Avant Garden Bookstore 215 East Main Street, Anoka, MN 55303

"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!"

"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 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!"

"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!"

"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."