Las Vegas, NV, USA: Sunrise Coffee House

We’re back in Sin City!

As you know, I am the biggest fan of Mothership. That love is deep. That love is also very closely connected to Sunrise Coffee House.

Why? Well, they’re owned by the same people!

Yes, down the street from Mothership, is actually the mother (brilliant word choice I know).

Now, is it a duplicate? No. Each coffee establishment—here, connected, or otherwise–always has its own standouts, its own merits, its own vibes.

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What differentiates Sunrise?

First, Sunrise has a drive-thru, so if you’re in a rush, you don’t need to get out of your car.

Secondly, it’s bigger. It has ample space on the inside and the most wonderful outdoor seating area. It is one of my favorite places to sit on a sunny day–and there’s lots of those in Vegas. The inside, due to spacing, has more options for seating as well. There are tall tables for standing or high-sitting. There are normal tables. There are a couple of couches, and even a little nook right when you walk in.

I appreciate the varied seating, sometimes you need to put your feet up and sometimes you need to stand. Sometimes you want to sit indoors, sometimes you want to go outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Sunrise has it all.

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The size of Sunrise allows for more plug options. In fact, they have set up a few powerstrips to make it even more work/ device friendly. It’s a simple touch that makes for a more conducive work visit.

In addition to these added features, like Mothership, they have outstanding pastries–because Mothership makes them! I don’t need to tell you how much I love their baking. Just remember, it’s the best. And, everything is made fresh daily so come early, once it’s gone, it’s gone for the day.

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On top of pastry options, Sunrise serves actual food. It’s not a restaurant, but the menu has a few basic breakfast and lunch items.

Not only has everything I’ve tried been delicious–simple things like a bagel to more complicated items like the hot mess bowl–but there are vegan and gluten-free options. Healthy and delicious: that’s a winning combination.

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And the coffee? Well, it’s exceptional. My favorite is a hot Hazelnut Latte, and since I have the option of a large, it’s always large. It’s the best Hazelnut Latte I have ever tried–anywhere. I’ve also had their Nutella Latte, Butterbeer Latte, and Vanilla Latte. Everything is tasty. However, the most ridiculously important find: iced coffee.

When I order an iced Hazelnut anywhere else, I’m not a fan. Unless it’s just regular iced coffee, flavors seem to ruin my drink. And, to be honest, iced coffee was just okay.

I used to think that I didn’t really care for iced coffee, and certainly didn’t like it in flavors, which is incredibly unfortunate when it’s 115 degrees outside–for four months. I could drink it, but it wasn’t anything I ever craved or devoured. Then, a friend met me at Sunrise and ordered one. They encouraged me to try it, they said it was great, and to just trust them.

Curiosity peaked. I had faith. I took the plunge.

Sunrise Coffee House makes the best iced coffee I have ever tasted–specifically, the best iced Hazelnut on the planet. I have never come across an iced coffee I could chug, drool over, crave . . . until Sunrise. All of their drinks are great, everything I have had has been delightful, but the greatest find for me: an utterly outstanding iced coffee.

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Sunrise is a great coffee shop. It is top-notch. It’s in Las Vegas, it’s family-owned, by a Las Vegas native. It has a large drink menu full of delicious options, appetizing food options, a gorgeous outdoor seating area, plenty of plugs, varied seating for whatever your mood, mouth-watering pastries . . . and plenty of parking. And if it that’s not enough to convince you, then read this: The Best Places for Coffee in Every State–that’s right, in Nevada, it’s Sunrise.

. . . Time for some Hazelnut coffee y’all . . .

Las Vegas: The Sunday

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The Sunday is a free magazine available in practically every coffee shop around the Vegas area. How fitting that just as I start my internet-journey, sharing my experiences with the best coffee shops around the Vegas Valley, and my discoveries throughout the western/southwestern U.S. (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah for now), The Sunday decides to profile coffee culture, share some coffee and caffeinated facts, and even present their own take on what’s the best around town.

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What I learned? I have a few new places to check out.

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Link to The Sunday

Las Vegas, NV, USA: MOTHERSHIP

So you’re in Las Vegas and wondering where to get the best coffee?

There’s really only one response: Mothership.

I will always vote Mothership.

I have other recommendations, but if you can only go to one place, it’s Mothership.

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Let’s start with some basics: it’s a bit small and hidden. It’s in a Trader Joe’s parking lot and had a friend not heard of it, and told me to meet them there, I would have continued walking by it as I had done for some time.

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It’s relatively new, I believe it opened about 3 years ago, so it’s quite the find and many locals are still in the throws of discovery. If you ask someone and they don’t say Mothership, they just don’t know, otherwise they would have recommended it.

The plug situation is not great. For those of you interested in typing away, make sure you’re fully charged–seats next to the powerstrip are limited. For those of you who don’t care, this is probably the best place. I actually appreciate that I see more people sitting and actually talking to one another, or reading an actual book, than plugged into a device. It adds to the experience.

Mothership is owned by a local, like someone who actually grew up in Vegas. For those of you who don’t understand the emphasis–no one is ‘from’ Vegas. Vegas is home to transplants from all over the world, so when someone is from Vegas, that’s noteworthy. It’s some place local, owned by a true local and thats makes going here extra special.

Now, on to the shop itself!

Mothership has a small menu for coffee. It’s not about options, it’s about quality. Not to mention there’s always the ability to tailor any drink to your palette. My forever drink: hot almond milk latte.

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I have had the Peruvian pour over, it’s excellent. I had their short-lived lemonade, which was outstanding. I’m actually pretty surprised it didn’t do well. Their hot chocolate is incredible–not overly sweet, just a smooth chocolate that melts in your mouth and travels to your soul.

Locally owned, great coffee, an environment built around the coffee experience, but it doesn’t stop there. Pastries.

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The baking is unbelievable. There are sweet and savory options–and vegan options. And everything, literally everything, is delicious.

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Recently, they have had these pumpkin pop-tarts that are heaven. The pop-tart breading is just a tad bit crispy around the edges. The filling is creamy–pumpkin joy. The drizzle of chocolate on top offers an added touch of sweetness. It’s flaky and a little messy, but the perfect companion to any coffee drink.

For a year, yes a year, every Sunday, I had a chocolate croissant. Croissant: delicious. Chocolate: delicious. Combining croissant and chocolate? Genius.

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As though this weren’t enough, I have never had a bad experience at Mothership. Every barista, on any given day, has been helpful, kind, and ready to explain or offer up something new–should you ask. They know their stuff.

If you’re in Vegas and you want a local gem, it’s Mothership. If you’re driving through Vegas, stop at Mothership. If you live nearby, go now. Whatever the question, the answer is Mothership . . . and if there’s no pumpkin pop-tarts left, I ate them. I apologize in advance.

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Las Vegas, NV, USA: Coffee and Bingo

When I first moved to the Las Vegas area, I only gambled when people were in town. I essentially stuck to The Strip too. At some point though, I ventured into the local casino scene and discovered BINGO.

When I walked by the Bingo Hall, at times, the doors were opened but the place was empty. At other times, it was closed and filled with people. Mostly people far from my age bracket. It was intimidating, but alluring. I just wanted to be able to say I had done it.

So, with some brave friends, I tried it. I haven’t looked back. I’m a Bingo fanatic. I won’t bring trolls, or a fancy dauber bag, but trust me, my love is real.

Bingo is normally about an hour. Sessions are generally odd hours only. Some places have only paper play, others combine electronic and paper play.

In a casino and gambling environment, Bingo is one of the few places where money is guaranteed to last. You pay to play for the full hour; that’s one whole hour you know your money will live. It’s the only time you play until someone wins, that’s pretty positive playing. Although it can be stressful, because you still want to be the winner, but that’s another story.

Finally, Bingo is the cheapest and best deal for gambling fun, or really any paid fun. Only have 5 bucks to spare? No problem, $4 for a blue pack, $1 for a dauber. Go ahead and play.

So what does this have to do with coffee? Well, it’s quite the deal for coffee too, especially spiked coffee.

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You’re in Vegas and want to gamble but need some coffee this morning?

Here’s my recommendation: BINGO. Specifically, 9 a.m. Bingo.

See 9 a.m. is special, not only do you get free drinks, you get a free donut. All initial sessions of the day–at Station Casinos and Southpoint for sure–donuts are provided to players.

Sunset Station is my favorite Bingo establishment, it’s the closest to my home and I know the workers now, so it’s extra cozy. I also know a few people at Green Valley Ranch, thanks to its distance to my home as well and a few transplants from Sunset. Nevertheless, wherever you go, you’ll be in good hands. People are helpful with Bingo orders as well as drink orders.

And this, this is where coffee enters. You’ll need an extra couple of bucks for drinks, so bring at least $7 not $5. Yes, they are *free* drinks, however I absolutely support tipping.

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Your recommendation for coffee today: Bingo Hall, Sunset Station (any Station Casino technically). Your order: coffee with Baileys and whipped cream. Baileys at 9 a.m.? This is Vegas. Whipped cream adds 100 calories? Well, I might run around after winning Bingo, so I’ll take my chances.

And that my friends is my first coffee find and insight for you. Bring cash (all Bingo halls are cash only businesses), drink, play.

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If you’re worried about smoke, head over to Red Rock Station or Green Valley Station, there’s a separate room for smokers and non-smokers, won’t smell a thing.

If you go anywhere else, there are separate sections for smoking and non-smoking. So just sit at the far end of non-smoking like I do.

 

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