Friday mornings are treat days for Ransom Everglades students. A later start means that they flock to the Grove in packs to reward themselves after a long week. On the corner of Main Highway and Grand Avenue sits a Starbucks, whose pickup counter on those Fridays is littered with an array of multi-colored drinks and brown paper bags.
The Starbucks atmosphere can feel cold and uninviting. The employees never make eye contact when you walk in through the door. If you’re sick of the same Strawberry Acai Lemonade and butter croissant, check out the following places in the Grove!
EL BAGEL
On Virginia Street, just around the corner from Salt and Straw, a small store resides under a black awning. The inconspicuous establishment does not immediately appear to attract many but has proved to be a bustling morning stop. “This place is about chill vibes and cool people,” one employee said.
Their menu is curated for die-hard bagel lovers, embracing tried and true flavors like The Lox Supreme—filled to the brim with salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onions—as well as the Avo Spesh (a delicious combo of avocado sprouts, radishes and seasoning). Their wide selection of homemade spreads and different types of bagels allows everyone to make their own special order.
The staff are extremely friendly, and each time I go in they remember my name. One staff member, Gabriella, said, “RE students who come here are always so nice.”
TIP-Get the lemon poppyseed cake, it’s delicious!
Le Pain Quotidien ( aka LPQ )
Unlike Starbucks, Le Pain Quotidien (or LPQ as its fondly nicknamed) invites you inside to a warm, homey atmosphere. Walking past the cafe, located near Fireman Derek’s on the same side of Main Highway as RE, it is difficult to turn down their assortment of French pastries.
A new customer favorite, the “crookie,” a croissant and cookie combined, and yes, it does taste as good as it sounds: a flaky croissant topped with a warm yet dense cookie oozing with chocolate chips. To wash down the pastries, Le Pain makes a variety of drinks; their Iced Chai Latte (which in my opinion is the best in The Grove) and iced vanilla lattes are a delicious way to have some caffeine before a grueling school day. If you are looking for something refreshing on a hotter Miami morning, their mint lemonade always does the trick.
“Coconut Grove is a super friendly neighborhood which is part of the reason I enjoy working here,” said Daisy, an employee at LPQ. She also shared that her favorite item is the raisin cinnamon roll—a classic.
TIP- Don’t bring the crookie croissant into chemistry class. Your teacher might not like croissant crumbs around the Bunsen burners.
Panther Coffee
Panther Coffee is a moody and dimly lit cafe that exudes coolness. Stepping in, you immediately escape the bright sunlight of Miami and are transported to an underground grunge vibe. Popular drinks include the iced matcha latte (with unique non-dairy options) and iced vanilla latte with cold foam, although be sure not to miss out on the specialty drink, the Miami Fog!
Eliana, a staff member, excitedly reported that all employees go through extensive training to uphold the highest standards of specialty coffee. This training involves learning all about the science of coffee. In the mornings, all employees must “dial in,” which means adjusting the coffee machines based on the humidity conditions outside.
It is safe to say that they are committed to delivering the best product. They even serve espresso authentically, accompanied by a small glass of sparkling water.
Eliana also shared that three RE Girls are regulars and enjoy their Oat Milk Iced Lattes almost every day before class.
TIP- Panther sells coffee beans, which are great for a gift and come with a free choice of drink!
The Salty Donut (The Salty)
The Salty is located on McFarlane Road across from Love Shack Fancy. This store is an exceptional place to get a sugary treat or a unique drink in the mornings. An employee noted that their two most popular donuts are the Strawberry Tres Leches and the Traditional Glazed. These donuts are rich, yet light and fluffy. You can taste the freshness in every bite.
The Strawberry Tres Leches is filled with jam and topped with an airy vanilla meringue, while the glazed donut is a sugary, sticky and well- balanced delight. The Salty also is home to many more eclectic donut flavors that are definitely worth exploring. If a donut isn’t what you are craving, they also provide a broad selection of drinks, like the cinnamon cereal milk latte and brown sugar chai latte, which are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
TIP-Bring donuts to your first period class to make someone’s day a little sweeter!
Navi
Separate from the main hub of the Grove lies a charming little cafe, Navi, which doubles as a cute flower shop.
They have a robust drink menu, paired with letters from customers claiming the best matcha in the world. A Navi employee, Monika, urges you to try the house latte, a personal favorite. They also have an ice bucket filled with kombucha drinks, a selection of incredible homemade coffee and lemon cakes, and a Miami favorite: the Ligers cookie. A stone’s throw away from RE, just take a left at Green Street and it’s a five-minute walk.
TIP-walk out with a coffee for yourself and a bunch of flowers for a special person!
