Great Northern Coffee

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	434 Orange St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
Phone:	+1 530-894-5312
Site:	chicoartcenter.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 8AM–5PM

Location

Photos 88

Reviews 21

A Private User

Empire coffee is a rare jewel among coffee shops. Located inside an antique 1940s(?) railway dining car, you must walk along the Chico train station old wooden platform in order to get inside. It is beautiful, charming, and small. The coffee is above average with a great selection of loose teas. I dont recall if they have pastries, but the staff is so sweet that they wouldnt mind if you called to ask, Im sure. There is free wifi, but limited seating as the people who love Empire Coffee really love it and the seats are often occupied by the regulars. It is hip, quiet, and slightly romantic if you like train rides, especially on rainy days. Empire coffee is highly recommended if you want to sit for hours to write a paper or search the web, but is the antithesis of drive-through coffee. Perfect for a bike ride.

A Private User

The atmosphere of Empire Coffee is unique among all the coffee shops Ive visited. Quiet and relaxing, there are board games and books to peruse while you sit in one of the original swing-back bench seats that have spacious tables situated between them or a comfy chair next to a personal-sized cafè table. All the drinks are outstanding, but the hands-down, must-have signature creation is the Aztec Mocha. Its made from a custom blend of chocolate shavings, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and spices that makes for an amazing sweet & spicy treat.

Christopher Robins

Still my favorite cafe to visit in town. Good music and a great atmosphere. They source Insight coffee and the baristas are able to whip up whatevers you like (see spicy latte below). The coffee is done via French press (last I checked) so be prepared for a little bite, but having visited their roasters location back in Sacramento, Im glad to say these fine folks do great job!

A Private User

Great coffee. Love how relaxing it is to sit on a train that is going nowhere. Have trouble finding seating on occasion due to all of the people on their laptops camping out. Other than the occasional lack of seating due to the bad weather it is a great place to sit and relax and enjoy a tasty coffee. Best drink in the warmer months is the blended mocha. Yum!

Ibra idk

wow ! i was surprise when i walked in by a chance because i saw a train in the middle of nowhere. Two things that got me to love that place. 1- The place is so nice, cute, and creative !! a small train with simple and cute decoration inside, very quiet and relaxing for a beautiful morning :) 2- honestly the coffee is the best Ive had in Chico.

Max Infeld

EMPIRE COFFEE is the best coffee place in Chico, California. You dont have to worry about hipsters talking too loud or bugging the crap out of you. Empire is legit. Get yourself a tea or coffee. The staff is friendly and will give you a hug if you ask. I would get a matcha or a white mocha. They have a huge selection of teas. Yum. Good job EC!

Stef Baldivia

I had the Chai - Cha: chai tea and matcha tea on ice. Tasty and refreshing, it was a totally excellent drink for a hot day. The shop benefits the Art Center, so its a worthy cause. Plus theres no parking fees, since the train car is posted at the Amtrak station, away from downtown.

Katie Wilken

This is a great coffee shop to sit and do homework or read if alone or with one or two other people. It is small, so not good for a group meet up. Great location near downtown and CSU Chico. Great drinks and service, but I am not a fan of the regular coffee.

FL Stud Steps

Great northern is one of the hidden gems of Chico its tucked away next to the train station. Perfect for a nice cup of coffee or tea and has a very friendly staff . Service is fast and efficient. Locally owned

A Private User

A home away from home for the local or the vagabond. Charm, elegance and authenticity makes Empire Coffee a place for all to gather. Artfully made drinks hot or cold!

Elizabeth K

So im new to chico and was hoping to find a coffee shop to call home. I couldnt ask for any better! :) looking forward to being a regular here.

Monica Fitch

I went here yesterday for my first time and definitely am going back! Its quiet, never too busy and a great place to study and get work done.

A Private User

This is a place to go to relax and drink you coffee in. The art shows are also great to find up and coming creatives.

Amanda Tillman

Best americanos and baristas in Chico; make your visits a weekly ritual if you love coffee and tea. 10/10

A Private User

Great place to hang out and do homework. Wonderful music playing every time. Best coffee in town!

Chris Hayashida-Knight

Great atmosphere, quiet and restful for writing!