Amore Coffee — Restaurant in West St. Paul

Final update, not amending or changing anything, just something interesting: One of the people I have introduced to Amoré (I met with them here about 8 months ago, and they had not visited before - they used to be a "Starbucks person" apparently) told me last week that they now patronize the coffee shop three times per week at least, and come here preferentially whenever they are on this side of the river. I just thought that was nice.

Update: It might just be the fact that I am a creature of habit, or it might be that I have literally NEVER had a subpar experience here, but I am amending my earlier review: rather than just being in the top three of Twin Cities coffee shops, I would now place it at the very top of the list. Their creativity in specialized drinks is unmatched and there's nobody with better service. Much love to my other top places, but Amorè has secured the #1 spot.

what follows is my original review:

This is the best coffee shop in the southern side of Saint Paul and one of the top three in the entire Twin Cities. I got a Breve which was one of the most excellent ones I have had in years, and I also got a vegetarian quiche which came with two small slices of toasted French bread and a pat of butter; the quiche was good enough that I could easily see myself eating several.

I'd not been in years but Amore is just as good as I remember, and my growth in my ability to appreciate different qualities of coffee makes it even more evident what a treasure this place is in the community. I walk here at least once or twice a month just because I enjoy the establishment, and whenever I need to meet up with someone but not at my apartment, this is where I choose (especially over something like Starbucks). Not just because I oppose the homogenization of modern society, and because I always try to support small businesses when possible, but because it's genuinely the best public location nearby to meet up with someone. As in my earlier review, the coffee is roasted in house, extremely high quality , the drinks (like lattes, cappuccinos, con miél, etc) are expertly prepared, and there's a lot of good food - not in the variety or volume of a café, but that's an advantage rather than a problem. Amoré is a coffee shop, not a restaurant. I am actually going this afternoon, so I'll take a few pictures. (Pictures...

My absolute favorite little corner coffee shop. More than a "mere" coffee shop, really, it feels like the community campfire around which people gather to socialize, tell their stories, listen to music, and forge relationships. I have made many friends at Amore Coffee by striking up conversation with people. Everyone is so chill. I'm on first-name basis with at least half the staff (who are always warm and friendly), and know the new owner (Tara) pretty well - I can't think of anyone better to have taking up the mantle of running the place. I constantly see people in there having various gatherings - friends catching up, students working on homework together, book clubs, business meetings, Bible studies, etc. Very welcoming place - I've run into all sorts of people there, and had all sorts of fascinating conversations (yes, even about politics), and everyone was always super cool about it. Both of the inside and the outside of the place are always very clean. I get the sense that everyone who is working there actually enjoys being there. They have all sorts of various classes, community events, and nearly weekly free music (check the chalkboard calendar up front, and the free to use bulletin board in the back across from the bathrooms) very reasonably priced They always serve the mocha to just the perfect temperature for immediate drinking. 😍👌 drinks come in a "for here" or "to go" format they can do all sorts of custom orders, feel free to ask If you go there regularly, make sure to ask about getting the Amore card, because you get a slight discount with it. There is free Wi-Fi, but make sure to ask for the password, because it changes every week. 2 single occupancy unisex bathrooms, always kept in pristine condition a collection of free to use board games, decks of cards, and coloring books to keep yourself and the kids occupied trivia question of the day, if you get it right, you win a mint chocolate usually a collection of interesting artwork on the wall, that changes every once in a while can reserve tables at no charge electric outlets near most of the tables for charging electronic devices comfy chairs near the front, with a nice view of the intersection free parking...

I booked Amore for a private event over the weekend and the space was absolutely PERFECT for the vibe we were going for. The owner, Tara, was there for anything and everything I needed. That woman can read minds (and hearts), I swear. She noticed little details such as I needed serving utensils and spoons and provided me with them, placing beverages out in a container that fit the vibe SO MUCH better than my cooler did, grabbing a random bandaid that someone needed and batteries that I had forgotten. She was amazing and knew what she was doing every step of the way. She accommodated a birthday playlist (yeay Spotify is working! ;)) and danced flawlessly with the vibe of the various moods and the moments that unfolded during our time there. She turned up the music if she noticed favorite songs that sparked spontaneous dance parties, turned it down or off when needed, for speaking moments or violin solos - she was there not ever missing a beat. Our event was a huge success and the owner was a KEY part of that. When it was time for cake and candles, she turned off the music and dimmed the lights after I had the candles lit. She is the most aware person I have ever planned and executed a successful event/party with. It was a lot of fun having her by my side. If you are looking for a wonderful local place for your next private party or event, do yourself a favor and consider Amore. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and we added to the energy of love (Amore!) over the weekend. I would 100% book a party there again. Tara, along with my teens' amazing friends, even helped make sure we were all set and set up in preparation for the arrival of the guests of honor. We all whirled together to get the decorating and event set up in a short timeline. It was a surprise party for my twins 16th birthday. It was a magical evening, one that we will be reflecting on and talking about for years to come. Life is brief. Book the party, create the magic and moments and love your people as big and as real as you can. People, Presence and Love (and half sweet oat milk Viennas)...that's what life is all about. ❤️ Thank you Tara 💝Amore💝 for the magical and...