There aren’t too many coffee shops in walking distance from SLU, and this hidden gem is hard to notice for some because it is laid back on Laclede. Northwest roasts all coffee in house, has some great employees, and a wide variety of coffee, tea, and snacks that are all local. If that didn’t get you dreaming of a good cup of joe, hopefully these 7 reasons will.

It’s local

Coffee

Photo by Colleen Daly

Therefore, you are not only supporting that business, but the grower, the economy, and small businesses everywhere. Local will taste better because of it’s higher quality and the amount of time and effort put into it. You know exactly where local is coming. Check out why you should ditch brand names here.

Great staff

Coffee

Photo by Colleen Daly

Not only was the owner so generous with shots of espresso on the house when we picked up the coffee (that he was already donating for free), but he was so intelligent about everything coffee. This will be your go to spot to find your inner, coffee-loving hipster, or just to get a better tasting cup of joe while studying.

They roast the coffee in house

Coffee

Photo courtesy of Northwest Roasting Company

They house roast everything right there and you can even watch them do it. You will know that your coffee beans aren’t being burnt and that your coffee will be as fresh as possible. You may even start drinking it black (like a real coffee drinker) because of how good the quality is.

They have killer (and healthy) smoothies

Coffee

Photo courtesy of WeEatStuffSTL.com

If you’re not the biggest coffee drinker, they have an option for you too. They offer different sizes ranging between $4.25 to $5.45. They make them from real fresh ingredients including yogurt, fresh juice, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana and pineapple, and more. So skip the fruity Frappacino, and try one of these instead.

They Accept Billiken Bucks

Coffee

Photo by Colleen Daly

Not many places offer Billiken Bucks or give you a reason to purchase them, but now is your chance. This is a perfect reason to load your card up and spend them on a quality cup of coffee and treat yourself.

After SLU students tasted their coffee on campus and gave great feedback, you definitely need to try it out.