Grounds for Coffee on Historic 25th Street

Grounds for Coffee’s 25th Street location occupies one of Ogden’s most historic buildings – originally known as the Senate Saloon Building, built in 1888 in a Victorian commercial style. Back in the late 19th century this two-story brick structure housed not one but two rowdy saloons (the Senate Saloon and W.A. Scudder’s Saloon) catering to railroad workers and travelers. Its ornate facade – featuring stamped metal cornices, carved wood and stone details, arched Queen Anne–style windows, and original cast-iron columns – made it an eye-catching hub on Ogden’s bustling 25th Street. In fact, the building’s storefront was so distinctive that it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance.

In the Wild West era, Historic 25th Street (nicknamed “Two-Bit Street”) was notorious nationwide for its vibrant, and often illicit, nightlife. Saloons like the Senate saw their share of colorful characters and drama. One oft-told tale is the 1897 hold-up: in the early hours of December 8, 1897, three masked bandits burst into the Senate Saloon at 113 25th, held the bartender and a patron at gunpoint, and emptied the till of about $35 before fleeing. The local sheriff’s posse caught up with the culprits a few days later (they turned out to be career outlaws), and all were sentenced to prison. Such episodes contributed to the street’s rough-and-tumble reputation – gambling, prostitution, and even underground tunnels between buildings were once part of the scene. Today, those rowdy days are long gone, but the legends live on. Some even say a few ghostly patrons from the past still linger: nearly every shop on 25th has reported a friendly haunt or two playing tricks after hours!

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Walking into Grounds for Coffee on 25th, you’ll notice how old-time character meets modern comfort. The shop has preserved much of the building’s vintage charm – from the exposed brick walls to the tall front windows – while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A cozy loft space and window nook seating upstairs make use of the building’s second story, giving guests a unique perch to sip a latte while people-watching the street below. (Yes, there’s a full upstairs seating area – a holdover from the days when the saloon and hotel rooms occupied these floors.) The original Victorian storefront details now frame a very different scene: instead of rowdy saloon crowds, you’re likely to find locals curled up with laptops or friends chatting over coffee. Yet the sense of history is tangible. It’s easy to imagine the clink of glasses and piano music of 130 years ago, even as you enjoy a fresh pastry in the present day.

Grounds for Coffee has embraced the building’s historic character while adding its own personal touches. The interior is decorated with murals and artwork by local artists, keeping alive the creative spirit of Ogden. In fact, the shop rotates a local artist of the month exhibit, displaying everything from paintings to photography on its walls – a nod to the community’s talent. Despite being part of a local franchise chain, this location maintains a distinct personality. (Fun fact: Grounds for Coffee isn’t a cookie-cutter corporate coffee shop at all – it’s a locally owned cooperative of independent cafe owners, each with their own flavor and style.) At the 25th Street shop, owner Sadie Smith has cultivated an atmosphere of inclusivity and “everyone knows your name” friendliness. Smith actually started out as a barista at another Grounds for Coffee and, in an inspiring twist, took over the 25th Street location just before her 22nd birthday – fulfilling a teenage dream of running a coffee shop. Over the last decade, she’s made this place her own. Sadie affectionately calls the café her “Giving Tree”, saying it has given her as much as she’s given it – from friendships to a sense of purpose.

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Step inside today and you’ll find much more than coffee being served. Grounds for Coffee on 25th Street is a true community hub, with features and traditions that even regulars might not know the full story behind. Here are a few of the unique offerings and fun facts that set this shop apart:

Beyond these features, the overall vibe of Grounds for Coffee 25th Street is one of inclusivity and hometown pride. The shop strives to be Ogden’s “third place” – that comfortable spot outside of home or work where absolutely everyone is welcome to relax. Regulars range from college students and remote workers to retirees and tourists soaking up the Historic 25th Street atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see a group of cyclists meeting up for a mid-ride coffee, or an impromptu jam session if a musician brings a guitar on Open Mic nights. The diversity of patrons is something the staff cherish. “We have a great mix of different people and micro-communities that make the shop great,” Smith notes. That mix is part of what keeps the environment so lively and friendly – there’s a sense that everyone has a place here, whether you’re a die-hard black coffee drinker, a pumpkin-spice latte fan, or just popping in to say hi.

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It’s pretty amazing to think that the same walls that once housed wild saloons and poker games now shelter laughing friends over lattes and community art shows. Grounds for Coffee on 25th Street manages to blend Ogden’s past with its present in a way that few businesses can. The next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the history around you: the faint lettering on the brick, the vintage molding on the ceiling, the fact that you can still walk upstairs in a 19th-century building to do yoga or find a cozy reading spot. This little coffee shop has layers of story to tell.

Even Sadie, the owner, continues to uncover new tidbits of the building’s past – from old photographs to stories told by long-time Ogden residents. And she’s adding chapters of her own: under her stewardship, the cafe has won awards (voted “Best Coffee Shop” by local college students) and survived challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, all while staying true to its slogan of “Building Community.” As Sadie puts it, “Kindness, acceptance, connection” are what matter most to her and her business.

In summary, Grounds for Coffee 25th Street isn’t just a place to grab a cup of joe – it’s a living museum of Ogden’s heritage and a cornerstone of the community today. Whether you’re a history buff sipping an Americano and imagining the Wild West days, or a regular customer enjoying a muffin baked that morning, there’s always something new to learn or experience here. Even those who work behind the counter say they discover fresh stories and meet new people all the time in this extraordinary shop. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel connected – to the city’s history, to your neighbors, and maybe even to a ghost or two from ages past. So next time you find yourself on Historic 25th Street, drop by Grounds for Coffee and drink in the history along with your coffee. You just might leave with a great story to share – and a new appreciation for this one-of-a-kind coffee shop.

Until next time,

Raw, weird, and local.