There are a lot of great places to get a good cup of coffee in the St. Louis region. But not every shop is suited for those who want to sit and stay awhile. The next time you’re looking to do some work outside the office, consider one of these local coffee shops. Not only are the drinks tasty, you’ll also find plenty of space to sit and focus on that task you’ve been meaning to tackle.
You’ll find Blueprint coffee beans brewed in shops and restaurants across the region. For a rewarding sit-down experience, check out its unique shop in South City. Located in the former Reliable Brake Service garage, the space features plenty of seating packed into its modest space. During warmer months, the back patio area is a great place to break out the laptop while enjoying a cool breeze. In addition to its expansive coffee offerings, Blueprint also features a small food menu with a rotating list of items. 314-266-6808, 206 Watson.
Grab a bite to eat and a hot (or cold!) cup of coffee at this Maplewood hot spot. After expanding into the former Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions butcher shop a few years ago, Living Room has been able to serve significantly more guests in its remodeled space. That means more seating inside and on the shop’s parking lot patio. Living Room is a great choice for a coffee meeting, or an hour or so of focus time with your computer. 314-899-0173, 2810 Sutton.
St. Louis has so few coffee shops that stay open into the evening. However, this South Grand mainstay serves customers until 8 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There are tables for guests on the first floor, back patio, and upstairs, where there are several spaces ideal for concentrating. Keep in mind that Gelateria reserves the first level for diners on weekend evenings. 314-776-3500, 3197 S. Grand.
This Blueprint shop in Grand Center was developened to be a welcoming space for St. Louis’ literary arts community, as well as those who simply want something delicious to eat or drink. Order a refreshment in the 1,500-square-foot café, focus on some work, and then browse the library and gallery areas that fill the building’s perimeter. 314-533-0367, 3301 Washington.
Since opening last summer, Quarrelsome has been a welcome addition to the Central West End scene. It features ample seating in its main dining area, on its patio, and in an adjacent room toward the south end of the building. Although seats can fill up rather quickly, especially while classes are in session at nearby Saint Louis University, stop by during the afternoon for a post-lunch pick-me-up and tend to some work in Quarrelsome’s beautifully designed space. 314-260-9008, 33 N. Sarah.
This homey shop in Kirkwood offers drinks for all tastes in a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Grab a seat inside or outside while finishing some work, meeting with friends and colleagues, or simply enjoying some focus time. 314-394-0099, 132 W. Monroe.
Coffee with a side of…bike tires? Yes, this bike shop in Tower Grove South doubles as a neighborhood coffee shop that’s welcoming to cyclists and non-riders alike. Road Crew’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow for a flood of natural light, and there are plenty of seats and outlets to accommodate guests in need of a spot to post up for an hour or so. The welcoming staff also help make Road Crew feel like a home away from home. 314-282-0705, 3172 Morgan Ford.
You certainly won’t be the only guest crossing off some tasks at this coffee shop in University City. Located at TechArtista, Black Lab Coffee caters to a working crowd. The inviting, light-filled space feels like it was designed to help you focus on whatever needs to be done. Grab a seat at the centrally-located bar, or find a table. 314-288-7183, 725 Kingsland.
Sit down and relax at this library-themed coffee shop in the heart of Soulard. Not only does Protagonist serve delicious drinks in a comfortable environment, it’s also one of the few St. Louis shops that stays open late. Guests can enjoy a drink and finish some work at Protagonist until 7 p.m., seven days a week. 314-833-3085, 1700 S. 9th.
Located across the street from the Saint Louis Galleria, Coma has plenty of seats spread across its two levels. It serves coffee from its own roastery and has food options for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. Count it among the few coffee shops that are open into the evening, with posted hours until 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday. 314-250-1042, 1034 S. Brentwood.
