Quixotic Coffee

The new remodel is exquisite. There are few shops in the city that can compete with this level or craftsmanship and presentation. The staff are all very friendly and have always been helpful.
Craftsmanship on the coffee itself is top tier. This not the shop for you if you want some super sugary 6 pump mocha. Instead come enjoy the product of a few professional baristas and a dedicated staff. There are many regulars whom the staff can and do greet by name.
It’s perfectly acceptable to have business meetings and hang out for extended periods of time. As they continue to grow in popularity it’s going to be interesting to see how they adjust to accommodate such an impassioned crowd and loyal customer base.
Do yourself a favor and try the Kombucha. It’s good for you and you will be pleasantly surprised if you’re looking for a cool drink

My favorite coffee shop in Saint Paul. A good array of different seating, good décor, friendly staff, and most importantly: really good coffee. They have seating ranging from intimate booths to an open counter bar.
In addition to the normal array of coffee shop options, they’re one of the main places to get nitro cold brew if you’re looking to give that a try.
Good place to read alone or meet in a small group (4 or less). I wouldn’t have s meeting of more than 4 here, the space is too small and they get very crowded on the weekends.

A coffee snob friend of mine no longer comes here, but I’m hooked on the nitro brew cold press. There’s something about getting a cool but not ice-​cold coffee from a beer-​style tap. The staff don’t turn their noses up at me when I add cream. The new interior is cozy and wholesome, lined with unstained real wood panels. Slowly sipping my coffee from an elegant snifter, I feel like I’m writing the next great American novel no matter what I’m actually doing. After the renovation, more post-​work yuppie types seem to catch the same vibe as they stand by the front window, cradling their snifters against the light of the setting sun. Students and families also tumble in. A couple of times it’s been so busy that I almost did not get a table, and once I even ended up leaving empty-​handed. Even when it’s crowded, though, the booths and tables by the wall manage to provide enough calm and quiet for work and conversation.
If I’m going to pay $ 4 for coffee, I’d much rather go here for an upscale-​feeling coffee experience than get a sweet syrupy confection across the street.

Great place to study, draw, or just bum around on your computer. The remodel they did is awesome — definitely makes the place feel more spacious and cozy! They also have a closed off meeting room that you can reserve. I knocked off one star because the service can be fairly slow at times. It seems as if they only have one barista on bar at all times. Set aside an extra 5 minutes if you’ve got somewhere to be.
Recommendations:
Nitro Cold Brew
White Lightening
Cuban Mistletoe

Good coffee and everyone is very nice. Unfortunately, if you’re not a regular customer, service is slow.
I came in 2 days in a row per my friend’s recommendation and ordered an Americano. The first day, after watching several people who came in after me receive their drinks, I asked about mine and they told me they gave it to another customer.
The next day I came in and ordered the same drink and again waiting for regulars who came in after me to receive theirs I finally received my drink.
Too bad. Otherwise, 5 stars.

OFF THE CHARTS ESPRESSO in a nice place. Very friendly day Staff that knows good coffee. They do have a menu but highlight coffee.

This place lived up to all its expectations! I had seen a lot of pictures on Unilocal of the décor inside and thought it looked cool so I decided to check it out.
I was able to find close free street parking nearby, which was great! The atmosphere in here is awesome. It has the white subway tile giving it a clean look but then they have dark wood booths that feel so cozy! They had soft music playing and overall it felt very cozy. I ordered the Nitro Cold Brew cause it sounded so amazing and it sure was! Plus I haven’t seen cold brews on nitro many other places I have been. It was very flavorful and wasn’t too sweet. It also really gave me a good caffeine kick!
This place was awesome! From the cozy yet clean and simple décor to my amazing drink, it was all great for an afternoon to have some coffee and read.

I am SO PLEASED to say that Quixotic has hit its stride and it’s better than ever!!! Their remodeled space is fabulous, their staff has been 100% on point the last several months, I’m excited about their new schedule (they’re open a bit later), and… the coffee! Their coffee is back to consistent perfection. (Cue the angelic chorus, please!!!) I want to reiterate what I said in my first Quixotic review: they control for every element of the flavor and texture. That’s what has them back to being The Best in my book.
Following the ownership change I was a little bit worried. I am thrilled that those worries were unfounded! The only bummer is that they are also busier than ever. TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT! Every. Single. Time. I still live 30 miles away and am back to detouring to stop in at every opportunity.
I read through a few other reviews and some reviewers commented on pricing and/​or parking so I wanted to add my $.02 on those two considerations.
I think their pricing is in line with other coffee shops… while their quality is far superior. I’ll humbly admit I do go to Caribou from time to time (Don’t judge me! I live in the outer ‘burbs! There’s NO good coffee in my area!) and pay $ 5 for seriously sub-​par, low-​flavor espresso beverages. I find value in Quixotic’s offerings. I also highly prefer doing business at locally owned, independent retailers. IF I felt they were a little pricier than their competitors (which I don’t), I’d still spend my money there to support them and the craft they take so seriously.
It’s true, parking can be beastly in Highland Park. It can’t really be helped. I tend to park on W Pinehurst Avenue where the limit is 2 hours. If you’re good at parallel parking, you really won’t have THAT much trouble finding a spot. I’ve never had to drive around the block more than twice and that’s only because I’m just a so-​so parallel parker. I need ample space and no-​one waiting to accomplish the task so IF I have had to go around an extra time, it’s because of my own «eeeks!» tendencies, not because there weren’t any options. The 1 and 2 hour limits keep most patrons in the area getting their business done and then moving on. It’s a vibrant pocket of St. Paul with some excellent shopping and dining options. Allow a few minutes to find a place to park. It’s not that big a deal and it IS worth getting past that hurdle.

I love this place. If you are serious enough about coffee to look for a place on Unilocal you need to go to Quixotic. Then when your mind is blown you need to leave them a good review and spread the love. You’re welcome.

They remodeled or redesigned the inside and it looks GREAT! What a wonderful atmosphere to work. Unfortunately the tables are so close, it’s not ideal for a private conversation among girlfriends. It’s actually uncomfortably close, and awkward to talk knowing that the man on his computer next to me can hear every word.
I ordered The Big Sandy, which was overly sweet for my taste. On the contrary, my friend ordered the mocha which had little flavor and no sweet at all. The mugs that our coffees came in seemed awfully small for $ 5. It made me wonder if the ‘to go’ cups give you more. I know I get more coffee at other coffee shops for $ 5. I will likely not be back anytime soon. It’s not worth the hassle to find parking in that area.

As I just updated my review of the (disappointing) newly renovated Highland Grill, I thought I’d update a review for its renovated neighbor as well.
This renovation and update is amazing– it’s even more beautiful than it was before and the coffee and quality is still top notch.
My favorite drink here is the americano, which is strong but still delicious. Their lattes and mochas are also always excellent. The service is friendly and prompt. It can get a little backed up on the weekends but in such a beautiful place, I just don’t mind.

Why didn’t I try to make it here sooner?! Beautiful remodel, and amazing vibe at Quixotic. The place just has great energy and super friendly people. I love everything about the space, especially the big bar by the window. It’s perfect for those of us who prefer to stand at our computers to work (and to get in those Fitbit steps).
Nitro coldbrew, I should have discovered you months ago.
Two things to note.
1. This isn’t a quiet shop, so plan accordingly. On the plus side, no one seemed bothered by my marching, nor when I made a few calls. So, for me, *perfect*.
2. Parking. If there is legal parking for over 2hrs, I failed to find it. I’ll need to plan better the next time I come and plan on staying all afternoon.

Yum! Came over here to enjoy some coffee as we waited for a table next door at Highland Grill. I ordered a mocha and husband ordered a latte, both were beautiful and spot on. The younger man working was very sweet, and made beautiful drinks. We would def go back just to enjoy a coffee and talk, we didn’t try any of the food.

My favorite coffee shop in the Twin Cities. From a coffee snob standpoint, they are at or near the top of the list, latte art always included. But what I like the most are the friendly employees that care to get to know you over time. It seems like by the third time I walked in they already recognized me from previous visits. Which seems unlike some other specialty shops where making a precise latte is at the expense of curating a group a regulars and small talking with customers, Quixotic seems to have a handle on both.
Lastly, post remodel, its also has a great ambiance. It’s clean and homey, but not too steril. I can’t stand the steril. Some other details, I’ve noticed they have ample outlets for those computer junkies. No parking lot, but plenty of street parking.

Baristas are particularly attractive. The owner, Jake gives phenomenal lap dances.
Coffee is okay.

EPIC coffee, possibly the best in the entire metro… love me some nitro charged cold press on tap!

eh.
nothing too spectacular about this local coffee shop. prices are astronomical, in relation to the coffee size.
I ordered a latte. the espresso was too dilute, and I was unable to appreciate the roast.
the décor is average. baristas are just present and not overtly welcoming.
disappointed that in a city with such a rich local coffee shop culture, I chose this one.

This place is excellent! I love trying out new little coffee shops and this place was great to check out. I tried their nitro coffee and it was actually pretty tasty. Wish it was served in a chilled glass to keep it colder, but the fact that they offer the nitro coffee is pretty dang awesome!
The staff is so friendly! I was going for a work event and am not familiar with parking so i called to ask for recommendations. They were SO helpful! They really made me feel like a valued customer!
The venue was a little warm however and by 12 they were pretty picked over with baked goods. But I will definitely be back!

Coffee was good. Guy behind the counter was nice and made me half caf for my macchiato, which I appreciated. They also do have almond milk. Latte art was a little bit lacking. Nice ambiance. They had sift gluten free donuts and other bakery items available. I love the area it’s located in.

The coffee is always very good, and the staff is always very friendly. I would recommend trying «The Uppercut» which is their very tasty iced espresso drink mixed with honey and topped with cream.