Kaldi’s Coffeehouse

by Jesse Gernigin

Every major city has a place where it seems the bustle of life fails to penetrate. In St. Louis that place is Kaldi’s Coffeehouse.

To get there you must leave the main streets and journey north off of Clayton Road until you find yourself surrounded by trees and old buildings. To your left perched on a hill you will find Concordia seminary peering down on you. On your right you’ll pass Sashas and then Frank’s on Main, finally finding yourself at Kaldi’s (there’s a map below, in case these directions are too vague).

It is situated on a corner across the street from a grade school which, during the school year, fills the coffeehouse with energetic kids and patient parents. Kaldi’s is an amazing coffeehouse, with three inside rooms and a large outside seating area that wraps around the building.
Kaldi’s, for those of you not in the know, is one of those great coffeehouses that roasts its own beans. Kaldi’s not only roasts its own beans, but also deals in a wide variety of Fair Trade Certified organic beans.

Kaldi’s also serves vegetarian fare ranging from burritos and nachos to hummus and paninis. Over the years I have tried all of the things on Kaldi’s menu (except for new soups that are rotated in if the cooks feel the urge) and I recommend the Greek Pita. It is an amazing amalgamation of simple yet concise flavors that, although served warm, seem to sit cool in the mouth on the hottest summer days. If you happen to find yourself there before 11 am, also be sure check out their breakfast menu and help yourself to a breakfast burrito. They’re amazing.

Kaldi’s also serves the usual coffeeshop fare we have come to expect since Starbucks sloshed onto the scene. You can find everything from smoothies, blended drinks, and some amazing teas. Although I am not a fan of sweet things, I often find myself fighting the urge to get the Mayan Mocha on ice.If you don’t mind new obessions I suggest checking it out.

All this said, even if Kaldi’s was only a place where they sold water from the tap, I would suggest going there. Kaldi’s location on Demun is absolutely one of my favorite spots to go and sit and watch the every day comings and goings of young and old folks in St. Louis, students (both foreign and domestic) and dog walkers of every breed.

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