The Coffee Grounds
Eau Claire Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Beer Emporium

The Coffee Grounds on Hwy 93 in Eau Claire -- if you haven't been there, sit down. My favorite thing about this 'coffee shop' is not the coffee. It's the beer.

Before I even walked in, I was intrigued. A small sign on the door announced beer tastings every Friday night from 5-7. Really? My kind place!

They have a huge variety of beer in stock. You'll be amazed. What impressed me was that most of them were locally made in Wisconsin. I noticed at least two breweries from Black River.

Guys, if you don't know what to get for your buddy, maybe you should hook him up with some brew. Get him some Dogfish Head or Unibroue. I'd like to see a men's gift basket here -- tie in some beef sticks or something.

Coffee Grounds also stocks a lot of wine. After some investigation, they do have some locally made wines -- not as much as I'd hoped. Nevertheless, if you like to shop local -- it's there.

Past the beer. Past the wine and the cigars, there's locally made cheeses. Not only that, but there's all kinds of gifts for that gourmet in your family. Is that you? Oh, well then. You're set.

You'll also see local meats in their cooler. In fact, everything for an impromptu feast can be found at this coffee shop. Throw some meat on the grill, grab your Dogfish Head and some cheese -- done.

Coffee? Oh, yes. There's a coffee shop in this gift shop. Free Trade Coffee is served along with a small selection of sandwiches or sweets. They've got the menu on-line, too.

Free WiFi and a place to enjoy your coffee by the window. That's all you need. Don't forget the beer.