NORTHSIDERS, REJOICE! Locals have been singing their praises of Legacy Coffee, northside Eau Claire's new coffee shop, since its soft opening in May. The family-owned business boasts homemade baked goods and espresso-focused drinks.

While Eau Claire isn't suffering a lack of java joints, it is fun to try out new spots – and the north side of town recently welcomed one of the area's latest must-try coffee shops.

Legacy Coffee, located at 3027 N. Hastings Way, marks a new wave of life at the north side Pinehurst Shopping Center. Owned by the same local family that operates Sweet Legacy Rentals, the new coffee shop (and Birdie's Gathered Goods, which is connected to Legacy Coffee through a shared hallway), opened its doors this spring.

The family's tell-tale eye for eclectic and modern aesthetics continues inside Legacy Coffee: several tables are complemented by bright red chairs, as well as two nooks accented with wallpaper and vintage-whimsy decor, encouraging patrons to savor their sips and stay awhile.

Sarah Hurt, owner, pictured.

Using Passenger Coffee, Legacy brews up a variety of drinks for folks who enjoy the taste of coffee – meaning, their drinks don't err on the sweet side (what I might call a "floofy" drink) but rather highlight the fresh-brewed grounds in all its rich-flavored glory. 

The new shop also dishes up breakfast and lunch sandwiches, select salads, and homemade baked goods – all available for dine-in or take-out (gluten-free options also available). 

Legacy Coffee's menu is likely to change as it settles in – and sprinkles in specials or new 'wich varieties – though its opening food menu included the Signature Breakfast Sandwich (bacon or sausage, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic aioli, sriracha drizzle, and chives, on an Asiago foccacia roll), the Roast Beef (roast beef, truffle aioli, arugula, parmesan, pine nuts, and red onion, on an onion and herb baguette), and more.

While the shop's bakery case will shift depending on day-to-day availability, expect regular appearances of chocolate croissants, cinnamon rolls, brownies, muffins, and more. (I had the best blueberry muffin I've ever tasted, when I stopped by Legacy in early June: large in size but moist all the way through — I'll now be working my way through their other bakery items soon, I'm sure.)

Legacy Coffee is open Monday-Saturday from 7am-4pm. Pop by the north side's latest small business addition – you won't be disappointed.

Keep up with Legacy Coffee (3027 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) on Facebook and Instagram.