TL;DR--Delish coffee! Beautiful decor! Hidden Gem! Pretentious! Not a welcoming environment! I am going to start this review with saying I have been to many coffee places around this country, including establishments that do coffee roasting. So, the idea of a black coffee bar isn't new to me. I get it. You want folks to taste the flavor of what you are creating. I can stand by that. And the truth is, the coffee is good. Black coffee selections are on point. Latte was that perfect creaminess and you know what--the miel was the perfect blend of honey and cinnamon in my latte. I just wish ya'll were the SLIGHTEST bit nicer and friendly. Came in there with my partner and my mother and I gotta say the air was not welcoming. A standard hello and welcome would have been great. We all couldn't help but feel like we had walked into some secret coffee club meeting where we clearly weren't members. How can folks know more about the roasts you have, the process or even understand what you all are doing there (if they are unfamiliar with coffee roasting, etc.) if you make them feel like they don't belong? You can be serious about coffee, but not alienate your patrons. Tons of people do this successfully. I was excited that this popped up in my hometown territory, but was a bit disappointed at the friendliness. Based on the coffee and space alone it's full stars. But really, the culture created in that space was a huge turn off. read more

I'm not much of a coffee guy. I don't need it every day, nor do I even crave it. Ordering coffee is not some decerebrate reflex I do as a part of my daily routine like so many of the early-morning zombies I see every day, crowding a Starbucks on their way to somewhere else, and I am glad for that. So, when the time comes for me to actually enjoy a cup of coffee as a destination and not just a stopover, I find that few places feel sufficiently special enough to qualify. Dagger Mountain, my friends, is one of those few. OK, so the location is pretty weird. Having lived in Valpo for nearly 20 years (3 of them literally across the street from Dagger Mountain), I don't think I'd ever been to this little commercial complex just off Silhavy. In many ways, it kind of feels cool to turn down a lifeless stretch of warehouses and happen upon a place like DM, which is almost shockingly warm and inviting once you step in the door. Service is friendly and attentive, and prices are just about right. I've ordered several bags of coffee when I've gone home to visit, and they've been a real hit back here in LA. The design is smart and classy. Good muted colors, dim lighting, and a nice open counter and prep area that lets you see how much work goes into your coffee. The menu is small, and much like Sump in my former hometown of St. Louis, there is a right way and a wrong way to drink this coffee, and they won't let you drink it the wrong way. Some people may be turned off by the fact that cream and sugar are a no-no. Some may find it pretentious. Some people, like me, appreciate that there is a certain craft to the product that demands to be respected. You wouldn't dare tell a chef at a fine restaurant how to season and sauce your food, so why would you presume to do the same to the people making your coffee? After all, this isn't K-cup swill. You're drinking some high-end stuff here, cultivated and brewed by people who have gone out of their way to source the beans AND personally roast and grind them all on-site, so you might as well taste it the way it was intended to be tasted. I'm not even a coffee connoisseur, and even I can appreciate the subtleties in each of the beans; there's more than just coffee flavor in there already. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you want a quick slug of coffee-flavored milk, there's a Starbucks pretty much anywhere where you can go and have your drink out of a waxy paper cup with a butchered version of your name scrawled on the side. But if coffee is more than just a means to an end, a place like Dagger Mountain will show you the way. read more

I had some difficulty finding this place.. it was a small garage with good ambience!! I had Cafe Mocha, it was amazing!! read more

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I am so impressed with this place! My family is big on coffee--I usually roast my own--and I always enjoy talking with anyone who is knowledgable about where the beans they're using come from. The staff here is fantastic and very open to talking about the different types of coffee they're offering, the best ways to try them, and recommending (or recommending against) certain combinations (e.g., cream and sugar). If you generally prefer drinks that have milk and/or flavors, they do offer espresso drinks, such as mochas, cappuccinos, and (my personal favorite) a miel--which is a latte made with local honey and cinnamon. The espresso they were using was one of the coffee beans they're featuring on their non-espresso side of the menu, which I also thought was great. It's a nice way to showcase a specific type of coffee bean for folks who can't drink their coffee black. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, featuring low, open beams as a "ceiling" where you can look up to the true building ceiling above. I also loved the sort of "laboratory" feel to the front counter where they've got their cold brew coffee. You can watch the next batch brewing through glass carafes and spiral tubes, which makes it all the more fun. I could easily see myself sitting there on a Saturday afternoon. Can't wait to go back and try something else! read more

Well, $6.50 for 20 ounces of coffee is way over my budget. I tried the coffee at a shop in Chesterton, and that was very good. But way too much to pay for coffee. And they had no cream, except vegan cream. I'll not be patronizing this place again. read more

Dagger Mountain is by far one of the best cafe's I've been to! It's located in a kind of strange place, and I had low expectations the first time I walked in there but as soon as I opened the door, I was sold. They have done such an amazing job decorating the place, somehow making a warehouse feel warm, cozy and absolutely gorgeous. The menu is simple. I love that about a coffee shop. The coffee is GREAT quality. I have heard people complain because they don't offer cream or sugar to put in your coffee but It's a black coffee bar, they make that pretty clear. Offering cream and sugar would defeat the purpose of calling it that. If you prefer to not drink your coffee black (as I do) then I would recommend their latte or the tea they have that is made from coffee fruit (It's so sweet and SO delicious) I have always had great service here. Everyone has been extremely nice and helpful every time I have gone in. Definitely five stars for this wonderful cafe! read more

Great place, excellent people. Love this place! Yelp tells me my review is too short to post. I don't think anything more need be said. read more

Dagger Mountain Roastery - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

I drink a lot of coffee. This place is a hidden gem in Indy no less!! Great spot... Awesome coffee!! Better than any coffee I've ever had in NYC. I recommend both iced and hot drinks. My fave is the latte and mocha iced ! read more

Dagger Mountain Roastery - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Great tasting coffee strong yet not bitter , great flavor using oat milk the iced mocha and iced miel are definitely my favorites !!!

Hip environment for local coffee! Highly recommend going when it's nice out-- they open up the garage door, which greatly adds to the experience. read more

Finally a place in Valpo where I can buy and drink coffee that is not only fresh roasted, but tastes delicious. They don't have anything bad. Plus the place is gorgeous. read more

This is just what the city needed - a place to get a seriously good cup of coffee from thoughtful people who care about what they roast and sell! Today I went in and had a wonderful conversation about what they were aiming for with my pour over. Loved the coffee, the ambiance, and can't wait until the weather gets warmer so the "garage door" is opened up! Thanks for taking the time to craft great coffee! read more

It's so exciting to see a specialty coffee shop in Valpo! Dagger Mountain Roastery makes exceptional coffee-pourovers, iced coffee, lattes. They obviously care about the quality of their drinks, which is refreshing. It's considered a "black coffee bar", but don't let that scare you! They'll still make you a latte or mocha. I would suggest at least trying their coffee black, it has so much natural flavor that you really don't need cream and sugar. It's also a really great atmosphere with THE nicest people working! read more

We love the laid back atmosphere and the coffee is truly amazing! Best cup in Valpo. So glad they are here! Quickly becoming our regular spot. read more

Dagger Mountain has the best coffee. Everywhere I go in the US, I try to compare coffee shops to Dagger Mountain. Nothing has lived up to this little shop in Valpo. My favorite drink is the Miel. It is a slightly sweet drink containing cinnamon and honey. The cold brew is also great. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. Go out of your way to come here! P.S. This place also SMELLS great because they are often roasting beans right next to the shop front. read more

This joint has best coffee in Northwest Indiana. I had an excellent, smooth Cortado. This place doesn't have the fru-fru stuff with all kinds of flavors. What they do have is excellent, traditional, espresso drinks and, I assume, good pour over. You don't need sugar. But if the natural sweetness of carmelized milk in bitter-less espresso is not enough, they have some options for you too (mocha, miel, regular sugar). read more

Had the cortado today...Wow! Only espresso drink I have ever had that didn't need any flavoring. The flavor is undescribable...it's just has a unique flavor...robust but not bitter and soft...if that makes sense. I also bought the Ixlama which was recommended to me. I have heard nothing but good from this coffee cafe. It's quaint, quiet and has great hometown charm. Music is rekaxing jazzy. Employees are great and explain the drinks very well. It smells amazing when you get out of your car...my coffee was just roasted 5 days ago...yum! Keep up the good work. I will support this small business from now on...Good "date" place too! read more

Although they are tucked away in a less traveled corner of Valpo, their focus on the quality of the coffee they serve is unrivalled. With 4 different selections for brewing their carefully chosen coffees (3 different beans at the time), they can meticulously brew each cup. The person who helped me decide was very competent and able to answer all my questions about their brewing process and decide which coffee to purchase. Be warned though, this coffee us not for those who add sugar and creamer (they don't even have them available) and the selections on their menu are few, but the quality of this black nectar is outstanding. read more

This is a pretty cool setup and a good cup of coffee! It is kind of trendy inside, but still relaxing. We came here late in the day, so it was not busy. I believe they are more into distribution than a coffee house. Worth a try! read more

If you're looking to use the same nonsense "lingo" you use at a chain coffee place, maybe pass on coming here. If your looking for a product that has every aspect of its creation cared for by an human, Come here. Come here often and tip generously. I cannot recommend Dagger Mountain enough. A gem in the Valpo sprawl!! read more

I recently relocated to this area after being away at school for four years. On my return, I was definitely missing the exceptional coffee experiences I had become accustomed to whilst away. Dagger Mountain filled that spot for me. Not only do they have an excellent product, but a perfectly suited ambiance. There is no doubt in my mind that I will make it a priority to frequent there. Easily a new favorite! read more

Interesting concept of not providing milk or cream. Their coffee was strong but at the same time wasn't too undrinkably, it was smooth. They have a table too for play card games and hangout. Highly recommended! read more

We love this place and stop here weekly on our way from Chicago to Laporte. The coffee is amazing and the setting is just beautiful. We love Dan and he is so informative and helpful. I do have to agree with those who complained about the lack of cream and sugar options. I understand the concept of a black coffee bar, but a business has to give customers what they want to succeed. And friendly customer service is vital. Congratulations to the owners for a unique, high quality, beautiful place! read more

I loved this place. Their honey latte is legit. So yummy. My brother got their pour over coffee and I took a sip. Seemed like the ratio of bean to water was off. It was too diluted however still a great experience and customer service. read more

We enjoy/seek out great coffee, and we drink it black, so we're not looking for cream or sugar. We've been to many upscale coffee shops in Chicago & NW Indiana, and many big cities/states traveling. DM is the nicest coffee space in Valpo, and we didn't have any issue with arrogant staff (as some here have reported). Though the coffee had good notes with no bitterness, it's the most lightly roasted coffee I've ever had? We bought 12oz (whole beans) of an Ethiopian to take home, and shared a cup of an El Salvador. The latter was very, very weak as THEY brewed it? We've had the Ethiopian at home twice now, and we can't seem to make it strong enough. We'll try grinding even more tomorrow, but then it will probably all be gone. We like medium and darker roasts (no, not burned like Starbucks, that's awful black), so DM may not be our 'cup of tea.' We'll wait and try it again in a few weeks - it's obvious they care about their product, maybe they'll have something a little darker and more robust next time. Surprised... read more

I like the off beat location of this coffee house. It would be perfect for a place to study or collect your thoughts. They were super friendly and explained their business and drinks. I know most people like cream and or sugar in their coffee but it was kind of refreshing, for a black coffee drinker, that they don't have it. I didn't know there were even coffee shops that do that. Way to be rebellious! read more

Fantastic, nuanced coffee. Neat location, had fun finding it.

Expensive non-organic and non-fair trade coffee that is set-up for on-line business. The location is in the warehouses next to the by-pass, so it is not convenient to the downtown rejuvenation plan or foot traffic. Being far from the university, it is not geared to students. The idea of the open door is good, but that only works if you have access to outdoor seating and not a parking lot as this has. There may be a safety concern since someone could easily drive into the bar. read more

If you're looking for that spot to be by yourself and have great coffee then Dagger Mountain is your spot. My issue with most coffee shops is the loud noise of everyone talking. I love going to a spot where people can carry a conversation without having to yell. The coffee is top notch and the experience of going is always enjoyable! read more

Best coffee around. Period. It's only black coffee, but it doesn't matter because it's so damn good. Just try it.

I found Dagger Mountain through a coworker. The staff is very informative, and their attitude about what they do at the cafe shows. I've been rather fond of their Kyoto iced coffee, and I'll keep coming back due to their great service and delicious coffee! read more

Neat little hideaway. Worth the extra 3 minutes further down the road from Starbucks.

Simply excellent. From the quality, expertise and passion of the people who own and operate to the atmosphere and location, one of my favorite places. Really glad to know you all. read more

So yeah, they do have exceptional coffee and a pretty cool spot. And yes, I should just be thankful for such a place in Valpo. If they worked on their customer experience, though, they could knock it out of the park. The experience is a disproportionately large part of any product. And since these folks already have a great product, they have a great head start. As a customer, though, I want to feel appreciated and welcomed into a comfortable space. (There happens to be another little cafe in Valpo that excels in that respect, and I would much prefer to patronize them even though their product may be only really good instead of exceptional.) But coming in here and being told that I can't (as in am not allowed to) have sugar or cream in my coffee because that's not the way it was meant to be consumed just doesn't feel right. Even though I do happen to take my coffee black, if I were to want cream it feels like a judgment on my life choices to be told I've been doing it wrong forever. Feels like I'm being lectured. Might be fine for some folks, but that's just not the kind of place I'm looking for. read more

The coffee is pretty good compared to the other options around Valpo. However the silly barista refused to put milk in my ice coffee. Get over yourself. read more

Serious coffee for those who like their coffee. They mostly wholesale but fortunately for Valparaiso they opened a store front to serve regular coffee and espresso, tucked away in a warehouse district. I had their specially in house blended espresso and it was as good as it gets anywhere in this country. Smoky creamy chocolate fruity espresso. This place is a welcomed addition to the evolving food and drink scene of Valparaiso. If you are a connoisseur of coffee, this is the place for you. read more

Hands down the best latte I've ever had in my life. Sure, DM doesn't have the aspects of a commercialized coffee shop, but it doesn't need it. The coffee speaks for itself. Do yourself a favor and get there ASAP. The owners truly love coffee and love talking about it, too. Ask questions, understand the process and realize the effort and time that go into the brew. read more

Super cute hole in the wall. Location is in the middle of nowhere (literally in a parking lot) but I will definitely be coming back! Coffee was delicious and the decor inside is adorable. read more

Love this place! So much time put into the details in this hidden gem in Valpo! Favorite speciality coffee roaster in the Midwest!! The Kyoto Cold Brew is mind blowing!!!! Dan and Ashton are the nicest and most knowledgable around! read more

It's tucked away in an industrial park but the inside is very cozy and the coffee is terrific. I've had great service every time as well.