Best coffee shop ever! You pay what you want. They have a pay it forward policy so someone has already paid for your drink. You can either pay it forward or receive the gift. I believe the workers work for tips, at least Ja'Lila does who served us. During our hour there we observed a mix of folks coming in. Some were obviously regulars chatting it up with Ja'Lila while they sipped their drink. Another couple on a road trip stopped in on their way to the east coast for some coffees and to use the WiFi. Some were in and out. Steady flow. Everyone treated with respect and dignity whether you made a donation or not. Donations are pay what you want. I'm not a coffee drinker but my sister said it's good! I got hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is homemade and I got fresh whipped cream which was also homemade. Delicious! Can you get that at Starbucks? Just asking I wouldn't know. I no longer lived in South Bend but if I did this would be my new spot. My sister does however and she's already been back before I had a chance to post my review. If you're a local and you remember the old VanBuren grocery store this is the spot! Support a business making a difference in the community, fostering connection and spreading kindness. Please support and let's keep places like this open! read more

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Great mix of people and a welcoming place to meet. Love the donation based coffee, friendly staff, and the fun bar up front. The big window adds a nice touch. Grateful to have this spot in our community. read more

The Local Cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Coffee with a purpose! This donation based cafe supports the local community and offers a cozy, welcoming space to relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee. read more

The Local Cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Only open Thursday through Sunday. I have to get my coffee fixed somewhere else Monday through Wednesday.

Found this sweet spot on Yelp and it did not disappoint! It's a pay it forward system and you give what you want for the next person. The barista and the coffee were both amazing! We even bought some whole bean to go. As we left, there were several ladies sitting around and enjoying themselves - it was such a pleasant atmosphere and we engaged with them for some sweet conversation. And while there we heard the premise of the coffee shop and well, it was a wonderful story! Go and find out... read more

Beautiful unique little neighborhood place a bit off the beaten path, started as a novel "pay it forward" place with EXCELLENT coffee drinks. Small and cosy, with a indoor and a bit of outdoor seating, just beside the Near Northwest Neighborhood community development office and across from the parking lot where there's a small hyperlocal Saturday morning farmer's market. Staffed by young worker-owners who lovingly make your drinks by hand. Also usually has some baked treats. All rehabbed and installed by the community, too. Love it! read more

I was visiting from LA and, after staying at a very authentic Motel 6 on a quick stop through South Bend, I stumbled upon this coffee shop. My expectations were to just grab a much-needed coffee after unsuccessfully sleeping on top of my motel sheets the night before. When I arrived at The Local Cup, I was really pleasantly surprised for this being a random find for a visitor like myself. It felt cosmic. I don't always feel at ease in the midwest, but I stepped into The Local Cup and thought I was at home. I was greeted by the sight of a few Chemex Classics brewing away and the kind voice of John, one of the co-owners. John informed me that the payment system is a pay-what-you'd-like for the coffee and that he and his wife and co-owner, Brooke, staff the coffee shop with high school and college interns. The shop was created to be a space where people can come together, enjoy high-quality coffee, and build community. Which feels not only timely, but also what a coffee shop is supposed to be. I was lucky enough to be there on a day when both John and Brooke were there. Brooke went more into detail about the shop's conception, their drinks, and we spoke of our backgrounds. Again, I was just expecting a quick to-go coffee and was greeted with carefully brewed coffee and conversation you typically only get with good friends. I left with the hope that this place is leaving the neighborhood an even better place than when John and Brooke found it. I just wish I didn't have to leave so soon because South Bend became a place I could see myself spending more time, if there are more places like The Local Cup around. read more

The Local Cup - a group of people in a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Stopped here on a long road trip from DC to Wisconsin. This was a great little community coffee shop to stop at and get some caffeine before continuing on the road. I love that my cup of coffee was paid for by someone else! The pay it forward model is so great. And yes, I did pay it forward for the next person behind me. The neighborhood is cute too to walk around and stretch your legs a bit. read more

I love the concepts of this place. It's the execution of the community vibe. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, cute place, and wonderful coffee. Unfortunately has some limited hours but if I'm living in SB, this place will be my to-go place during the weekend. read more

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A unique coffee shop - you pay what you wanna pay! Their coffee was really good. The place was small but cozy, and the pictures on the wall were very artistic. Just love the feeling of the coffee shop. The staff was also nice and helpful. I enjoyed my visit here, and I would recommend everyone to come and try. It's just gonna be a totally different experience comparing with a chain coffee shop. Loved it! read more

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A little gem! I couldn't fall asleep last night, so the coffee must have been strong (I think they use Zen beans, poured over Chemex - very tasty). It's a minimalist set-up with just coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Almond milk is available as an alternative milk. Another reviewer said they had big muffins, but they only had little mini-muffins when I was there (not sure if this is a permanent change, or just day-to-day). My advice is to just not come if you need a meal as well. As other reviewers have said, The Local Cup is a not-for-profit shop with a pay-it-forward system. It's pretty nifty, and refreshing in this time when we all need to have some faith restored in humanity. My theory is that you actually may end up paying more than what you normally would, because you'd rather not underpay; but if you have the means you are donating to a good cause. It's a cozy little shop, and there are clearly some regulars who know each other and are just generally friendly. The baristas, two college girls, were super sweet and helpful. I came to do work, but since it's a small space it can get noisy. It seemed like one family was holding a receiving line while they were in town, so people and their kids kept filing in to spend time with them. Typically that would be a big no-no in a coffee shop, but I don't know the whole story. It was too loud to stay and focus, unfortunately, but I wouldn't fault the shop for this. I'll be back. read more

The Local Cup is only open on Saturday mornings (and occasionally for neighborhood events), and I prefer to sleep in on Saturdays, but it's worth waking up for. They brew locally toasted zen coffee fresh, and there are usually delicious locally baked muffins or scones on offer as well, at least, if you don't squeak in at 11:58 like I sometimes do. They use a pay-it-forward model (except during some special events) where your coffee is already paid for, and you pay whatever you want towards the next persons coffee. It's a nice little shop between the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association offices and the community meeting space in the building which once housed Minkler's Hardware and the Van Buren Market. read more

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This simple pay it forward location is an AMAZINGLY smooth blend of coffee witin taste and service pleasing to the soul. I was even offered to grind the whole bean purchase I made from obvious experienced people who know about coffee that is why on my roadtrip I only seek out small gems like this. There is ample parking and cozy nook of a space! When in South Bend this is a MUST! read more

Very nice little place, great for Bendix coffee. Very pleasant, friendly staff. They ask for donations rather than charge a fixed price. It's great to see businesses supporting the community like this! read more

Best place in the neighborhood to hang out in a Saturday morning with a delicious cup of Zen coffee and one of Cyn's Muffins. Meet the neighbors and pay it forward because your coffee was paid for by the neighbor before you. read more

The Local Cup - Cozy interior. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

My hot chocolate had a sad, diarrhea-like consistency. It tasted like brown water. The chocolate seemed to have fled for the hills.

The Local Cup is our favorite South Bend coffee shop! Great locally roasted Zen coffee, local treats and good people. The interior is gorgeous too! It can get a little busy on Saturday mornings but no one ever has to wait long. Pay it forward model and good community vibe. Open 9-12 every Saturday! read more

The Local Cup - Before the beautiful rehab but with some of the great people! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

I love this place and everything it stands for! Great place to get caught up with family and meet members of the community! Keep up the inspiring work! read more

The Local Cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

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Totally unique coffee shop. I've been all over the world, but never have encountered "pay what you feel like" for coffee. Visting from the East Coast, what a pleasant discovery. The owners -- who work in the shop -- have created a very chill business-to-community partnership that is unique in my experience. I really enjoyed my coffee and I paid it forward in what I was willing to pay. But it was a very thought-provoking cup of coffee and experience. I came by near closing time and got to visit with the owner. They use two local roasters, so this is the farthest thing from a national chain you may experience in coffee. The reviews here state things well -- except now they are open M - F 9am to 1pm I believe, in addition to Saturday morning. read more

My friends brought me here and I'm so glad that they did! The people are so nice and pleasant. The coffee is awesome! What's great about this cafe is that it is a non-profit that operates on a donation system, so you pay what you want to for what you order (or you don't pay at all). This is great for people who want to pay it forward and also for those who aren't able to spend $5 on a cup of fancy coffee! All are welcome here; I went on a snowy Saturday and there were students, children, partners, friends, and older adults. A wonderful place to meet others in town! read more

Awesome neighborhood coffee shop with a really cool financial model: Your coffee has been paid for by a neighbor, so you pay what you can for the next cup! Note: this is pour-over drip coffee -- no espresso drinks, but they have syrups and hot chocolate AND homemade chocolate sauce (which makes a great mocha). A small rotating selection of baked goods is available. The employees are all high school and college interns; very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and local events. The Cup is open on Saturday and Sunday and some times during the week. Free WiFi and a welcoming attitude towards customers hanging out, writing, reading, etc. My favorite coffee shop! read more

This is a delightful community coffee shop. Brooke, one of the founders, greeted us as we walked in and we enjoyed coffee and tea and a zucchini muffin. We felt welcome here and hope that others stop by to have a relaxing morning or afternoon and meet some new friends. read more

As someone who travels far and wide in this great country, I really appreciate the local vibe of this great coffee shop. In fact, on my next trip to the South Bend area, I am looking forward to a visit to the up-and-coming Near Northwest Neighborhood and The Local Cup! read more

Finding good things to say about The Local Cup is as simple and easy as putting one foot in front of another to walk down the street. My time at The Local Cup on Friday mornings is hands down my favorite part of the week. Upon entering the shop, my whole being is enraptured in the delights of the art on the wall, the smell of fresh coffee, and the friendly faces I encounter. The Local Cup is an experience. It is all-encompassing, catering to the elderly, parents with children, and college students alike. It is designed to make everyone feel at home. My only wish is that it had more frequent hours of operation. But trust me, it is worth the wait. read more

Best coffee in town, hands down. And I'm not clownin around. All ingredients are organic and/or fair trade. These folks really go the extra mile for their customers! Beautiful community. read more

Wonderful little coffee shop that tremendously benefits the community with it's pay-it-forward system. I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates great coffee, a wonderful atmosphere, and friendly service. read more

Really chill, local spot with great vibes. Good coffee and nice people. Pay it forward so no set prices and you can take it for free, but if you can I'd say donate what you think your bill is worth. It's a really positive atmosphere. Go here. read more

The Local Cup makes the best cup of coffee in town and is by far the most aesthetically pleasing place to do it. The feeling of welcome and community abounds. It is apart of our Saturday morning as a family to stop in, drink coffee, and hang out. read more

This is my favorite place to be. The Local Cup has helped create a real sense of community. The coffee and service are great.

I was introduced to this gem on a recent visit to South Bend and what a find! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the coffee and pastries were delicious, and the pay it forward model and giving local young adults paid internships creates an experience that can't be beat! read more