21st Street Coffee And Tea

This was my first time visiting this store and I must say that I like it! The staff were friendly and helpful! There is a limited menu but the staff were more than ready to share their suggestions for what to try as it was my first visit! The coffee aroma in the air and the cafe vibe had my taste buds tingling. I ended up getting the iced mocha made with chocolate milk! Oh my goodness was it delicious! It was the perfect blend of coffee sweetness. The only downfall for me is that the prices are a little high for the size of the cup that you get, especially with tons of other competitiors around town! I may be returning for a treat every now and then!

It’s been awhile since I got coffee here but I remember waiting a long time due to the unusual brewing method and then being told that I should try my coffee first without cream “and if you still think it needs cream, I will let you use the milk”. This approach is well-intentioned but ripe with possibilty for misunderstanding and offense when you are using it on an edgy, caffiene-addicted clientele who have just waited an unusual amount of time for their morning coffee. Alas, I tasted it and to my unsophisticated palette, it tasted like McDonald’s coffee. So I requested cream and felt like the barista was disappointed in me. It’s likely this place has changed its’ approach since I last visited and I admire their passion for what they do so I give them five stars even if it isn’t for me.

The only place I found downtown to get a real cappuccino. It's adorable but hidden down a courtyard across from the CVS and noted only by a small square sign and some tables and chairs outside. They have homemade oat and almond milk as well; the oat I tried was very good, though I still prefer my real dairy, :) which I had another day and was even better. They have a selection of loose-leaf teas as well, which I always appreciate. Oddly, the chai was very sweet and looked like it came from a box. Another note: we went on the weekend and there were no fresh pastries (just packaged oats and bars), but on weekdays they have croissants, almond croissants, and pains au chocolat, which were excellent.

This literal hole-in-the-wall cafe is one of Pittsburgh's bright hidden gems. As a former Seattle-area native, I have an appreciation for--and certain loyalty to--the Starbucks brand. That said, 21st Street Coffee blows them out of the water. It is a little more expensive than a chain coffee shop, and portion sizes are smaller. As far as I can tell, this is because they are more concerned with the quality of your coffee experience than the volume of coffee they serve. And boy, do they deliver. My first visit, I had a simple cup of coffee: it was fruity and complex, hot but not scalding, and easily some of the best coffee I've ever had. My second visit, I had a cappuccino. This is an *actual* cappuccino, not the cinnamon-flavored sugar punch you get some places. The perfect combination of foamed milk and espresso, coming together in a flavor profile like an ultra-dark chocolate bar. The baristas are friendly and skilled, and the shop is cozy. This will definitely become my go-to downtown coffee stop. My only disappointment: I rarely have enough time to sit and stay awhile.