On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in St. Louis, MO, Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in St. Louis, Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream take reservations?
Most brunch spots in St. Louis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream kid-friendly?
Yes — Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream serve?
It's classified under ice_cream, coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in St. Louis.
Is there outdoor seating at Sweet Em's Coffee & Ice Cream?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Coordinates: 38.6284, -90.2926. Use these coordinates with your preferred maps application for directions.