Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso — Restaurant in Maple Grove

I accidentally found Daily Dose about a year ago, exploring the west Maple Grove, MN area. I was impressed by several gluten-free items on their menu: soup, sandwiches, dessert items, plus almond milk for your caffè latte, as an option for those, like me, with lactose intolerance.

While they're not a dedicated gluten-free facility, they do offer to cook your gluten-free panini sandwich in a separate, clean pan, if you have Celiac. They use the bigger, commercial size, Udi's bread.

A year ago I enjoyed their yummy Turkey Pesto sandwich, with crisp gluten-free kettle chips. I ordered it again, Wednesday, Feb.1, and it was as delicious as I had remembered.

Last year I met, Ben, one of the co-owners. I recognized him this visit, sharing that I specifically looked for Daily Dose today, BECAUSE OF their gluten-free food. I thanked him again for offering it, and that I love the atmosphere with warm colors, cozy nooks, and wall hangings from local artists .

While I was enjoying my sandwich, I looked up an app that Daily Dose offers for making designs on your latte foam, called Coffee Ripples. I chose a picture from my mobile phone gallery, of my four-year-old grandson, to use on my next visit.

I looked up as Ben walked by, and saw him talking to another gentleman who looked like he might be the other owner. I asked Ben, and I was correct.

Ben introduced me to Curt, who in turn walked me through some questions I had about using the Coffee Ripples app on my next visit. Throughout the next hour or so, as I continued to enjoy my time at Daily Dose, reading in a comfy chair by a sunny window, Curt made a point of trying to remember my name.

When I went up to the counter to get more hot water for my tea, Curt used my name to introduce me to another "regular" customer, Bret. Later, Curt was climbing a ladder to get supplies down from storage, looked my way, smiled, nodded, and said, "Kathleen." I smiled and said, "Curt."

I was probably at Daily Dose a good two hours, or more, and upon leaving thanked Curt for the welcoming experience. He replied, "Nice to meet you, Kathleen."

The saying goes that to remember a person's name upon first meeting, you should repeat it outloud as many times as possible, in their hearing. It was funny, because that's what Curt and I were doing, but it was sincere. I really wanted to remember Curt, and Ben's, name because they are REAL PEOPLE, personable, warm, and welcoming - everything a coffee shop/café experience should be.

I'm moving from the area to northern Minnesota in a week, but when I'm in The Cities I will make a point of eating & drinking my tea & lattes at Daily Dose, my new favorite HOT...

The tastiest sandwiches and excellent service! I was indecisive with my coffee order so it looks a little funny but they were willing to answer lots of questions (turns out they have multiple milk alternatives but none are unsweetened so I couldn't have them) and I finally ended up with an iced coffee with cinnamon and honey. They have a cafe miel (latte w/ cinnamon and honey) that I wanted but was bummed about the sweetened oat, almond and soy milk. The cashier offered to add the cinnamon and honey into whatever coffee drink I wanted! That was really thoughtful and raised my spirits :)

My friend would live off of the turkey sandwiches if you let her. There's one I have also tried and loved, the pesto turkey panini and another w/ bacon and chipotle sauce. All delicious. The wrap pictured below was the avocado + egg breakfast sandwich. Filling and fresh!

Quiet, cozy environment with lots of outside seating. I would really like to try their salads next time and I noticed they have gluten free bread/treat options. I love how they have a little bit...

I have visited this cafe several times since it opened many years ago. And I've worked with them for school fundraisers, which have brought them business. I ordered food at the counter today and the lady who took my order was friendly. I have a medical exemption for not being able to wear a face covering. All of the sudden a man (one of the owners, Ben) came out from the kitchen and yelled at me for not wearing one, after I told him I had an exemption. His tone and mannerisms were very intimidating and rude. He yelled at me and told me that they don't serve people with exemptions. This could've been handled in a much better manner. I've had other places tell me to order ahead, over the phone, or even go outside to take my order. But, I've never once been treated like this! I hope Ben handles this situation better when another patron comes in without a covering. I will never go there, again. I'll be spreading the word that they...