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Katie Hutton

The bar uses “Dogwood”, a coffee company located in many locations scattered around the Twin Cities. The company develops close relations with its sources and roasts its own beans. “We have come to know and work with great people in our coffee experience so far, and we'll strive to continue this process for years to come,” said the Dogwood coffee website.

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, the former Mudsuckers on 15th and Como Avenue near the U of M campus, has been re-branded, re-vamped, and now is reopened. The switch to Dogwood Coffee with all the hardware and training that comes along with it means this little place in the Como neighborhood can serve up a classic cappuccino that stands up alongside city gems like Urban Bean. A fine selection of creative waffles is there to elevate this place to a niche between solitary coffee shop and sit-down restaurant.

Owners Lisa and Andrew Ply gave the cluttered space a makeover, with a streamlined menu consisting of Dogwood Coffee drinks, pastries and more than half a dozen sweet, savory, very substantial waffles. Mudsuckers was a second wave coffee shop that was based on 90s grunge aesthetic. It did well enough to keep the doors open but the type of environment and type and  products that people wanted the place needed a change. The owners kept a few core basics, however changed the interior, the roster, the name and increased the quality of their ingredients.

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar opened up on April 29, 2014.

“When we first opened not many knew about us, except for those who were aware of the change taking place.With the help from social media that has changed,” said Ply.

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar has an Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Barista and Social Media editor Brian  explained the importance of having these websites.

“Social media impacts us by the ability for people to share what they are doing and create a want/need for people to join in really brings in a lot of new customers. When someone sees a photo of one of our waffles on Instagram it wants them to come into our coffee shop and order one for themselves,” he explained.

Location is an important factor for this coffee shop.

“The neighborhood here is really diverse. We are not technically on the University of Minnesota campus, but it is nearby which brings in a lot of college students. We also get a lot of blue collar families due to the neighborhood because they live near by. Overall, our typical customer base ranges from anyone from 17 to 67 years old,” said Ply.

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar’s most popular waffle is the ‘Naughty Waffle’.

“This waffle has almond butter as a base, then bananas, strawberries and blueberries with whip cream and granola on top. Our waffle batter is assembled here, it is not bought and that is the same with our granola. These are homemade products that we are known for,” said Ply.

The atmosphere of the coffee shop is laid back.

Junior Jack Franz said, “When you walk in you know you are at a coffee shop that sells waffles. The smell was very prominent. All the workers were really friendly which made my experience even better. I plan on going back.”

Black Waffle and Coffee Bar has recently become very popular among all ages and background. The most expensive waffle they have is $8.50 and there is also a ‘build your own’ option beginning at $5.