on, he informed us that Coffee King hosts classrooms for anyone who wants to learn how to roast their own coffee beans. This also goes for businesses in their infancy, guaranteeing they are as informed as possible, with as much support and knowledge they need to get off the ground.
I cannot say enough good things about Coffee King. It is where my husband and I get our coffee we use at home, and now that I know they are invested in helping many other locally owned small businesses find success, I will forever be their loyal customer. I also genuinely love that I am supporting a local organization that directly impacts other small businesses in a positive matter.
This is South Dakota?
Now back to Corey Larkin and his brewery. Developing his idea to own his own establishment, Larkin went even further than just coffee, and designed a food and beverage menu likening to what travelers would see on the West and East coasts.
One of his signature menu items is the Brekkie Puffle, which is a puffy waffle wrapped around eggs, bacon, and even avocado. However, you can also order your puffle with chicken, peanut butter and bananas, and even ice cream and chocolate!
Next on the menu are Acai bowls. Previously, I’ve had acai bowls at Fresh Cold Press, which used to be in the mall, but have now migrated to food truck status. Acai is a Brazilian berry, and basically an acai bowl is a smoothie in a bowl with different varieties of toppings, such as bananas, blueberries, and granola.
Both of the afore mentioned menu items I ordered on my initial visit earlier this month. However, there are many more selections to choose from, including quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and chicken tacos. And of course, since this is a coffee shop, they obviously serve coffee, smoothies, teas, beer and wine.
Paying it forward
Along with ordering my meal, I also decided to purchase a “Meal ticket” for anyone who is in need of a hot cup of coffee or to refuel with some homemade nourishment. High Ground has framed envelopes with designated dollar amount vouchers, which customers can select from and use towards any purchase.
I love that this business does this, since there are many people who have been effected by today’s financial culture and circumstances, and paying it forward always feel so fulfilling whenever I have a chance to do it.
Beer and wine…at a coffee shop?
Wait? What? Beer and wine? At a coffee shop? Yep, beer brewed by Ben’s Brewery in Yankton, and locally sourced wine, are some of the “adult” beverages available for those seeking a more enjoyable beverage. But you don’t have to uncomfortably participate in “day drinking”, you can enjoy an evening dinner, because High Ground is open until 7pm throughout the week.
In fact, High Ground is one of the few coffee shops open “late”, since some of the others close as early as 2pm in the afternoon. So, if you find yourself craving that after-school caffeine fix before cramming for your next test, stop by High Ground. And with their convenient drive-thru, you can get to your next destination even faster, or gather around their lounge area, and get energized during a study session with fellow classmates.
Finally, check out their website (https://high-ground-cafe-and-espresso-bar.business.site/) to view their menu, or visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HighGroundCafeAndEspressoBar) to keep up to date on current events and daily specials.
605-422-6699
202 N Derby Ln
North Sioux City, SD 57049
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Fri: 6am to 7pm
Sat – Sun: 7am to 7pm
