The city of Coeur d’Alene is perhaps best known for its location on the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, in the northern part of Idaho. The small city is a favorite travel destination for many, whether for swimming and boating in the lake, hiking and climbing any of Idaho’s Rocky Mountains, or engaging with the city's small-town culture.
All types of visitors and travelers can find great options for morning activities in Coeur d'Alene, from energetic sunrise hikes to laid-back brunches. But no matter what type of traveler you are, one thing is almost certain: you’ll want to start your day with a great cup of coffee or tea. Fortunately, Coeur d’Alene is full of fantastic choices. You really can’t go wrong visiting any of Coeur d'Alene's many coffee shops, but read on to discover a few of the locals’ favorite coffee spots throughout the city.
Evan’s Brothers started as a small family business in Sandpoint, Idaho, a town just north of Coeur d’Alene, and has had such great success that the family opened a second location in Coeur d’Alene, and most recently, a third location in Spokane, Washington. The shop’s success is well-deserved, as nearly any north Idahoan will tell you. The shop prioritizes sustainability and uses only ethically-sourced coffee products, which are roasted at the Sandpoint location. If you’re a coffee fan, try an americano or a drip coffee to experience the full complexity of their beans and roasts. If you like a sweeter drink, try any of their seasonal specialty drinks, such as their summertime rose oat milk iced latte. If you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with a huckleberry hand pie made with locally-picked berries, or a vegan breakfast burrito.
Union is another small business whose well-merited success has allowed expansion to multiple locations within Coeur d’Alene. Like Evan’s Brothers, Union builds relationships with the farmers who supply the coffee, ensuring the beans they receive are sourced ethically and sustainably. Try their nitro cold brew coffee on a warm day, or any of their rotating seasonal specialty drinks on a cold day. In the winter, a favorite is their orange cardamom latte. If you’re not a coffee drinker, Union is also well-known for their matcha and other tea-based drinks, as well as a selection of kombucha. They’re not just well-loved for their drinks, either - as indicated in the name, this shop also specializes in Belgian waffles, which follow a changing seasonal menu with both sweet and savory topping options. Try their savory avocado and cream cheese waffle, or their classic waffle topped with berries, pure maple syrup, and house-made whipped cream. As a bonus, both shop locations have a drive-through window for quick service when you’re eager to get on your way to your next adventure.
Calypso’s has been a Coeur d’Alene favorite for years, both for the shop’s delicious food and drinks, and for its community focus. Local art for sale hangs on the walls, and the shop is well-known for its support of local non-profits as well as its community events and weekly open mic nights. Calypso's has spacious, comfortable, and creatively-decorated indoor seating, making it a great place to spend time. Coffee lovers will enjoy trying any of the shop’s single-origin coffee blends, and the coffee-averse will also find plenty to enjoy, as the shop partners with tea distributors to sell a huge variety of high-quality loose-leaf teas. A local favorite is their white cream coconut tea. If you’re hungry, Calypso’s offers both a breakfast and a lunch menu with delicious options for all - including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten or dairy-free options.
Whatever your day in Coeur d’Alene holds, stop by one of these local favorites to get your perfect cup of coffee or tea, and maybe something to eat. Whether your journey involves relaxing on Coeur d'Alene's famous lake, climbing through the Rocky Mountains, or experiencing the city's many brunch, brewery, or shopping options, you're sure to have a great start to your day by visiting any one of these favorite, local coffee shops.
