We were in the area and in the mood for a coffee. A quick google search brought us here. There is plenty of free street parking and some free lots in the area. Walking in this place felt cozy. Like you would want to be here on a cold rainy fall day with a book! This place is very LGBTQ+ friendly. This place did have spider webs in the windows and heavy dust around the windows as well. That was disappointing. You can still be cozy and clean. The staff here left us very underwhelmed. They were having a conversation and finished the conversation before helping us. So we stood there feeling stupid and awkward while they wrapped up their social hour... while taking our order, the person kept her eyes locked on the computer screen. It just didn't feel friendly at all. I expect that kind of service from a Starbucks but not a local coffee shop. My boyfriend got a latte which tasted burnt. Neither of us were a fan. I can't remember the name of the drink but I got a white chocolate cherry I believe latte. It was pretty good. I did order my drink with oatmilk and it was an extra $1.50! Are you insane!? That's literally crazy. That is by far the most expensive swap to oatmilk I have seen! That alone almost pushed this to a one star review, but the drink did taste good. Overall, there are so many coffee shops In the area, I don't feel we will be back to this one. read more

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Love this place! They openly support LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and likely more which is important to me, especially now. But I tried the hot honeybee and it was delicious! The vibe is really cool inside too, cozy with plants and local artist's creations. The bookstore upstairs is pretty vast and has a little bit of everything! read more

This was my 10th visit on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. It was cool that on the bottom of the store there was a cool coffee shop. On the second level is where the majority of the books were located. The book displays felt haphazard and unorganized, making it difficult to browse in a leisurely fashion. Also, there were piles of books everywhere on the floor (underneath the tables), which made my OCD tendencies twitch. Finally, the staff here weren't friendly, helpful, or welcoming. There was parking on the street, and Main Street in Anoka had some shops that looked interesting. read more

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Nice local coffee shop. The environment was welcomin, calm and quiet. I got one of the specialty drinks, it was okay. It didn't stand out too much. Space was big and it has an attached bookstore upstairs. No dedicated parking but plenty of street parking around. read more

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Coffee selection is always great here. They have fun drink specials but can make any flavor combo with their endless list of syrup flavors. Prices are a bit spendy but wouldn't stop me from going again read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Cold brew with macadamia nut and coconut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

The coffee shop is so cute inside- filled with local art to purchase. My americano was wonderful- they roast their own beans. Service is friendly and parking on the street was plentiful. They host book clubs and have a bookstore upstairs- super cool place read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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Such a great bookshop with a coffee shop on the main floor. They host a lot of book signings! Anoka Main street is great!

I've been going to the Avant Garden since the late 90's, when I was working at the Courthouse. Good food, staff and the best Anoka Mocha !! All are welcome, fast service, and a bookstore, too!! read more

Might as well hang a sign that says conservatives, straight people and/or Christians not welcome here (but your money is!) The mint tea was fine, if a little pricy. However, the books and merchandise were a huge turnoff. Multiple copies of the Antifa handbook, books with very anti-Christian titles, gay everything. I just wanted to meet a friend for tea, not be scolded by the "progressives" about what a horrible person I am for having different beliefs than them. Not very inclusive or tolerant, if you ask me, nor was it a comfortable feeling knowing they would automatically hate me for not ticking all of their far left boxes. read more

I like the coffee but this place has a low vibration feel. The stickers they sell seem to always be negative. Like the sticker you're selling that has a picture of Jesus on it and it says "F*** this guy" I am a pagan and I still feel like wtf? Anways ya'll should check out the gospel of Mary Magdalene and maybe you would be enlightened. Peace and love. read more

I knew that there was a change in business in May 2023 but haven't been in to check things out until today. Avant Garden coffee house is now under "Metta in Avant Garden." Metta Coffe Cafe relocated from Andover. And the Avant Garden bookstore is now open on the 2nd floor. It has a seperate entrance from the sidewalk but is also accessible from the coffeehouse. I love the painted black staircase. Each riser of the staircase has a book genre stenciled in white font....fantasy, horror, romance, poetry, mystery, etc... Once upstairs, it's one giant room. Shelves along the perimeter and tables in the middle to highlight current bestsellers. Each genre has a small section, which is labeled clearly. The one employee there helped me order a mass market paperback book that I missed the released date on (and is no longer carried at Target/Walmart, and Amazon lost my package in shipping last week). I'd rather order from an independent seller vs. big box B&N. I can't wait to return in a week or two for pickup. read more

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The coffee is great, ambiance chefs-kiss, back patio in the summer AND a book store upstairs?!?!? YYYYAAAASSS

I visited last month with my granddaughter for a community event and was blown away by the service, the food, and the people! It was cold outside but it felt so warm to be with such a kind group of women. I love all the art hanging on the walls! read more

Small bookstore upstairs and coffee shop downstairs. Staff in both were very nice. Limited selection of books but very willing to order for you. read more

Bad customer service. Unfriendly staff. It took forever to receive our drinks. Not a good experience

This place confused me at first on whether it was a combo book/coffee shop or not. You first walk into the coffee shop, and then upstairs is the bookshop. Both were very clean and tidy. The coffee shop: I asked for the barista at the register for her recommendation, and was shocked to learn she didn't even drink coffee, so I went with the one of the popular drinks, Wizard's Latte (a play on butter beer, I'm sure). I was hesitant since butterscotch can overpower anything, but it was just the right amount. I love all of the other beverage options they have, they're very unique and that's refreshing. The bookstore Note: NOT wheelchair accessible. You go up a flight of stairs to a large, well-lit space. The bookseller was attentive and happy to make suggestions. Very good selection considering it's a one-room bookshop. All in all, a great place to grab a coffee and head up to pick up a new book. Parking: free on-street parking Accessibility: while the coffee shop portion is accessible by wheelchair, the bookshop can only be accessed by stairs. read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Menu on October 28th, 2023 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Lovely coffee shop and bookstore. The bookstore is upstairs, but at least the stairs to get there are interesting! Fun & funky, right on Main Street in Downtown Anoka. Good coffee (had a specialty coffee with lots of whipped goodness). read more

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great service and staff. they made sure my order was perfect and accurate. will shop again for all my books needs.

Awesome experience. Staff were very friendly, they chat with you and the drinks wee SO good. I got an Italian soda and they had so many options but the coffee does not disappoint. read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Green apple Italian soda - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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I love this little coffee shop. They have a rotating menu so there ate new speciality drinks every month or so. I love the unique and fun combinations that they have. Everytime I come here I am greeting with fast, friendly service which pairs well with whatever unique coffee combination I am trying this time! read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - The coffee bar at Avant Garden - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Location: 5 stars View: 5 stars as you can watch people walking on both sides of the street. Live entertainment. Service: 5 stars Decoration: 5 stars Chocolate mousse: 4.5 stars; I prefer my chocolate insomnia grade strong Parking: 6 stars as Anoka make sure plenty of street parking and free covered garage 150 yards away + one open air garage close to bridge. read more

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I love this amazing small bookstore in the heart of downtown Anoka! The owner is a wonderful person and we are lucky to have such a wonderful shop for books and delicious coffee/treats!!! read more

Oh. My gosh. This place is so awesome. I didn't get a picture but they have a special 12 drink menu for Christmas/holiday season so I HAD to order one. I grabbed the Gingerbread House Chai Latte and let me tell you-it was amazing. I would absolutely get it again. This is a super nice spot in Anoka and if you're looking for coffee or a nice drink it's the place to be. The drinks are around the price I would expect from a similar location and the staff were super chill and efficient. Bring a book, bring your laptop and just hang out. read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Gingerbread House Chai Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Avant Garden is that unique gem of a bookstore and coffeeshop you've been looking for! It's been so much fun to see the space transform in the past few months! I do miss the booths and wish there was a bit more seating, BUT, I'll take books too. Staff are always welcoming and friendly. And the book selections are top-notch for this Romance reader. I'll come here for a few hours and work. Wifi is always good, no issues on my end when taking Zoom/Google Meet calls. My Top Three Picks Are: *Spanish Mocha: This was perfect on a snowy day! Not too sweet and tasted like holiday goodness. *Dirty Iced Chai: YUMMM - spices combined with espresso made for a perfect drink. *Assorted Pastries: These have always been good when I get them! Note, they do sell out quickly! read more

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One of my favorite and go to places when I am back in Anoka! I love the atmosphere and usually get an apple cider or hot chocolate. Now that they have made the move to a bookstore, I love it even more. Such a great space and awesome for the area since there aren't any local bookstores nearby! read more

This place is incredible. An amazing safe place for anyone to be accepted and just be. They have a gorgeous outdoor spot that truly feels like you're home in the backyard. The drinks are delicious and the baristas are amazing. And it has a bookstore upstairs. Couldn't possibly be any better. read more

It's okay. I've had a couple good drinks and a couple really bad drinks, none of which I would go back just for. Plus they charge 1.50 extra for non- dairy milk in 2024? Cmon now.. the older lady that takes the orders always has an attitude with me, the past 3 times I've gone. Needless to say, I will not be back despite the amazing atmosphere and location and book store which are great. read more

It's Ok. Just realize that it's a progressive bookstore that serves average coffee. It's not really a coffee shop with sandwiches. Not really welcoming. The armchairs have been pushed to one side. The vibe is really "order your coffee and leave". read more

Cute spot in downtown Anoka with many fun coffee drinks. I had the Tiramisu latte and it was delicious. Also, they have BOOKS! What a wonderful place. read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Well on here it seems like a cute place to grab lunch and a coffee and get some work done away from the office. There is no lunch food. There were a couple muffins in a basket on the counter. There are no public restrooms. So you're telling me that you serve coffee and want people to hang around, but they can't use the restroom? Interesting. I think that this has the potential to be a cool place. A place that Anoka needs, but it is definitely not worth it right now. read more

Staff was extremely friendly. Coffee was good. Pretty standard stuff- but the atmosphere was cozy, chic and really relaxing. I would come back with a good book and coffee in the garden. read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - Espresso and iced caramel latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Best Coffee shop in Anoka! The staff here is friendly, welcoming and warm! The upstairs bookstore is a great addition! We just live coming in to support this business! read more

My review is based on the books, not the food and drink, as I haven't had either in quite some time. This is precisely the bookstore downtown needed! The selection is phenomenal. On my last visit, I took home 3 excellent books and saw at least 20 more that I was very interested in. Our county library system can sometimes leave a bit to be desired (especially when it comes to horror, women' authors, LGBTQIA+ and political non-fiction, in my opinion) and Avant Garden really fills in those gaps. Plus some really great cookbooks which I wasn't expecting. As someone who loves books, has too many (but always wants more), and would rather spend my money at a local, independent business than give it to a corporation who doesn't need it, I'm so happy to see this business flourish in my community! read more

VERY upset and disappointed with the recent changes to Avant Garden. I have been coming here for many years but don't know if I will be returning. What used to be a cute and cozy coffee shop for working, meeting, and sipping coffee now feels cold and unwelcoming. The booths and couches that once occupied the shop have been replaced with endless amounts of tacky books, offering very little seating to guests. I was willing to look past this for a while because they had the best chai latte around, but that has also been changed to a very average (and overpriced) recipe. All around very disappointed in the new Avant Garden and am hoping it soon returns to its former greatness. read more

Absolutely amazing place! I love the drinks and the atmosphere, doesn't ever disappoint. I work with coffee for a living and they know what they are doing here! The craft is great! I recommend. read more

Really liked the old building and back patio. But I do think the shop suffers from opposing to specialty style of coffee. It's always tough when a shop doesn't roast for themselves but that's also understandable. Coffee was good but pretty overly sweet. I would go back if I was around. Service was nice to us but their computer system looks incredibly outdated read more

Great coffee, amazing book selection, especially in having diversity ! Can't wait to go back

Very cool little shop. The coffee we had was great. And it's a plus that they support our values of inclusiveness and treating others as equal human beings! read more

Avant Garden Bookstore - a table and chairs in front of a store window - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

My go to coffee shop in Anoka! Locally owned and Amber always knows my name when I walk in! Just like everything - you get what you pay for in life! Simply the best!! read more

If you're ever in Anoka I recommend to visit the Avant Garden! Walking into this small business it's obvious they are a huge advocate for local artists! The vibes of the patio in early autumn are immaculate The only thing that I'd change is the bathroom. When I went I had to block the door with a brick to lock it which made me pretty anxious. The employees are very kind and make some good drinks! read more