As is befit a proper college town, Orange City, home to our beloved Northwestern, houses multiple outlets for our love of all things caffeine. NW’s campus community and Orange City residents alike enjoy the benefits that these coffee shops bring to our corner of Northwest Iowa.
But, it seems a question must be addressed: Which one is the best?
A fine question indeed, but one that can be particularly difficult to answer. Regardless of status as the “best coffee shop,” Orange City and the immediate area have an exceptional array of coffee-providing entities. Among these are: KwekenCo., Brad’s Bakery Bistro, The Fruited Plain and Scooters.
Starting with the newest addition to Orange City’s coffee shops, is Kweken Co. Owner McKenzie Kuiken, and her husband Michael opened their coffee shop in Sept. 2024, with the hope of showing “a touch of Dutch” through the aesthetic of their space. Named after the Dutch word meaning to cultivate or grow, Kweken Co. is a testament to the shop’s primary goal – to cultivate community.
Not only do they attract a good crowd of NW students, but they are also known for their networking and professional workspace in the back. Not only does Kweken offer fantastic coffee options that hit the spot every time, but they also have a variety of other options for those who prefer non-coffee options.
Next, is Brad’s Bakery Bistro of Orange City run by Brad and Kathy Gabel since Dec. 2019. Located on the corner of Central Avenue and First Street in downtown Orange City, Brad’s is known for its unique European-style aesthetic, tasty menu items and overall quality experience for all who step foot in the shop. Among the delicious coffee one can order from Brad’s, the menu consists of Brad’s signature bread – an oak-walnut recipe he learned from his uncle – in addition to croissants, macarons and crepes.
An appeal of Brad’s is the always-changing array of sweet, European-inspired treats one can find in the bakery, in addition to the fully loaded coffee bar with its own specialty drink offerings. In the semi-recent past, the shop even added a gelato station; there really is something for everyone in this classy small-town coffee shop. It comes highly recommended by college students and community members alike.
Next, there is the well-known-and-loved drive-through coffee entity, Scooters. Making their debut in Orange City on Dec. 31st, 2021, Scooters has been a popular stop for many on their way in and out of the Dutch town. Scooters is best known for its amazingly fast drive-through service, friendly workers and specialty coffees (especially their fun seasonal menu offerings).
Though Scooters lacks a sit-down space for its customers, the drive-through and walk-up options are popular and loved by many as it is a fast, convenient and easy caffeine treat for those on their way to class or work. Since it is a quick walk from NW’s Korver Visual Arts Center, Scooters gets quite a bit of business from NW students.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is The Fruited Plain. The shop was founded in 2007 by Laremy and Rebecca De Vries, and although it is not necessarily local specifically to Orange City, it is worth the trip to Sioux Center. The coffee shop just recently celebrated its 15th birthday, on Jan. 31st. As stated on their website, The Fruited Plain is “Northwest Iowa’s hub for coffee & conversation, food & drink, and great live music.”
Known for their delicious drinks, tasty pastries and cookies and mouthwatering flatbread pizzas, The Fruited Plain is loved by many. From their friendly staff ready to greet you as you walk through the doors, to their abundant seating areas, there is no doubt this cozy, vintage-style coffee shop will make you feel right at home.
So, which coffee shop is the best?
There truly is no way to decide when all the contenders are exceptional, each in their own way. Whether you are looking for a reasonably priced caffeine fix, a cozy place to make your ‘office’ for the day, or a small treat to satiate your sweet tooth, the coffee shops of our beloved Orange City area are the absolute best for just that.
