Attention coffee lovers; I have just the place for you.
Amid the protests and boycotts against Starbucks, St. Louisians are stumped on where to get a good cup of coffee. Every local cafe is at least a 20-minute drive into the city while the only other options are controversial chains that are way overpriced.
To battle this, I have been making coffee at home but I miss going out and getting a latte with my friends and taking advantage of the free wifi in a cozy cafe. I thought all hope was lost until I stumbled upon a hidden gem–The Ground. This new shop had its grand opening on Sept. 22 and I just so happened to drive right past it. It’s set in an old-style home and is hidden behind the Ballwin Police Department and Lion’s Choice while also blending in with the surrounding neighborhoods, causing it to be somewhat hidden. This cafe deserves to be front and center because it’s exactly what everyone is looking for.
This 5-star cafe provides a cozy and inviting environment while providing a reasonably priced cup of happiness. Not only do they sell coffee and treats, but have a whole other room designated for greenery, candles, pots, and trendy house decorations. That’s right–it doubles as a plant shop. This beautifully decorated section of the cafe contains glowing green plants of all kinds. Huge monseras, Creeping Charlies, succulents, you name it. They also sell incredible smelling soaps, candles, and other personal goods that are perfect for gifts. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the cute atmosphere- with comfy chairs and a big couch in the corner with big plant pillows. Their menu had an extensive selection with a perfect assortment of fall drinks- including the famous chai and pumpkin lattes.
During my visit, I got a delicious pumpkin latte for only $5 (already significantly cheaper than Starbucks or Kaldis), a muffin, and a new addition to my hanging plant collection. I also tried the apple chai iced latte and it was just as good. Perfectly refreshing but not too sweet and keeps the coffee taste. They work around lactose allergies with plenty of milk alternatives for no extra charge. It’s perfect for early risers and morning workers as it opens at 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is only closed on Sunday. Not only is this service, atmosphere, and pricing great, but it’s a female-owned small business.
Places like The Ground support the economy of our town while giving us life and personality. Small businesses are becoming extremely rare throughout Ballwin and Manchester as chain businesses are taking them over and we are losing the spark of our town. The Ground is an alternative to big chain cafes with controversial tendencies while supporting powerful women with a vision. Save yourself some money, and time, and escape into this hidden gem of Ballwin with a good cup of joe.
