For college students, there are few places more sacred than the coveted, right-off-campus coffee shop. From cramming for finals, to job interviews, to first dates, that coffee shop can serve as a solace from the bubble of campus and stress of a library. As a Saint Louis University junior, I am happy to say that I’ve made the most of all that our urban backyard has to offer.
So it goes, a non-exhaustive list of local digs with great coffee and even better vibes.
#1: Fiddlehead Fern
Fiddlehead Fern, a cafe in the Shaw neighborhood, is a fresh, minimalist coffee shop with plenty of seating and delicious coffees and teas. Pastries are baked in-house daily, along with some great salads and specialty toasts. Their menu includes seasonal specialty lattes, rainbow tea lattes, house-made juice and cocktails. The Sweet Honey Bee latte is my personal favorite, a perfect mix of sweet honey and rich espresso. With an expansive open kitchen and coffee bar, this is a great spot for studying, meeting up with friends or spending a Saturday afternoon enjoying delicious fare.
#2: Rise Coffee
Rise Coffee is on a mission to create a space centered on inclusivity and human connection. A hub of art, community and social justice, Rise Coffee is a staple to The Grove’s lively and accepting atmosphere, with everyone from families, students and professionals flocking to gather, share and collaborate. With indoor and outdoor seating available, customers can enjoy scones, pastries, traditional breakfast delights and more. Specialty lattes and teas flow through a vibrant, bohemian ambience, with accompanying murals and artwork to set a mood of empowerment and belonging.
#3: Songbird STL
Songbird is another spot in The Grove’s extensive cafe network. Customers can enjoy amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries with specialty Sump coffee brewed daily. Songbird is centered on farm fresh eggs, cheese and vegetables, which is evident in every delicious bite. Highly rated among many customers, the Songbird team truly knows how to go above and beyond on simple breakfast fare. This is a great spot to have brunch with friends, or grab a sandwich for a picnic in neighboring Tower Grove Park.
#4: Blueprint Coffee
Blueprint Coffee is ranked among the favorites of many, serving delicious coffee in various St. Louis neighborhoods. Blueprint Coffee is both science and people focused ecosystem that highlights the importance of precision and transparency at every point in coffee sourcing, roasting, brewing and sharing. For true coffee connoisseurs, Blueprint Coffee offers various courses to deepen attendees’ understanding of types of beans, roasting processes, collaboration with international farmers, latte art and espresso extraction. In addition to ethical business practice, Blueprint Coffee maintains a lively, eclectic, urban ambience within their cafes, serving as a great place to catch up with friends or study for exams. Serving everyone from families to students, Blueprint Coffee is a staple to coffee lovers everywhere.
#5: Northwest Coffee Roasting Company
Steps away from SLU’s campus sits Northwest Coffee Roasting Company, a roasting facility and cafe specializing in sourcing fresh coffee beans from all over the world. Northwest Coffee Roasting Co. is dedicated to creating a community haven of conversation, change and solidarity. Northwest maintains a culture of artisanal excellence with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a large outdoor patio, Northwest is a great spot to enjoy sunny weather and meet other SLU students over fresh, light pastries and specialty espresso drinks.