It’s been long contested as to which coffee shop in downtown Northfield is the best. Blue Monday, Hideaway, and Little Joy all have excellent options when it comes to coffee, but everyone has their favorite. Who’s right? Here’s a breakdown to each coffee shop, and why Blue Monday is my top choice and should be yours too.
Let’s start with my least favorite, which I might get some heat for. Little Joy is my least favorite of the three, even though it’s still a great option. Despite having more modern indie coffee shop ambiance than Hideaway and Blue Monday, there isn’t a whole lot of room for seating options. Even though they have an outdoor patio, that’s really only usable from May to October. If you’re looking for a study spot, look elsewhere because most of the seating will be taken during the rush hours. However, I will give Little Joy a few points for their creative drinks, best website of the three, and their availability to order online.
Hideaway is a close second favorite to Blue Monday. Although they have online ordering and much more variety when it comes to food, they have less seasonal coffee drink options than Blue Monday and Little Joy. They do have a somewhat goofy policy where they suggest that you don’t stay longer than 90 minutes in order to open up seating for guests. So studying is somewhat discouraged if you have a bigger project to work on, but who knows how enforced that is. However, the assorted menu with more lunch and dinner options is definitely an option I wish was more prevalent at Little Joy and Blue Monday.
Blue Monday is a classic favorite because their atmosphere is so inclined towards college students. Everyone loves the iconic lamp; I’ve even seen someone with a tattoo of it! If you too love the iconic lamp, you can get it as one of their many sticker options. Despite not having an online ordering option, the delicious seasonal drinks make up for that. There’s also a fabulous mix of Townies, Oles, and Carls; you’re bound to overhear some interesting conversations. Although there are some parts of Blue Monday that seem a bit outdated, who couldn’t love the mix-tape bathroom! The vibes are just so good that its flaws are excusable in comparison to Hideaway and Little Joy.
If you’re not convinced, head into Blue Monday, and I’m sure you’ll change your mind! If you feel strongly that Little Joy or Hideaway are better, let me know. I’m curious what you think, but just know, Blue Monday is the best.
Lauren Schilling is from Manly, Iowa. Their majors are Art History, Race and Ethnic Studies, and Studio Art.
