Kaldi's Coffee is St. Louis's most significant specialty coffee company, operating as both a roaster and a multi-location café chain that has shaped the city's coffee culture since its founding. Named for the legendary Ethiopian goat herder credited with discovering coffee, Kaldi's roasts beans sourced from single-origin farms and cooperatives across Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, and other producing regions, applying a roasting approach that prioritizes origin character over uniform house-blend consistency. The De Mun Avenue location in the Clayton/Richmond Heights corridor is considered the most atmospheric of the company's St. Louis outposts: a warm, high-ceilinged space with ample natural light and the energy of a true neighborhood café anchor.
The coffee program at Kaldi's is the primary draw. Single-origin pour-overs, prepared to specialty coffee standards with careful attention to grind, water temperature, and extraction time, are the item that distinguishes Kaldi's from less focused café operations. The lavender latte — a house creation using house-made lavender syrup — has achieved local iconic status and is among the most ordered drinks on the menu. Iced Ethiopian pour-over preparations showcase the bright, fruit-forward character that makes Ethiopian natural process coffees such compelling cold-brew candidates. The espresso program offers the full range of espresso-based drinks alongside the filter and pour-over menu.
House-baked pastries, sourced from local St. Louis bakeries and prepared fresh daily, complement the beverage program. The café environment is designed for lingering: comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and an atmosphere that draws students, remote workers, and neighborhood regulars in equal measure. Multiple locations across St. Louis — including in the Central West End, Botanical Heights, and other neighborhoods — make Kaldi's a reliable option throughout the city. The company's commitment to traceable, ethically sourced coffee and its role in building St. Louis's specialty coffee community have made it a reference point for the city's food and beverage identity.
Signature dishes
- Single-origin pour-overs
- Lavender latte
- House-baked pastries
- Iced Ethiopian pour-over
Good to know
- Known for
- St. Louis's pioneering specialty coffee roaster with multiple locations. Sources single-origin beans globally and roasts in-house. The De Mun Ave location is the most atmospheric.
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 6:30am–8pm, Sat–Sun 7am–7pm
- Reservations
- Not accepted
Location
700 De Mun Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105
38.6381, -90.3301 View on map
Highlights
- St. Louis's pioneering specialty coffee roaster — sourcing, roasting, and serving since the early 2000s
- Single-origin pour-overs prepared to specialty standards — the definitive coffee destination in the city
- Lavender latte — a house creation using house-made syrup, among the most popular items citywide
- De Mun Avenue flagship: the most atmospheric Kaldi's location with high ceilings and natural light
- Multiple St. Louis locations including Central West End and Botanical Heights
Tips for visiting
- Order a single-origin pour-over to experience what distinguishes Kaldi's from standard café operations
- The De Mun Ave location has the most spacious and atmospheric setting — the best choice for a leisurely visit
- The lavender latte is a good introduction to the house drink program for visitors unfamiliar with Kaldi's
- Iced Ethiopian pour-over in warm months is a particularly well-suited seasonal order
- Check the current single-origin offerings at the counter — availability rotates with each new roast batch
When to visit
Weekday mornings from 7am to 9am capture Kaldi's at its most focused, with the freshest pastries and the full pour-over program at its attentive best. Weekend mornings are busier and more social.
Accessibility
Kaldi's De Mun Avenue location has street-level entry with accessible access. The café space is generally navigable for wheelchair users, with tables at varying heights. Street parking on De Mun Avenue and surrounding streets is available, and the location is walkable from multiple directions.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Kaldi's roast its own coffee beans?
Yes — Kaldi's operates as a specialty coffee roaster in addition to its café locations. Beans are sourced from single-origin farms and cooperatives globally, then roasted in-house in St. Louis. The roasted beans are sold retail at café locations and online.
What is the difference between a pour-over and an espresso drink at Kaldi's?
A pour-over is a filter coffee method where hot water is poured slowly over ground coffee in a filter, producing a clean, distinct cup that highlights the specific character of the bean's origin. Espresso drinks use pressurized extraction for a concentrated, milk-compatible base. Both programs are strong at Kaldi's.
Which Kaldi's location is the most popular?
The De Mun Avenue location in Clayton is considered the most atmospheric and is the flagship café. The Central West End location also draws a strong regular crowd. Multiple locations operate across St. Louis with consistent quality.
Does Kaldi's serve food?
Kaldi's serves house-baked pastries sourced from local St. Louis bakeries alongside the full beverage menu. The food selection is café-scale — pastries, baked goods, and light items — rather than a full kitchen menu.
Is Kaldi's suitable for remote work or studying?
Yes — most Kaldi's locations are designed for extended stays with comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and an atmosphere that welcomes remote workers, students, and long-visit customers throughout the day.