Staff has no problem being quite rude and judgey if your deemed to be not their type. Negative vibe.

This is a very unique take on a neighborhood coffee shop. It is definitely for mature audiences only. I saw a few unhappy reviews because of patrons not being aware of the very sexually themed decor. So just be aware of this before you decide to come, meaning probably don't bring your children or come with your grandmother. Shameless grounds hosts some great local events, as well as serving beer and excellent food. I tried the Farmers Daughter, an really great vegetarian panini sandwich and, and a side of their cucumber and tomato salad. Everything I ate was with writing home about. And did I mention they serve beer? Pretty cool place to check out. read more

Shameless Grounds - A storytelling event that was held at Shameless Grounds - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Fine coffee shop, though I wasn't a fan of the music being played (Jewel, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, etc.). Took a really long time for me to order, even though there was only one guy in front of me in line. That said, my soy vanilla latte was pretty good. $3.50 for a bottomless cup of coffee. Free WiFi. Cute neighborhood. read more

Shameless Grounds - Funny sign - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Great place! The owner Michelle is a sweet, kind person and they have great drip coffee. Plus, their breakfast.l was awesome! I loved the decor also ;) read more

I met Miss C. for lunch at 2 July 12. She got coffee. I got a bleu roast beef wrap. There was not much goin' on there. I wonder how it sustains. Nevertheless, that wrap I got was deliriously fabulous, with perfect steak and absolutely grand bleu. In lettuce. It works. We went out to the patio for a while, and dang it was hot. But the overhead was incredibly helpful. read more

Delicious! Perfect shots and temp for my lowly latte! Staff friendly and inclusive... I'm proud of what they're doing here.

Disclaimer: Not just a coffee shop!! This place is everything the world doesn't want to talk about. This place is exactly what the world needs. Come in, grab a beverage (lots of choices) and grab a seat. You can play games (sexually charged), read books (sex/relationship/etc), and meet cool sex positive adults. The theme is sex positive and it's so heart warming. The atmosphere is welcoming. I can't impress upon you that this is more than a cup of coffee. It's a full on experience. This place is perfect for dates, enhancing relationships, and it encourages deep conversations otherwise avoided in a regular setting. If you're in the area, go here. You must try it out. Look at their calendar online and enjoy an event. Don't skip it because of societal "norms". Go and open up. read more

This place is cool af. Fun music playing, inviting atmosphere with free WiFi and books everywhere. I stopped in because I have the St Louis passport, which allows me a buy one get one espresso, and I needed to get some work done. That was the only good. I ordered an espresso with sweetened condensed milk and got none. The espresso is bitter and burnt. I like bitter! But this was bad. When I told the young lady behind the bar that I didn't get any sweetened condensed milk, she became very defensive. I was not offered a replacement, or even a side of it (not even for an extra cost), and definitely did not get an apology. Seeing how upset she was getting, I told her not to worry about it, I'll just take my second (free) order, which was a con panna- espresso with whipped cream. This was only slightly less bitter because of the whipped cream and I ended up throwing it away after two sips. I might be back for a non alcoholic beer or two (they carry Wellbeing brews!) but not for the coffee or the service. read more

I love going here to do work during the day. Extremely quiet, peaceful. Decent food dishes.

So far, my favorite coffee place in STL. So accepting of all people, first of all. The staff are kind and entertaining. Decor is funny. And of course the coffee is so good! Haven't yet tried the food, but i'm very excited to and their menu sounds great. I just keep coming back again and again with each of my friends! read more

I don't mean to sound like that guy who rationalizes subscribing to Playboy because he only reads the articles, however....I go to Shameless Grounds not for the sex positive community thing, but because I love the food. Seriously. I love their sandwiches. Everything I've had there has been exceedingly delicious. I don't know why I'm so enamored by the idea of getting hummus and veggies as a choice for a side, but I am. Their drinks are great, too. They'll even make you decaf iced tea from scratch. And btw, the fact that I just told you that I drink decaffeinated iced tea should leave no doubt in your mind that I am not at Shameless Grounds to peruse the erotica. Speaking of erotica, you know what I think is great about their bondage themed art and random pictures of bare breasts and genitalia strewn about on the tables? It keeps children away! Yes!! I wish all of my favorite businesses displayed tasteful erotic art, if only to keep them free of children. read more

First to address the "sex positive" comments....it's really not that bad...it's more fun and light than anything...it's not like they serve your drink with a penis straw...in fact, it's somewhat classy the way they do it....it's way less raunchy than our "ladies toy parties". It's not like there are porn TVs in the corner....it's a cool place to eat and drink. I was not at all offended by asking if the Swiss on my French Tickler comes melted...lol. Next, drinks...white peach sangria is to be envied by every other restaurant serving sangrias. Enough said. On to food...French Tickler (ham with melted Swiss, Dijon mustard on side, grilled panini). Sandwich is thick and cheese perfectly melted...delicious!!! Husband hand the black n bleu....hoagie size..terrific bread, perfectly cooked. Plenty of meat! Cucumber and tomato side...awesome...like someone stole aunt Beatrice's family recipe that she always makes for the family reunion. Patio...beautiful yet casual...not stuffy...more like your best friend's alley patio...only bigger. Great music...patio is shaded. Service...fast! We went at 2:30 on a Tuesday so no rush crowd. Several ppl inside drinking whatever they are drinking and working or doing homework....right kids? Ur studying hard for college...not looking at porn, right?! (That was from ur mom) read more

This is a new location for Shameless Grounds and people who have lived in Benton Park for many years might have no clue what the vibe is in there before walking in. "Hey, new neighborhood coffee shop, let's check it out!" It used to be a very family friendly coffee shop, so why think any differently if you don't know anything about Shameless? Families may come in with children, then the children are exposed to images that they are unprepared for. The tip jar is at a small child's eye level and there, is a big image of a naked woman with her legs spread wide open and only a beer bottle covering her vagina, with a message reading something to the affect of, "Tip me so we can get drunk and have sex tonight". When my young daughter tapped me to show me the raunchy image, I about fainted and really just tried not to freak out and pushed her away from the jar. Now, I cannot take that image from her head. Of course I would never expose my small child to an image like that and one would never even see an image like that on any of the sexiest commercials that kids might be exposed to. There should be a WARNING or some kind of indication about this sex-positive theme on the door, or on the sign. Not EVERYONE knows what this coffee shop is all about. People have the right to do whatever they want, and I respect everyone's right to do what they want, but it would just be nice if Shameless Grounds could do something to indicate what to expect so that people who don't want to be exposed to this theme, especially children, are not. I'll stick with the Mud House. read more

I love this place. There isn't much else that can make that better. Oh wait .. yes there is. For starters these people know coffee, but you can get that at any place besides Starbucks. These people are genuine. I come to do my homework here, they take the time to say hi and remember me. Shameless is as cozy as it gets; like you stepped into your friend's house for a cup of of coffee with a Bailey's side car ( thats right they have booze now). Please keep in mind that this place is sex positive. No, they are not trying to be in your face. I'm only telling you this because if you are a whiny prude you will need to stay away from my happy place. TRY THE SANGRIA!! *that is all read more

So - having been & supported the last location, I was sad to leave (all that work! all that paint! all that space! all that art!) BUT - I was open to giving the new location a chance to stand up to prior expectations of Epic Awesome. Especially with the edition of the outside patio and a liquor license! (which is something the last place was missing) And it has not disappointed. First - I love this place. I love the owners. And I love the rest of the staff. They are great people. Second - The service is great. Yeah, there are times when they can get overwhelmed (they normally have only 2 people at one time, sometimes 3), but they are *always* polite about it and do the best that they can. AND - you come in on even a semi-regular basis and they'll remember you. Third - the food is just delicious. I'd love the hummus to have a little more garlic and maybe a dash of salt (or cumin), but that's just me. My favorite is the LGBTQ (the pita/gyro/blt mix wrap thing) and the cheesy bread thing is oh my goodness ***nom*** (if you order the cheesy bread - be sure that you have people to share with.) I've had most of the things on their menu and never had something I disliked. My partner's favorite was (and still is) the Black & Bleu. Oh - and the salads - SOOOO good. It's not just bag lettuce - it's a SALAD. Fourth - the atmosphere is awesome. I love that you can have quiet homework study time inside, or a nice rowdy large group outside. Artist signings one night and Kinky Bingo the next. It's great. I can't say enough great things about this place and I'm actually quite happy that this new space has worked out so well - the patio is GREAT! We have a weekly lunch group that meets and we easily have 10-20 people every week for a nice relaxed Friday lunch on the patio. I look forward to many more years of fun gatherings at Shameless Grounds. read more

Always amazingly friendly staff and they take care you. I love they have non coffee and caffeine free options. Food is delicious and fresh too. Ambiance is perfect. read more

Well, cannot speak about the "sex friendly" aspect, but as for a community coffee space it is pretty, clean and kinda the hip spot. Will say the "options" for food are a bit extreme and felt a bit like I was looked at like I was crazy for being weirded out about how to take an egg on a breakfast sandwich, which here, actually had no standard. When the sandwich did arrive, it was overdone... Don't know how usual this was, but felt like I was treated like from another planet. But does have some awesome gatherings that happen here upon occasion. Will say the back patio is great, but the mosquitos were a bit outta control. Okay, with all that, still like the place - and would recommend it to my friends. read more

I don't know what to make of this place. First the good: the mocha I had was delicious. The breakfast plate was only decent. The bacon strips were super thin. And no jam or jelly for the toast. The waitress said they really don't do that much breakfast because they don't open until 10AM. Which brings me to my biggest beef with this place. Why have a coffee place if you're not going to open it early in the morning? I think I'll stick with The Mud House. read more

This review is almost two months late. I really need to review things earlier while they are fresh in my brain! Otherwise, I still recall going here and loved it. My fiance and I, along with a few of our closest friends, were in St. Louis for the weekend and this place was on a list of recommended places to visit by our AirBnB hostess. I loved it! Nothing like drinking coffee while staring at Barbie dolls in bondage outfits, and we grabbed a table with some 70s porny images. Some of the menu items had "naughty" names to them, and when I ordered one of the coffee drinks with bourbon - it ended in "steamer" - I almost couldn't say it with a straight face, and the barista couldn't keep serious either. Definitely fun! The best part? This is an 18+ cafe, so you can enjoy your coffee and breakfast without children screaming nearby or getting attacked by Buick-sized strollers. I wish we had an adults-only cafe in Chicago! read more

Coffee is good but man is this place interesting. Come in for food or coffee and pick up one if their books they have. Hope you like reading about sex because that's the only topic. read more

Shameless Grounds - Don't you love their tables. - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Great iced coffee with even better ambiance. It was sunny and we sat outside in wooden Adirondack chairs reminiscent of my childhood. Sweet breeze under a blossoming magnolia tree. Moment made perfect by a fluttering hummingbird overhead. Wish I lived in St. Louis... I'd be a regular here! read more

:-) So very glad places like this exist and people like the proprietors of Shameless Grounds work to create and maintain them. Quality coffee and tea; helpful, knowledgeable staff. The space is comfortable and the library is worth perusing. read more

I hate to use a cliche, but Shameless is truly a hidden gem in St. Louis. It is by far the most sex-positive, kink-forward, inclusive-to-all places I have ever been. Their decor is provocative and delightful, the lending library of erotica and human sexuality books is impressive in scale and scope, their outdoor patio with the hammock seats, their regular meetups and classes and other events are always interesting and fun, and their food is just incredibly good - the chickpea salad sandwich and flatbread pizza are my favorites! read more

I can't believe I haven't review this place yet! The salads are fresh and great and the service is so personable. I love coming here, whether it's an event or just to meet up with friends. I always feel welcome here. The library is great! read more

I really enjoyed Shameless Grounds when I came through St. Louis before, but the new venue is even warmer and enjoyable. Check out the amazing library! The patio is a delight, and for vegetarians, I can't get enough of the Farmer's Daughter sandwich. Yum :) read more

Shameless Grounds - The library is a delight. - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is a sex positive location, so please remember that if non sexual nudity or adult, lgbtiq themes offend you, this might not be the place for you. However, if you're looking for a great gem with delicious foods, amazing coffee, fun entertainment and a welcoming environment, this is it. I love their pulled pork nachos and the Vulcan blend is my favorite coffee. The best thing is you can go alone and make friends, or spend an afternoon reading. Their patio is fun, relaxing and the fire pit on cool fall evenings are the best. read more

THE. BEST. Espresso in St. Louis, and coincidentally the most open minded and comfort-zone-challenging environment in STL as well! I've had an iced Americano at 7 other Indy and National chain coffee places in St. Louis and worked in coffee myself for a while and trust me... THIS. IS. IT. GREAT place to meet with people. Pretty sweet menu of delightful sandwiches, appetizers... oh, and did I mention they have LIQOUR AND free wifi??? Unless you NEED to bring children under the age of 18 with you, I worry about your intellect if you go anywhere else for coffee. Unless you don't have time to make it out to the shop. ...In which case, you can look forward to sipping your subpar cafe beverage in a wistful longing for the better days that lie ahead when you DO have time to make it. Cause making it here... is MAKING it. Do. It. You'll thank yourself. They'll thank yourself. And equal rights activists and free thinkers everywhere will thank you. Maybe just unconsciously, but they will, I swear it. read more

Absolutely loved this place. So sad that it took me 2 years to find this place. The workers are amazing individuals who make the place vibrant (like it needed anymore). I had the breakfast sandwich was was yummy and some lovely tea. I am most fond of the idea that I can borrow books from the location. How exiting! Everyone should go to this place at least once. Gay, Straight, Bi or Questioning.. This place is for any and everyone. read more

A good 4 stars. Nice staff, and a pretty..... interesting place, to say the least. :) I feel like I can go there, and nobody would ever think to come looking for me at a place like Shameless! LOL I had an espresso, and it was good. A nice, cozy, out-of-the-way spot. read more

Shameless Grounds - An espresso drink! - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Neat neighborhood coffee shop! Great back patio for nicer weather, love their dark roast coffee. The Adult PB&J is so tasty, and the Farmers Daughter is a good veggie sandwich. Wednesday's are open mic night and the girl that hosts it is a hoot and she really encourages the audience to participate. Will be frequenting more. Stay awesome, y'all! read more

Shameless Grounds - Adult PB&J w/ veggies and hummus - Sandwiches Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Install a god***m exhaust fan in your little kitchen! I'm so tired of these little places that want to sell food without proper ventilation, and you leave there stinking like burned baguettes. Annoying. read more

Cold brew is not iced coffee. Otherwise this place was one of my favorite hang outs in STL. I miss it very much since I moved. I would work here almost three times a week. Loved the atmosphere, people, awesome library! read more

I'm not one to do much research when deciding on a new place to eat. I typically just punch in "coffee" or "lunch" on Apple maps when I'm in need of a local recommendation. That being said, I had no idea what I was walking into when I decided to visit Shameless Grounds. Little was I expecting to be surprised by what was a truly unique coffee shop experience. With a sex-positive and all inclusive theme, one whole wall of the shop was dedicated to erotica and other sexual literature that were available for check out. Though the menu was decently sized, I ordered just a black coffee and a slice of zucchini bread. I believe my order rounded up to $6. My only complaint was that it seemed they didn't have just plain black coffee. Only three flavored options; though I may have just overlooked it. The coffee wasn't too bold, and the zucchini bread was fresh. Overall the experience I had at Shameless Grounds was great, and I'll definitely come back. read more

See all

The people, the food and OMG the Friday night music! I have to admit to being addicted to the hummus and the Screamers (ice cream and coffee? Yes please!). Not for everyone. You cannot be closed minded or narrow and enjoy coffee or dinner around people who are allowed to freely express themselves; but it also isn't just for the 20 somethings as I read in one review. I know a lot of people in their 40s (myself) and 50s (my husband) who go regularly and love the place and the people! read more

I am happy to see the charming, bright space that used to be the Map Room open again as Shameless Grounds. I love the halfway between Benton Park and Cherokee Street location, cute striped awning, and cozy feel of this space. We were also thrilled that they serve breakfast all day, perfect for us lazy lugs that rolled out of bed after 1 PM on a Sunday after a very long night. It is a short walk from our house, and we found out on this visit that dogs are welcome on the patio. We walked into a quiet space, apropos as it is a library of sorts (more on that in a sec). No sign or anything directing next steps. Server walked by and gave us a friendly "hi"...and that was it as he walked away. We deciphered on our own that we go to the back counter to order, then pick a seat for food and drink to be brought over. This can be confusing since you don't see the counter or menus from the front door, they are tucked in a back hall. Instructions, verbal or written, would be very helpful. I saw a party of 6 leave over this very confusion shortly after we figured it out. The breakfast menu is limited, but that actually only helped me decide faster after a long night! All the basics are covered here- breads, eggs, meats, fruit, yogurt, granola, etc. Plus plenty of coffee and tea drinks. I got a delicious chai latte. BFs drink was delivered with whipped cream that he didn't order, but they insisted on correcting it even though he said he would take it as is. Very cool! The lunch menu is more extensive and creative, so we want to come back for that. Breakfast was good, but nothing special. Scrambled eggs with cheese, good, thick bacon, store bought bagel with a single serving of prepackaged cream cheese and packets of butter. Maybe their focus is on to-go, since even the salt and pepper they brought us was in paper packets. Not a big deal, but sure doesn't add to the experience. SG's niche is a "sex-positive" vibe. Anything goes, we are all at least a little different, everyone is equal. This is great for our city, and I totally support their mission. I felt like I was in Boys Town or the East Village seeing the shelves of educational books, pinup art, and graphic novels. Just not sure we have enough of a demographic as in those bigger cities to help this spot succeed, especially around their new home in Benton Park. I hope that it does! read more

Great coffee, great food, great snacks and great service all in a quaint little corner cafe / library / cabaret / patio / lounge (yes, all of those things). This place is know for being "sex positive" which means it's a place that rejects all negativity related to sexuality and celebrates the positive nature of two (or more) consenting adults doing as they please. No, it's not a strip club or a couples' lounge, nor is it a meet/meat market or otherwise intended to facilitate clandestine hook-ups. But it is a great place to go and relax with a hot cuppa joe and perhaps even meet other intelligent interesting people. This place is definitely geek positive! :) read more

Sex positive environment housing old men perusing porn on their laptops. Not kid friendly except their peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Destination for the late twenties, mid thirties folk seeking kinship with people that share a desire to play Cards Against Humanity and their Piña Coladas in milkshake form. read more

Im so glad Shameless is my neighborhood. The food is great, hazelnut latte, YUM. Everybody there is great. I like going there because not only the ambience or walking distance from my house, no kids crying or screaming or parent that thinks its ok to change a diaper om the table. Love u guys read more

Great food, great atmosphere, great people. Was there last night for a meeting and ordered the Afternoon Delight sandwich and a side salad with green onion vinaigrette. I hesitated on the dressing but went for it when the counter person said it was her favorite. Glad I did. Very tasty salad but that sandwich.... Oh my! It was a party in my mouth, provolone cheese and chèvre with carmelized onions, lettuce and tomato all on grilled sourdough. Wow! I thought the Rutted Satyr salad was my favorite but this topped it! read more

The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the coffee is fantastic. A little cramped inside, but has a good atmosphere and the outdoor seating is very nice. I will definitely visit again during my next visit to St. Louis. read more