The Loch Café & Games — Restaurant in Duluth

Ahhh!!!! I am so excited they are open and was thrilled to make it in on opening day before I went to work. I arrived about 20-30 mins after opening and there was a line out the door! Plus tons of patrons already inside. The cafe looks amazing. Lots of drinks and food for sale, plus games, TTRPG building supplies, stuffed gaming merch, and The Loch merch (I got a mug!) I am so excited to see this place it looks amazing. I was even able to use the small parking lot behind the building (score!) I waited in line about 20 minutes or so (more than fine. Opening day). The owner at the cash register was greeting everyone, super friendly, and answering questions. I overheard him say they hired a DM for their hosted dnd games and when I got to work and mentioned it to my coworker, he turned out to be that dm! How cool!! (Highly recommend, very nice guy). The menu is expansive and amazing (two patrons were kind enough to hold theirs open for me since I was alone and didn’t want to lose my spot. So friendly customers AND staff here). The owner took time to answer all my menu questions and my questions about hosting my monthly book club there. The barista and the owner making the drinks were both VERY kind (despite being totally slammed) and my Sylveon latte was delicious. They were sold out of most pastries when I got there (yay them!!!) but my donut was yummy :) I cannot WAIT to go back when I can stay :) (hoping to go in with friends later this week or sometime next) my only hope is that they get a menu on the wall at some point, or move the menus closer to the door on long line days, but if not its really no big deal. If you need more time at the register or have (lots of) questions you will never be rushed. Duluth really...

Edit July 14 2023: Have been several times now and love the people and the owners. Great atmosphere and fun to just chat with. A great deal of interesting and pleasant people inside the shop making it very welcoming. While I may only get the same item every time, why change when you know what you like. Can't go wrong with a 16oz Bantha Milk (white chocolate mocha) hot, and a macadamia nut cookie with white chocolate chunks, or a long John in the morning

Start of original review:

I love that someone is trying to continue the food and gaming theme that the last place started. But I'll say the same thing I said when the previous business started.

It's a great interior with a pleasing design. But externally, it is quite hidden and hard to see unless you are right in front of it or know exactly where to look. A sign on the front works if you know to look there when passing by. A sign on either side would help tremendously for people traveling up or down the avenue. The last place had little to no advertising and only once sent out physical flyers when they had their grand opening.

I'm simply saying that it's a hard to see business with little to no eye-catching features to draw attention to it.

I truly wish you success and prosperity in your coming days and hope to you see become a staple of...

I’ve been here a few times, and I love the concept. The coffee is good, but no vegan sweets or breakfast items. I think there’s a hummus sandwich on the menu but I’ve never been there at lunch time. Service has been awkward - the coffee menu is limited, so I asked what flavors of syrup they have. The barista said it would be easier (for him?) if I just told him what I wanted and he’d tell me if he could make it. So, not being very creative or inspired, I just got a vanilla oat milk latte. We were the only customers, and we sat at a table in the window. He called us up to the counter to pick up our order, rather than bothering to bring it to the table. A few minutes later, another customer came in and they chatted loudly for about 30 minutes. The owners (?) came in and got themselves something to eat and then left. No one bothered checking in with us, making eye contact, or saying a word. So we finished our order and left… other visits have also been underwhelming, so we probably won’t be returning. Too bad, it seemed like a nice place, but not somewhere I feel comfortable hanging...