blue mind coffee roasting
646 E 38th STreet, indianapolis, in 46205
I don’t profess to know a ton about Indianapolis neighborhoods, but near the Fairgrounds there is a new outpost of small batch brewing. Blue Mind Coffee Roasters opened their first storefront in early 2023. Any coffee shop that introduces their coffee with a quote from Wendell Berry “An adequate local culture, among other things, keeps work within the reach of love.” is an attraction signal. That, and the name germination coming from an Alexi Murdoch song really had me excited about my trip to Blue Mind.
Coffee:
For the blackeye, I was asked if I wanted a Columbian or Guatemalan. I always like a shop that has two drip options. The espresso had a berry smell and taste which mixed well with the darker roast coffee. If you need cream or oak milk, they don’t put it on the counter so you have to ask.
Barista:
People were super friendly and willing to assist. They were willing to engage in the types of coffee, other offerings and seemed to really care about the quality of their product and the customers enjoyment. The barista was training someone and that always is a tell tale sign in how kind and patient they are with the barista trainee. A really nice interchange between myself, the trainee and the barista left me feeling good about the future of Blue Mind Coffee. Great looking equipment and fits with the space. I know it’s new, but there was a real care with the equipment which is great to see.
Vibe:
I was there early on a Saturday morning and the shop was uncrowded but people were filtering in and looking to grab a cup and spend a little time working or hanging out. Seems like a really easy place to do so with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe. Maybe because it was too early, but there were no tunes emanating from the shop and that’s a bit of a swing and a miss. It’s minimalist in a good way and I have a feeling that as the shop gets more of a buzz, they will fill in with artwork, more greenery and items of interest that will make it more homey. Good pastry and chocolatier selection as well.
Make You Better
The merch is evolving and just like the space itself as Blue Mind gets their feet under them, I feel like they will expand and refine their brand. Great coffee display of their roasts and I would expect would continue and grow as this roaster finds its way in the retail world. Speaking of finding yourself in the retail world…..Blue Mind is not open on Sundays and Mondays. I don’t know the reason behind this two day closing, but in my mind it’s a gaffe. Maybe it’s staffing, but this will need to change in the future if you want to build a loyal following.
Good coffee for good people - I like the tag line. This is a shop that should be visited if in Indianapolis and hoping they grow and refine their strategy because the coffee is just too darn good.
Ever wompling….Matt
