Ethio Coffee — Restaurant in Maryland Heights

Oh Ethiocoffee, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1. The customer service gives the "small town coffee shop" vibe, and I'm here for it. Come in from the bustle of American suburbia and enter into a quieter global ambience.

2. Ever tasted something so delicious that it permanently ruins the alternatives for you? That's the best way I can explain how I feel when I get a sweetened Ethiopian macchiato. I have spent an ungodly amount of money on the Seattle-brand-who-shall-not-be-named, and it now tastes like sweetened dirt to me in comparison to that sweet, divinity incarnate which is the Ethiopian macchiato!

3. The ful... oh, the ful! I had never heard of "ful" until I stopped in for breakfast one day a couple years back. They serve it daily for breakfast, except Sundays, and it literally is the perfect protein-packed start to my day. Flavorful, more than enough to share, and I recommend getting extra pita bread when sharing!

4. It is woman-owned and owner-operated. I had no idea that my favorite barista was the owner until one day another worker let me know when I was discussing ownership. She is the sweetest woman, truly cares about her customers, and her smile is contagious.

The only thing that I hope they implement is an online ordering system. If I could place my order ahead of time and be able to run in and out, I'd have my...

I love exploring and supporting unique locally owned cafes. I came to Ethio to grab a bite to eat before work. The egg croissant I got was yummy. However, about as soon as I finished eating and was planning on doing a little work, one of the employees/ owners, started heating up some kind of coal/ incense on a burner in the middle of the room. As I understand from other reviews, they will sometimes roast coffee on an open burner. I’ve roasted coffee and I know what it smells like (hard to mistake that smell), and this was not coffee roasting. Within a few minutes, the whole cafe was in a haze of smoke. 6 other patrons and I stepped out to get fresh air.

Now, this is not a comment on any kind of cultural practice, and I don’t know if that’s what this is. In fact I enjoy seeing others be able to freely do their cultural practices. At the same time, there’s a reason smoking of any form is not allowed at most indoor businesses. Most people do not want to sit somewhere they paid to be while inhaling a bunch of caustic smoke against their consent. Again, I reiterate, everyone should be able and encouraged to do whatever cultural practice they want, it’s just a bit confusing that the owner/ employees would do this when they see multiple patrons leaving as soon as they...

Stopped in today to grab some “go-go” juice. It has been on my radar, glad I was able to finally make it happen.

Walking in the door you are hit with the deep comforting smell of roasting coffee. They roast on-site. The menu is full of fun titles like “zebra mocha, Milky Way, red bone mocha” along with the normal go-to of macchiato and espresso. There are frozen and non coffee drinks offered too.

I ordered the red bone mocha latte and the Milky Way. The Milky Way was for my niece. The red bone had raspberry and chocolate. The flavor was there, but not over powering, the coffee was very smooth. It did not have the bitter bite to it you sometimes end up with in some chain coffee shops.

They have coffee for sale. Plenty of seating to meet up with friends, do some work, or have a date - they also have outdoor options. It is tucked into a strip mall with an Aldi’s in the same parking lot; you can grab groceries and have a great latte to enjoy at the same time.

Friendly staff. I was eyeing the pastries available but opted not to try one at this time. Looking at the menu they have several options available for breakfast sandwiches - a reason to definitely visit again, though the coffee is good enough to make it a “come again” location on my...