Good hot dogs are covered. But what about coffee? Indeed, it is a real challenge to find a place with the right atmosphere and good brews to boot. Ben raves about the once-was Soma’s, a joint up in NoCo that he frequented. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been around for a few years; thus, we are constantly on the hunt for places that are acceptable. Three stand out in my memory, and with good reason.
Kaldi’s is a favorite among a select group of kids from my school district. On finals nights, you can always find small groups huddled around tables and steaming mugs. This is the original Kaldi’s: located on DeMun, it offers an inviting and relaxed space for any and all people (who doesn’t love classical music?). Beware the morning rush! Kaldi’s is loved for more than its atmosphere. There are 4 different types of coffee offered, along with a wide assortment of other lattes and cappucinos and frappucinos. Ben and I can always agree on their chai latte, iced or not. The beautiful thing about Kaldi’s is that they offer a bottomless mug of their regular coffees, and for only $3, it’s worth it if you plan on spending some time there. When I don’t go there to study, I go there just to hang out, read, or watch people (there’s one guy who I always see there, and I enjoy inventing stories for him). Kaldi’s is open until 11 everyday but Sunday, automatically beating out Starbucks. Not to mention, Starbucks coffee is just not good. Kaldi’s is clearly the winner, every time. Especially their original location.
Meshuggah’s in the loop is another good choice. Also open until 11, they offer a very artsy atmosphere. The furniture is so mismatched that you feel like you’re in the apartment of a newly emancipated 18-year-old, but in a good way! The upstairs is definitely coveted, featuring a couch and some very comfortable chairs. Meshuggah’s is so chill that they let you pay on your way out. However, I don’t study here. They play good music-- a nice change of pace from the classical-- but it can be distracting. And generally, the hubbub is not so hushed. Meshuggah’s is the place to go have coffee with friends as a nice break from going on adventures in the loop. Ben highly recommends their espresso, and I’m a fan of their mochas. Either way, you can’t go wrong; I still prefer them over Starbucks, even if Starbucks is right down the street and has outdoor seating. Starbucks is coffee, incorporated, while Meshuggah’s is coffee so unincorporated that they’re allowed to do cool things that make them better. Major kudos.
Coffee Cartel emerges as our number 1 pick. Located on a busy corner in the CWE (central west end, for all the non-natives), the Cartel has outdoor seating year-round and a crowd 24/7. Perhaps it’s because they’re open 24/7. Ben and I can order pretty much anything on their menu without fear that we’ll be stuck with something we won’t like. The Cartel also has more affordable food options-- which we definitely take advantage of. They sell rice krispy blocks, big cookies, ice cream, brownies, and blondies, along with other snacky foods like pretzels and pizza. Coffee Cartel is friendly towards smokers and pool-players. Essentially, Coffee Cartel is the best place to hang out for young people looking for something to do (besides get drunk). The atmosphere may seem a bit sterile with the white walls and bright lights, but there are always people there. And there are always people outside, making the Cartel a wonderful place to people-watch. What really draws us in is our ability to waste time there without even realizing it. Grab something to do and a drink, and you could be gone for hours.
With all these great, local options for coffee, neither Ben nor I can understand why Starbucks locations around the 314 still get any business. We always take ours elsewhere.
Stay cool, St. Louis.
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