Imagine a place where you can sip a white chocolate latte, page through hard to find books, flip through vintage vinyl, play a game of foosball, browse local art, and visit a resident puppy, all before heading down to brunch in an upscale, industrial-designed open kitchen restaurant.

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

Well, such a place exists. I give you The Castle Community, a vibrant, indoor gathering space bringing the historic Armory building on North Broadway in downtown Rochester to life.

Upstairs, you will find Queen City Coffee & Juice. Named for Rochester’s turn of the century moniker, Queen offers a full craft coffee menu, cold-pressed juice, and staff that will try their hand at making any concoctions you come up with.

Viewing distance from the marble coffee cups is Collective Books and Records where you have to check out the counter made with stacks of books. It is pretty cool. They also have used books and a solid selection of records.

The tall ceilings give the upstairs a bright and comfortable feel, so much so that you’ll feel at home in the Castle Commons, a common area between Collective Books and the Creative Studios – artist studios along the north wall.

You will also find Threshold Arts and The Crate Lending Library that helps make art more accessible in the Rochester area.

Downstairs is Cameo at the Castle.

From the chef’s counter, and uncommonly helpful leadership, to the Cameo signature latte, and the beautifully curated brunch menu – Cameo is pure magic.

If you are in the Rochester area and need a place of refuge, a sanctuary from the snow, I highly recommend checking out the Castle.

This post was brought to you by Minnesota’s Rochester, but opinions are all my own. #experiencerochestermn #rochmn #onlyinmn #rochester_MN #downtownrochmn #socialIce