Backstory Coffee Roasters - West Side

I stopped in here last weekend to try their eggnog chai! It was pretty good, but I didn't get a whole lot of egg nog flavor. I've never had an egg nog chai before, but I do love a chai! However, I think I'd rather just chug eggnog straight in the future to get the full effect.

The place was pretty chill and they have both indoor and outdoor seating. I sat at the island facing outside but they have a couple other low tops too. I imagine it gets a lot busier here in the summer as Minnesota isn't very kind to outdoor seating in the winter!

They also had some cool maps to look at about where they source their coffee from and you can see a bit of their operation as well. I got the feeling that selling coffee beans is the core of the business and the coffee/cafe compliments it or maybe it's both. Anyways, it's always cool to see a coffee shop doing both the sourcing and making some delicious drinks!

Great little coffee shop!

My favorite coffee in St. Paul and the employees really are the kindest and most authentic group of people I’ve met in a long time. I don’t feel like I’m getting a faked interaction at 7am, instead I’m greeted by real people with a warm welcoming vibe and relaxed environment. Y’all are the best!

Have been working on the West Side for about 2 years now, but just started coming here pretty regularly over the last couple of weeks before work. A nice, quaint shop with an always friendly staff. My go-to has been the maple latte. It just tastes like fall to me.

Just had the worst coffee shop experience. I brought in my reusable 20oz mug. I work in the city and try and get out and support local business, I ordered a dark roast which came to $6.32, a little more than I’m used to spending for a 20oz drip coffee, but hey, I’m supporting a local business.

I get my cup back from the barista and it’s half full. The server puts my mug on the counter and walks away. I confirmed the person said “$6.32” which they confirmed and walked away.

Looking at my half filled cup of coffee, I asked for the receipt as I’m looking at the price on their menu and it just doesn’t make sense to me.

The server prints the receipt which shows $4.75 16oz Feature Batch Brew and 20oz mug fill (extra $1), now I’m really confused staring at a half cup of coffee and being up charged.

I asked the server if they will fill my cup as I was charged for a 20oz mug. The server looked at me as if I was being rude, took my cup put a few more ounces in set my cup down and walked away.

I guess I’ll be spending my money at an establishment that appreciates my money.

the French toast turkey sandwich that you dip in maple syrup was phenomenal. Black Coffee was superb. great ambience. nice patio seating. cool part of town

A nice bright and citrusy cup of light roast drip. A nice quiet space with excellent natural light and a chill atmosphere on the day of my visit.

Unfortunately, there is no self-service sugar or cream if you’re a vile heathen like me who puts said substances in ones own drip coffee.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got an oatmilk matcha that really tasted only of oat milk & vanilla but honestly, the clean bathrooms, gorgeous flowers on all tables, & the cute neighborhood market outside made up for it. Would go back & try another drink if in the area.

Cool spot for great coffee and friendly staff.

One of the best coffee shops in town. They roast their own beans, serve up excellent espresso drinks, and sell pastries by Vikings and Goddesses, which are also excellent. They have a nice patio too.

Baristas provided a cold unwelcoming atmosphere. This seems to be a theme with Twin Cities coffee shops. I get that it’s probs not the highest paid position and things get busy(it was dead when I went) but absolutely zero welcoming vibes coming in. Great to see they welcome all communities with signage but the interaction with the baristas makes it feel like you are being punished for ordering coffee lol.

I used to come here all the time when I lived in St. Paul. The barista with dreads seems consistently miserable the last few times. Not sure if it’s the employer? I’ll stick to the north loop location :)

Best coffee in MN!!!

What an amazing place, especially the people. I was meeting with my colleagues here when they were taking pictures of their new summer drinks. They asked us to hold the drinks and afterwards told us we could keep them!!! Their new drinks are both beautiful and tasted amazing!! Talk about being at the right place at the right time :) Thanks Backstory Coffee Roasters!

Like the other reviews the chai is phenomenal here.

Backstory might just serve the best coffee in the Twin Cities. I picked up a bag, and after a few weeks of resting, it tasted even better—rich, complex, and incredibly well-balanced. You can taste the care and craft in every cup. Highly recommended.