Pineapple with your espresso anyone?

It may sound bizarre, but my first time stopping into Wesley Andrews, I saw the Cuban Coffee Soda on the menu and I was so shocked by the ingredients that I had to try it. A mix of pineapple soda, lime juice, vanilla lime zest syrup, espresso, and orange bitters, I wasn't really sure what to expect but it was so good that I came back and got it again.

Wesley Andrews is tucked away on 26th street, right off of Nicollet. In early September, it was filled with new MCAD students learning the neighborhood and a couple remote workers filling up on caffeine and pastries. It's a small cafe filled with plants and communal seating which means you may find yourself next to strangers. With a motto of "slow goods to complement conversation," that seems intentional.

The wifi at Wesley Andrews is not the best so I was a bit wary of taking a meeting there. I did it anyway because you, loyal reader, deserve all of the facts. The meeting held up okay, but I wouldn't do any presenting from there. The music can sometimes be loud and the connection isn't perfect. It's better for those meetings where you're more of an observer.

Cold brew lovers unite!

In my mind there are 2 kinds of third wave coffee shops -- there's the kind that serves you burnt espresso with a shot of topo chico for $7, and if you're not impressed you just don't understand coffee. Then, there's the kind that wants you to enjoy what you're drinking. And while it may be pricier than what you're used to, they're not putting pineapple in your coffee for clout, they're doing it because they've worked on it and made it good.

Wesley Andrews feels like the latter. You can still get a good cup of black coffee, but you can also try a drink they've crafted thoughtfully. And so far, in my experience, you won't regret it.

They don't just have fun craft espresso drinks. Wesley Andrews also has your standard espresso menu and even a Kyoto cold brew tower that makes cold brew so good and so potent that after drinking half of it I thought I could run a marathon. Those who know me know that I do not run unless being chased by a predator, and even still I do it unwillingly.

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Gluten-full and Gluten Free!

I hate to say it, but the gluten free scones at Wesley Andrews are not bad. Notice I am not saying they're good, but they're not bad. And for gluten free pastries, not bad is above average. The donuts however, are actually good. Fresh from Bogarts Doughnut Co., the brown butter glazed donut is a great treat to share with a friend.

While we liked the donut, there weren't many options and we weren't blown away by the quality of the baked goods they offered. They were good, but we've had some top tier pastries at other coffee shops that blow these out of the water.

If you're looking to try a fun new drink and a small, hip location, try Wesley Andrews. Their seasonal drinks have been consistent hits, and their cold brew will give you the fuel you need to work for hours on end.

Pro tip

Only one barista seems to work here at a time so you're definitely getting quality over speed. If you're rushing in right before a meeting, consider ordering something more simple.