ROCK FALLS – The red-clay color of the walls and wood-paneled support beams gave a warm feeling that offset the subzero winds that whipped past.

A Led Zeppelin poster hung on one of the beams, and tunes rolled by while the scent of coffee filled the air – creating a homey ambiance at Flip Side coffee and espresso bar, at 116 W. Second St. While signs aren't up yet, the café had a soft opening Saturday.

"I'm going for a very comfortable atmosphere," said owner Valerie Howes, 42.

Mission accomplished.

The Twin Cities native's work to provide a coffee house experience started in May 2015 with the Higher Grounds mobile café. Based in a 1985 trailer, the café could be found all over, including the County Market parking lot, the Twin Cities Farmers Market, and local festivals and other social events.

Higher Grounds isn't shutting down. Howes simply had other goals for her business.

"It's so I could be open year-round," Howes said. "My main goal was a brick-and-mortar storefront, and I did create it."

Her menu still includes Higher Grounds' offerings – café mocha, hot cocoa, herbal tea, iced coffee, sodas, homemade spritzers, and yayas made of monkey bread. She's also still making her mini pies.

"We have more than apple pecan," Howes said.

Flip Side features Dark Matter coffee from Chicago, the same as Higher Grounds did. Howes is putting one variety of the Windy City grounds to another use.

"I'm using their Dark Matter espresso in my chocolates," she said.

Howes is working on offering a breakfast menu, as well as increasing candy and chocolates are available. One recent addition is a mocha scone.

At present, hours are during the daytime, but Howes said she will add evening hours. She's waiting to pick what they are, and has an eye toward open mic nights.

"I want it to feel like you're going over to a friend's house to have coffee," Howes said.

MORE INFORMATION

Flip Side coffee and espresso bar, 116 W. Second St., Rock Falls, is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday.

Find Higher Grounds Mobile Cafe on Facebook for more information, upcoming events, and additional hours as they take effect.