Now, there’s a new option for grabbing a cup of coffee or unwinding in downtown St. Louis.
Bella’s, which previously operated as a frozen yogurt shop, has transformed into an all-day café, Bella’s Coffee Café (1021 Washington). It now serves locally roasted coffee, pastries, and grab and-go items, along with a full bar.
Here’s what to know before you go.
The Concept
Bella’s is currently open from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Following a grand opening party on April 29 at 4 p.m., it will expand hours to include Sundays and Mondays. Eventually, it plans to add evening hours as well.
Corey James, who took over Bella’s from its original owners in 2018 and opened nearby Buddy’s Local Grill & Bar on Washington Avenue in 2024, says the new concept was driven by the neighborhood itself. He and Austin Blankenship are the owners, named for their late dog. Nicole Reed, a former Bella’s manager, serves as general manager and partner.
“I’ve lived downtown for probably 16-plus years now, and we’ve seen downtown St. Louis in its ups and downs,” says James, a longtime downtown resident and business owner. “I strongly believe that the rebrand and what we’re doing for Bella’s is not about us—it’s more about what downtown needs. There’s not a lot of local coffee shops here, specifically the way we are using locally sourced ingredients and vendors. We’ve really taken a lot of what the community has told us over the past year from running Buddy’s and from running Bella’s for about six-plus years. It really came from downtown.”
James is bullish on the neighborhood. “We’ve definitely had our challenges downtown, but I think it really comes from the people downtown,” James says. “We’ve got regulars who come into Buddy’s and Bella’s that would always speak highly of keeping these businesses in the neighborhood. When you’re serving people in hospitality, you never know what that type of impact can do to another person. Living downtown, it’s important to see that there are people who are investing downtown and sacrificing their time, their energy, their money.”
The Menu
Bella’s serves a range of coffee and cocktail options. “Bella’s coffee program is built with intention, featuring Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for house drip, Nicaragua beans for house cold brew, and Espresso Curativa for espresso drinks,” James said in a press release. “Offering a lineup that is smooth, distinctive, and far beyond standard café coffee.”
In addition to 4 Hands canned beers, a rotating cocktail menu features drinks made with local spirits from 1220 Spirits and Stone Ledge Distillery. Of particular note is an espresso martini program, in-house cold brew on tap, and signature espresso shakes.
Fans of the frozen treats at Bella’s will also be happy to know that the café serves hand-dipped ice cream from Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream. Choose from eight flavors, including classic vanilla bean and strawberry—all available in boozy shakes as well.
Customer can also buy grab-and-go pastries and breakfast sandwiches, such as Bella’s Classic (with sausage, egg, and cheddar on a house-baked vegan croissant). Bagels come from Union Loafers for such items as the Morning Kick (with bacon, egg, and pepper jack). Cookies from local baker CJ Kutzgar are available in such flavors as gooey butter cake and lemon curd.
The team sources local and regional vendors whenever possible. “I’ve always been a big believer that we have a powerful food scene here,” James says. “It’s full of a lot of creative people, a lot of passion. I’ve been in hospitality for years…and I always get the best results in product from anyone who’s local, whether it’s St. Louis, Missouri, or across the Midwest.”
The Location
The storefront has been reimagined, with new lighting, epoxy floors, and a mural by local artist Andy Cross. James says he wants customers to feel like they’re in an entirely different space. The 1,000-square-foot, 20-seat café features bar seating overlooking Washington Avenue, and sidewalk seating is coming soon.
The project is a partnership with Oliver Properties, the St. Louis-based development firm that’s betting big on downtown St. Louis, with more than $100 million in recent Washington Avenue investments. Bella’s also received a Downtown Retail Incentive Grant from Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Development Corporation; the grant is designed to help enhance street-level activity and vibrancy downtown.
“Bella’s history and future represent exactly what makes Wash. Ave. work: local ownership, authenticity, community focus, and a commitment to reinvest in the neighborhood,” Oliver Properties principal Alex Oliver said in a statement. “Corey has been part of the fabric of Washington Avenue for years, and this redevelopment adds yet another retail anchor to this walkable and vibrant corridor in downtown.”
“I think we’re offering a fun, laid-back, cozy café with good vibes that you’ll want to spend your time in,” James says. “It’s a great place for students, convention traffic, and anyone who lives in the area.”
Bella’s Coffee Cafe
📍 1021 Washington, Downtown
⏰ Mon-Thu, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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