Places That Felt Like Home
Some places in this world hold you not because of their walls, their menus, or their decor, but because of the way they welcome you. For me, two of those places were Just Brew It in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and the North Star Bar in Rochester, Minnesota.
At Just Brew It, after only a couple of visits, the staff began greeting me by name every time I walked through the door. It reminded me of Norm from Cheers—that easy ritual of belonging where the world pauses to say, you matter here. The drinks were good, the people were kind, but it was that simple recognition, that moment of being known, that made the coffee shop feel like family.
The North Star Bar carried the same magic in its own way. Whenever I walked in, they’d call out, “Georgia,” not just as a nickname but as a nod to where I came from. It was playful, affectionate, and grounding. No matter how far I was from home, I carried a piece of it in the way they saw me.
Both places remind me that what makes a space sacred isn’t the bricks or beams—it’s the people who look at you, smile, and say, you belong.
Tiffany Zarletti-Passe
The staff is always so friendly, they know orders of the regulars and their coffee and baked goods are fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Larry Clark
Great staff, very friendly and helpful. The coffee is on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
stephen spilman
The bagel breakfast sandwiches are great, service is pretty quick, (usually less than 10 minutes) and the latte I just tried made me feel alive again on an early morning. Highly suggest. Basically a better version of Starbucks, and the prices are better too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alyssa Thillemann
I tried the strawberry boba and it was sooo good! Staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was very open and welcoming
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lemya
Great staff and delicious drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kelli J
I loveeeee this place. I wish they had one in burlington too!
Katie Katie
Great coffee! Clean and fresh atmosphere! Cute local art and various miscellaneous products to buy. Coffee was delish and so was the baked goods! Highly recommend and will be back!
Erica Misch
Best bagles!!
Diane Dunk
I was very impressed with the service I was given by the barista here. He listened to what I liked and made an excellent suggestion for what I should try. It also was a good place for me to have a meeting with a friend.
Stopped in on our way through and immediately thought wow this place is super cute! Couldn't decide what to get, but with Dan's help and friendless we ended up with a cold drink and hot drink and a breakfast sandwich, all which were delicious! Highly recommend!
Sarah Gibbs
Great coffee. Nice workers.
Eric Ebler
The coffee here was good, and the cinnamon roll I had was excellent. The decor inside is cute for the space, and there was outdoor seating available with a fire pit.
Jonathan Unick
The staff is incredibly friendly and the coffee is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Segovia
Stopped in for the fir at time with my daughter so she could get a boba. She was beyond happy to get a boba. The service was awesome and we will be back more.
Places That Felt Like Home Some places in this world hold you not because of their walls, their menus, or their decor, but because of the way they welcome you. For me, two of those places were Just Brew It in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and the North Star Bar in Rochester, Minnesota. At Just Brew It, after only a couple of visits, the staff began greeting me by name every time I walked through the door. It reminded me of Norm from Cheers—that easy ritual of belonging where the world pauses to say, you matter here. The drinks were good, the people were kind, but it was that simple recognition, that moment of being known, that made the coffee shop feel like family. The North Star Bar carried the same magic in its own way. Whenever I walked in, they’d call out, “Georgia,” not just as a nickname but as a nod to where I came from. It was playful, affectionate, and grounding. No matter how far I was from home, I carried a piece of it in the way they saw me. Both places remind me that what makes a space sacred isn’t the bricks or beams—it’s the people who look at you, smile, and say, you belong.
The staff is always so friendly, they know orders of the regulars and their coffee and baked goods are fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great staff, very friendly and helpful. The coffee is on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The bagel breakfast sandwiches are great, service is pretty quick, (usually less than 10 minutes) and the latte I just tried made me feel alive again on an early morning. Highly suggest. Basically a better version of Starbucks, and the prices are better too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I tried the strawberry boba and it was sooo good! Staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was very open and welcoming
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great staff and delicious drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loveeeee this place. I wish they had one in burlington too!
Great coffee! Clean and fresh atmosphere! Cute local art and various miscellaneous products to buy. Coffee was delish and so was the baked goods! Highly recommend and will be back!
Best bagles!!
I was very impressed with the service I was given by the barista here. He listened to what I liked and made an excellent suggestion for what I should try. It also was a good place for me to have a meeting with a friend.
Restaurantji Recommends
Stopped in on our way through and immediately thought wow this place is super cute! Couldn't decide what to get, but with Dan's help and friendless we ended up with a cold drink and hot drink and a breakfast sandwich, all which were delicious! Highly recommend!
Great coffee. Nice workers.
The coffee here was good, and the cinnamon roll I had was excellent. The decor inside is cute for the space, and there was outdoor seating available with a fire pit.
The staff is incredibly friendly and the coffee is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped in for the fir at time with my daughter so she could get a boba. She was beyond happy to get a boba. The service was awesome and we will be back more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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