JS Bean Factory — Restaurant in Saint Paul

When my wife and I arrived at JS Bean Factory today, we parked in the neighborhood and hoped for the best with a crowded coffee shop. We snagged the smaller of two empty tables on the patio, and I headed inside to place my order.

The line of people waiting to order was nearly out the door, and a small group of folks were waiting for their drinks. I resigned myself to a long wait and pulled out a game on my phone. Before the level of my game loaded it was my turn to order. I ordered hot miel and the pastry with green stuff.

The miel was perfect from first sip to the last. The spinach and feta pastry was a bit dry and would have been improved by being warmed up a little, but it was, as Prue says, worth the calories at room temperature.

The area outside under the trees was dappled, breezy, and quiet. Unfortunately the smell of cigars wafted our way frequently. When we moved to a table under the roof near the door to escape the smoke and use an outlet, the conversations of everyone else under the roof were amplified, and I had trouble hearing my wife. As we were leaving, most of the patio tables were empty.

Next time we visit on a Saturday, we'll come a little later to have more chance of sitting upwind of any cigar afficionados also enjoying the great patio and coffee at JS...

I'm always on the hunt for the perfectly roasted bean, and J & S has been my consistent go to here in St. Paul. If you've decided to elevate your morning ritual beyond Folgers, then come here to pick up a pound or two of one of their wide variety of beans.

The pros: Fair prices for good coffee, ranging between $13-$17 (a lot of local roasters start at $15 and go up to $20). We get about ~35 cups out of a pound so you're looking at $.38 per cup. Good internet if you need a spot to get some work down out of the office. A few fun specialty coffees. Fantastic cold brew to take home in a growler. No matter how busy it is, you won't wait long for your order.

The cons: A good problem for them, but there are times when it gets really popular, and it can be hard to find a seat or get a little work done with peace and quiet. Their food options are limited and the baked goods aren't not always fresh.** UPDATE: Since I last had a baked good there, they started getting their baked goods from Brake Bread. Next time I'm in J & S, I'll try one and let update my review. Parking can be tricky if you aren't comfortable with parallel parking or...

Came to the Minneapolis/St Paul area for a family event, and decided to venture into the neighborhood to find a local coffee shop. When I drove up to JS Bean Factory and saw their outside patio, I knew this was the place. I read that they roasted their own beans, and could see the roastery in the second room which also has indoor seating. The outside patio is the spot to be, and it looks like a great many people know this.

I had a Cold Press with a splash of vanilla syrup, and I dare say I probably could've drank it without the syrup. The coffee is very good! I ended up getting a second drink, so I got one of the specialties called Mike's Bomb. (Cold Press, Dark Chocolate, & Cream) It was recommended by Dakota after I let him know it was my first time here, and I was deciding between drinks. Two words: Good Stuff!

Anyway, if you're in the Minny/Saint Paul area, you should definitely check out...