Beaker's Coffee — Restaurant in Dubuque

Three components make any coffee shop: the beans, the environment, and the aura.

A self-designated coffee snob, I aim to try at least one café in each town I visit, and I'm pleased with about one out of ten. Paul, the owner, is one of those top 10% with the dedication and love he's put into his inviting second home.

Paul graciously described the coffee, his process, and his history to me as he frothed some of the best foam I've had in a long time. I watched as he artfully weighed, tamped, and brewed the espresso, not skipping a step to pull out the best flavors from the locally roasted bean.

While it's a bit snug and nestled into the back of a repurposed industrial building, it provides a semblance of privacy and calm that's difficult to find in the more modern chill of café design.

Next time I swing through Dubuque, I'll be getting a couple more stamps on my Beaker's...

The owner Paul Judy mans the counter and the interaction that ensued was beyond the normal satisfaction of a stop and go coffee. His conversation was pleasant and educational. He knows how to interact with people and be respectful. The coffee I wanted was sold out, nothing spectacular, just coffee black but he compensated me with an upgrade and a history lesson on the European version of black coffee called the Americano. The Americano was more expensive but he only charged me for what I wanted... If it wasnt for his knowledge and graciousness I would have walked away none the wiser about how great the Americano tasted. It's a new favorite. Everytime I stop in Paul is friendly, and welcoming and pleasant as that first cup of...

Great service and even better coffee. The gentleman who made my coffee was very plesent and prompt. When I first got my coffee of course he has so many options I ordered a Americano with cream on ice. When I took the first sip I feel in love with my coffee. I have tried other places and wasn't satisfied with the service or the coffee but this place here is the best coffee shop around. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a pick me up. I also noticed that he cleaned as he went which I loved. The place is warm and inviting. If your unsure ask for a sample not many coffee shops offer that. Definitely highly recommend this coffee shop. Great job Beaker and thank you for your...