Restaurant Review: Moonrise Cafe, enjoy a study spot or a sweet treat

This month’s restaurant is a charming, women-owned coffee shop quickly becoming a favorite among coffee enthusiasts in downtown Fargo. Located right on Broadway North, just a few doors down from the beloved Teaberry and the former location of Third Drop Coffee (which still has a Moorhead spot for anyone wondering), Moonrise Cafe is a semi-recent addition to the neighborhood. Still, it’s already gained some pretty high traction.
Since its opening last fall, I’ve been a massive fan of Moonrise. My friends and I became regulars almost immediately, making weekly visits to indulge in their various drinks. Whether you’re a caffeine addict or just someone looking for something a little different, Moonrise has an extensive selection of coffees, syrups (including sugar-free options), and fun seasonal concoctions. There’s something for everyone, from the standard latte to more unique choices like a cortado. If you’re not a coffee person, don’t worry – they also offer a great selection of teas, which are just as delicious, and a warm cup of hot chocolate is sure to be a winter favorite.
I decided to try a couple of their seasonal fall drinks. First up was the maple cinnamon cold brew. While I typically avoid cold brew due to its more bitter and acidic taste, I was pleasantly surprised. The maple flavor was strong, but I wished the cinnamon had made a bigger impact – it leaned more toward maple syrup than I had expected. Still, it was enjoyable for someone who isn’t a cold brew regular.
Next, I ordered the golden latte, a turmeric-flavored drink that was a delightful change from my usual vanilla latte. The turmeric wasn’t overwhelming, likely balanced by the espresso, which made the drink pleasantly spiced and not too heavy. It was a refreshing shift from the typical flavors I tend to gravitate toward.
I also tried a London Fog for the first time – a cozy combo of Earl Grey tea and steamed milk, essentially a tea-based latte. As someone who doesn’t typically drink tea, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The light citrus notes from the Earl Grey blended perfectly with the creamy milk, making it a perfect drink for the chilly, foggy weather we’ve been having.
There is also an assortment of snacks and actual food items at Moonrise: bakery pastries, sandwiches, wraps, and soups are what they usually sell. My favorite snack at Moonrise is their homemade pop tarts, which always hit.
The flavors they had this week were pumpkin spice and apple. I chose to get the apple since that’s my style. It was phenomenal. Delicious. Yum-tastic. It was pretty much like having a miniature apple pie. The slightly gooey and cinnamon-cooked apples tasted so good. However, it is to be noted that most of their food is way better in the mornings than an hour before they close on account of freshness – just a quick heads up.
I also ordered a slice of cake to give my body even more of a sugar rush. This was an Earl Gray-flavored cake with raspberry preserves for its layered filling and holy mackerel. It was phenomenal and exceptionally delicious. Even the frosting was amazing, as someone who doesn’t normally enjoy frosting.
The cake is very good and light, but the raspberry filling improves its flavor. Moonrise is known for making custom cakes for special occasions – more specifically, their heart cakes. The heart cakes are adorable and scrumptious, like everything they offer.
Beyond its great food and drinks, Moonrise is also a fantastic spot for getting some work done or hanging out with friends. I’ve found myself spending hours here, sipping on a vanilla oat milk latte and working on homework or just enjoying good company. The space is a little cozy (okay, tight), but that only adds to its charm. The intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect place to study or unwind.
Overall, it is no wonder that this small coffee shop has quickly become so popular among the FM community. It has amazing drinks with a good variety of combinations, amazingly prepared sandwiches and soups, pastries the bakers pour their heart and soul into, and a really fun and cozy vibe. I would definitely recommend this coffee shop to everybody I know.