Owned by Adam Francis, a man who is skilled in the art of roasting coffee beans, Bearded Lady Roasters’ products were first introduced to me, and many other Joplinites, at a Third Thursday celebration a few years ago. Third Thursday is a downtown event featuring art, music, and food. Local vendors can rent booths to showcase their goods, and that’s when I first tasted the good-tasting goods of Bearded Lady Roasters.

A couple years later, I was having a coffee at The Coffee Shop at Joplin Greenhouse, a shop which utilizes and promotes local vendors. I was blown away by the robust flavor of the cortado I ordered, and I asked what brand of coffee was used in my drink. It was Bearded Lady Roasters.

Then, in 2019, it happened. Bearded Lady Roasters opened a brick-and-mortar store on Main Street in downtown Joplin. Finally, an abstract idea had become a physical reality. Bearded Lady Roasters’ coffee shop gives off a chill vibe with its simple and stylish interior.

With a mix of lounge seating for socializing, tables and chairs for enjoying a bite to eat before the work day, and a row of seating along one wall (with ample outlets available) that’s perfect for students and mobile workers like me, Bearded Lady Roasters offers an environment that welcomes a variety of patrons.

There are even seats at the coffee bar itself where you can get a close-up view of Adam working his craft.

His single batch brews are legendary among coffee connoisseurs. On the day I visited, he was featuring Ethiopia Golocha (with notes of blueberry, honey, lavender, and chocolate), and Colombia El Tigre (with notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and lemon.

The day I was there also happened to be the celebration of one year of being in business at this location, so the featured drink was the Birthday Cake Latte, which I had to try because you can’t go to a birthday party without having some cake – or in this case, its liquid equivalent.

The latte had the same robust flavor that I’ve come to expect with Bearded Lady Roasters. Plus, it had sprinkles. A party in a cup!

Bearded Lady Roasters shares a space with Frosted Cakerie, a bakery which focuses primarily on making custom cakes, but on Wednesdays Frosted fills its display case with cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goodies to sell to the public. Frosted also supplies a selection of baked goods to Bearded Lady Roasters each day.

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins, Blueberry Streusel Muffins, White Chocolate Raspberry Scones, London Fog Scones, and Cinnamon Knots were available at Bearded Lady Roasters on the day that I went.

There was also a savory Bacon, Spinach, and Cheese Muffin, which I ordered to have for breakfast, along with my latte.

You can order traditional espresso drinks at Bearded Lady Roasters, or you can try one of their seasonal flavored coffee drinks. This winter’s flavors included The Log Cabin, made with espresso, maple syrup, and cocoa, and Winter Tonic, made with espresso, and elderberry and juniper tonic.

Bearded Lady Roasters also serves tea. Try one of the tea lattes, or the iced green or berry hibiscus teas.

When the weather is warmer, sample the refreshing seasonal lavender lemonade. It’s my daughter’s favorite summertime drink.

If you find yourself getting hooked on Bearded Lady Roasters’ coffee (and it’s likely that you will) but you can’t make it to the shop for your daily cup, you can buy some bags of coffee and bring them home, like the popular Espresso and Honduras varieties.

While you’re picking up some beans to bring home, check out the other local goods for sale at the shop, including coffee-brewing supplies, a variety of teas, local pottery,

and honey from Alchemist Haven (perfect for sweetening a cup of tea).

I’m glad I happened to be at Bearded Lady Roasters on the one-year anniversary at its current location. Seeing the coffee shop filled with patrons showed how much the community supports Adam and his mission to bring well-crafted coffee to Joplin. We appreciate you, Adam, and your thriving business!

Bearded Lady Roasters is located at 218 South Main Street. To see its Facebook page, click here; to see its Instagram page, click here.