STAR WARS-THEMED SIPS FOR MAY THE 4TH. PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST VIEW BREW

I feel lucky to live north of the city, where (aside from McKnightmare Road) traffic flows and so do the caffeinated beverages. In the past six months, Lemon Tree moved to a bigger space in Millvale, Kinder Being Cafe landed on the North Side and Wexford-based Cafe Conmigo opened a second location in Cranberry. And, of course, Silver Perk Coffee Co. is welcome to park its big pot outside of my place anytime!

Here are a few more places to get the jitters in the northern suburbs.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Ruckus Cafe

In 2021, Christine Rauktis and Daryl Kuczynski opened a coffee shop in Shaler that quickly grew into a restaurant, event space, art gallery and community gathering spot.

It was a whirlwind experience — one they’re happy to do again.

Ruckus Cafe’s second location will debut Downtown this summer. The Liberty Avenue space (a former Au Bon Pain near Morton’s steakhouse) will operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to cater to the time-crunched breakfast and lunch crowds. There will be fresh grab-and-go bites, kiosks and a Ruckus ordering app to cut down on wait times. Take-and-bake dinners and office catering will also be available. If you want to sip and chill, take your latte to the patio or spin a vinyl record in the listening corner.

“I’m excited for the challenge,” says Rauktis, a music lover who, in addition to selling great food and beverages, gives local artists a place to display their talents. The Shaler spot features live performances every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.

I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I will sing the praises of the cafe’s menu, which includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The best-selling Ruckus Waffle Sandwich — two eggs with cheddar, bacon and cherry chutney between sugared waffles — is guaranteed to be the best part of your morning. Or possibly your life. Chef Scott Baker and the kitchen staff also whip up an array of breakfast favorites, flatbreads, salads, paninis, wraps, smoothies, kid-friendly meals and weekly specials that highlight seasonal ingredients.

CHICKEN SALAD WRAP FROM RUCKUS CAFE. PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

As a North Hills resident, I can attest that Ruckus Cafe’s killer eats, caffeinated concoctions (get buzzed on the new CoNectar Iced Latte made with honey from CoNectar in Millvale!) and unique events draw a crowd.

The business hosts wellness fairs, mystery dinner theaters, art shows, dance classes, concerts, private parties and fundraisers. This month, Ruckus is gearing up for a Mommy & Me Tea, a lesbian speed dating session and vegan food pairing with non-alcoholic spirits.

Many North Hills residents think of Ruckus as a kind of cozy co-working space. Heck, I interviewed for this job there over coffee and avocado toast!

Once the Downtown site is up and running, they’ll focus on renovating Shaler’s event space and outdoor area to accommodate more visitors.

“The coolest thing about this is that I didn’t expect it,” Rauktis says about her business. “We’re happy to be part of the community”

Ruckus Cafe is at 1707 Babcock Blvd. in Shaler. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

WEST VIEW BREW. PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

West View Brew

One day, after spending 35 years in the corporate world, Colleen Kasenic decided to wake up and smell the coffee.

In March, she opened West View Brew on Perry Highway — not only to sell hot beverages, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and other homebaked goodies, but to serve as a neighborhood hub.

Manager Megan McGinnis, another North Hills native, says the new spot already has regulars who enjoy the laidback atmosphere. A stay-at-home parent group meets on Wednesdays starting at 10 a.m. There’s a small library on-site to keep children entertained.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I’m a borough resident and can walk to West View Brew (as well as the epic Dragon’s Roast Cafe) in 5 minutes — even faster on my way back after I’ve downed a cappuccino and a donut.

Kasenic’s business occupies a landmark building that, over the years, has housed everything from a movie theater to a roller skating rink. The place was pretty wild when it was Tiny’s Pet Place, too! It now has a kitchen, comfortable seating and a retail area stocked with more than 150 local crafts, including stickers, candles, crocheted toys and wearable keepsakes made out of baby onesies.

On the menu, you’ll find all of the favorites along with daily specials that bring something unique to the table, from a matcha chai to a campfire cold brew. McGinnis says they’ll offer coffee flights soon — so I can make it home in mere seconds!

West View Brew is at 442 Perry Highway in West View. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

RENDERING COURTESY OF NORTHLAND LIBRARY

Commonplace Coffee

Commonplace Coffee is hitting the books.

The Pittsburgh-based chain, which started in Indiana, Pa. in 2003, is opening a cafe inside Northland Public Library, which is undergoing a major renovation.

“We are so thrilled to partner with the entire team at Commonplace Coffee,” says Amy Steele, the library’s executive director. “Having Commonplace at Northland will enhance the library experience for our patrons and serve our shared vision of crafting a true third place for the communities we serve.”

PHOTO BY TIKVAH SCHWARTZ COURTESY OF COMMONPLACE COFFEE

This summer, Commonplace Coffee Northland will operate on the lower-level building extension, a new space with vista-like views of the surrounding area. In addition to a full beverage menu, visitors can order scratch-made baked goods and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items. I can’t wait to relax there with a good novel and a cup of joe.

Stay tuned for coffee-centric classes and other programming opportunities for library patrons. Commonplace owners TJ Fairchild and his wife, Julie, know a thing or two about the bean.

The couple launched the business 22 years ago in Indiana, Pa., and now operate seven cafes, as well as a bakery that stocks them. Their Larimer headquarters serves as a roasting and wholesale production facility and a barista training center.

The library’s renovation project is expected to wrap up this spring — you can read all about it online.

Northland Library is at 300 Cumberland Road in McCandless.