Good coffee, pleasant staff, nice selection. Stopped in on vacation based on reviews and it lived up to the hype.

Food is wonderful and place is designed to be able to come in and relax. Love my hot tea in the morning!! Owner is one of the best and always greets customers with a smile. read more

We liked this place so much we ate lunch here twice! (So far...) We each got the chocolate peanut butter smoothies (not the best I've had but still quite tasty) and I was impressed they had several choices of gluten-free bread to choose from. I liked the GF croissant so much I got it both times... the first time with turkey and the second with the grilled cheese. The staff took care to make it separately in the kitchen which I appreciated! They also have the most amazing gluten-free treats I've ever tasted. They were so good even hubs had to have his own! First I tried the fancy chocolate-topped rice crispy treat... and then some other chocolate-topped thing with toffee and other goodness in it that I just can't describe except rich and delectable to the taste buds. They also have fun, locally made art and signs hanging around that you can buy, typical coffee shop merch like cups and t-shirts, and clearly support local events. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Classic coffee shop look - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

I was in Rapid City just for a full day, staying right downtown. Walking just the three or four blocks of Main Street, I came across three or four independent coffee shops... Very cool! My friend recommended that we go to alternative fuel which is right at the public Plaza where they have ice skating in the winter and concerts in the summer. The coffee shop is on the 1st floor of a small but very cool and very busy mall. Once inside, I was happy to see that everyone was wearing personal protection masks. In South Dakota currently masks are optional. There was a hand sanitizer gel at the cashier counter, and the menu was on a big chalkboard above the cashier area. I only wish the other customers would have stayed a little bit further behind us, but this is a fairly tight space inside so I was sure not to get my feathers ruffled about it. Because it was so busy during lunch time, and a fairly small place, I didn't get quite a good look around. There were a handful of tables inside, complemented by at least four coffee tables outside on the Plaza. The inside decor was clean in modern, standard independent coffee shop feeling. There were quite a few knick-knacks for sale, and I seem to recall a number were locally made. The music was cool but not obnoxiously loud. It was a nice environment. The customer service staff was very energetic, friendly, polite and knowledgeable. They were not loud and obnoxious like they are at the chain place with the green mermaid logo. My friend and I ordered medium French roast coffees. They were served quickly, hot, and very fresh coffee. This French roast had a very pleasant flavor, not harsh like many French roasts are. Prices were very reasonable. The menu board was filled with paninis, salads , all-day breakfast, and more. I was told the eggs with bacon burrito was quite good, big and filling, and that I could order a side salad and not just a full-size salad. I believe I had to ask about a smaller salad and it may not have been on the menu, but I'm not sure. The breakfast burrito was made fresh, nice and hot and hefty! It came with a cup of salsa. The salad was freshly made, bright and colorful and filled with vitamins! I had a choice of about a half-dozen dressings and went with the raspberry. My lunch was delicious and filling. Taking our coffee and lunch out on the Plaza by the ice rink was so pleasant. We really had a great time and enjoyed our orders. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Bacon and eggs breakfast burrito and side salad for lunch together were definitely filling. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Stopped in here for lunch and a quick drink while exploring Main Street downtown. The Nutella smoothie I got was pretty good. The ham egg and cheese Croissant wasn't too great. Not much flavor and the eggs were watery. My wife enjoyed her quiche and my daughter liked her cinnamon rolls so maybe I just chose wrong. Service and staff was great and friendly and the prices weren't too bad. Overall it was a Cool little place read more

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We had coffee here, but it was mostly milk. I actually hate that- second only to being too bitter. So, in summary, at least it wasn't too bitter. But not great overall. read more

Excellent. Yogurt Parfait and pumpkin brookie was good for food. Service was quick and attentive. She was very knowledgeable and walked us through the menu. The ambiance is classic coffee house. The highlight was the French Pour drip coffee. read more

Amazing coffee and service! If you are near this place don't pass it bye, I don't know if who we spoke to was the owner or a staff member but was so helpful.. my caramel macchiato was amazing! read more

Very surprised to see that this place only has 3.5 Stars on Yelp. I stopped here needing a quick bite while waiting for my friend to arrive in Rapid City. This place was exactly what I was looking for. It was also my introduction to the Black Hills and was certainly NOT what I was expecting in terms of dining options. There menu is extensive and full of Gluten-Free and Vegan options. I ended up getting "Fuel Bites" and "Harvest Blast" Fit Fuel smoothie. Both were delicious. The fuel bites were peanut-buttery granola and the shake was filling without being too fruity. I was only in Rapid City for a few hours but I am glad I stopped here. It totally changed my perspective of the town and the nutritional options available to you. I would highly recommend if you are local or just passing through. Though I did not try their coffee, the menu seemed to be extensive. read more

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Every summer I look forward to returning to Rapid City for my work and also to making a few visits to Alternative Fuel. The staff is always upbeat and friendly, their salads are large and excellent, and their frozen drinks are superb. Plus, they share a building with the unbeatable The Silver Lining Creamery and Roamin' Around outdoor outfitter. How could you go wrong? read more

Looked all morning for a coffee spot and this was the best reviews. Not for us though: the two at the counter didn't seem like they wanted to be there, order was wrong, barely any ice, and the coffee tasted old. Moving on to the next place. read more

Service was awesome. Smoothie was not bad. Consensus between 3 coffee obsessed humans: not the best coffee. But honestly we didn't care because of the friendly atmosphere. read more

OMG!!! Finally!!! I found a Real Coffee Shop in this town!! And I am sooo happy!!! We are new in the area. And the people who give low ratings to this place, they have no idea what a Coffee Shop is all about, they don't know what reviews are based on, and they forget that we live in an imperfect world. To all of you who know better, ignore the naysayers and go and visit this place!! I have visited just about every coffee shop in the area, and this one so far is the only one that has all the features of a real coffee shop. At first I was hesitant to visit it, because of their location in the heart of downtown at the Main Street Square, and I thought it was going to be super loud and annoying. But then one of my Uber drivers, who knew I've been looking for the right Coffee Shop, suggested that I'd visit this one, and what a nice surprise!! This place is: * Inviting - It's small but with character, with the right features and decor. Why do you want something big, crowed, and/or soulless. . . * It's quiet - Enough that you can get some work done and then some. * It has amazing insulation - The noise from the outside doesn't get in the place, so you can enjoy yourself and your time. * They have patio tables - For those who prefer to sit outside, and I imagine that plays along with the seasons. * Customer Service is WOW - They couldn't be nicer and more accomodating!! They make you feel welcome!! * The music is very appropriate - Calming and relaxing which is what a coffee shop is all about. If you expect a nightclub or rodeo kind of music, you don't know what a coffee shop is all about then. * The food is OMG!! Super fresh and delicious!! I absolutely recommend this place!! read more

The staff is super friendly and the coffee is great, I got a americano and it was great. We also got a sunburst smoothie that was refreshing. Ok read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Alternative Fuel is the small town coffee shop you look for in every city. Where' food is homemade, the crafts for sale are local and coffee is as fresh as can be. There's variety here not just in the menu items but in the decor and artisan displays. My favorite items to get are their butter beer latte and garden quiche. In the summer, a refreshing fruit smoothie with boba hits all the right spots. Not to mention, the staff are consistently genuine and kind. Patti is the kind of owner that knows her town and the people who dwell there. Her sincerity, care and nurturing spirit is evident in corners of the shop. A great coffee shop to read, work, converse or simply sit in :) read more

Alternative milk options available. Gluten free bagels were fresh and yummy. Service was pretty quick.

Espresso was good. The sandwich was tasty Smoothie was fair. Could not get a cup of water to take my medication read more

Absolutely fantastic! The food and prices were absolutely amazing. The service was fast, friendly and knowledgeable. I ordered a garden quiche, a spinach wrap veggie sandwich with Swiss cheese, and a strawberry banana smoothie. The garden quiche was delicious, it was homemade and not at all greasy. You could just tell the ingredients were fresh. read more

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This place is so cool and full of great snacks and coffee! Even better... you can use your own reusable mug!! Anyplace that's open to reducing waste gets an automatic 4 stars. Looks like a nice place to settle in and get some work done. Pretty good selection of alternative milks: soy, almond and coconut. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Myself and my lid...awaiting my mocha! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Nice relaxed vibe. Good location. We had a Cappuccino and a hot chocolate. Gentle background music to ad to the atmosphere without interfering with conversation. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Nice fun vibe. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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I had a quiche, bacon egg and cheese croissant, "boba" tea, and we asked them if they could make just a plain banana smoothie for my little one. They didn't have any kids options and gave me a hard time to just make banana only rather than a bunch of stuff I know he wouldn't like. The boba tea was the worst boba tea I've ever had in my life, I would hardly call that a boba tea. The quiche was delicious and the breakfast sandwich was okay if you just want an egg only sandwich. read more

This was my second time visiting Rapid City and I had time to kill. I stopped at the super cute craft fair and ice rink. Stopped at this nearby coffee shop for the first time. I ordered a chai latte and then walked around the little coffee place to check it out. I had a stroller so it was a tad bit harder for me to maneuver in the busy crowd. The gal behind one side of the counter was calling out the drinks and I didn't hear her the first time. When I heard her the second time, I hurried over and she yelled my drink in an irritated voice and said that drink pick up was over on her side. For that alone, I give it a one star. I don't like to get yelled at when I visit a business for the first time. That was my first and last time there. I'll try the other many coffee places in RC. And also my drink was not good. I like to taste the chai. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Main Street Square - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

We came by about 4 on Sunday. The baristas were very friendly and informative about the different drinks and what they were. We tried the cider warm without whip cream. It was very good but a bit sweet. It did a great job keeping our hands warm as we walked around town. We will be back in the morning for coffee and pastry. Be sure to check in to get your 10% off coupon read more

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Good food great smoothies and great potato soup Muffin and great coffee Pattie is great read more

Service was great and they had a lot of really awesome baked items, and healthy items as well! smoothies were great, not chunky or gross, but really well made and thick, great breakfast. We got sunburst and Pb cup. Sunburst reminded me of a tangy strawberry pineapple (likely bc if the cran juice) and Pb cup was just as described . Both of us make smoothies pretty regularly and we loved these . read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Sunburst smoothie 9/10 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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Sweet little spot conveniently located in downtown Rapid City. Plenty of unique breakfast selections, the usual coffee selections, about five big smoothie choices, and two of the genuinely kindest baristas I've seen anywhere. I ordered the burrito smothered in gravy that you see here, and the green smoothie for breakfast. I walked around the town Square a little and went back to get a second smoothie for my road trip. I highly recommend this place that fits the bill for solid food, a cup of coffee and excellent service! read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - My Bacon Cheese Jalepeño Burrito smothered in gravy. With a view... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Came here looking for a gluten and dairy free breakfast. I got an egg and sausage with onions, banana peppers, and some of their garlic and red bell pepper sauce, all on their own gluten free bread. Great sandwich. The local South Dakota coffee was smooth and tasted good with their almond milk. They also have many other gluten free things, such as bagels, bread, desserts, oatmeal, coolies, snacks, and shakes. You really need to come down here with a friend to try it out. Check out my pictures attached if you want to see what I mean. Well done! read more

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Nice patio that offers a great view of the water park. The waitstaff was gracious and the food was good.

What a great place to have breakfast in the morning sitting by the park looking at downtown we had the great great great food great and delicious 2 read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Are delicious apple crisp in bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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So glad we found this place! Many different options for food, syrup flavors, all great quality! You definitely want to check this place out. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich on a wheat bagel. And a caramel praline latte! Yum! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Great place for a cold drink on a warm day! Peach lemonade mmmm. Trying the coffee next.

I would like to update my review to answer the owner's helpful reply on my first review. The bagel was to-go, so maybe that was the issue! I appreciate your feedback and it makes sense! I will also add my friend got one of the green smoothies and LOVED it. Thank you. read more

This is probably one of the only places in town that serves boba and I appreciate that but they are ridiculously stingy about it. If you order a drink that doesn't come with boba and add it (for about a dollar), you get a reasonable amount, but if you order the actual bubble tea for some reason you get a tiny amount of boba pearls. However the creamy smoothies are pretty yummy and the sandwiches are good when they get your order right. The younger cashiers often have snotty attitudes but it's still a cute little place downtown to go with friends/family. read more

This is strictly from a tea perspective as I don't drink a lot of coffee. The set up of this coffee shop is nice with quite a few places to sit. I came early on a Tuesday morning around 7am and there were a few people already enjoying a cup of coffee. The only thing that disappoints me when it comes to coffee shops that advertise that they sell tea is when they serve cheap, Bigelow bags. I know not everyone is a tea snob like me, but when I can get a box of the same type for the price of one cup then it's just disappointing. I know that I could have passed, but this was the only close coffee shop and I wanted something warm for my 3 hour drive to Pierre. So if you come here for coffee, I'm sure there are great varieties. Tea...I would pass. read more

Didn't have any issues with the environment that they create or their religious view points. Place was nice and so were the people. The Latte I ordered on the other hand was fairly weak and uneventful. Needless to say I did not return for another cup of Joe during my stay in the area. read more

Alternative Fuel Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Super friendly service and great fresh food options! Tons of gluten free lunch and pastry options that don't compromise healthiness for tastiness. Their drinks are delicious as well--some of the best apple cider and seasonal lattes I've ever had. read more

Worth the drop in! Smoothie, sandwich, coffee Pleasant service and lots of options- gluten free options as well! The glass case is full of festive treats - both hardy & sweet! Quaint vibe. The options were endless ! read more

Excellent food, coffee and smoothies! Service was great and the staff was very friendly! Hope to stop again while I am in town!

Looked so promising and all out smoothies tasted like almond milk- just the color made the difference. It's a wait as all are made to order. Coffee also takes a whole when they are busy. I'd ask for less almond milk and more fruit next time. read more

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coffee and breakfast was delicious, staff was prompt and helpful. desserts were warmed and the atmosphere was laid back, and felt like a cozy friends house read more