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21st Street Coffee And Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
50 21st StPittsburgh, PA 15222
Neighborhood: Strip District
(412) 281-0809
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 7 am - 4 pm
Thu-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 8 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for 21st Street Coffee And Tea
Review Highlights
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"1 for having a Clover machine." In 5 reviews -
"21st first introduced me to pour over single origin coffees." In 4 reviews -
"Espresso drinks are great here too, but I'll always come..." In 4 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa S.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/1/2012
21st Street Coffee: why oh why are you not in Regent Square? In a neighborhood screaming for a good cafe, you would KILL it over here. For serious!! Well anyway, on with my review.....
You will leave sans a few more bucks than expected, but you will be bouncing off the walls with glee and full of caffeinated bliss! They use Intelligencia beans-- the best on the planet in my book. They brew the coffee old-school, slow drip style through a filter, so you will wait a bit for your joe. And a small size is, well, pretty darn small. But you will savor every last drop and even lick the cappuccino foam off the inside of the lid.
Just don't cut your tongue like I did. D'oh! -
Review from sarah k.
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I feel stupid when I go here.
I'm a lifelong coffee addict, so I appreciate good coffee, which they definitely have. And although I do appreciate that the staff is knowledgeable, they do come off as pretentious.
I definitely felt pressured to get a plain espresso (which I didn't want to drink, really) for fear of being judged for being uncultured. Then I had to sit in the corner and look like an asshole just drinking an espresso in the middle of the day like it was no big deal. I mean, this is America people!
It was worse for the woman in line in front of me though, who ordered a coffee and asked if they have flavored syrup and the baristas looked at her like she just ordered a side of dead baby.
Basically: coffee is good, but make sure you know what the hell you're doing when you go here! -
Review from Nick H.
Pittsburgh, PA
3/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Strolled into 21st street coffee in the strip on a Monday morning desperately needing a cup of coffee and something to munch on. Not only was I completely satisfied by the time I walked out, I felt as if I was leaving my own house, which is kinda weird, I know.
I had some awesome Brazilian Coffee that was recommended black by the Batista and a blueberry scone. I always drink my coffee with cream and sugar, so, optimistically, I decided to take the man's advice and try it black. I was astonished at how sweet the black cup of goodness tasted and drank every little drop.
The blueberry scone was a little dry but still filled my appetite for some breakfast item. I spent at least three hours at 21st street coffee and really learned to like the general demeanor and atmosphere of the place.
I will say that if I'm ever in the strip and need some coffee, 21st street coffee is definitely going to be go-to coffee place. '
'nough said -
Review from Christiana C.
Columbus, OH
2/19/2012
On a spontaneous trip to Pittsburgh, I was really excited to go to 21st Street Coffee and Tea since it had tea right there in a title. This place was super busy on a Saturday afternoon, but moved quickly. I love that there was an upstairs and downstairs seating area, especially given how cold it was the day I was there. The upstairs was a welcome experience considering the cold coming in through the doors. Even though it was busy, tables flipped quickly, so getting a seat was not a problem.
I had the Iron Goddess of Mercy tea. It was very good, although it is the first time I've paid over $3 for a cup of tea with the leaves removed. I would have liked it better if I had been given the leaves in a diffuser or something so I could have had several cups with the leaves. As it was, the cup was a bit small for a one off cup of tea, in my opinion.
I think most experiences are more geared towards the coffee, which I can't speak to unfortunately. But if you're going with a coffee enthusiast friend and trying to figure out how you'll fare, keep this in mind. -
Review from Michael W.
Pittsburgh, PA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
These people know coffee. Everything from exact temperatures to weighing beans... its like tasty caffeine infused science! Expect a little wait though... they brew each cup by hand, but the wait will be worth it.
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Review from J S.
Louisville, KY
5/19/2012
Be prepared for a little bit of a wait (it gets crowded on the weekends)... but definitely worth it. Their coffee is always so delicious!
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Review from Adam C.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by 21st St. the other day for a cup of Kenyan pour over. This is stop-you-in-your-tracks good stuff. Bright, citrusy, floral, complex....without a trace of bitterness. Look no further for your serious coffee experience. 21st offers a lovingly-prepared cup from one of the preeminent roasters in the country.
A word of warning: it may prove impossible to go back to the burnt-toast swill from your favorite national chain. And when you're stuck, desperate for a coffee in a miserable airport somewhere, it's easy to wish that you'd never had your coffee-palate-awakening-experience and could be blissfully happy thinking that this cup of liquefied burnt toast was just fine. -
Review from Sarah R.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I go here when I want coffee that makes me want to sing and my wallet want to cry.
They use Intelligentsia beans. I might drop almost $5 on a cup of coffee here, but I know it's well spent. Intelligentsia does direct trade with farmers, trading at a fair price, and making sure that they're working with farmers who use sustainable environmental and social practices.
These perfectly roasted beans are perfectly brewed every visit. Have you had a cup of coffee that made your mouth water because it was juicy and tart, like handful of raspberries? That's what I get here.
The baristas also pull excellent espresso shots and pour perfect lattes.
They're definitely worth a visit.
I just wish this place had longer hours. -
Review from Faith A.
12/28/2011
Here and La Prima are my two favorite strip coffee stops.
Always fresh, always scrumptious, and even though there always seems to be a line, it is always worth the wait! The tea is yummy too- whether hot or cold.
This place can make any crazy morning at the Strip a better one! -
Review from Serena R.
9/12/2011
Serious...they are seriously serious about coffee and tea. I think that's one of the reasons I rated them so highly. How can you not respect a business that's really into what they do?!?!
It was my first time going on Sunday morning and I ordered the Earl Grey tea. I did think the prices were steep, but then when I saw how much care and time goes into making each drink and then I didn't feel so guilty about it.
Then gentleman behind the counter asked me if I prefer to put milk in my tea, and I said yes. Honestly, I couldn't imagine drinking tea without milk, but that's b/c I grew up with having milk in my tea - any other way would seem wrong.
He said that they typically recommend for customers to try the tea in the form that they serve it and I asked if the Earl Grey typically comes with milk, he said that he'd be happy to provide milk and that is one of the teas that works with milk. But he said that their green teas shouldn't be messed with - which I could understand.
So before stirring my milk, I tried the black tea and was quite impressed by the subtle flavor. I usually dump lots of sugar in my tea, but found that all I needed was a bit of milk and I was fine with no sugar. It was the perfect temperature with the perfect flavor.
I strongly recommend this place if you have some time to enjoy a good cup of tea or coffee. -
Review from Rachel C.
7/9/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I've been finding myself here more often to stop in for my iced chai and work a bit in between meetings in the Strip.
I'm always amazed by how knowledgeable the staff is about the coffee they brew. That being said after eavesdropping on a couple counter convos with patrons. As a former Batista, I feel it's necessary to be a brew expert, considering people have become such coffee snobs as of late.
The staff has always been incredibly friendly, even when I try to butt into their staff gossip sessions. I can't help it, I feel like one of them still!
The only complaint I would have is that they don't carry skim milk. The chai is still good with 2% but I can't help but feel a little guilty not keeping it on the skinny side.
If you're hanging out for a bit go on upstairs, they have a cute little sitting area you can have your own gossip sesh in!Listed in: I love tea!
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Review from Matthew L.
Baltimore, MD
1/29/2012
I was back in Pittsburgh for work and had been meaning to stop in and give this place a try. One of the things I appreciated was the knowledge of the staff. They gave great suggestions and were very friendly. The coffee was fantastic. They recommended a black drip (which they hand prepare). This is my favorite drink and they do it well. My wife tried a cappuccino. It was frothy and delicious. Like all great baristas, they prepare with the leaf. The place is vibrant and has a ton of energy. One interesting thing is the donut bakery next door makes the bathrooms smell like fresh pastries. The only downside was the lack of outlets and seating. The decor was a little lacking as well.
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Review from Rachael N.
Cleveland, OH
9/22/2011
We had originally stopped by Espresso a Mano, due to all the yelp reviews. When I learned they didn't have Intelligentsia....I was sad. I want my Intelligentsia coffee! They recommended 21st street, and off we went....
I tried the summer blend, iced. Mmmmm. That was good. He got some type of iced tea.... which, Intelligentsia itself is just so good. I was surprised at all the different flavors they had from Intelligentsia (usually it's just a few when I frequent coffee shops).
Plus, the Strip District was cute to walk around in...once I became caffeinated. :) -
Review from Jamie b.
7/10/2011
I can hardly imagine that you can find a place that takes coffee so seriously in all of Pittsburgh. The staff are all really knowledgeable about their products and their craft. The drinks that I have ordered (typically espresso based drinks) are quite delicious. If you are a fan of hot chocolate, theirs is the best I've ever tasted.
The atmosphere of the shop is pretty good. If you are planning to sick around, there is a loft upstairs with seating, a few tables on the first floor, a bar area against the window to stand, and bistro tables outside. There is good light from the large windows and good music that help the ambiance.
Ordering and waiting for your drink gets a bit cramped up because of the layout of the space (and honestly, this is where the shop does not clinch that last star for me). They use a brewing method of pour over, so it seems the drinks take a bit longer to make. Literally every single time I go to 21st Street Coffee, someone grabs my drink from the pickup counter because the ordering/waiting for your drink to come up process is a bit awkward due to the shotgun (i.e. skinny) layout of the shop. What is even more awkward is when you have to explain to your fellow customer that was behind you in line that they just picked up your drink, and since I am admittedly not the most forward person, it is something that I deeply dislike dealing with when trying to relax and get a coffee. Perhaps associating a name with the order would help this process?
Regardless, it is definitely worth a visit to the 21 Street Coffee and Tea shop for a delicious coffee and you'll be treated with the fruits of labor from real coffee craftsmen.Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 7/10/2011
Thanks for the detailed review, we appreciate the kind… More » -
Review from Bobby S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
10/13/2011
Coffee was really good. I asked for Soy Milk and the barista encouraged me to taste the coffee as is. She wanted me to experience the natural bodies and flavors. I hate black coffee, but kept an open mind. It was delicious. Although, if they're that serious about experiencing the delicacies of something, I suggest they pay more attention to interior design and the layout of their menus. It was a little hand drawn and shotty. You can't be a super snob about the coffee if the overall vibe of the place is just okay. Nah mean?!?!?!
Awesome muffin too!!!! -
Review from Sean P.
Fredericksburg, VA
4/4/2011
Well, I like this coffee bar for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the focus on coffee. By coffee I mean non-espresso drinks, that is to say made without pressure. I enjoy the espresso here, but I really enjoy being able to grab a cup of single source pour over. The staff is considerate about the method and presentation. While I don't normally discuss the coffee beans, intelligentsia does make a good bean and this spot always has a number of varietals available for pour over. And in case you were looking for one, I've seen the siphon coffee maker on a shelf on the back shelf, but I've never seen it provided as an option. I'm sure they'd break it out if you were rally interested though. I'm not crazy about having to drive all the way to the strip to get a cup of coffee here, but I always stop here when I'm in the strip.
Additionally, this is the only coffee shop I know of that sells pour over equipment. I don't think it costs much more than anything online. If it does, then be happy you're supporting something local. I bought a pour over set here and the staff provided me with a detailed explanation on how to use it with a sample of how the grind should look, which was really helpful as I use a manual grinder as opposed to a burr grinder.Listed in: Enjoy coffee?
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Review from Abby R.
Raleigh, NC
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in the Strip on my lunch break walk, and tweeted a quick question - "where is The Best cup of coffee around here?" the responses overwhelmingly led me to 21st St Coffee.
Expecting to be disappointed, as is often the case with over-hyped places, I was proven otherwise. I knew I wanted black coffee, and was really excited when the barista offered to explain what my choices were. You guys, he actually knew what he was talking about. Very descriptive and approachable, which made me really excited to try the Peruvian blend that promised notes of chocolate and dried fruit. They drip your cup as you order, which no doubt adds so much to the taste. They take their coffee seriously.
Bottom line ...
Friendly: absolutely
Delicious: absolutely
Pricey: my small cup was $3.50. But, you get what you pay for.
Comfy: Eh. I wish it were a better space for lounging. Skinny counter with four seats, and two tiny tables in the window.Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 3/11/2011
Thank you for the review- appreciate it. Next time you stop… More » -
Review from Mark S.
New York, NY
9/6/2011
(response to owner below) Without a doubt this is the worst experience I have ever had getting coffee. Let me preface this by saying I live New York, I lived in SF for 10 years before that and I have spent a lot of time in both Portland and Seattle. So let's just say I have had my fair share of run-ins with pretentious coffee snobs. This place takes the cake. Let me explain the sequence of events: I order a coffee, coffee nazi #1 informs me that if I am planing on putting milk in my coffee I should probably order a different type of bean. Hmm, OK a little weird but everyone in Pittsburg so far has been crazy nice so maybe she is just looking out for me. I order a different bean. I get my coffee and ask coffee nazi #2 if I can please have some milk. Coffee nazi #2 tells me I should try it black first. I tell him nicely that I have tried for years and unfortunately I have never gotten used to the taste of black coffee. Coffee Nazi #2 then tells me this coffee has been specially cooled for me, that it's not like Duncan Doughnuts coffee, and how hard is it to just take a sip. Listen douce-nozzle my local coffee place uses your same beans (intelligentsia) and they use clover machines to brew it. I go to either Blue Bottle or Stumptown coffee at least once a week. I know what black coffee taste like. Also I've been to Ethiopia, you know where coffee was invented, and guess what dip sh*t? They put milk in their coffee. This place seriously wrecked half my day in Pittsburg because I was so annoyed. Avoid it like the plague. If you want good coffee, go to espresso a manna. The coffee was actually better and the staff was super nice.
After reading the owners response to other bad reviews, I just want to be clear here. Both the staff I dealt with were definitely NOT making friendly suggestions. They were both absolutely condescending, telling me how I should take my coffee. I asked the second staff member (who turned out to be the owner) twice for milk and he only gave me milk AFTER I tasted the coffee black. TOTALLY unacceptable. I don't mind when people totally geek out on coffee, as long they are just pumped on what they are doing and genuinely just want you to be as pumped as they are. This place was not like that. I was treated like some toothless hillbilly who had been weened on Sanka his whole life. All because I wanted milk in my coffee? It's not like I ask for ketchup for a filet mignon or something. If you don't want to serve milk with your coffee put a big sign up that says we only serve our coffee black. I would be totally OK with that. I would have gone somewhere else and saved myself this whole unpleasant experience. Also, one more little pet peeve about this place. I hate places that dilute their cold brew. Why are your charging me $3/4 for a coffee that is 2/3 water? It is so much better strait.
(response to owner) I ordered the Kenyan, then switched to the Nicaraguan as per instructions. Like I said the coffee place by my work uses clover machines and Intelligentsia beans. The place is Kaffe 1668 in Tribeca if you don't believe me. I get the Kenyan regularly as I generally prefer African coffee. It tastes fine with milk to me, but I guess I am just a simpleton with no idea about coffee.
You have milk in case people 'require' it? You 'caved' because I was getting angry? That doesn't sound like someone that's main concern is people enjoying their coffee. How about telling me this isn't Ducan Doughnuts coffee like I was some hick off the street? Was that a friendly way to get me to enjoy the coffee more? Look you obviously think all coffee should be taken black, well except you serve lattes. That's great. I don't like coffee black. I've tried just about every type of bean (even that crazy weasel crap one) and every crazy contraption for making coffee and I still like milk in my coffee (I do take expresso and turkish coffee black). There is nothing wrong with that. Can you imagine for one second that someone might have legitimate different opinion than you? My point about naming other coffee places wasn't to name drop it was just to show you that there other knowledgeable people out there that have a different opinion then you. It's seem like all your negative reviews stem from the same problem. So I suggest you either 1) Only serve black coffee 2) don't give people attitude if they ask for milk. I really think either way you should drop the attitude. I'm really not hating it just bums me out when I come across people like you. It makes coffee, something I love, not fun. As for the other review, that is from my wife who had similar experience and she wanted to write her own review.Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 9/22/2011
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. The day after… More » -
Review from Leslie J.
New York, NY
9/7/2011
The ONLY reason to visit this place is to collect material for a comedy sketch about obnoxious coffee shop baristas. It's literally that bad. Hey buddy, I've worked at two indie coffee shops and know how to roast my own beans, so please skip the lecture about the sin of adding milk or sugar to my $4.50 drip coffee. Also, please stock half and half. The milk you threw my way in disgust just made your very diluted cold brew gray. How does this place stay in business?
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Review from Debra L.
Canonsburg, PA
3/14/2012
Real Italian style cappucinos. Need I say more?
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Review from Elizabeth C.
Pittsburgh, PA
Updated - 1/5/2012
**Since the owners deleted my first Review (guess something hit a little too close to home, huh?) I will write another one. I will say that if they deleted my review (and another I left on Urbanspoon) it begs the question of how many others they didn't like that they simply deleted.**
The behavior of the employees here should seriously be turned into SNL. It's just that funny. My friend and I went into this place for the first (and last) time and I ordered a soy latte and paid for it. My friend asked if she could have steamed milk and Earl Grey to steep. The manager (apparently they are all part-managers there) snootily replied that he would not do that because there is no recipe for it (yes...he needed a recipe for steamed milk) and they don't fulfill requests they do not have recipes for. We were both a bit perplexed at both his immediate snotty response and why he could steep the tea in water, but not milk. So we asked why this couldn't be done and honestly I thought maybe he mis-heard us and if we explained it he would catch on that it's simply replacing water with milk (although reading the other reviews these folks funnily have milk-bigotry...again...SNL would totally dig this). He interrupted us and rudely said he would not do it and repeated about 3x that she could have a chai tea latte (unbelievably). So she said nicely to him (my friend believes in killing with kindness. I on the other hand do not) that he should try it sometime, it's really good. He snickered and very condescendingly said "Yeah, I have." Like "Yeah I have and only an illiterate, hick nobody like you would make such a preposterous suggestion." It was so condescending and rude. So she walked to the cooler to get a bottle of water. She thought the register was down at the end of the counter and began walking past him and he screamed in front of all the other customers "THAT'S $1.50!!!" So she calmly walked over and paid. I walked down to get my latte and began asking the gal that was making the beverages, if I had asked for a cup of steamed milk from her, would she have fulfilled my request. Right in the middle of her very confused look at me like "Ummm...yeah" one of the other employees walked over and told her not to answer my questions and just to keep fulfilling orders. REALLY?? So not only are the employees there incredibly rude and pretentious but they have such control over the other "managers" that they can tell them to whom they are permitted to speak and to whom they are not??? I was just floored. So I ignored him, of course, and ask her again. She said "Ummm..yes" again like "Are you serious? Why are you even asking me this? A cup of steamed milk. Sure. Duh." And I asked if I had asked her for Earl Grey to steep in it would she have accommodated me? Same confused answer from her. And just to be clear: we were not rude in anyway. Exasperated and bewildered, yes. Rude, no. We never raised our voices, we were never once disrespectful. We were truly baffled as to what boorish request we made that would elicit such an insulting and crude response from not 1 but 2 employees.
This experience was beyond words. It was incredible how rude, pretentious and all-knowing this bunch thought they were. Their establishment puts a black mark on what Pittsburgh businesses are all about and what we represent. And as you'll see, every bad review they have received here is all for the same reason: rude customer service. Please please please spend your $$ elsewhere. I know Starbucks is like feeding "the machine" but at least they are kind and don't make their customers feel like idiots. Also--for the $$ you charge the size of your drinks are a joke. You should feel embarrassed every time you pass a cup over the counter to a customer.
I am all for having a healthy sense of pride and commitment to your job but this is just wayyyyyy overboard. The coffee is ok but it's not worth the attitude. There is actually a review (if the owner didn't remove it already) from a woman that was actually so intimidated by their rude behavior she didn't even have the nerve to ask for sugar. The actual word she used was "scared". No.Joke.
My hope one day is walk by the corner 21st St. and Smallman and see a new coffee shop there with new owners that are kind, accommodating and treat their customers with respect and courtesy.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/30/2011
I could not agree more with the remarks others have made about the snobby and pretentious behavior… Read more »
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Review from Mercado A.
Allegheny, PA
12/21/2010 11 Check-ins Here
A family member introduced me to this place about a year ago, and I've been back about a dozen or so times since.
This place is serious about coffee. Everyone that works there really knows their stuff and is more than happy to share their knowledge with customers. The layout of the place is really nice too, especially with the comfortable upstairs area.
The best thing about this place is the coffee itself. Everything they make is very full of flavor. I'm not even that crazy about drinking espresso straight, but here I have no problems doing so. Every time I'm in the strip, I make a mandatory stop here, it's that good. Coffee-wise it's simply the best in the city,Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 1/12/2011
Thank you, we appreciate your comments. See you around! More » -
Review from Jenn P.
Philadelphia, PA
6/8/2011
21st first introduced me to pour over single origin coffees.
My new favorite way to experience coffee, for sure.
If you're new to the artisan coffee world, this might not be the best place for you to go -- they can come off as pretentious at times but, they do understand that the "customer is always right" ...you might just have to ask a few times for sugar or creamer for your coffee. -
Review from Nelvin J.
Langhorne, PA
11/20/2011
I consider myself a coffee connoisseur. I've had great coffee and I have had terrible coffee. But I have never had hand-pour coffee that was so carefully made specifically for me with people that are so passionate about the way they make it. To have a staff knowledgable about the coffee and tea they sell was worth the few extra dollars.
Coffee tasted real and bold and they even recommend drinking it black to capture it's fully embodied taste. Great for students - upstairs with wifi and more seating. -
Review from Vivek S.
6/29/2010
Cute cafe in the Strip District of P-burgh. Every surface in there emits the aroma of well-made coffee. I opted for a Clover-pressed brew and was not disappointed. My partner-in-coffee got a beautifully filagreed latte. If I didn't live 300 miles away, I would return sooner.
Obligatory Title Pun: Unpunnable, sorry.
Menu Readability: I think I just walked in and said "coffee." (It was early.)
Need to mention: Intelligentsia coffee available here. Also, this place ain't cheap.
What this place teaches me about myself: If forced to, I would WALK three-hundred miles for a decent cup of joe.Listed in: Steeltown Selections
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Review from Miriam W.
6/25/2011 2 photos
I really appreciate great coffee, and this little coffee house in the Strip makes a perfect cup. Their method is the simple pour over, and the beans are from the incomparable Intelligentsia out of Chicago. I know these beans are handled with love, as I went to many coffee cuppings led by the owners of Intelligentsia back when this company was in its infancy in Chicago. The staff here is well trained and obviously cares...you have to be a little bean obsessed to do this as well as they do. If you normally add cream to your coffee, this is the place to try it black; you won't miss the dairy. Espresso drinks are great here too, but I'll always come for the coffee.
Listed in: Best O' the 'Burgh
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Review from Aman B.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/22/2012
21st Street Coffee offers the best coffee in the 'burgh -- I head there at least 2-3 times a week for whole bean coffee and a hot cup. The baristas are very friendly and offer great advice. I enjoy seeing them every time I walk in. They can be a little over the top -- e.g., no half and half or Splenda, constant encouragement to drink it black, even when you don't want to, etc. A word to the wise -- just ignore it. I know they cringe when I add milk and/or sugar to my cup but I've learned to pretend it's not happening. Enjoy your coffee in all its glory, the way you want to. You're paying the steep prices, so just do what you want, and enjoy your cuppa! They're lovely people.
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Review from Jui-Yü C.
Pittsburgh, PA
7/31/2010 1 photo
Good espresso drinks :)
They serve Intelligensia, as many reviews have mentioned, not a bad start. I like how there their cap is so full of "coffeenality", hmm. Not sure if they use SO for cap, but it's distinct and tasty.
The latte is well behaved, tho not every baristas there make best foam and latte art.
The baristas are also very helpful and nice when introducing the beans... -
Review from Greg B.
Pittsburgh, PA
5/29/2010
I love this place, but dammit, why did you only leave one coffee maker in the 21st street store? It took a loooong time before to get a cup of coffee, now it takes forever!!!!!!
Okay, gripe over--the baristas are knowledgeable about the coffee and very skilled at making a latte. The location is perfect--on the strip and next to the donut shop. Oooohhh. So Good.
Most importantly, you can get Intelligentsia Coffee there!!! In San Diego, I had to drive up to LA to do that. Oh, how I missed thee, Intelligentsia.
I went to the store at PNC plaza and it's very nice. And it has the other two machines. Either way, you can't go wrong.Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 10/17/2010
We heard you on that! This summer when we moved two of the… More » -
Review from Oday S.
Pittsburgh, PA
8/8/2010
Great location in the Strip Dist, devoted baristas, probably the city's best macchiato, and a cool interior.
What's to love?
--The macchiato is probably the best in Pittsburgh. Just the right amount of milk; a perfect espresso shot; and served in a proper macchiato cup.
--Intelligentsia beans! Not my favorite--that would be Counter Culture--but it's a pretty damn good bean, and it's nice to know that a couple places in PGH serve it.
--Location in the heart of the Strip Dist with cool views of the North Shore, the PA Railroad Fruit Auction & Sales Bldg, and the St Stanislaus Church.
--Friendly, knowledgeable and happy employees.
--Cool interior. Lots and lots of windows and natural light; a decent amount of seating upstairs; and great wood and brick throughout.
What's not to love?
--Bad pastries. This place deserves better. Although the handmade granola bars stand out.
--Cheap bottled water for sale. Come on people--it comes out of your tap for next to nothing!
--No outlets upstairs for laptops. Not a huge deal, but it wouldn't be terribly difficult to add a few.
I only hope that they expand into other neighborhoods. How about setting up shop near Pitt, pleeeeeaaaase?Comment from Luke S. of 21st Street Coffee And Tea 10/17/2010
Thank you for the detailed review- appreciate you taking the… More » -
Review from Chloe F.
San Mateo, CA
1/23/2010
I've only lived in Pgh for 5 months now. During that time, my #1 priority has been to find some decent coffee. I'm used to having Blue Bottle and Ritual coffee in SF.
I've tried a fair share of coffee shops around (both soy latte & coffee bean). I was starting to lose hope. When I tried the soy latte at 21st St- it was good (not amazing). But I was giddy to see a latte art again. What brings 21st up to a 5* is their coffee bean. We bought a 12 oz bag of Kenyan Kangocho for $18. That's expensive but it's amazing. I'm not a coffee critic so it's difficult for me to put into words what differentiates it from other mediocre coffee but the word I'll use to explain it is... 'rich'. -
Review from Marne O.
Pittsburgh, PA
5/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place can be really pricey, but damnit it's worth it.
You don't have to settle for the COD- they'll make you a cup of anything- you just have to pay. Great for someone like me who really loves Kenyan coffee.
I recently had their iced latte for the first time and wow was it amazing. -
Review from Jon A.
6/22/2010
Whoa. It's like a Lil' Chicago up in here! Up in here! Really...I think I like this de facto Inteliigentsia coffee house more than the real ones...just because it took someone to say, "yeah, I'll ride those coattails here in Pittsburgh. And, we'll make it our own."
They're getting daily shipments it seems like...from espresso beans to their choice of in-season beans.
Decked out with a Clover to boot.
Parking is pretty spacious in The Strip, at least early morning but watch the "time limits."
The upstairs is cozy but the outlet situation isn't.
They're inspiring me to take Inteliigentsia to every town or city & open up my little haven. -
Review from Darin A.
9/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is my first experience at 21st Street Coffee and Tea but surely not my last. Upon walking in I was immediately impressed with the care that was being given to the customer in front of me. Each coffee was described in detail, not just glossed over. When it was my turn to order the expertise of the gentleman behind the counter was immediately evident. I brought my friend here from out of town and I'm sure this will become a regular place to visit. He ordered a latte and the art was beautifully created. I ordered a Kenyan coffee out of the clover and enjoyed every syrupy berry note that was described to me up front. I am thrilled to have such a high quality shop on my list of places to go.
Edit:
My subsequent experiences have all been just as good as the first. I took my wife here for a relaxing morning of coffee, reading and writing. This place is great! -
Review from Nick L.
Cambridge, MA
11/18/2009
Of the coffee shops I visited when in Pittsburgh, this was my hands-down favorite for coffee. Period. In fact, the cups I had there were in my top 10 for best coffee (according to my tastes and still-short love affair with the bean).
I was once told by a true aficionado that a truly good cup of coffee shouldn't need cream or sugar, that the sweetness and acidity are by-products of time spent on the warmer. I think 21st Street nailed that advice in my mind: each cup is brewed individually when you order, and the result was, well, fantastic. Drinking it black was the only good choice, and I felt dirty even thinking about cream or sugar. The barista did a good job of explaining the subtle differences between the beans they were using that day (helpful for someone like myself who's trying to learn) without giving off any of that judgmental vibe you sometimes get at the hip shops.
Two cautions: one is that the cups are more expensive than at the pre-brew shops (but worth it, in my mind), and there's limited seating/power outlets for people obsessed with working on their laptops.
Bike parking is available at random street signs just outside the window. -
Review from Rachel M.
State College, PA
9/25/2009 1 photo
21st does a great job of serving interesting, globally-conscious, well-made coffee and espresso. They also provide free wireless and have decently spacious upstairs seating. So far, they make the best espresso I've had in Pittsburgh!
One small gripe: whyyyy oh why is the bathroom always locked? I'm all for a customer-only policy, but having to get the key over and over when studying (and drinking coffee!) for several hours can get painstaking. -
Review from Jenney C.
Pittsburgh, PA
5/17/2008
Okay this place is not for coffee newbs. We're talking serious coffee. :-D
The staff is wonderful and helpful. This is not your hipster coffee bar. There is seating outside and there are two floors inside.
They have a Clover coffee machine here. And it is so worth it. I didn't have any snacks or food, so I can't speak on that. However it is the best coffee in Pittsburgh.
They use Intelligentsia coffee. -
Review from Walter K.
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent, but pricey hand poured artisanal coffee. If you enjoy a really good cup of coffee, you should certainly check this place out. I usually take a bit of cream and sugar, but this was the first cup of coffee I truly enjoyed black.
-
Review from Jeff G.
9/13/2009
I haven't been here in a while, but I still remember how amazing the Latte was. I can only compare it to Joe's in NYC...which, for those of you that don't know, is a huge compliment.
The milk was rich and frothy and the coffee flavor was fantastic.
And let's add that all of their coffee is what I like to call "fair trade plus." They do a wonderful job of making sure that the coffee is not only delicious (which it is), but it is good for the world.
Well done! -
Review from Ryan P.
It's all about the Clover coffee. Seriously. Try it.
This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the Pittsburgh area, partly for the Clover coffee, and partly for pleasant upstairs seating with a view. Give it a try, it won't disappoint.
