Northwest Coffee Roasting — Restaurant in St. Louis

I would often frequent this place given them being a small black owned business and have a good cup of joe.

But I had an experience recently that made me re-think ever returning. The staff yelled at an individual experiencing homelessness who was asking folks for money, “No No No, Leave my customers alone. Get out of here” (something of this sort). I understand that being a business there is a fine line here - but there were many other ways that this could have been handled, from pulling this individual aside and having a conversation to offering them coffee or a pastry (as many other shops do, like rise coffee in the grove). Yet, I found the yelling to be undignifying and it led to a harsh interaction between staff and this individual. As a business that sits close to mental health agencies like independence center, there are an array of opportunities for them to understand unhoused or mentally ill folx rather than be so overtly unwelcoming. When we don’t understand, we can seek to understand. Or when we worry that these populations could affect business, you can still seek to acknowledge the human being rather than yell at them.

During this same time at this shop, I realized that their pastries came from Costco as the employee was putting out pastries from a Kirkland box. It’s one thing to utilize pastries from another business, but the up charge on these is really high and I just don’t think this is acceptable. Perhaps, this was a one off and they ran out that day, but I’ve noticed the same pastries regularly.

I thought for a month or so before posting this review because I don’t want to discount a local business, but I just want folx to know that there are other coffee businesses who also have unhoused folks come in and they are given food and coffee and treated with dignity and there are places who homemake their pastries & are not price gouging from Kirkland.

I am open to returning If this business seeks to reframe the way in which they treat unhoused folks. I just cannot ethically return until a change occurs....

Nestled within a residential area, Northwest Coffee Shop beckons coffee enthusiasts with the promise of a satisfying cup and a delightful bite. Stepping inside, you're greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee, inviting you to explore their diverse selection.

A particular highlight emerges in their breakfast wraps. These aren't your average breakfast wraps; Northwest Coffee offers a rotating menu of burrito creations, ensuring a delightful surprise with each visit. Imagine fluffy tortillas enveloping savory fillings – a symphony of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

The cafe caters to both sun seekers and those seeking a more intimate setting. Indoor seating offers a cozy haven to savor your coffee and breakfast, while an outdoor patio provides a chance to soak up the fresh air. However, a caveat for the outdoor enthusiast: during the height of summer, the lack of shade umbrellas on the patio might make for a toasty experience.

Finding parking can be a minor hurdle. Street parking is available in the residential area, but during busy mornings, spots might be scarce. Be prepared to walk a short distance if you visit during peak hours.

Despite the potential parking challenge and the occasional lack of shade in the summer, Northwest Coffee Shop offers a compelling proposition. Their delicious coffee, creative breakfast burritos, and dual indoor-outdoor seating options make it a worthwhile destination. Just be sure to bring a hat or sunglasses if you plan to enjoy your burrito on the patio during a...

Decent coffee shop tucked into a quiet segment of Laclede in the CWE. Google describes it as 'hip', which is kind of a stretch. Northwest feels stuck somewhere between second-wave (e.g. Starbucks, Peet's) and third-wave (e.g. the bearded-skull place in Soulard). If lattes and mochas are your thing, you'll probably be happy. If single-origin pourovers are your jam, there are better roasters around.

The staff are friendly but usually seem a bit clueless about the beans they carry or any new ones that might be coming soon. They probably won't be able to talk to you about the process or flavor of whatever bean you're interested in other than to read to you whatever is on the bag. My point is they won't have a personal opinion about any of the beans from their own experience. They may serve your coffee in an oversized paper cup, even if you ordered 'for here'.

I kept giving the place a chance because of the easygoing garden-like vibe, even if the inside seems a bit unfinished and uncomfortable at times. (Also, who are the owners? Is he/she/they ever around the shop? The shop never feels like there's anyone really in charge.) But last time, when I ordered a pourover, they were out of pourover filters. Huh? That was it for me. This is not a place for coffee enthusiasts. But if you're in the area and are looking for an ordinary latte on a cute patio, stop on...