Let’s Talk Joe

A Review of Thunder Coffee

Since coming to college my caffeine intake has skyrocketed. I practically run off of various caffeine drinks and since becoming a barista I have also become quite the coffee snob. Gone are the days of me going through the Starbucks drive thru, in place of a much more sophisticated taste. 

If you are anything like me, or hopefully are willing to change your ways, you have realized that the big coffee corporations just do not cut it when it comes to quality. In a quest to find quality coffee shops I have decided to take to the streets of Fargo. 

Over the next few weeks I will be examining local coffee shops and reviewing them based on taste, quality and atmosphere. 

Thunder is located in West Fargo and is about a 14 minute drive from campus.
Photo Courtesy | Courtney Entzi

Drinks

I feel like the kombucha girl after trying this espresso, because I truly can not decide whether I love or hate it. It was acidic and sweet at the same time with fruity notes. Honestly it was the most unique espresso I have ever tasted. I can not describe it justly and I still have not come to a conclusion on how to rate it so I will give it a 3/5 just for the experience. 

My first taste led me to believe it was a bad shot but a few more sips and my mind was changed. I do not normally finish the espresso shots because I do not like an abundance of caffeine, but I finished this one just trying to figure it out. 

As always, I got a chai. The different spices definitely came through with this one. The taste reminded me of the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, if that makes any sense. The after taste reminded me of pfeffernusse cookies, if you know you know. I would assume the fact that it tasted like those cookies are why it reminds me of the holidays, as my grandma is known for bringing a tray of cookies and those always have a spot. 

I would rate the chai a 3/5. It was not hot enough and the milk was not as silky as I would like.

Food

Thunder Coffee does not have much for food options besides a few pastries. I got the cinnamon bread per the barista’s recommendation. It was good and as someone with a sweet tooth I can say I finished it, however, I would have liked it to be denser and more moist as it was quite dry. I would probably try the apple cinnamon bread next as I am sure the apples help bring out some more moisture. 

I would rate the bread a 2/5. Again, it was good and I ate it all for my breakfast but I would not get it again. 

The aesthetic of Thunder Coffee was beautiful and modern, making it the perfect place to sit down in the morning and start my day.
Photo Courtesy | Courtney Entzi

Atmosphere and Overall 

The vibe of this place is amazing. If you are looking for a cute date spot or a place to take some pictures with your friends definitely check out Thunder Coffee. The decor is beautiful and everything is very modern. There is a patio as well as inside seating which is made up of standard table and chairs but there is one comfy couch in the corner if you are looking for a place to chill and work for a couple hours. 

The staff was amazingly friendly and helpful and I will definitely make another trip here. Overall I rate Thunder Coffee a 4/5. 

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