Tag: coffee-shops

Posted in News and Features

Get Caffeinated at Riverbend Coffee in St. Clair

Posted on by Amanda

Whether you live in or nearby St. Clair, or you’re just passing through, and you find, as I often do, that you’re jonesing for some caffeine, stop into Riverbend Coffee, located on Main Street. Although I’m partial to coffee, which is offered in traditional drip, as a latte hot or iced and cold brew at the shop, they also serve lotus drinks in a number of flavors and teas for those non-coffee drinkers.

I typically stick to ordering an iced latte (salted caramel + white chocolate), but when I like to switch up my flavors because of the season (white chocolate + peppermint in winter, obvi) or I’m just feeling adventurous, the shop has a great selection of syrups to choose from. And, if I want to watch my sugar intake, I can still have my little treat, because there’s also a number of sugar-free flavors available.

I’m a sucker for an iced latte, and I love that Riverbend has a lot of flavors to choose from. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Many of the food selections rotate, since most items are made fresh in house. The options range from pastries and smaller bites, like sweet or savory scones, yummy cakes like gooey butter or carrot cake, and the unique gravy-stuffed biscuits, which are not available all the time, but are delicious and served warm, filled with a rich, creamy sausage gravy. There’s also breakfast sandwiches, and lunch offerings like sandwiches, salads, and soups.

There’s plenty of seating inside and strong wifi if you want to get some work done after you enjoy your beverage or food. The seating is a mix of tables and soft seating. And, if you choose to take your item to go, take note of the interior decor while you wait for your order. The decor centers around nature and life near the water, with landscape photography throughout the space of the Meramec River.

The Socialite recommends Riverbend Coffee!

The details:
35 North Main Street, St. Clair
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Posted in News and Features

Work, Dine, Or Just Hang Out at BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair

Posted on by Amanda

As a writer, I’m always looking for places to work. I typically do my writing from home, but from time to time, getting out and working somewhere else can really help get the creativity flowing. Although I love my public libraries, as a coffeeholic, when I find a place with good wifi, spacious tables with lots of electrical outlets, and good coffee? I’m all about it.

BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair offers a spacious interior with a blend of table styles, two-and-four top tables perfect for meeting a friend or two, or for setting up your laptop to squeeze in a little work. For groups, there’s a long table in the main dining area and a couple of nooks with couches and chairs that make for a slightly cozier experience. And, there’s also a drive-thru so guests can get their breakfast and drink orders quickly.

Although there’s ample space for gathering, the caffeinated beverage selections are likely the real reason many people visit a coffee shop. You’ll find a number of different ways to enjoy your java here, with offerings ranging from the classic drip style, to cold brew and hot or iced lattes.

In terms of lattes, there’s several standard syrup flavors, think caramel and vanilla, along with sugar-free options, and BB Coffee Lab typically features a weekly drink special often made with seasonal flavors. Depending on the time of year, and my mood, I usually opt for an iced caramel latte (sugar-free when I’m being good) or a drip coffee, which I find has a pleasantly robust flavor, and I add cream and stevia. Can I just add how much I LOVE that they offer stevia packets, since many places stick with those pink and blue packets that we all know aren’t the best for us.

Non-coffee drinkers rejoice! The drink menu is extensive and features hot and cold options including matcha and chai, along with smoothies and energy drinks.

On the food side, my favorite breakfast order is the Mediterranean breakfast burrito, filled with eggs, spinach, feta, red onion and a delicious aioli, that comes with a side of fruit. There’s also other breakfast options, including bagels, pastries, avocado toast, a loaded breakfast burrito, and breakfast sandwiches.

Breakfast burrito, iced coffee, and jar of fruit on a metal tray
Mediterranean breakfast burrito. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

For lunch, there’s salads, my favorite is the chicken Caesar, there’s also sandwiches and wraps, plus a rotating soup option. I personally love the loaded baked potato soup during soup season.

The Socialite recommends BB Coffee Lab!

The details:
335 N. Commercial Ave., St. Clair
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Posted in News and Features

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Little Ireland Coffee in Pacific

Posted on by Amanda

If you’re looking for a place to get your caffeine fix in Pacific, stop by Little Ireland Coffee. This adorable coffee shop features lots of windows to let in natural light, ample seating, a cozy nook at the back of the shop that has soft seating options as well as high-top tables perfect for group or solo work, book clubs, and study groups.

Although the shop offers a fair selection of teas and other drinks, I’m all about coffee. Here, and at all coffee shops, I typically get an iced latte, unless it’s really cold out. And the shop serves Park Avenue Coffee Roasters beans, which is one of my favorite regional coffee roasters as I find the flavor of their coffee to be smooth and never bitter.

Iced and hot lattes and a cinnamon roll. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

In addition to the drinks and the welcoming atmosphere at the coffee shop, I often like to treat myself to a little something to go along with my latte. One of my favorites are the cinnamon rolls, which are everything you want in such a treat: sweet, soft, and gooey, especially when you ask the barista to warm it slightly before serving.

Video credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The cozy nook near the back of the coffee shop features a soft seating area.

There’s also a selection of pastries, muffins, scones, and cookies. If you’re looking for something a bit more filling, the shop offers a number of breakfast burritos, bagels, egg bites, and biscuits and gravy. And if you want to indulge a little, but still stay on track with your protein and healthy eating goals, pronuts, or protein donuts, which are made by The Kind Kitchen, are often available at Little Ireland Coffee.

The Socialite recommends Little Ireland Coffee!

The details:
125 N. 1st St., Pacific, MO.
littleirelandcoffeeshop.com
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