Cloquet’s cozy coffeehouses

Natalie Swanson makes an expresso drink behind the bar at Bearaboo Coffee Escape in Cloquet. Pine Journal file photo

By Jamey Malcomb jmalcomb@pinejournal.com

Cloquet may not have a Starbucks, Caribou Coffee or other national chain, but the city offers plenty of places to pick up a cup of joe, get cozy with a book or catch up on some work.

Here are a few spots around town — plus a bonus spot in Carlton — to check out the next time you need something warm (or cold, these places have it all).

Bearaboo Coffee Escape

When you walk up to Bearaboo Coffee Escape in Cloquet, the word cozy is not the first word that comes to mind.

The stunning view of Walmart and the attached car wash don’t exactly scream “cozy.”

But walk into the shop, and the world changes.

The warm, cabin-like atmosphere will make the massive parking lot across the street seem like a memory.

There’s a small fireplace at the back of the shop, and booths to hunker down and get some work done.

More than likely, new owner Natalie Swanson is behind the counter pulling a shot of espresso or house-made baked goods out of the oven.

Swanson greets you with a smile so genuine you can’t help but feel welcome.

From the outside, Bearaboo may not look like the coziest spot in Cloquet, but inside it feels like the warmest place in town.

ADDRESS: 1005 Stanley Ave., Cloquet

Jamey Malcomb/Pine Journal

Bearaboo Coffee Escape in Cloquet may not have the best view in town, but it’s one of the coziest spots to get some work done or relax and chat with a friend.

Gordy’s Warming House

Gordy’s might be the most prominent place to grab coffee in the city. It’s spot on Highway 33 means it’s almost always busy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not cozy.

The coffee is always hot. There’s something tasty for lunch or a snack, and — for those with a sweet tooth — there’s a freezer full of ice cream to choose from.

Armchairs by the fireplace are a perfect place to chat with a friend, or conduct an informal interview.

There are also plenty of tables if you need to do a little more concentrated work. Though the number of people in and out can make the shop a bit noisy, it’s nothing some earbuds and a little music or a good podcast won’t cure.

ADDRESS: 411 Sunnyside Dr., Cloquet

HOURS: Monday-Thursday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.warming-house.com/

Gordy’s also offers a variety of comfortable chairs and a fireplace that are a perfect spot to catch up with friends or on some reading.

Jamey Malcomb/Pine Journal