Proving Ground Coffee Roaster & Café

Proving Ground Coffee Roaster & Café is in a Columbia strip mall, across the JB bridge from St. Louis. It's clean and modern, with a patio. Food can take a while at peak times. The owner is often there.

They roast light to dark, and syrups are house-made. Try the pumpkin cold brew. Breakfast and lunch are made from scratch, with local ingredients. Eggs Benedict is the favorite, along with the Schubert's Special, French toast and pancakes. There are gluten-free options. Bags are for sale.