Fortunata’s Coffee

I can’t recommend this place enough. If you’ve made the wise move of taking the River Road south from St. Paul, taking in the sights and tastes along the way down, you can’t miss Fortunata’s. Built out of an old warehouse adjacent to a kayak shop, the eclectic interior décor makes the place feel like a museum as much as a roastery. Weather permitting, you can either see eagles from the main deck, and chat about with knowledgeable and gregarious locals, all while enjoying a spectacular view of the broad Mississippi, or head inside and enjoy your cup while sitting around the antique Round Oak iron stove. The coffee is so good I bring it back to the East Bay to enjoy it over the local stuff. Take a little time after your coffee to browse the art galleries next door and across the street. Little towns have big treasures, and Fortunata’s is your gateway to a gem of a town.