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Third spaces, those cozy corners between work and home, are few and far between in St. Louis, especially once the afternoon crowd clears out. While many cafes shutter by mid-afternoon and the evening scene often leans on the liquor shelf, these seven spots offer something different. Whether you’re after a thoughtful drink, a corner to curl up and read in or a place to gather with friends, these St. Louis spots stay open into the evening – no last call required.

The Annex Cafe & Foods By day, The Annex is a Webster Groves staple, early risers line up for coffee, house-made pastries, quiche and breakfast burritos. Midday brings a steady flow of deli sandwiches and specialty food shoppers browsing the curated market shelves. But as the day winds down, the space transforms into Annex PM, a relaxed evening setting with cocktails, wine and a rotating menu of savory pastries, small plates and desserts. New milkshakes also have joined the lineup, with boozy versions like the cold brew ice cream shake and strawberry cheesecake shake. Live music drifts in from the shared patio bringing casual charm to round out the experience. Whether it’s students meeting over drinks, families stopping in for dessert or couples on a date, The Annex offers a warm, easygoing place to start your day or wind down for the evening. Open: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8122 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314.731.6329, theannexstl.com Credit: photo courtesy of The Annex
Piper’s Tea & Coffee Whether you’re a student cramming, a couple catching up or a creative chasing the spark, Piper’s has a cozy corner calling your name. When evening falls, things slow down. The lights dim, steam swirls from mugs of spiced housemade chai, and the space settles into a warm, effortless calm. Sip on loose-leaf herbal teas, or try one of the soon-to-debut non-alcoholic cocktails – designed to refresh, not rush. This summer, stay late for open mic nights, live music and good company on long evenings made for lingering. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday 3701 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.282.0060, cupofpipers.com Credit: photo courtesy of Piper’s Tea & Coffee
Credit: photo courtesy of Piper’s Tea & Coffee
Credit: photo courtesy of Piper’s Tea & Coffee
Credit: photo courtesy of Piper’s Tea & Coffee
Harvey’s Coffee & Cocktails At Harvey’s Coffee & Cocktails, community connection doesn’t clock out. Open late and full-service from morning to midnight, it’s a space where lattes and espresso martinis coexist and where night shift workers, first dates and laptop loyalists all feel at home. Owner Kaleb Harvey envisioned a laid-back, tropical haven for every kind of guest. By day, it hums with work meetings and casual coffee chats. By night, it softens into something slower: cozy booths, chill energy and creative events like paint-and-sip nights, Survivor watch parties and language exchanges. Harvey’s favorites range from matcha lemonade and nitro juice to smooth espresso martinis. And the vibe? Always welcoming, always warm. Whether you’re popping in post-shift or staying awhile, Harvey’s is a reminder that great coffee and good company don’t keep regular hours. 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 2706 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.571.9921, harveysstl.com Credit: photo courtesy of Harvey’s Coffee & Cocktails
Credit: photo courtesy of Harvey's
Credit: photo courtesy of Harvey’s Coffee & Cocktails
Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co. In its first year, Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co. has swiftly grown into a local fixture, woven seamlessly into the tapestry of North Main Street, St. Charles. Founded by Ahmad Othman, Mocha Point delivers excellent small batch, ethically sourced coffee, but also offers the Midwest a rare glimpse into the rich history of Yemeni coffee culture and tradition. At Mocha Point, classic coffees are brewed with care, seasonal creations are crafted with artistry and pastries, like flaky sabaya, pistachio croissants and baklava cheesecake bites, evoke distant kitchens. And best of all? They stay open late. As daylight fades, Mocha Point transforms the space into a haven for night owls, students and anyone seeking a place to slow down and linger. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight Friday , 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 343 N. Main St., St. Charles, 314.917.7777, mochapointcoffee.com Credit: photo courtesy of Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co.
Credit: photo courtesy of Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co.
Credit: photo courtesy of Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co.
Ivy Cafe It’s no surprise that Ivy Cafe in Clayton has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s go-to spots for cozy catch-ups and low-key romance. Equal parts warmth and sophistication, it’s a space where you can settle in with a specialty coffee, share candied bacon-stuffed dates and ease into the evening over a glass of wine and conversation. Live music drifts through the space each week, adding to the laid-back charm. The service? Gracious, genuine and always community-minded. Whether you’re unwinding solo or catching up with a friend, Ivy’s doors and menu are wide open. And good news for fans: a second Ivy location is set to open in Kirkwood in 2026, bringing even more of that warm, welcoming magic to a new corner of town. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday & Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday 14A N. Meramec Ave., Clayton, 314.776.9377, ivytartines.com Credit: photo courtesy of Ivy Cafe
Gooseberries Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Gooseberries specializes in breakfast for dinner with its diner-style late-night plates. It offers plenty of wholesome options, such as vegan tacos, build-your-own omelets and veggie sandwiches. Add some grilled chicken or tofu to your omelet to bump up the protein or add fresh veggies like kale and sweet peppers for a nutritional boost. Eggs only contain 70 calories each with a nutrient-packed yolk, making them the perfect option after a night out. 2754 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.577.6363, gooseberriesstl.com Credit: photo by Mabel Suen
Protagonist Café Walk into Protagonist Café in Soulard and you’re immediately met with the hush of pages turning, the soft clink of mugs, the smell of something warm and roasted curling in the air. It’s housed in a pre–Civil War building, but it feels timeless, part library, part living room and entirely its own. Here, coffee is serious business but never fussy. Beans are roasted in small batches at their sister spot, Antagonist, and you can taste the care, whether it’s a citrusy Ethiopian light roast or a dark Guatemalan that settles deep into your bones. Pastries arrive fresh each morning, and they go fast. But it’s not just the coffee. It’s the people. The conversation. 5,000 well-loved books. The joy of sitting with strangers who feel like characters from your favorite novel. And while many cafés dim the lights by late afternoon, Protagonist stays open into the evening, offering a rare kind of quiet magic long after most coffee shops close. Come for the coffee. Stay for the story. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Sunday 1700 S. 9th St., St. Louis, 314.833.3085, protagonistcafe.com Credit: photo courtesy of Protagonist Café

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