Cafe Astoria

As we are coming out of our cocoons and venturing back to a semblance of our former realities, everyone is at different points on the comfort scale. Maybe you are not ready for the full sit-down dinner experience? I know I have been hoping for even a lunch out with a friend and am finding limited options. We seem to have grown more comfortable with grab and go. But I am guessing I am not the only one craving a corner nook with a cup of coffee and a picture window to escape the four walls of home quarantine. Just a stack of magazines and a little bit of time to shake it up a bit.

Cafe Astoria in St Paul is that perfect pick-me-up whenever you are ready. I have not been there in over a year. But in the next week, when the temperature rises out of the single digits, it is a reassuring outing. For starters, it is in the most hidden corner of downtown St Paul on 7th Street. Just beyond the madness of the Excel Center and quietly nestled a few blocks from Irvine Park. It is a turn of the century brick store front in a triangle block dwarfed by 7th and Grand. Something you would stumble upon in the Village in NYC. A place about serenity and nearly nothing about being seen. 

But their incredible exotica is the craft of their drinks. Yes there are the token baked goods, oatmeal and huge selection of crepes. But they are merely filler to the works that come out of the espresso machine.

Let's start with the regular coffee menu. Of course Cafe au Lait, White Chocolate Mocha and a Matcha Latte. But I bet you weren't expecting a detour like an Espresso Banana Chocolate. From there, things only progress to more decadent. Maybe a Creme Brulee with caramel and vanilla. Or a Bee Sting with wildflower honey, bee pollen and chili! Or Leah's Happy Place with matcha, lavender and pistachio!! These aren't even the specialty drinks. Imagine Rainbow Lattes, Candy Cane, Pumpkin, or another 6 options. They come with a price tag, but I think if people are willing to shell out for craft beer and designer cocktails, custom coffee is worth the extravagance as well.

Check out their Instagram page and plan an AM or early afternoon rendezvous with a corner table and some Me-Time.

Cafe Astoria/ St Paul