When I think of cafes, I picture the famous Café de Flore in Paris. The hot spot for intellects like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir or artists like Pablo Picasso to gather and discuss new ideas over a cup of aromatic coffee. It’s the epitome of the aesthetic that I constantly seek as I consume my copious amounts of caffeine. Although Saint’s Café is not a Parisian icon, it has definitely become one of my favorite eateries in State College.
I love the feeling of going into a warm cafe with the sweet smell of espresso wafting in the air. Moreover, the bustling sounds of hot steamers and lively conversations envelopes you in an atmosphere that invites your participation. Whether it’s a quick pick-up for your latte or hours of sipping and hanging around, Saint’s Cafe is the best place for coffee or tea. I would even say it’s better than Sowers Harvest Cafe, which I wrote about before.
On my multiple outings, I’ve enjoyed many of their well-crafted drinks that are on their menu. The matcha latte is perfect if you are in the mood for a soothing and healthy drink. The dirty chai adds a pleasant pep in your step as you’re hit with a spiced surprise. Lastly, their cold brew is the best you can find in State College with it being perfectly smooth, and it won’t get too watered down. Furthermore, I heard that Saint’s baristas are great at latte art when they are not just using paper coffee cups.
Overall, all of their drinks are exceptionally made as long as you know what you want. Personally, my favorite form of coffee is a black cold brew, but feel free to add as much flavoring, sugar, and milk as you want. If you don’t see something on the menu, I would just ask them if they have it or can make it.
Going more into their cold brew, I can’t stop raving about it. Although many don’t understand the difference, cold brews are a superior drink choice. To explain how it is made, cold brews differ from regular iced coffee as the coffee grounds steep in cold water for a long time. At Dunkin’, they let their cold brews sit for at least 24 hours. Because this form of coffee doesn’t require hot water to extract the flavor from the beans, it results in a richer, less acidic flavor and more concentrated caffeine. If you haven’t experienced this wonder, you need to get over to Saint’s right away.
In addition to crafted drinks, Saint’s has plenty of delicious treats. On a usual day, they sell muffins, biscotti, cookies, cakes, and more. I delighted in their lemon poppyseed muffin, but they also have an apple-pumpkin muffin that perfectly encompasses fall flavors. So, as you drink your coffee, a sweet treat makes a duo to die for.
The only downsides of Saint’s are that there is now limited seating due to COVID-19. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were just full because of Saint’s popularity. Another negative is that their prices are a bit higher than what some are willing to pay. Because of this, many may turn to cheaper places, like Dunkin’, but I think the quality is much better and worth the extra costs (this is coming from a former employee). Despite these, I again emphasize how much I adore Saint’s.
So, if you need a midday pick-me-up before you do your homework or just want to escape State College’s cold weather, Saint’s is the place for you too. I truly saved the best for last. Just check their hours before you go… like most cafes, they close early! See you there!
Stay excellent,
Rachel
Saint’s Cafe- 123 W Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
I’m not the biggest fan of coffee, but I can completely get behind indulging in some muffins! You mention Café de Flore; have you been? I haven’t made it to Europe yet, freaking covid, but that also looks like a fun spot to try.
Yay! Their muffins are worth the trip too! Also, I remembered that you mentioned that you prefer tea… I think their tea-lattes are great. I have not been to Cafe de Flore in person, but I have read a lot about it as a history nerd. Hopefully, we both will get our European adventures after covid.
When I think of going to a cafe, its usually for the relaxing atmosphere and experience as much as the coffee. Its really unfortunate that, at the moment, you can’t really have that experience due to the pandemic and decreased seating. It definitely does not completely remove the appeal of cafes, but it still feels like a part is missing when you go. I would be excited to check this place out when places are able to open a bit more normally, it has been a while since I have had a really good cafe experience.
I am absolutely obsessed with coffee, a cafe around here is just what I need! I will definitely need to try it. Also, your imagery is impeccable, it makes me wanna go right now!
Ahh I’m so glad you decided to do this place!! I feel like this post spoke to me because I just tried Saint’s Cafe this past weekend… and obviously I got the cold brew:) I LOVE cold brews, however, I did not know the difference between it and a regular coffee — so I’m glad you explained that. I completely agree about the cafe atmosphere, it’s very homey. I definitely have to go back and try some of their treats as well!
I do love cold brew, but honestly, I think the bitterness is a huge part of what makes coffee so good. Although I do admit, my go-to drink is literally plain black coffee as hot as it is legal to serve it, so maybe I shouldn’t have an opinion on this one. From the picture you posted, they do seem to have a nice cafe atmosphere and that’s almost as important as the food itself. I look forward to visiting when covid is less of an issue!
I’ll definitely have to check this place out. I went to Irving’s the other day and got a cold brew that was amazing so I would definitely recommend that too. Good coffee is always worth paying more than Dunkin’ prices.