Avant Garden Bookstore

215 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303, United States

Avant Garden Bookstore
About the Company

Avant Garden is an independent bookstore. Our business has two levels: the bookstore is located upstairs, and Metta coffee bar is on the main level. Posted business hours reflect those of our coffee bar. Our bookstore is open daily from 9-5. We are located in historic downtown Anoka.

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Reviews
Review №1

This is my favorite code shop in Anoka! What a lovely place to hang out. Love the new book store edition and the arts and crafts for sale. Their seasonal drinks are yummy. Right now Im digging the Chaider.

Published 5 months ago

Review №2

Published 5 months ago

Review №3

Best coffee shop in Anoka County! LGBTQ+ safe

Published 5 months ago

Review №4

Amazing atmosphere and amazing coffee. The backyard sitting area is so cute and the bookstore is so fun!

Published 5 months ago

Review №5

Great Beverages, cool vibe.

Published 6 months ago

Review №6

Published 6 months ago

Review №7

Published 6 months ago

Review №8

Published 6 months ago

Review №9

Published 6 months ago

Review №10

Published 6 months ago

Review №11

Published 6 months ago

Review №12

Excellent experience. Very creative coffee options and a cute little bookstore upstairs thats carries just the right amount of books! I am the type of person to get overwhelmed in a coffee shop and a book store but for being both I was very happy with everything. Thanks!!

Published 6 months ago

Review №13

I really want to love this place. It s a coffee shop/bookstore within walking distance of my house, sounds great! Unfortunately, their espresso is just not good. My go-to is a vanilla latte and the espresso has always been bitter with a weird aftertaste. This is pre and post Metta coffee taking over the coffee side. I want to make this a regular stop and spend money here, but they need to focus on the basics and make better coffee. A refresh of the seating and tables wouldn t hurt either. It s been around long enough to not be full of curb alert furniture.

Published 6 months ago

Review №14

Amazing selection and in a great area. I always feel at home here!

Published 6 months ago

Review №15

The Golden Milk Latte at Avant Garden is absolutely phenomenal! The perfect blend of spices and creamy texture makes it a warm, comforting, and invigorating drink. It s going to become my go-to order, and I love how the flavors are perfectly balanced, with just the right hint of turmeric and sweetness. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff only add to the overall experience. If youre looking for a unique and delicious drink to elevate your coffee game, I highly recommend trying the Golden Milk Latte here!

Published 6 months ago

Review №16

I love the cold press here; it has a strong organic flavor and is a delightful concoction. I enjoy looking at the classical book section upstairs with its ever-expanding books, with a vast selection to choose from.

Published 7 months ago

Review №17

Very poor customer service. I just finished eating breakfast with my wife at a different establishment and she wanted to drop in to Avant to grab a coffee to go. I still had my drink from our breakfast and since we are only doing takeout I didn t think it would be necessary to wait outside. Completely got blasted by the lady with shaved sides at the front. Imagine losing a repeat customer over something like this

Published 7 months ago

Review №18

Published 7 months ago

Review №19

I love this place Im only writing a review because I wanted to check what time it opens since me and my friend are going tomorrow morning but Ive been here many times, the drinks are great both me and my friend would recommend the lotus drinks if its later in the day, the books are great

Published 7 months ago

Review №20

Generally I really enjoy Avant Garden coffee - been going here sporadically since I was a middle schooler. Last two encounters have been unpleasant - the location has been having plumbing issues for a while, and the barista put a sweet older lady on blast in front of the entire store accusing her of clogging the toilet or not telling the staff that the toilet was having issues. It was unprofessional and unnecessary. Not interested in returning.

Published 7 months ago

Review №21

Published 8 months ago

Review №22

Very cozy coffee shop with a nice patio outside. Id give it 5 stars but people are allowed to smoke outside and its all enclosed so it gets pretty thick.

Published 8 months ago

Review №23

Published 8 months ago

Review №24

Wonderful coffee shop with a ton of options! The upstairs is the bookstore and it has so many varieties of books. A helpful bit of information is that the stairs are very steep to get up to the bookstore.

Published 9 months ago

Review №25

Published 9 months ago

Review №26

Great environment for a chat over a tasty coffee. A nice break from the big chain coffee shops!

Published 9 months ago

Review №27

Published 9 months ago

Review №28

Love this place! Drinks are always great, and Im obsessed with their lavender cookies. Good place and good vibes!

Published 9 months ago

Review №29

DELICIOUS coffee, great atmosphere, the employees are sooo friendly and informative!

Published 9 months ago

Review №30

Published 9 months ago

Review №31

Cute and unique coffee shop/bookstore! I love the espresso here, I highly recommend the dry cappuccino. The coffee shop is a great place to study and the bookstore is super cute. I loved the selection of local authors and the owner was very helpful when I asked for author suggestions.

Published 9 months ago

Review №32

First time going up the stairs and visiting the bookstore. what a wonderful place for Anoka Minnesota. the selection of books seemed very adequate and inclusive. Love this.

Published 10 months ago

Review №33

I was somewhat disappointed, I had the Anoka Mocha. It was better with previous ownership.

Published 10 months ago

Review №34

The bookstore part is kind of hard to get to now since I have trouble with stairs, but I love this place

Published 10 months ago

Review №35

Awesome local coffee shop / book store. Super friendly staff will happily make your favorite beverage.

Published 10 months ago

Review №36

Great coffee shop on Main St in Anoka. Friendly and professional team working the day of our visit. Excellent coffee creations with several unique offerings. Interesting retail products from local shops. Nice outdoor patio in the back away from noise.

Published 10 months ago

Review №37

Good coffee and cute bookstore!

Published 10 months ago

Review №38

Published 10 months ago

Review №39

Lovely little coffee shop / book store.

Published 10 months ago

Review №40

Get the Ambers

Published a year ago

Review №41

Published a year ago

Review №42

Recently expanded! Great coffee and inclusive book options. Love it.

Published a year ago

Review №43

Published a year ago

Review №44

Published a year ago

Review №45

Emily is absolutely fantastic up there! And the weekly kids reading / craft time is so much fun. My daughter looks forward to it every week!

Published a year ago

Review №46

Published a year ago

Review №47

Cute and friendly coffee shop! Prices are reasonable and coffee is yummy. We ve liked everything we ve tried here. They have some unique flavored drinks like Snickerdoodle and Banana Bread. They also have art and other things made by local artists for sale, as well as a bookstore upstairs with quite a large selection.

Published a year ago

Review №48

Published a year ago

Review №49

Cute little coffee shop vibe with fun niknacs and a large variety of coffee options.

Published a year ago

Review №50

Great book store EXCELLENT coffee. Great service. Hands down my favorite coffee shop in Minnesota

Published a year ago

Review №51

Weve recently been getting coffee occasionally from Avant Garden. Naturally we werent sure if we would like it, but Ive come to believe they have the BEST coffee out of the local area. I tend to stick with their hot coffee and my wife has been trying their different flavored coffee drinks iced. I noticed they have a Meta Coffee label on the coffee pots which was a staple in the Anoka County area and am glad to see it here, probably explains why I enjoy it so much. I noticed they didnt have a recent photo of the coffee drinks available so I took a couple pictures for all to see

Published a year ago

Review №52

What an unexpected delight! Stumbled upon this book store above the coffee shop, the space is warm & welcoming with a large selection of books for all ages & interests. The manager/owner was so friendly & informative! 10/10 would recommend if you are in the area!

Published a year ago

Review №53

We started coming here for children s story time on Saturdays. They are such a fun, welcoming place that has so many different events for kids and adults. It s perfect location (over a coffee shop - also great!) allows you to buy a good book and enjoy a delicious drink. So thankful to have this place in our community!

Published a year ago

Review №54

Nice place to hang out and meet other book worms.

Published a year ago

Review №55

Published a year ago

Review №56

Been coming here for years! Happy to see theyre opening the main floor back up to sit and relax. For awhile it was cramped but now that theyve moved their books upstairs its become a very welcoming atmosphere again.

Published a year ago

Review №57

Published a year ago

Review №58

Published a year ago

Review №59

Super cute atmosphere. Friendly staff and great drinks!

Published a year ago

Review №60

Very vibes

Published a year ago

Review №61

Avant garden bookstore and coffee shop is a great place to stop in. Some of the best coffee in the cities, and I always find a good read. The staff really know there stuff. Stop in for one of their game nights

Published a year ago

Review №62

I love this place! Everyone is so welcoming and it s such a calming space. Perfect combination of coffee, books, and community.

Published a year ago

Review №63

Disappointed to see how the place has gone down hill, love the idea of a progressive coffee shop however this type of virtue signaling feels ingenuine

Published a year ago

Review №64

Ok, so let me start by saying Im picky about my coffee. Avant Garden is one of my favorite places in Anoka. The atmosphere, the staff, and the coffee makes me feel like Im at home. Ive tried some of their coffee drinks, but most recently was impressed by the response when I asked about the chai. Normally, they use the syrup, which is waaay too sweet for me. The woman at the counter suggested that they could do a chai tea latte with their regular tea bags. I went for it, and was really impressed!

Published a year ago

Review №65

Great cup of Banana Bread Coffee

Published a year ago

Review №66

Published a year ago

Review №67

Beautiful setting and great coffee!

Published a year ago

Review №68

Love stopping in to Avant Garden every time Im coming through Anoka. Coffee is great and so many different fun drinks that are always so delicious!

Published a year ago

Review №69

Its a small, quaint bookstore located upstairs. They have story time for kids. They have a wide selection of titles for a smaller store.

Published a year ago

Review №70

This place is goated with the sauce. Solid coffee with a plethora of options. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff were very nice. The bookstore was also fun. The stairs get the heart rate going.

Published a year ago

Review №71

I love this place! Great atmosphere, great drinks, wonderful baristas! And of course, I love supporting locally owned small businesses. This is my all-time #1 go to!

Published a year ago

Review №72

The coffee taste absolutely delicious the man behind the counter Al is a fantastic worker who makes everyone feel welcomed. Very clean safe environment with a good selection of books and a small art collection.

Published a year ago

Review №73

I stopped in today because books are my jam and I was so pleasantly surprised. The shop is so lovely and clean. It has a beautiful atmosphere! I spent half an hour chatting it up with the owner who is a lovely human and we exchanged biz cards and I signed up to volunteer for story time. The best is that the book I finally decided on was the one recommended by the owner after she got to know me. Its a safe space and I highly recommend you go there today to get your book fix!

Published a year ago

Review №74

Published a year ago

Review №75

Published a year ago

Review №76

Great bookstore in a long time local favorite. Mettas coffee adds so much and its a great space to study, meet with friends, or enjoy a nice day on the patio.

Published a year ago

Review №77

The coffee was AMAZING! Staff was super nice and took time to talk to is about dietary needs!

Published a year ago

Review №78

Wonderful place

Published a year ago

Review №79

Additional update: theyre leaning much more into the book life-- theyve moved their book selections upstairs, which i think was a good choice as it opened up the floor space again so that it doesnt feel so cramped. Update: theyve really grown into quite a bookstore, which is a nice pairing with the beverages they offer. Their drinks are also a good as always, so its comforting to know they havent compromised on quality. Their blended dirty chai is really good, as is the iced blueberry tea with lavender (it has a specific name, but I cant remember what its called) they also have as cute little courtyard for private-ish outdoor seating that has plenty of shade, which is nice in the summer when it gets hot.

Published a year ago

Review №80

Great place. Very helpful staff. My only issue is that I wish it was a little accessible for those with mobility issues

Published a year ago

Review №81

Warm friendly environment with great coffee and service

Published a year ago

Review №82

Published a year ago

Review №83

Published a year ago

Review №84

What a quaint and charming bookstore! Just what we were looking for on a cold December day. Not large but offered great selection and excellent service!

Published a year ago

Review №85

Good food

Published a year ago

Review №86

Published a year ago

Review №87

Try the Anoka Mocha - yum! Great staff, coffee & bookstore. Check it out - its worth the visit.

Published a year ago

Review №88

Such a cute bookstore and coffee shop! Themed lattes were tasty, and the owner in the bookshop upstairs was very welcoming. Loved all the displays, including LGBTQ+ ones, too. Excited to go back for events, as they have authors, a book club, and a game night soon.

Published a year ago

Review №89

The staff at Avant Garden are welcoming and knowledgeable about both coffee and books. I leave happier every time I visit!

Published a year ago

Review №90

Published a year ago

Review №91

Published a year ago

Review №92

This is my favorite spot in Anoka! Coffee is good, atmosphere is *chef s kiss, book selection is on point. The staff are always super friendly and welcoming. It seems like they have cool community events going on from time to time too.

Published a year ago

Review №93

One of the best Cafe Miels Ive had in a long time! Employees were very friendly and helpful. Wish they had more food but wouldnt deter me from returning.

Published a year ago

Review №94

Published a year ago

Review №95

Published a year ago

Review №96

Absolutely delightful atmosphere and staff. Very impressive book selection for a small business, and the coffee is great! Would recommend to anyone:))

Published a year ago

Review №97

Published a year ago

Review №98

I love the funky, homey atmosphere with the smell of freshly brewed espresso. The baristas are friendly and the chairs are comfortable. It s a great place to relax and sip my favorite mocha!

Published a year ago

Review №99

Published a year ago

Review №100

This a 100% amazing place. Also a staple business to many in the community. The food and drinks as wonderful. The staff are down to earth, friendly and strive to give the best service and follow safety regulations very well.

Published a year ago

Review №101

Published a year ago

Review №102

Its pretty standard as a coffee shop, but the bookstore upstairs us top notch. Curated and new stuff being rotated in.... definitely stop for the upstairs books.

Published a year ago

Review №103

Published a year ago

Review №104

Crowded and smelled strong

Published a year ago

Review №105

Amazing staff, wonderful coffee, and a very pleasant atmosphere. I would go to this coffee shop over any other coffee shop, any day. The best part is, theyre a small shop so you get to say hi to the same friendly faces each day! I would recommend Avant Garden to anyone who wants a calm and chill experience and some very good coffee.

Published a year ago

Review №106

Published a year ago

Review №107

Published a year ago

Review №108

The staff and owner is always very friendly! My FAVORITE coffee shop hands down! And dont forget to check out their new book store upstairs. Anoka Mocha is a MUST!!!!!

Published a year ago

Review №109

Best coffee shop and independent bookstore in the twin cities! You can feel the passion of ownership on both levels; coffee shop and book store. Clean, charming, outstanding service, and this shop serves as a pillar of the Anoka community. An absolute joy to visit!

Published a year ago

Review №110

Loved this cute little bookshop! They had an amazing selection curated and friendly staff. Such a great place to pick up a book!

Published a year ago

Review №111

Published a year ago

Review №112

I love it here! I come here whenever I can because it is such an amazing environment to be in. The coffees are great and there are great books to choose from. All of the employees I have met have been very kind. The owner is super sweet as well!

Published a year ago

Review №113

The staff is super friendly and the location is clean and well kept. The drinks are delicious. Highly recommended for meeting friends or just needing a good beverage.

Published a year ago

Review №114

I love this coffee & book shop. The staff is VERY FRIENDLY ANS KIND! I m a regular there and so is my office! I love that books are being moved upstairs. There will be more space to sit and enjoy your tea/coffee/snacks and while reading!

Published a year ago

Review №115

Published a year ago

Review №116

Nice bookstore with good coffee. No food.

Published a year ago

Review №117

I love this cozy bookstore/ coffee shop! My granddaughter and I each had an iced Matcha which was delicious and a lavender cookie (you have to ask if you want to buy one, theyre in a refrigerator.)

Published a year ago

Review №118

Published a year ago

Review №119

Published a year ago

Review №120

Published a year ago

Review №121

This is such a welcoming and comforting environment with amazing drinks and an awesome selection of books. I literally ordered the first thing I saw and fell in love!!! Everyone was so kind, helpful, and clearly enjoyed working there. Its so inclusive with multiple sections for lgbt books and pins, I will definitely be returning!!

Published a year ago

Review №122

Used to be an awesome coffeehouse with eclectic charm, now it has an identity crisis and an owner whod rather you spend your money elsewhere.

Published a year ago

Review №123

Always love the safe and pleasant atmosphere here - definitely my favorite coffee shop!

Published a year ago

Review №124

Very cute place. Nice selection of books

Published a year ago

Review №125

Published a year ago

Review №126

My go-to place when I need to meet up with a friend and they re always impressed. Good rotating menu of lattes as well as the basics for someone who just wants a regular ol coffee. Clear displayed menu too. Love that it is now a book store as well! Baristas are always so sweet and the store supports some great causes. I always feel safe there. I will say I ve never not been able to find a spot between indoor seating, seating in front, and the patio, but it does get a bit busy. However it s very close to the river so if it ever was full it would be easy to take a walk!

Published a year ago

Review №127

Published a year ago

Review №128

Published a year ago

Review №129

I love independent coffee shops and Avant is fantastic. They have such fun decor and so many options! I especially love that they offer an extensive list of flavors, especially sugar free! Also, they have an adorable garden patio! 2023 update: Im very disappointed that they removed most of the seating and the bathroom is now marked employees only. Also, they do not have staws - that is not an end, but my cup dribbled on me each sip I took. If it wasnt for the quality of the coffee and syrup they use, Id never bother going.

Published a year ago

Review №130

I tried their coffee for the first time last week, and I loved it! I had a Salted Caramel Latte. Im always looking for good quality coffee. The baristas were friendly. Avant Garden is now in my top two!

Published a year ago

Review №131

I have been going to this place for the last 25 years. Way back when it was a coffee shop. Last week and when I stepped onto the patio and saw the no smoking sign left never to return. Im definitely not ultra liberal or yuppie enough to continue patronizing this establishment. Vaya con dios old patio. You will be missed.

Published a year ago

Review №132

Fun place love the drinks.

Published a year ago

Review №133

Ive been going to this place for coffee for years now, and they still make a great brew! Many options to choose from. Some may be turned off with the very liberal decor and boom selection, however.

Published a year ago

Review №134

Very unique. Love the atmosphere and the decor. Good coffee and seating. Nice parking nearby in the heart of Anoka. Many other stores nearby.

Published a year ago

Review №135

I stopped in here for Indie Bookstore Day on Saturday and picked up one book for my husband. This is a super cute, a little cramped, shop. I already had coffee that morning but I ll be back to try their drinks! I believe it was the owner that told me they were going to be expanding. I love discovering a locally owned bookstore/coffee shop nearby.

Published a year ago

Review №136

Little hidden gem in Anoka. Really good coffee, friendly staff, lots and lots of books. Plenty of progressive books which is a breath of fresh air in a town like Anoka.

Published a year ago

Review №137

Best coffee and friendly staff. The owner is a sweet lady. Staff is always so helpful and did you see the books? Such an amazing assortment of books! Id differently recommend!

Published a year ago

Review №138

Published a year ago

Review №139

Published a year ago

Review №140

Such an adorable coffee shop, Tucked away in Anoka, the vibes are immaculate. The staff is so unbelievably friendly, as well as the drinks are made to perfection. There s so much to see if they have the walls covered in art. Such a nice local gem

Published a year ago

Review №141

This place is everything and more. From the interior design, the merch, the selection of books, to the coffee, and people working there. It turned my entire mood around. Walked in trying to escape a dark mindset and walked out on clouds. Could not recommend more.

Published a year ago

Review №142

The best of the best in Anoka. LGBTQIA+ friendly, a very safe space! One of the only legitimate espresso and coffee places Ive been to, and the atmosphere is to die for if youre a coffee shop/book shop fan. An absolute MUST if youre in Anoka.

Published a year ago

Review №143

Published a year ago

Review №144

Been going here for almost 3 years now. LOVE the atmosphere and the coffee. All of the different special drinks are so good and not something a lot of other coffee places offer. All the baristas are very friendly and will give you recommendations.

Published a year ago

Review №145

The world needs more cozy places like this. The ambience is spot on. Such fun and delicious coffee and coffee drinks. Theres a lot of variety. Theres tons of books as well, new fiction, teens, non fiction. Definitely a place to check out and frequent.

Published a year ago

Review №146

What a great stop!

Published a year ago

Review №147

Tucked away in the mix of Downtown Anoka, this coffee shop offers a wide range of drinks from simple to the crews own creations. You will always be,feel and are welcome. Top notch baristas who know how to perfect every drink they make! Stop in grab a quick cup of joe or shop the amazing book store that is forever expanding, there is also seating for those who just want to absorb the vibe!

Published a year ago

Review №148

Published a year ago

Review №149

Published a year ago

Review №150

I came in for a hot chocolate and someplace to write for a little while. The cocoa was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was exactly what I wanted

Published a year ago

Review №151

Unique book/coffee store in Anoka. All are equal no matter of color, creed, or orientation. Proud of a place that accepts all.

Published a year ago

Review №152

Published a year ago

Review №153

Published a year ago

Review №154

Very friendly and open to all customers, sweet owner and lovely coffee.

Published a year ago

Review №155

Published a year ago

Review №156

Good coffee, friendly baristas, small but impressive (and LGBTQ-friendly) book selection.

Published a year ago

Review №157

Published a year ago

Review №158

This place is awesome! Great coffee and warm, cozy place to post up with a drink and a good book. I am so thrilled to have a bookstore in Anoka! They have a great selection of books and I really appreciate the inclusivity of the book topics/authors as well as the community they foster with their events. Everyone working here was kind, friendly and it was nice to chat about the books I bought. Its clear they love what they do here. This place is a breath of fresh air (and tasty coffee aromas) :) Ill be back, and I cant wait to see what they do next!

Published a year ago

Review №159

Such a gem of a cute history downtown coffee shop- love that the added books, such a great combo!

Published a year ago

Review №160

Great coffee and atmosphere.

Published a year ago

Review №161

Bad coffee used to be a nice place but then they started being a bunch of tight wad D-bags

Published a year ago

Review №162

Published a year ago

Review №163

Darling little bookstore with a great cup of coffee

Published a year ago

Review №164

We visited Avant Garden Bookstore for coffee before doing the stocking stroll. The service was friendly and they ask about the temp for childrens hot chocolate. The reason for the 3 stars is because of the long wait. Waited over 20 minutes and the white chocolate mocha lacked flavor.

Published a year ago

Review №165

Published a year ago

Review №166

Avant Garden is by far my favorite coffee shop, the drinks are amazing but the people there are the best part! Have purchased a handful of books now that they are also a bookstore. The owner is a huge book fan and knows most of the inventory.

Published a year ago

Review №167

It has good hot chocolate

Published a year ago

Review №168

The coffee I had there was delicious! The workers are friendly and nice! It was a great experience.

Published a year ago

Review №169

Very cute coffee shop and bookstore with the most adorable outdoor space in the back.

Published a year ago

Review №170

Comfy cute Cafe, great for little dates to socialize or alone as well.

Published 2 years ago

Review №171

Published 2 years ago

Review №172

I love this little coffee shop! I used to stop-in and work half days from here. They rearranged their tables and it feels so cramped now. I love their coffee and the cozy atmosphere. I wonder if they were trying to discourage people from loitering. I just need more elbow room if Im going to set up my laptop and dig into returning emails. I love that they sell books, but the books take up too much space. Either way, always happy to support a local woman owned coffee shop over caribou or starbucks.

Published 2 years ago

Review №173

Walking through the book shelves I kept saying oh I love this book and ooh Ive been wanting to o read this! Meticulously curated with books that empower and expand the mind whether through queer, feminist or novels that stretch the imagination. What a delight! I spend a lot of time in bookstores and many of the books here I had never heard of. Besides, the drinks are delectable. I had the Dragons Breath jasmine and lavender tea latte and it was incredible. Discovered this book and these witchy pins!

Published 2 years ago

Review №174

Avant Garden has something most coffee shops don t have. While you wait for your coffee drink, browse a hand selected library of recommended reads. You may find yourself deciding that a good paperback will go really well with your Vanilla Latte.

Published 2 years ago

Review №175

Love love love this little place. Nicest people in the world and seriously, best coffee and teas ever. I absolutely adore that it has transformed into such a charming and eclectic bookstore. Everything from food, to kids books, novels and seasonal reads, and often clothing and art, too. I m so happy to be sitting here, working and sipping my Matcha latte. Thanks to the owner and Emily for being so sweet to my sister and me this morning, and for supporting her on all the socials as a fellow small business owner, too. I ll be back (weekly)!

Published 2 years ago

Review №176

one of my favorite coffee shops/bookstores. all the staff is very friendly and welcoming and make a point to have conversations with the customers which makes the experience better. i m glad i found them a couple months ago!

Published 2 years ago

Review №177

Great coffee, relaxing atmosphere, and so many books! Employees are nice and welcoming. Make it a point to stop by! We will be back! Check out the back patio garden area

Published 2 years ago

Review №178

Nice little coffee shop for a latte or expresso...

Published 2 years ago

Review №179

The bookstore no one asked for...

Published 2 years ago

Review №180

Published 2 years ago

Review №181

We love Avant Garden. The menu is awesome. The staff could not be sweeter or more helpful than they are, and we re huge fans of the owner, Jenni. Watching it evolve and expand its offerings has been so inspiring and enjoyable. Each time we visit, we re greeted by name (which is the most special feeling in the world!) and we have a blast exploring what s been added since our last visit. Can t say enough great things about this business. If you re in our sweet town of Anoka, we highly, highly recommend you check out Avant Garden.

Published 2 years ago

Review №182

Avant Garden is one of my happy places! Ive enjoyed watching them evolve into an indy book seller with amazing and thoughtful selections, as well as their hand-crafted beverages. AG is a safe and accepting place for anyone to hang out, from business folks to people wanting to jam on their instruments on their comfortable patio. I could go on, but you should just go and see for yourself! (Pictured: my husband and I snapped a quick engagement photo back in the day!)

Published 2 years ago

Review №183

Best little coffee house. Delicious coffee choices and very friendly workers and owner!

Published 2 years ago

Review №184

This is not the Avant Garden I have loved in the past. Strongly dislike the direction they ve taken this business. My husband and I used to frequent Avant often but this will no longer be the case. Not at all the friendly, inviting environment it used to be. I guess if it works for you it is what it is. We just won t be supporting or referring anyone. Such a shame. Also, they sell frozen drinks but don t provide straws and don t tell you such things until after they give you your drink. It s fine if you don t want to have straws, but you should probably inform people before they order.

Published 2 years ago

Review №185

Great coffee and salads, amazing staff, and awesome atmosphere. Especially loving the new addition of books!! This is my #1 favorite local small business to support!!

Published 2 years ago

Review №186

This is my favorite coffee shop hands down and has been for years! They have great coffee, unique signature drinks, and a wide variety of flavors you can add to your drinks. The back patio is cool and the inside is cozy and a great place to meet a friend or do homework. Plus the baristas are super nice!

Published 2 years ago

Review №187

Published 2 years ago

Review №188

One of Anokas finest gems. Warm atmosphere, great coffee and staff. A must stop if youre exploring Anoka!

Published 2 years ago

Review №189

Whenever I am in the area I make it a point to stop by and buy a book. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, great coffee, and comfortable space. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read. 10/10, will be back soon!

Published 2 years ago

Review №190

Coffee is great, so are the muffins; menu is reasonably priced as well! Books are intriguing.

Published 2 years ago

Review №191

Published 2 years ago

Review №192

Avant Garden was my favorite place locally to get coffee. Its really high quality stuff, just test for yourself by getting something here, then go to any coffee chain and order the same thing and compare them side by side. Avant Garden just has better coffee, hands down. Expanding to sell banned books was a cool idea and there are some really good ones here, but the bookstore part has become an amoeba thats overtaken and is dissolving the cafe. This is the canary in the coal mine. They took away so much seating so it feels like they just want you to come in, spend fast, get out. I hardly see any of my co-regulars there anymore. The booths are gone and theyre down to just the most uncomfortable chairs. If I do happen to find a seat to try to enjoy the atmosphere, its often interrupted by books slamming on the floor because they arent displayed properly on the shelves and its so crowded, people keep knocking books on to the floor. I keep thinking one of the tall bookshelves is just going to tip over and squish a kid. Im still getting over the loss of the panini press and the great menu they once had, and now they got rid of their pastry cooler. The W.C. is now forbidden, too. This place is in its final years. Ive seen other places in similar throes go under. A couple times recently theyve even been closing early. Soon Ill have to start going back to Munkabeans in Hopkins again, or Mocha Monkey in Waconia for any coffee remotely as superb as Avant Gardens.

Published 2 years ago

Review №193

Great coffee

Published 2 years ago

Review №194

Cute coffee shop with books to buy and read. I think there is outdoor seating in the back as well. Very friendly staff. Their drinks look like works of art.

Published 2 years ago

Review №195

Never makes my coffee order correctly.

Published 2 years ago

Review №196

This was one of my favorite coffee shops until the terrible service I received today. A mom with 2 younger children who just wanted a hot coffee & a few minutes to visit with a friend. The women who took my order was by far the most disrespectful & unwelcoming face for this coffee shop. I m still in shock the experience I had. Needless to say, I ll not be coming back nor referring anyone to your establishment. I ve never felt so unwelcome & hounded in the way we were.

Published 2 years ago

Review №197

Books and coffee, what more could a lady want?! Cute coffee shop with books arranged by genre.

Published 2 years ago

Review №198

Published 2 years ago

Review №199

This place has nice atmosphere, baristas, and owner! There are a lot of books to look at and also a lot of different coffee options. The garden in the back looks great! Some of their options are on the sweeter side and others are much more classic if thats your preferred taste. It was a fun experience!

Published 2 years ago

Review №200

Love the coffee here, price is great and staff is very friendly!

Published 2 years ago

Company information
  • 6 photos
  • 200 reviews
  • 4.6 rating
  • Phone: +1 763-421-5036
  • Website: http://www.avantgardenbookstore.com/
  • Address: 215 E Main St, Anoka, MN 55303, United States
  • Coordinates: 45.1981545, -93.3886502
Categories
  • Book store
  • Coffee shop
Working hours
  • Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
  • Monday: 7 AM–5 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM–5 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM–5 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM–5 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM–5 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM
From the business
  • Identifies as women-owned: Yes
  • Small Business: Yes
Service options
  • On-site services: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Same-day delivery: Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Yes
Crowd
  • LGBTQ+ friendly: Yes
  • Transgender safe space: Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit: Yes
Payments
  • Credit cards: Yes
  • Debit cards: Yes
  • NFC mobile payments: Yes
  • Credit cards: Yes
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Yes
  • Free parking lot: Yes