St. James Coffee — Restaurant in Rochester

This place is a non-profit coffee house, connected with the Catholic St. James Church that is practically next door. It is very Catholic. I am not Catholic. It does not bother me, but they do things like live stream an online radio show from there a few days a week in the morning, for example. At least most of the staff are literally volunteers who all go to the same church. The atmosphere was wonderful, honestly: like a huge, welcoming sitting room/parlor in someone's house. A variety of seating choices: there's games in one corner, there's stuff for little kids to play with on another shelf, and places to sit that are kind of around the corner from the main area, if you want to feel more private. I saw people there typing on computers, I saw moms with young children chatting while their children played, and I caught the end of a live stream about parenting young adults (I think). Caring people, all talking to each other; a lot of God talk, but if that doesn't bother you, then this is the place for you! The coffee was excellent, most of the baked goods come from a variety of local stores or small Bakers and they have a huge variety of drinks, both hot and cold. I am definitely...

There's an old idea that's been floating around for a while that sparked the idea of an American Shopping Mall. This idea was called a "Third Place", a space separate from Work and Home where consumers can feel comfortable and send time with one another. Specifically, a space without the responsibility of cleaning or prepping a time in the home, and without the pressure of work tasks splitting people's attention and priorities. Nowadays, this role is not filled by the dying outlet mall but the thriving coffee shop industry.

St. James is a Catholic coffee shop and they beautifully display this without shame. I would absolutely recommend this as a STAPLE Rochester, MN "Third Place" for its loving and friendly patrons and staff. One can also volunteer there if they so please, which makes for a great early work experience!

Wonderful...

This is a great place to relax and have a cup of coffee.

Update: July 6th, 2022

It's #coffee time! I ordered St. Dominic's black and white which means it's coffee with black and white syrup (or flavor anyway.) I don't care for the whipped cream. For whatever reason it seems a bit on the hard side. But the actual coffee is oh so good!

Update: 3-27-23 I ordered St. Dominic's Black & white mocha and everything was good!

Update: 11-22-23 Very good. I keep forgetting to ask for light whip, but the temperature was perfect and flavor delicious.

Update: 11-27-24 I have found I like espresso, so I ordered a breve. It was very good.

Update: 7-9-24 Tried something new today. Regular coffee with a little milk and vanilla. Have to try again sometime. Too much milk and couldn't taste...