Lunch Break: North Star Coffee Station

Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County.

Let Your Compass Point to Coffee

If you’re on the hunt for a mid-day pick-me-up or a quiet place to grab a bite to eat, then make your way to North Star Coffee Station. Sitting on the outskirts of downtown Piqua is a quaint little cafe decorated with bright colors and adorable handmade menus and signs. Upon entering, you’re greeted not only by an extremely kind group of people behind the counter, but a colorful combination of paintings and a seating area with an open view of the Great Miami River.

The cafe is more than meets the eye from its charming exterior: inside, there is an extensive amount of memorabilia and decorations dedicated to helping tell the story of the history of slavery and finding freedom in Piqua. These elements of history, creativity, and artwork make for a quiet and delightful atmosphere. That being said, if you catch North Star on one of its livelier days, you may be tuning into one of its many ongoing activities and events. North Star is no stranger to hosting upcoming local musicians, poets, comedians, and more.

Not only does the cafe have a collection of events and an inviting ambiance, but the menu is stacked with an incredible variety of tasty drinks, sweet treats, and specials, like a constantly changing mood of the day. If you’re anything like me, then the “World's best-grilled cheese” will definitely catch your eye, and it does not disappoint. Not only is this grilled cheese gooey and dripping with butter, but the perfectly crunchy white bread exterior is packed with flavor and crispy on all sides with a panini-like finish. Of course, the sandwich itself wouldn’t be complete without a sweet pickle on the side.

The coffee and drinks are equally delicious, as are the other sandwiches and soups featured on the menu. There are many routes you can take if you’re a simpler coffee drinker, as well as coffee beans for purchase to take home. However, if you're in the holiday spirit and looking for something sweet, the Carmel Popcorn Latte is the way to go. Not only was there a strong coffee taste, but this warm and cozy special had a perfectly sweet touch that tasted like freshly popped and caramel-coated popcorn drizzled with holiday spirit.

Piqua’s North Star Coffee Station showcases not only local talent and history, but also a variety of sandwiches, soups, sweet treats, and coffee that will skip your stomach and go straight to warming your heart and soul.