Last spring, a charming new coffee shop emerged on Fourth Street in Dinkytown.
$1.99 Americano, owned by Chang Yoo, the same entrepreneur behind the nearby corn-dog restaurant CrunCheese, brings a unique cultural twist to beloved food and drinks. Due to its late opening in the school year, many students missed the chance to experience it. Last weekend, I finally visited $1.99 Americano for the first time, and here’s my personal review.
Outside:
From the outside, $1.99 Americano is visually appealing. Despite its small size, the space is well-utilized. The front features a yellow $1.99 Americano sign with their mascot, a cheerful coffee cup, hinting at the foreign style of food and drinks inside. The sign hangs on the brick exterior, creating a vibrant contrast. Below the sign, three large oval-type windows showcase drawings and messages that change regularly, providing a lively and engaging front view. There’s even a bench outside, inviting customers to enjoy their treats on a nice day. Overall, the exterior of $1.99 Americano is aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.
Inside:
The interior maintains the inviting atmosphere of the exterior with yellow walls, colorful furniture, and a large menu with product images. Upon entering, the menu and ordering area are prominently placed, and friendly staff welcome you. Across from the ordering area, stools, and a bar offer a relaxing spot with a view of Fourth Street, suitable for students working or enjoying a quick coffee. To the left, a row of tables and chairs creates a cozy space for group breakfasts or casual coffee dates. Although seating may not be abundant, there seems to be enough for everyone.
Menu, Food, and Drink:
Now, the highlight – $1.99 Americano offers coffee, waffles, and Korean Ah-Boong style ice cream. The Americano coffee, as the name suggests, is priced at $1.99, with additional options available. The menu includes frappes, lattes, espresso drinks, and lemonade, each costing around $6 but served in generous portions.
University of Minnesota student Laney Merrick shared her thoughts on the coffee, saying, “The coffee was really good for the price. There are not many places where you can get a coffee for $2. There are also a ton of different flavor options to choose from.”
Regarding food, the menu features six types of Belgian waffles with various toppings. Options include strawberry, oreo nutella, banana Nutella, very berry, berry cheesecake, and apple cinnamon. I tried the banana Nutella and very berry, both delicious and filling. The restaurant’s ‘bang for buck’ aspect is evident but be prepared to finish your waffle quickly before it gets cold.
The Ah-Boong ice cream is another popular item, offering Nutella or Red Bean inside a cone with a choice of milk, matcha, or swirl ice cream. This Korean-style ice cream adds a tasty twist to the familiar.
Final Thoughts:
I highly recommend $1.99 Americano to fellow students on campus. The restaurant offers a welcoming ambiance and a unique menu. While the waffles and ice cream provide a sweet treat, the coffee steals the show. Whether you opt for the $1.99 black coffee or one of the flavored options, you can’t go wrong. I encourage every student to take a break from their routine Starbucks or Caribou trip and give this local business a try.
