Ignore the most recent negative reviews of this local coffee shop! First off, it’s not dark and gloomy. Second, the staff were super nice and very friendly! Third, the coffee was spot on! I had the Organic French Roast and drink my coffee black. Was perfect. Plenty of seating, clean bathrooms, and good menu variety. I would possibly suggest re-writing the descriptions on the chalkboards as the tiny cursive made it a little hard to read when in a hurry. But I could just be old! Happy to stop here over any chain coffee shop.

I've been coming to this wonderful, quirky place since I was a teenager (that was DECADES ago, y'all), and what do I discover on my first visit back home in a while? BOOKS! As if it couldn't get better! Pick up your next favorite book and stay for their amazing and unique coffee and tasty baked goods. Totally worth a stop. Regularly, if possible.

I love this coffee & book shop. The staff is VERY FRIENDLY ANS KIND! I’m a regular there and so is my office! I love that books are being moved upstairs. There will be more space to sit and enjoy your tea/coffee/snacks and while reading!

I love this little coffee shop! I used to stop-in and work half days from here. They rearranged their tables and it feels so cramped now. I love their coffee and the cozy atmosphere. I wonder if they were trying to discourage people from loitering. I just need more elbow room if I'm going to set up my laptop and dig into returning emails. I love that they sell books, but the books take up too much space. Either way, always happy to support a local woman owned coffee shop over caribou or starbucks.

Okay, I’m a bad resident. I’ve lived in downtown Anoka my entire life and this place has been around for most of that duration. I only just went in here today … and it was so good! I got the iced black currant tea with raspberry, so good. I also felt aligned with the values of the shop with the t shirts they were selling in the front in support of Roe v Wade. There’s books too, a nice little cafe to snuggle up and read a book.

Let me say the good news first, First thing the coffee was OK. Second thing, the place is dark and gloomy and smells like an underground abandoned station, filthy, old and disgusting. The cashier was completely ignorant and mn stupid. I'd definitely not going again and will not recommend this to anyone.

The coffee taste absolutely delicious the man behind the counter Al is a fantastic worker who makes everyone feel welcomed. Very clean safe environment with a good selection of books and a small art collection.

Such a cute bookstore and coffee shop! Themed lattes were tasty, and the owner in the bookshop upstairs was very welcoming. Loved all the displays, including LGBTQ+ ones, too. Excited to go back for events, as they have authors, a book club, and a game night soon.

I visited the coffee shop on Saturday with my daughter. We were greeted quickly but then the service went downhill. The four employees were engaging with another guest that was ahead of us in line (who mind you was using vulgar language). One employee was making a drink, 1 was counting money (out in the open for all to see) and the other 2 were just standing chatting away. One of them did finally jump in and help after about 5 minutes of my daughter and I just standing there watching and waiting for our drinks. My pure bliss was anything but...... The espresso tasted burnt. The hot cocoa was subpar. We will not be going back. Very dispappointing.

We love Avant Garden. The menu is awesome. The staff could not be sweeter or more helpful than they are, and we’re huge fans of the owner, Jenni. Watching it evolve and expand its offerings has been so inspiring and enjoyable. Each time we visit, we’re greeted by name (which is the most special feeling in the world!) and we have a blast exploring what’s been added since our last visit. Can’t say enough great things about this business. If you’re in our sweet town of Anoka, we highly, highly recommend you check out Avant Garden. ❤️

This place has nice atmosphere, baristas, and owner! There are a lot of books to look at and also a lot of different coffee options. The garden in the back looks great! Some of their options are on the sweeter side and others are much more classic if that's your preferred taste. It was a fun experience!

This place is a total vibe ! Love the atmosphere... While the big brands are able to thrive in a commercial sense they lack the quintessential small business owned original coffee shop feel that Avant Garden provides. Love it ! Will definitely be coming back as well as recommending the Pure Bliss latte 💙🥰

Service and coffee are always great! The atmosphere is second to none! Herban Wolf Sandwiches are back and the new bookstore addition makes it the best coffee shop around!

This a 100% amazing place. Also a staple business to many in the community. The food and drinks as wonderful. The staff are down to earth, friendly and strive to give the best service and follow safety regulations very well.

I personally enjoyed going to Avant Garden before. I went today, ordered a tea and was not aware of the process. When I saw the barista (shorter, short hair cut, had a pink mask on and a black dress with socks and strapped sandals today) grabbed a real glass teacup and began to put hot water in it. I was concerned bc this order was to go. I got her attention and she immediately gave me attitude and said “I’ve got to steep it first, I’ve been doing this for 5 years, I know what I’m doing.” I really should’ve gotten my money back honestly I DO want it back. I was showing my new coworker how amazing of a place this was but she sort of ruined it for the both of us. Once my drink was made, someone else handed it to me (she was very sweet) and I thanked her but whoever the other one is needs to lose the attitude or find something else to do for the next five years. Definitely uncalled for.

Good coffee, friendly staff, comfortable environment-- but I couldn't wait to leave. The insipid, saccharine music was just too irritating to tolerate. I hope this is a fluke. If not, they really need to change the channel.

This place is goated with the sauce. Solid coffee with a plethora of options. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff were very nice. The bookstore was also fun. The stairs get the heart rate going.

Loved this cute little bookshop! They had an amazing selection curated and friendly staff. Such a great place to pick up a book!

My go-to place when I need to meet up with a friend and they’re always impressed. Good rotating menu of lattes as well as the basics for someone who just wants a regular ol coffee. Clear displayed menu too. Love that it is now a book store as well! Baristas are always so sweet and the store supports some great causes. I always feel safe there. I will say I’ve never not been able to find a spot between indoor seating, seating in front, and the patio, but it does get a bit busy. However it’s very close to the river so if it ever was full it would be easy to take a walk!

I love this place! Great atmosphere, great drinks, wonderful baristas! And of course, I love supporting locally owned small businesses. This is my all-time #1 go to!

I stopped in today because books are my jam and I was so pleasantly surprised. The shop is so lovely and clean. It has a beautiful atmosphere! I spent half an hour chatting it up with the owner who is a lovely human and we exchanged biz cards and I signed up to volunteer for story time. The best is that the book I finally decided on was the one recommended by the owner after she got to know me. It's a safe space and I highly recommend you go there today to get your book fix!

I tried their coffee for the first time last week, and I loved it! I had a Salted Caramel Latte. I'm always looking for good quality coffee. The baristas were friendly. Avant Garden is now in my top two!

Love this place

Attractive garden in back and good coffee and chai tea latte. Our experience was marred by a young woman barista who seemed under pressure with four small groups waiting in line and was continually directing masked patrons where to stand, even though everyone was already following the rules.

Adorable little coffee shop on Main Street with a huge tea list! I appreciated the option to be able to choose from so many teas because I'm not a huge fan of drinking coffee in the afternoon. The employees were wonderful and helpful as well.

The Barista was downright rude. A dictatorship like attitude about the new mask rule. Could be nice about it. I didn't buy anything after the rude treatment. I won't be back.

Amazing staff, wonderful coffee, and a very pleasant atmosphere. I would go to this coffee shop over any other coffee shop, any day. The best part is, they're a small shop so you get to say hi to the same friendly faces each day! I would recommend Avant Garden to anyone who wants a calm and chill experience and some very good coffee.

I love the funky, homey atmosphere with the smell of freshly brewed espresso. The baristas are friendly and the chairs are comfortable. It’s a great place to relax and sip my favorite mocha!

This is my favorite spot in Anoka! Coffee is good, atmosphere is *chef’s kiss,” book selection is on point. The staff are always super friendly and welcoming. It seems like they have cool community events going on from time to time too.

Absolutely love this place. The staff are very friendly and light hearted. The art and decor is welcoming and warm. The drinks are always delicious and made quickly. Honestly one of my favorite places to be.

I love independent coffee shops and Avant is fantastic. They have such fun decor and so many options! I especially love that they offer an extensive list of flavors, especially sugar free! Also, they have an adorable garden patio!

I love this cozy bookstore/ coffee shop! My granddaughter and I each had an iced Matcha which was delicious 😋 and a lavender cookie (you have to ask if you want to buy one, they're in a refrigerator.)

The world needs more cozy places like this. The ambience is spot on. Such fun and delicious coffee and coffee drinks. There's a lot of variety. There's tons of books as well, new fiction, teens, non fiction. Definitely a place to check out and frequent.

Love love love this little place. Nicest people in the world and seriously, best coffee and teas ever. I absolutely adore that it has transformed into such a charming and eclectic bookstore. Everything from food, to kids books, novels and seasonal reads, and often clothing and art, too. I’m so happy to be sitting here, working and sipping my Matcha latte. Thanks to the owner and Emily for being so sweet to my sister and me this morning, and for supporting her on all the socials as a fellow small business owner, too. I’ll be back (weekly)! 💜

one of my favorite coffee shops/bookstores. all the staff is very friendly and welcoming and make a point to have conversations with the customers which makes the experience better. i’m glad i found them a couple months ago!

This is such a welcoming and comforting environment with amazing drinks and an awesome selection of books. I literally ordered the first thing I saw and fell in love!!! Everyone was so kind, helpful, and clearly enjoyed working there. It's so inclusive with multiple sections for lgbt books and pins, I will definitely be returning!!

This is my favorite coffee shop hands down and has been for years! They have great coffee, unique signature drinks, and a wide variety of flavors you can add to your drinks. The back patio is cool and the inside is cozy and a great place to meet a friend or do homework. Plus the barista's are super nice!

Very unique. Love the atmosphere and the decor. Good coffee and seating. Nice parking nearby in the heart of Anoka. Many other stores nearby.

Great coffee but the rude barrista ruined the experience. I have been coming for decades but I think it might be time to move on

Wonderful coffee served. Great service.

Walked down here without my wallet the other day and the barista paid for my coffee :)

This coffeeshop / cafe serves a great latte. Baristas are knowledgeable and friendly.

If you haven't tried their white hot chocolate yet, you're missing out on life!!! Didn't know what happiness was till I had my first one ❤️

Always enjoy the pleasant baristas. It's the only place I can get english toffee flavoring my latte.

Love this place.

When you imagine what a coffee house should be, this is it! Anoka would not be the same without it!

Great coffee and friendly staff! Contactless is their way! Amazing experience!!

I love Avant Garden. I have been going there since I was little, and have sat down and drank coffee with some of the most important people in my life there. The new owner is really great, and she cares a lot about the shop as well as supporting others. There are some really great items to check out as well as some killer coffee drinks! Nowhere else has nearly as many syrups or teas.

Really cool spot

Delicious coffee and tiny banana bread! Friendly and helpful staff.

I love this local coffee shop. I’ve had all kinds of their coffee drinks as well as their non-coffee and seasonal drinks. I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad experience. The atmosphere is classic and warm and the baristas are always friendly and cheerful. I appreciate the display of local artists’ work in the coffee shop itself. The coffee itself is absolutely delicious and you can tell it’s freshly ground and brewed daily. Through Covid, I’ve been there a few times and they are following protocols very well. I feel comfortable coming here and highly recommend any of their drinks, hot, cold or blended. It feels good to support this independent coffee shop.

Always great coffee and the food is better then anything around

I met at Avant Garden with a friend this morning and we had a terrific time! I have been going to Avant for many years. They even serve hot pressed sandwiches, and treats from The Swedish Crown Bakery that is located right down the road. Local artists have their artwork up for sale on the walls that gives Avant a nice vibe. Overall, Avant Garden is a friendly and reasonably priced place to sip a caffeinated beverage!

Another must stop place in downtown Anoka. Friendly, helpful staff, creative and delicious drinks, selection of pastries, snacks, and lunch items, and an atmosphere that draws you in and makes you want to stay all day. Do yourself a favor and stop in. Oh, and grab a bag of locally roasted coffee to go - flavors like Cinnamon Sticky Bun and Creme Brulee give you delicious coffee on the days you cant make it here in person!

Local coffee shop of Anoka with very friendly staff and a heavy Art Muse vibe. Their back patio is an awesome place comes warmer weather, offering a place to strum a guitar, write a book or poem, or design your idea for the next class project

Such a lovely place! Great people and good food. The sandwiches are delicious! A great feel good place!

Slowest service ever received at a coffee place.

Affordable, lines are never too long, drinks are better in comparison to chains like Starbucks.

Was told we had to wear masks but allowed others to be inside without one. Very unprofessional. Please support GOOD local businesses who don't do favoritism. Johnna was very rude.

Great service and as always a great cup of coffee

I really like this place very good place for coffee and tea.

So good!

Amazing coffee, great staff and atmosphere.

I love this coffee shop, great coffee and the cute little patio❤️

Love the ambiance

Got the snickerdoodle coffee-yummy!!

Awesome

Very nice decore, great coffee, teas, and treats. Excellent, friendly service. Always a nice stop when in Anoka. (And they are open!)

I don't know why it says open, because I drove 25 minutes to get here and it says they're closed due to Covid-19.

There's a wonderful vibe in this place and while the prices feel a little high for me (though comparable with Starbucks) at least getting it here made it feel extra special!

Great atmosphere great coffee!

Love stopping in to Avant Garden every time I'm coming through Anoka. Coffee is great and so many different fun drinks that are always so delicious!