Just a few blocks from UNK’s campus, Good Roast has quickly become one of the most promising new additions to Kearney’s coffee scene.
When I first heard about another coffee shop opening, I was a little skeptical. Kearney already has a ton of great coffee shops – did we really need another? I wondered how a new place would stand out in a town where students already have their go-to spots.
After my first visit, I can confidently say Good Roast is worth the stop, especially for anyone particular about their espresso.
Walking into the shop, I immediately noticed the abundance of windows and natural light, making it feel open and calming, despite how small the building actually is. Most people inside seemed to be studying, reading or hanging out quietly. The shop has plenty of comfortable seating options and enough tables to spread out all of your homework, while still leaving room for coffee and snacks.
The vibes of the shop alone were enough to make it stand out amongst other coffee shops, so I was excited to see what their menu looked like.
Their menu offers a decent variety of items like lattes, brewed coffee and an array of different breakfast food items. While there aren’t a ton of signature lattes, customers can create their own unique drinks with their wide range of syrups. One thing that surprised me was the lack of seasonal drinks. Right now would be the perfect time for pumpkin spice or peppermint.
I wanted to make sure I was getting the most authentic experience, so I asked the barista what I should try. She immediately recommended the Underdog, one of their signature lattes. The drink consists of their espresso and milk paired with a homemade brown sugar cinnamon syrup. After looking at the rest of their fairly small specialty drink list, I went with her suggestion and ordered an iced Underdog latte with oat milk.
Service was quick, and everyone working there seemed happy to help. I didn’t feel rushed ordering, and my drink came out fast.
After my first sip, I immediately thought of one of my favorite Starbucks drinks, the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. That said, I do think Good Roast espresso tasted of a higher quality. The balance between the espresso and syrup was just right, and the oat milk complemented the brown sugar cinnamon flavors nicely. I understood why the Underdog is one of their signature menu items.
Prices are fairly similar to other coffee shops around campus, with my 16-ounce drink coming in at $7.56, including tax. With the quality of the espresso and the overall experience, I thought my drink was worth the price.
Overall, I really enjoyed Good Roast. It feels like an ideal place for students as it is close to campus, has comfy seating, tasty drinks and a modern aesthetic that motivates you to get work done. It’s a clean, modern spot, and the staff is very welcoming.
After my pleasant experience at Good Roast, I’d give it a 4 out of 5 Loper stars. I’d definitely recommend Good Roast to anyone looking for a new study spot or wanting to try something different than the usual chain locations. If you haven’t been yet, it’s worth the walk from campus.
