Mountain Mudd Coffee stand near arena in Billings, MT

So those little coffee stands you see in parking lots around the country,well, I’m not saying that they can’t serve good espresso, but generally the results are rather lack luster. This particular little stand was a Mountain Mudd stand, which as I later came to find out, was started and based out of Billings, MT. It's a rather small company, but as gourmet coffee drinks gain popularity it is becoming popular to franchise these little stands. So, back to the booth, even though this little booth was inhabited by a bubbly, friendly, smiling face, it just wasn’t good espresso, and this seems to be the trend. So, unless you like sugary coffee drinks or just plain coffee, look for a locally roasted and owned coffee shop.

3 beans
Mountain Mudd website

Tim Hortons

This fine establishment in a staple for predictable quality and efficient food in our neighbor to the north, Canada. I had heard rumors before we left about time hortons. Now, they don’t serve and espresso drinks, but they do serve soup with a roll, cup of coffee, and a doughnout…..as Alton Brown would say, “that’s good eats” (that’s for you food netowok fans) Although, if they added a decent line of espresso based drinks it would make them a formidable force in the growing crossover of coffee/dinner joints. In any case, if you’re in the land of “eh”, definitely stop in and get the soup combo, yum

Addendum - Upon further research I found there ARE Tim Hortons in the US, you just have to know where to look. Another interesting fact is that they merged with wendy's in the mid 90's. Anyhow you can check it all for yourself.....in all of your spare time Tim Hortons info