Café Artista — Restaurant in Moscow

I remember when this location was Sister's Brew and it was hands down the best coffee place in town. I could spend hours there and always felt welcome. The atmosphere has completely changed and over the last year I have gone to Cafe Artista on several occasions hoping this visit would be better than the last. Unfortunately I have yet to be impressed.

As far as selection goes, this place has an AMAZING selection of food and drink. However, where their selection is vast the prices are beyond steep and the quality is hit or miss. I understand that local businesses have higher costs than chains but when the cost for a dirty chai is over a dollar more expensive than any of the surrounding coffee shops, something is wrong. I bought two coffees last week and it was $12.00 before tip. Even Starbucks is not that expensive.

I think the real killer for me though is the service. I have never had a good experience as far as customer service at this location. Some of the baristas are shy and that's not a problem, but on numerous occasions I've come in to two baristas gossiping and have had to wait several seconds at the counter just for them to find a break in their conversation to order. No hello, no thank you, no cordial conversation, nothing and before I even finish paying they go back to gossiping over other co-workers or classmates where customers can hear. I have even had my workplace ridiculed to my face before they realized I worked there. I only even go to this location because I have a friend who has thankfully had better experiences than I have, and I like to treat her to coffee every now and then.

There are some positives, past the customer service and how expensive it is, the atmosphere is nice and calm. This is a good place to study or just to relax and sip on a cup of joe. I love the featured artwork and crafts from local artists and craftsman. The meeting room is also a wonderful perk for professionals in the area and is easy to reserve. I wont give it a one star because I know others who have had better experiences, I do hope that the owner and management will take what I've said into account though...

Café Artista is a cozy, welcoming place where coffee and art meet. A true example for small business, Café Artista is family-run by Bev and Lisa Bafus. Not only do they serve locally-roasted coffee, they also make most of their pastries and food items in-house and with love. Their breakfast sandwiches are made from scratch and held between utterly delicious, wonderfully flaky biscuits from a recipe passed down from Lisa’s great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth Baer.

Café Artista is not a cookie-cutter coffee shop. It's a place that wears their hearts on their sleeves. This is a lively place where community members, university students, and traveling folk converge to co-exist in a creative and welcoming space while enjoying a deliciously prepared cup (or two) of coffee. What makes Café Artista so special, besides their humble roots, is that they are a wonderful advocate for their community. They provide a space for local artists and craftspeople to publicly display their work and give them a place to sell their creations. Not only are they a strong source of local advocacy, they also use their platform as a small business to support causes that affect people regionally, nationwide, and globally.

After a brief closure due to COVID, Café Artista opened back up for walk-up and curbside take-out. They’ve recently remodeled their interior space to further improve their dine-in experience while ensuring the comfort and safety of their customers. The food and drinks are some of my favorite in town, but the kindness of the folks over at Artista is 90% of why I continue to support their...

Café Artista in Moscow is truly a gem, and it's become a regular stop for me whenever I'm in town. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a wonderfully lit space that's whimsically decorated, offering an abundance of comfortable seating options – whether you prefer a window seat, a table, or sinking into their cozy sofas and chairs. What truly sets this cafe apart, besides its inviting atmosphere, are the incredibly good prices. Seriously, you won't believe the value, especially for Loves Kombucha growler refills – it's an absolute steal! And if you have a sweet tooth, prepare to be delighted; their baked goods are consistently delectable. But what really impressed me and speaks volumes about their community-minded spirit is a fantastic offering I discovered in the bathroom. They have a cabinet with clearly labeled drawers for "DIAPERS," "FEMININE" products, and what appears to be "FIRST AID" items, accompanied by a sign that simply says, "Please Take What You Need From Drawers." This thoughtful touch is just another example of how Café Artista goes above and beyond for its patrons. If you're looking for a cafe with great coffee, a charming ambiance, delicious treats, fantastic prices, and a heartwarming commitment to its community, look no further than Café Artista....