Bella’s Coffee Café has quietly flipped on the lights at 1021 Washington Ave in downtown St. Louis, turning a longtime frozen-yogurt storefront into an all-day café and bar. Out go the self-serve swirl machines, in come locally roasted coffee, house pastries, grab-and-go breakfasts, and a cocktail program that leans hard on espresso drinks.
What You'll Find Inside
Inside, the coffee setup centers on carefully selected beans for drip, cold brew, and espresso, while the pastry case is stocked with breakfast sandwiches and sweets from local vendors. The team kept a nod to the space’s past with hand-dipped ice cream and dessert shakes, which now sit alongside savory options on the menu, according to St. Louis Magazine.
Local Owners Reworked The Spot
Co-owners Corey James and Austin Blankenship, the duo behind nearby Buddy’s, led the rebrand. Former manager Nicole Reed is back as general manager and partner, giving the project some continuity from its earlier life. "The rebrand and what we're doing for Bella's is not about us — it's more about what downtown needs," James said, as outlined by St. Louis Magazine.
Redevelopment Backed By Grants
The renovation came together in partnership with Oliver Properties and landed a Downtown Retail Incentive Grant aimed at boosting street-level activity along Washington Avenue. That mix of private investment and public support is part of a broader push to reinvest in the corridor, per Downtown STL.
Hours, Opening And The Bar
Bella’s held a grand opening last Wednesday and has been operating with phased hours as the team ramps up service. The café, located at 1021 Washington Ave, plans to add evening hours over time, and the new concept includes a bar program with local beers and cocktails, as reported by FOX2. State licensing records also show a Bella's entry tied to the same address, per Missouri's alcohol license data.
What This Means For Wash Ave
The owners say they hope Bella’s will turn into a neighborhood hub for students, convention visitors, and downtown residents as Washington Avenue continues to attract new investment. Local directories and visitor guides already list the café among the area’s newer food and drink options. See one such listing at Explore St. Louis.
