Jeffrey Herr
What a wonderful little coffee shop. Even just as a coffee shop, it’s up there at the top of my list with delicious drinks, friendly service, and a great atmosphere.
Beyond that, it seems to be a bustling hub of the social scene (we could even take Grandma there). I’m sad at some of the reviews commenting on concerning patrons. I suppose you can’t really control that too much at a merchant, but it is unfortunate. On my visit, it seemed nothing but welcoming.
… moreAntonia Rupert
I’m super excited to have found this place. I was just passing through on my way from one city to another and needed a little pick-me-up coffee. I chose this one because it had the name of a saint but I was so excited and pleased with the atmosphere. There were people there for a Bible study. All the drinks were very thoughtfully crafted and exciting options. And the lady who made my drink was absolutely delightful. It is based loosely on the Camino which is one of my favorite adventures I’ve ever gone on. It was a super exciting homage to such a wonderful European pilgrimage would definitely recommend! And the coffee was delightful!
… moreSarah Mathre
St. James Coffee is a cozy and welcoming spot, particularly great for families. I enjoyed my coffee and had a light breakfast of granola and yogurt. However, the breakfast was not quite what I expected—it was a packaged granola bar and Yoplait yogurt rather than something homemade. It was fine for a quick bite, but not remarkable. On the bright side, the space has a dedicated area with toys and board games, which makes it an excellent choice for families with kids. The atmosphere and mission of the coffee shop make it worth a visit, even if the food could use a bit more variety or customization.
… moreavs “mimi”
You are not welcome here unless you are cisgender, white, straight, and catholic. Went here twice. First time went well. Made the mistake of coming back wearing a black top. This woman initially approached me asking what I was going to get, suggested some drink with the word ‘Mercy’ in it and then said, “there is mercy for all the weirdos out there.” She would not leave me alone and took advantage of my sociability to start a deranged rant on transgender people and how they should all end their own lives for our safety. The cashier never interrupted or even looked up from what she was doing, showing me that this was a regular occurrence here.
If you want a place where you can be safe and feel welcome, go to Café Steam downtown. Scooter’s is also a good option if you’re in a hurry.
… moreK M
We walked in and weren’t acknowledged or greeted for 10 minutes while the cashier went and talked to people instead of checking us out. Then, when we were finally able to order, I asked for a hot tea to which the barista responded “what is that?”. When I pointed to their selection of teas she told me to “grab a bag of it” for her (unsanitary, why would I put my hand in a tea jar and potentially touch other tea bags). She then brewed the tea while saying she had never heard of the tea before. It was $3 and wasn’t good. Definitely not worth it. Their cookies are good though, but definitely not a safe space for anyone who isn’t a white conservative christian, and I’m catholic myself. Overall, weird vibes and terrible customer service.
… moreElizabeth Childs
11-22-23 Very good. I keep forgetting to ask for light whip, but the temperature was perfect and flavor delicious.
Update: 7-9-24 Tried something new today. Regular coffee with a little milk and vanilla. Have to try again sometime. Too much milk and couldn’t taste the vanilla.
Update: 11-27-24 Due to experience, I have now found I love espresso, especially breve. I ordered that this time and it was very good. Here are updated pictures of the menu.
… moreMillie W
This place is a non-profit coffee house, connected with the Catholic St. James Church. It is very Catholic. I am not Catholic. It does not bother me, but they do things like live stream an online radio show from there a few days a week in the morning, for example. At least most of the staff are literally volunteers who all go to the same church.
The atmosphere was wonderful, honestly: like a huge, welcoming sitting room/parlor in someone’s house. A variety of seating choices: there’s games in one corner, there’s stuff for little kids to play with on another shelf, and places to sit that are kind of around the corner from the main area, if you want a little more privacy. I saw people there typing on computers, I saw moms with young children chatting while their children played, and I caught the end of a live stream about parenting young adults (I think). Caring people, all talking to each other; a lot of God talk, but if that doesn’t bother you, then this is the place for you! The coffee was excellent, most of the baked goods come from a variety of local stores or small Bakers and they have a huge variety of drinks, both hot and cold. I am definitely coming back!
… moreriley beske
Stopped here with guys from our university catholic Newman center on our way back from a weekend camping trip and this is absolutely amazing. They have tons of different drink combinations and they have their own prayer chapel inside of the coffee shop. If you ever are traveling through Rochester, definitely give this place a try!
… moreElizabeth Childs
This is a great place to relax and have a cup of coffee.
Update: July 6th, 2022
It’s #coffee time! I ordered St. Dominic’s black and white which means it’s coffee with black and white syrup (or flavor anyway.) I don’t care for the whipped cream. For whatever reason it seems a bit on the hard side. But the actual coffee is oh so good!
Update: 3-27-23 I ordered St. Dominic’s Black & white mocha and everything was good!
Update: 11-22-23 Very good. I keep forgetting to ask for light whip, but the temperature was perfect and flavor delicious.
Update: 11-27-24 I have found I like espresso, so I ordered a breve. It was very good.
Update: 7-9-24 Tried something new today. Regular coffee with a little milk and vanilla. Have to try again sometime. Too much milk and couldn’t taste the vanilla.
… morebre3zycoins
Do not go here if you dress in any way outside of the norm. Me and my friend were harassed by a woman who kept calling us weird, insisted trans people were crazy and shouldn’t have guns and were the reason two kids were killed in the minneapolis catholic school shooting, and wouldn’t leave us alone. She was clearly bothered by our appearances and wanted us out of ‘her’ cafe because we didn’t look catholic enough to her or whatever. Everyone else there was quiet, kind, and had no problems with us including the cashier, but she did nothing to stop this deranged woman or get her to leave us alone and we ended up leaving put of fear for our own safety. Clearly, not everyone is welcome at St. James. Coffee was alright, price was okay.
… more