Starbucks.
The colorful drinks, cozy fall spices, festive Christmas cups, and caffeine spike at every corner make up the allure of Starbucks. There is something truly romantic about a group of islanders walking through the cool fall breeze to the caffeinated haven of Starbucks, but wouldn't that scene be even better heading to a local business?
For years, Starbucks has been criticized. From being scrutinized for misleading “ethically sourced” packaging in a suit by the NCL, to being boycotted due to alleged Israeli support, to funding the top one percent, Starbucks, like numerous other super corporations, has a difficult time staying in the public’s good graces.
DeLaSalle has the gift of location. Nestled between Northeast and Downtown, in the heart of Minneapolis, we are surrounded by local vendors. Not only do local shops promote a healthy middle class—but they also provide a unique inviting environment.
I urge you, Islanders, the next time your caffeine addiction draws you to walk the Hennepin Bridge to Starbucks, redirect to a local coffee shop. Enjoy these space’s relaxing nature, rich heartfelt flavors, friendly faces, personal touches, and freedom from the corporate machine. Ditch Starbucks DeLaSalle.
A few close to De favorites:
Silver Fern
0.3 Mile Walk
Address: 114 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Offering a warm, cozy, and modern vibe, enjoy the relaxing nature of this shop. Silver Fern offers an assortment of coffees and teas, along with delicious baked goods and small bites. Consistently playing vibby indie tunes, Silver Fern is great for some hard-core lock-in time!
FRGMNT Coffee - St. Anthony Main
0.3 Mile Walk
Address: 729 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
From croissants to donuts, treat yourself to a variety of pastries at FRGMNT. Yearning for some gossip? While in this spacious shop, grab a cup of coffee or tea, take a seat in a cozy chair, and get to chatting!
Northeast Tea House
0.4 Mile Walk
Address: 224 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Looking for a calming space after a tough day of exams? The Tea House Northeast is just the place, serving tea traditionally, in a gorgeous pitcher. While enjoying the zen atmosphere and your tea, take a look at the featured fish tank!
Fletchers
0.4 Mile Walk
Address: 306 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
For a great night out. Enjoy both a fantastic cup of coffee and some delicious ice cream. With homemade ice cream, vegan options, waffles, and ice cream sandwiches, Fletchers offers a variety of goods. Also, they have a statue of a cow which is pretty cool.
Alma
0.9 Mile Walk
Address: 528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Just a short walk from De, Alma offers some of the best coffee and tea in the city and serves phenomenal dishes to quench that post-school hunger. Also for the lotion, body scrub, and essential oil lovers, Alma makes scents in-house that change each season!
Image: Philip Rood
Hi Serafiem, there are many great reasons to avoid Starbucks, as you highlighted. However, support for Israel is not one of them. Starbucks has no stores in Israel and has made no donations or public statements in support of the country. I believe the bulk of the confusion arose after Starbucks sued Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) for trademark infringement. Activists in support of the Palestinian cause interpreted this as Starbucks supporting Israel and called for a boycott in solidarity with Palestinians. Starbucks really sued because someone with access to the SBWU Twitter account used the Starbucks logo on a tweet celebrating the Oct. 7th attacks. This led to public confusion as multiple prominent figures thought the tweet came from Starbucks…