NL Barista Cafe Emmen at Hoofdstraat 55 combines a cosy living‑room style with fresh Rainforest Alliance arabica, surprising seasonal specials and sustainable options. From breakfast to after‑work drinks, the coffee bar offers a welcoming meeting place for Emmen's students, families, shoppers and remote workers every day.
Coffee roaster at Barista Cafe Emmen
Coffee beans at Barista Cafe Emmen
About Barista Cafe Emmen
A cozy living‑room vibe in Emmen
Barista Cafe Emmen opened its doors on 1 July 2020 at Hoofdstraat 55, right in the city centre. The stylish renovation of the former Coach property created a bright space filled with wood, plants and soft tones. The branch is part of a chain that has grown to more than twenty locations in the Netherlands since 2009, yet it keeps its own local soul.
Franchisee Nick Kroeze, supported by his sister Anouk, deliberately chose a “living‑room feel”. The aroma of freshly roasted beans greets guests immediately. Certified baristas pour every cup with a broad smile, creating an approachable gathering spot where shoppers, students and families can chat, have breakfast or enjoy after‑work drinks.
A menu crafted with expertise
The menu is broad and adventurous. In addition to the classic Italian espresso you’ll find a Spanish cortado, Australian flat white and various latte variations. The house blend is a single‑origin 100 % Arabica from Minas Gerais, naturally dried and roasted fresh each week. The rich chocolate notes give it a smooth body that tastes complete even without sugar.
Barista’s Choice follows the seasons and regularly surprises with sweet or spiced specials:
- Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte, an ice‑cold latte with warm hints of cinnamon.
- Stroopwafel Latte Macchiato with caramel, whipped cream and crunchy stroopwafel pieces.
- Pecan Oat Latte with vanilla and crunchy pecans.
- Blue Butterfly, a bright blue creation with an almost indescribable flavour experience.
- Cinnamon Roll Iced Latte, an ice‑cold latte with warm hints of cinnamon.
- Stroopwafel Latte Macchiato with caramel, whipped cream and crunchy stroopwafel pieces.
- Pecan Oat Latte with vanilla and crunchy pecans.
- Blue Butterfly, a bright blue creation with an almost indescribable flavour experience.
Bond with the community
The café space also serves as a stage for local collaborations. In April 2023, Barista Cafe was the start and finish point for the Commercial Club Emmen Historic City Walk, complete with coffee and breakfast. Entrepreneurs regularly fill the tables during co‑working days, where good Wi‑Fi, power outlets and caffeine power the network.
Creative workshops attract a diverse audience. Think of arm‑knitting cushion sessions in January paired with high tea, or a mobile espresso bar on sports days at SC Angelslo. In this way the brand is becoming a fixture in Emmen's social calendar.
Sustainable steps
Sustainability takes tangible form. The Brazilian beans carry the Rainforest Alliance label, so fair prices and forest preservation go hand in hand with flavour. Thanks to small, weekly roasting batches, stock stays fresh and waste is kept to a minimum.
Since the Single Use Plastic law of July 2023, a €0.15 surcharge applies to disposable cups. Visitors therefore more often choose the café's insulating, leak‑proof reusable cup, or bring their own. Home drinkers pick up recyclable coffee capsules, so the circular mindset extends beyond the bar.
Rich in recognition and growth
Guests appreciate this approach. With a score of 5.0 on TripAdvisor, Barista Cafe Emmen ranks number one among cafés in Emmen. Reviewers especially praise the warm atmosphere, friendly service, and the intense flavor of the house blend.
The success spurred growth. In 2024 co‑owner Nick Kroeze opened a second Barista Cafe in Hardenberg. The expansion, driven by loyal fans and rock‑solid numbers, shows that a small‑scale living‑room concept can scale nicely without losing its charm.
Closing thought
Barista Cafe Emmen shows how quality, local connection, and sustainability together form a strong formula. The coffee story inspires entrepreneurs and enthusiasts looking for practical ideas to combine artisanal flavor and green choices in a welcoming setting.