Love love love everything about this adorable place! Flight delay prompted a drive down to see the arch which led to a search for a nearby coffee shop. Protagonist is everything I love in a coffee shop...great coffee (love the choose-your-own-mug with bottomless option!), warm, cozy space and excellent service! A breath of fresh air in a sea of pseudo industrial coffee shops. So much love for this place! Hope to make it back another day! read more

Great for book lovers and excellent pastries. The employees were attentive and friendly. Sometimes funny music but overall cool especially the Gilmore Girls references. read more

Love this place. Come regularly to study and relax. There are various seating options and the coffee is really good.

Amazing mom and pop coffee shop. I'm picky about my coffee. I look for something not like Starbucks....and this place fits the bill. Eclectic book nook meets coffee jem! I'm obsessed with the dirty chai latte with oat milk. Soooo yummy. And the baked goods are awesome! The have the yummiest leek and parm croissant and spinach and feta!!!! I'm from LA visiting and if this was in LA I'd be a regular. I've already been back twice!!!! read more

the atmosphere is very warm and cozy and there's plenty of seating and books to just grab off the shelf and read. the cinnamon rolls are absolutely insanely good and the poptart is so soft and good plus they will warm them up for you and it's delicious. workers were super friendly and helpful. would come back for sure read more

Protagonist Cafe - poptart pastry, cinnamon roll, iced samoa mocha latte, truffle mocha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Nice coffee shop in Soulard. I ordered a Parmesan and leek croissant and a cappuccino. Both were delicious. The cap didn't have any latte art but the consistency was light and foamy and the coffee was roasty and not very acidic - just the way I like it. The atmosphere is very charming too. Plenty of tables to choose from and many books to browse through. It's also rather quiet as most people were reading or on their laptops. The people that were talking were also keeping it low volume with indoor voices. Chill jazz music played over their speakers. Great coffee, relaxing environment. Bring a book or a friend and keep the conversation quiet as to respect the chill atmosphere. read more

We came because it was rated five stars, and were disappointed by the incredibly long wait for an overly sweet coffee. The pastries were a little bland and too pricey for what it was. The cashier wasn't very friendly and forgot one of our items. The store itself was very beautiful with lots of books on the shelves to browse from. There were a lot of comfy places to sit while you drink your coffee. There are also cute handmade crafts and cards for sale at this shop. read more

This was an absolute gem of a find. I was visiting Soulards Market for the first time when I spotted this cafe across the street. I'm a little bit of a coffee addict so we decided to pop in. I instantly fell in love with this place and the entire atmosphere. The staff was incredibly kind and super knowledgeable. The menu was expansive with both coffee and tea options and even some cocktails! Talking to the barista we discovered that the cards we were admiring displayed on a table (along with other cool art to buy) were made by one of the co-owners of the cafe. I ended up getting an iced lavender vanilla latte with oat milk (and a super cute pair of clay earrings). The latte was awesome, low acidity, great flavor, and creamy. I loved that the straws were made with agave plant and biodegradable too. In terms of atmosphere this cafe was adorable. Lots of space and tables (both indoor and out) and books everywhere that you can borrow. Plus, like I mentioned, there was lots of cool art around, some available for purchase. If you're by Soulards this place is definitely a must for coffee, tea, and book lovers alike. read more

Protagonist Cafe - Interior of the cafe facing away from the barista and ordering area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

This is not the closest coffeehouse nor is it open 24hrs. It doesnt have a secret menu or some special that has people talking. But besides all of these slights, it has become my favorite place to drink coffee and work on my laptop. The space is large, with an eclectic mix of tables and seating areas. i have only been here a handful of times where there was trouble getting a place to sit, which is never a bad thing for a business. But the layout is only part of the success. the menu is large and somewhat daunting even though I almost always get a bottomless coffee. My wife has more of a sweet tooth when it comes to the caffeein and I can say that everything that she has drank has been really good. And if you ever have a question, the staff is always there to help you. I seem always be there when there is a different barista, but they never fail to be friendly and make you feel welcome. It doesnt matter if you are a regular or a first time customer, they make you feel at home. But that is ultimately what this place feels like. The bookcase along the back wall along with the couches and backround music make it seem more like a home than a business. Its coziness in a large space and that is not an easy thing to achieve. It's reminiscent of home even though it is a new place. The natural architecture along with the playful colors play off of each other to embrace a whimzy that is missing in so many places. The entire space is a testament to the personality that it is trying to project. Nothing quite goes together, but it all fits together. It is an appeasing chaos that makes the space feel more wam than other places in st louis. I re-iterate what others have said in that this is the coffeehouse that I have been waiting for in St. Louis. The strong ties to Soulard neighbourhood, great atmosphere, reasonable prices, friendly staff, and even dog friendly interior make this some place that I look forward to coming to whenever I get the chance. read more

So glad this place has survived the last few months! They opened right at the beginning of quarantine and are thriving. They offer great coffee as well as wine, beer, and in-house cocktails. Their walls are lined with books to read while you're there. Free WiFi for students or people working from home! I got a cortado with oat milk and it was amazing, hot and just a little sweet from the milk. Would definitely recommend stopping in here for a little pick me up before heading to the Soulard Market! read more

Great place. Only bad thing thing I saw was when a cop walked by and waved to people inside, one barista waved back and said, "F--- the police" while another laughed. Wasn't cool. But coffee is great. Service is great. Atmosphere is a great. Recommend to everyone. They once had a ragtime band on weekends for awhile. Don't know if they still do. Soooo awesome. read more

Very awesome place. I love coming here to hang out. Very nice staff and friendly/welcoming vibe. Coffee is not the best. I want to like this places drink more than I do, but the more I come the more difficult it gets. Vegan options are awesome and their pastries are delicious! read more

If you're looking to try a new coffee house to hangout at definitely give this place a try. There's lots of seating and the ambiance is very nice. Lots of drinks and a good amount of things to snack on. Really nice to do work or just hangout, definitely putting them on my list of favorites around here. read more

Protagonist Cafe - Book wall - Coffee & Tea Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Found my new spot! A coffee shop in STL that's actually open past 4? Gotta love it... plenty of space and outlets for days. I almost spent 9 hours there today studying and the bottomless cup of coffee helped me through. Cozy and fun, employees are awesome! read more

This place is so cute and the coffee is delicious! I'm so glad they're finally open! I'll definitely be coming back.

This was a great find with a nice space to enjoy my beverage and pastry. Good vibes from the space and the staff.

PlCe was a nice little book cafe nook, only downside was the pasties and coffee there, very bland and watery

Just went here for the first time. Had an oat milk latte and a "power muffin". I really liked the homey warm atmosphere with couches and plenty of seating. Nice to be surrounded by books, as well. I really enjoyed the oat milk latte. The espresso wasn't bitter. Sometimes I feel really sick after having coffee because of certain caffeine levels, but I'm feeling good after this. The muffin was tasty, too. Perfectly not too sweet. The guy at the register was able to pull out a sheet to let me know what was in it. I'll definitely be back and will let my friends know about this place. Looks like a good place to stay at for a while or have meetings with a friend group. read more

The Protagonist Cafe has delicious coffee. We tried the Cold Brew with half and half and an oat milk latte with a half pump of pumpkin. The pumpkin flavor was a little too syrupy and not enough pumpkin for me, but still very good! The staff were very friendly and we easily picked up after ordering online during Covid-19. read more

Lovely cafe with a variety of drinks! Cozy atmosphere and a great place to work or spend time reading!!!

Love this place. My husband and I are ALWAYS on the lookout for what we call "snug" coffee shops. This one foots the bill. Comfortable chairs and couches, brick walls, and books. I had one of the alcoholic drinks and it was delicious. Think it took me about five minutes to finish it so I ordered a second. Cannot recommend more highly for ambiance. read more

This is a delightful spot! Good coffee, wonderful atmosphere, and delicious treats (try the Samoa cookie!).

Perfect addition to the neighborhood. Have you seen their menu?! They have the coolest coffee drink options. This place reminds me a little of the Central Perk in friends. The owners have a lot in store for this place, so buckle up. This will be the go to spot very soon. read more

The Cookies are AMAZING!!!! Atmosphere and Energy is really inviting. Nice, clean and Cozy.

OMG! I am not vegan but I have a very severe food allergies. Almonds and dairy being a couple of them. So I can eat many vegan things. Y'all when I asked what "milk" they used to make the vegan things, because almond milk is not good for me. She pulled out this little book and happily looked up what I was interested in ordering. She said it was "NO PROBLEM" and "that's why we have this book right here". Now the oatmeal cream pie! Omg I haven't had one of those in years! Even my dairy loving husband loved it! We also got vegan cinnamon rolls. Those was so good too! I also loved my latte made with oat milk. Hubby loved his plain black coffee. So if you're vegan or if you have a dairy allergy GO HERE! I will definitely go back EVERY single time I am in St Louis. It was a cute little shop with books! And the cards they had for sale there was hilarious! VEGAN people food allergy people GO HERE. Expensive but who cares. I got to eat a Oatmeal cream pie!! I had many things I could have eaten. I was so happy I had many choices! read more

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Stopped in for the first time this morning and had a great experience. Staff was super friendly and my Chai Tea was spot on. The atmosphere of the place is warm a welcoming. It's so nice to have a local spot to support that is so close to my place of work. I'll be back! read more

I feel like I could spend my entire day here!! The house coffee is amazing and I get to pick a unique cup to sip from while I'm there! Oh and the tomato and asparagus vegan quiche is absolutely wonderful! read more

Expensive for what it is. $7 for a coffee (GOOD coffee though!) and a so-so muffin, which they offered to heat but then didn't. Challenging for the older and/or slightly disabled person, there's a steep step up to the book/seating area. A handrail or even a partial ramp might be a better idea? Great location, friendly staff. read more

The atmosphere is so cute! They have tables perfect for studying as well as comfy chairs if you just want to read. I will definitely go back! read more

This place has truly great coffee! My barista today was very friendly and helpful and made me a delicious iced drink with just the right amount of sweetness. I'll definitely be returning here for coffee and to try some of their baked goods that looked scrumptious! read more

A great coffee shop! Drinks are amazing and it's the perfect place to get work done, read, or sit with friends. Seating is spread out so it's nice to be able to sit and not feel like you're on top of the people next to you. read more

Cozy, relaxing, and delicious. This place is a beautiful addition to Soulard. Whether you are a reader or not, Protagonist has a little something for everyone. The staff was so friendly, the bookshelf was gorgeous and well organized, and the coffee was tasty as hell. Looks like I just found my new favorite coffee/productivity spot. read more

really good coffee and a really good place to study! So cute and definitely my favorite spot

Such a cute place!! Baristas were so friendly and helpful! I will definitely be back to stay and get work done and have a cup of coffee.

I love the personality and unique character of the cafe. The decor is fun and welcoming. Great for reading, studying, and cozy get-away to read and sip yummy latte or even wine. read more