STL Coffee Shop Rankings Are In!

By: Addison Gainey, Senior Staff Writer

Are you in search of the perfect cup of coffee in St. Louis? What about a cute local shop with cozy vibes and a welcoming atmosphere? A good coffee shop should first, obviously, have delicious coffee. It should also have a good atmosphere, with homely and unique decor. Lastly, it should be surrounded by a vibrant community and have inviting people.

What coffee shop might meet all of these criteria? Over 15 local coffee shops in the St. Louis area were ranked for coffee, atmosphere, and people. However, not all coffee shops are built the same; some are better for a quick drink, while others are better for sitting down and studying. This article will go over the best coffee shops in STL, as well as give honorable mentions to some that are good for different occasions.

Best for Students:

Students are at the center of coffee shop culture. Cafes provide a great space to grab a drink, study, and catch up with friends. A good coffee shop for studying should have a large seating area, a quiet atmosphere, and delicious drinks. After comparing various STL coffee shops for the best study space, the winner is Kaldis, specifically the location by the entrance of Wash U. It has a large and welcoming study space. Its location next to a university means that it is set up for student life. If you are looking for a place to study, Kaldi’s has you covered.

Best Bakery:

While this is a coffee ranking, it is important to note that some people may be in search of the best bakery. Many people love to sit down with a good pastry to go along with their cup of coffee. It is important for these cafes to not only have good coffee, but also a delicious selection of baked goods. So, if you are looking for the best coffee shop bakery, Tous les Jours, in the Delmar Loop, is the way to go. They have a large array of fresh-baked french pastries, as well as a delicious coffee bar and gorgeous decor.

Best Overall:

Finally, the best overall coffee shop in STL should have delicious coffee, welcoming people, a cozy atmosphere, and a good community. After reviewing many places, it was determined that the best local coffee shop in St. Louis is Northwest. Located by the Bicilica, Northwest has exceptional coffee and welcoming people. The atmosphere is cozy, and unique, as there is also a place to buy plants within the shop. It is the perfect place to slow down and grab your favorite cup of coffee.

Many people like different shops, so what are some of the favorites of St. Joe students? Lorelei Stefanski, an SJA freshman, shares what her favorite local coffee shop is.

“My favorite local shop is Star Cafe because it is super close and they have fun seasonal drinks and I look forward to their refreshers in the summer,” said Lorelie.

Another student, Annabel Gainey, an SJA Senior, shares what her favorite local cafe is.

“I like Cafe Dolce because they have delectable seasonal drinks, as well as cozy vibes and a good area,” said Annabel.