In a world where coffee shops often prioritize speed over experience, Aquí Coffee stands as a different option in Rochester, Minnesota. Located inside Sargent’s on the 2nd, this café embraces a “Just. Be. Here.” philosophy that invites customers to pause, connect, and enjoy the moment. Unlike typical coffee shops rushing to serve the next customer, Aquí creates a space where time slows down, and genuine connection happens among greenery and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
The Unique Setting
The café’s unique setting within Rochester’s largest collection of houseplants transforms a simple coffee visit into an engaging experience. Visitors can enjoy their beverages surrounded by plants in the indoor greenhouse—a special retreat during Minnesota’s harsh winters—or find a quiet spot among the outdoor seating arrangements throughout the plant nursery. This combination of coffee and plants creates what the owners describe as “serious Hygge”—the Danish concept of comfort that fills every part of this establishment.
The Inspiration
Aquí Coffee’s menu reflects its commitment to meaningful experiences through South American-inspired offerings. The star of their savory selection is Pão de Queijo, Brazil’s beloved cheese bread snack, offering customers an authentic taste of South American cuisine. Complementing these are homemade treats, including blueberry scones and lemon rosemary scones—recipes developed during quieter pandemic days when, as the owners note, “with no soccer going on, we had time on our hands!” Though small, the food menu delivers strong flavors that perfectly match their specialty coffee drinks.
What Aqui Offers
Beyond coffee fans, Aquí serves all tastes with Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream from Madison, Wisconsin—a regional favorite available in scoops, milkshakes, and malts. This variety in offerings reflects the establishment’s goal to create an inclusive space where everyone can find something to enjoy. Avoiding the rushed atmosphere of drive-through coffee shops, Aquí instead encourages visitors to “sit back, hold tight your latte, and let your shoulders sink.” This intentional slowing down changes coffee drinking from a simple transaction into an opportunity for rest and connection.
The café’s commitment to building community connections is central to its business model. “More than ever, we want to connect with our community, with those around us,” the owners explain, positioning Aquí as “a place to sit, to breathe, to laugh, to share, to connect.” This philosophy shows in the physical space, where comfortable seating invites conversation and staying, contrasting with the grab-and-go model that dominates modern coffee culture. In Rochester’s busy environment, Aquí offers a deliberate counterbalance—a space that celebrates slowness.
