On the outside, Restituo, in the Shaw neighborhood, acts as a cool corner coffee spot. This conception is soon skewed, upon entry into what can best be described as a melting pot. Mixed and matched tables and chairs, games, a fake fireplace, lamps, books, pillows, bean bag chairs, vinyl and a turntable, and beautiful artwork are a few of the many charms adding to the urban, yet comfortable environment in Restituo.
Located on the corner of Shenandoah Avenue and Thurman Avenue, Restituo welcomes the St. Louis community, young and old.
In addition to the quaint and welcoming atmosphere, the coffee shop rewards customers with an excellent, rich-in-flavor cup of joe. Specifically, the drip coffee has a great flavor, and the taste is enriched by the service in a homemade mug. If a customer feels a certain attachment to their mug, they are encouraged to purchase it.
It is true that Restituo does not try to fit the typical coffee shop vibe. Do not expect leather sofas or any sort of holiday spice latte. What you can expect is an assortment of fresh coffee, tea and smoothies. Comfort throughout Restituo is similar to a living room in your grandparents’ home. Nothing about the coffee shop is intimidating, including the prices. Visitors will not pay over $2 for a cup of coffee.
Hours are accommodating; they vary Monday-Saturday.
The friendly and talented employees are a plus. The customer service level is top notch. The menu has a minimalistic, yet effective mentality; however, the baristas are wizards and are perfectly able to make any additions or substitutions upon request.
The ingredients are fresh, adding to the authentic taste of the menu options. Restituo also prides itself in a hearty bowl of soup, as well as other lunch menu items such as sandwiches, wraps and chili. The oat bite is a breakfast treat must, along with any beverage of your choice.
Residents from the Shaw neighborhood are frequent visitors, but newbies receive the same level of hospitality as everyone else. Baristas greet everyone with a “Hey, how are you?”
New customers to the shop are immediately acknowledged upon arrival via a soft charm attached to the front door. It is common for the charm to be ringing frequently throughout the day.
Regulars often run in, place their order to go and are out off to work within minutes. Others choose to stay, relax and enjoy the ambiance.
With a variety of soft, funk, indie music playing in the background, Restituo is an ideal location, whether you want to be productive at a table, read a book in a rocking chair, chat with a friend, take a nap on one of the sofas or spin a record.
