Essential St. Louis Coffee Spots
For many living the college life, drinking coffee sometimes becomes about the quantity rather than the quality. It doesn’t have to be that way.
In St. Louis, the city has once again returned to its roots of being a coffee haven. In St. Louis you will find cozy spots to study paired with coffee made with care. Most of this list is composed of third-wave-coffee shops, meaning only the upmost quality and flavors are served.
Here are some of our favorite locations around the city to check out if you’re in need of a place to get off campus, relax and enjoy a true coffee experience.
Sump Coffee
3700 S. Jefferson, South City
A coffee mecca of the Midwest, Sump Coffee is the catalyst third-wave coffee shop for the St. Louis area. Each cup is made with precision and care — coffee is far more than a beverage.
The baristas and a subway map menu will guide you through choices of ‘spros (espresso), v60s, cold brews and more. The coffee is lightly roasted in-house, and only high-quality and in-peak coffee is served. Each drink is made with precision and expertise.
The coffee and zen atmosphere will provide caffeine and inspiration for projects or to simply reflect on life.
Rise Coffee House
4176 Manchester Ave., The Grove
This eclectic space is perfect for enjoying a cup of joe from local roasters, including Sump Coffee. And compassion for helping the community shines through by giving access to free drinks through the “Coffee for the People” board. Maybe you’ll fit in a description or can contribute to the board for someone else to enjoy. Bonus: recently-added extended hours (until 8pm on weekdays) make this spot the latest to access. Vegetarian quiche and Whisk’s local and sustainable pastries pair well with the coffee and tea to push through and finish that research paper. Make sure to check out the second floor — couches, tables and overstuffed chairs make this place a writing haven.
Comet Coffee
5708 Oakland Ave., Forest Park
This coffee shop not only prides themselves in serving quality coffees from roasters around the nation, but is also a microbakery offering a rotating variety of pastries and cookies. It’s also located next door to the Science Center and across the way from Forest Park, so you can head there before or after to make a day of it.
Blueprint Coffee
6225 Delmar Blvd., The Loop
Located on one of the most popular streets in town, Blueprint Coffee is all about the art of precision in coffee from the bean to cup. Learn from the baristas before savoring a sip and settling in.
The Mud House
2101 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District
The Mud House is a high-volume cafe offering V60s, Chemex pour-overs, espresso drinks, cold brew and drip coffee. If you like to study at a place buzzing with energy, this place is ideal. The historic Cherokee neighborhood cafe serves a curated menu of coffee, tea and breakfast or lunch items like The Goat, a toasted sandwich of goat cheese, apricot preserves and greens.
Living Room
2808 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood
A variety of hand-brewed java by Arthouse Coffees are available in handcrafted ceramic mugs made by a local artist. Expect three origins of coffee on hand that were all roasted in-house along with a menu of from-scratch scones, cookies, quiche and more breakfast and lunch items.
Park Avenue Coffee
Multiple locations, parkavenuecoffee.com
A comforting atmosphere and the flavorful small batch, air-roasted brews make this spot worth a visit. Plus, the company also makes more than 76 types of St. Louis’ dessert staple—the gooey butter cake.
What are some of your favorite coffee shops in St. Louis? Did you try one of our recommendations? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @mobaptistu.
