Life Is A Roller Coaster

While researching local coffee shops on our previous trip to Branson, MO, Kevin stumbled across Vintage Paris in Hollister, MO. A perfectly tucked-away coffeehouse that we loved so much, we had to pay them another visit.

Settled at the end of Historic Downing Street, Vintage Paris Café is a warm yellow building with crawling ivy. As if the café needed more vintage charm, a red antique car is parked in the front.

How we originally found this place, I have no idea, but I sure am glad we did.

Some outdoor porch seating.

Vintage Paris is the definition of “charm.” One glance around the coffee shop will fill your senses with the recognizable feeling of home. The soft aroma of tea and coffee grinds add to the experience. Note the tile backsplash, tea canisters, painted ceramic mugs, and chalkboard.

I took the “personal mug” sign to infer locals can bring their own mugs and leave them for their next visit. Are there any locals who can confirm this?

If you haven’t noticed already, Vintage Paris also doubles as a Wine Cafe. Above is the full menu, with choices ranging from loose leaf teas and coffee to specialty wines.

No coffeeshop is complete without a selection of muffins and fruit tarts! Fortunately for them, but unfortunate for this picture, Vintage Paris coffee sold out of most of their baked goods for the day.

The bakery case also doubles as a wine cooler!

Some more sweet treats!

Vintage Paris adopts the pour-over method for brewing their coffee. I ordered the daily Costa Rica blend, which you see being brewed here. Any guesses on what Kevin ordered (hint: routine is the name of the game).

If you’re standing at the counter and turn 180 degrees, you come face-to-face with a wall of books, trinkets, and wine. I wish I knew more about wine to discuss with you, but we’re college kids so you’ll have to cut us some slack. Fine wine is a foreign topic to us.

Two words: vintage comfort. Sitting in this room reminded me of sitting in my grandmother’s living room, equipped with her hand-sewn floral slipcovers and cross-stitched throw pillows. To be plain and simple, I loved it.

Vintage Paris highlights some local artwork, which enhances the feel of home even more. I have to say, these pieces of art put my prized fourth grade crayon landscapes to shame.

We sat on a soft leather couch, sipping our coffees stamped with the coffee shop’s logo while Kevin taught me to play chess. In any other atmosphere, I would have become frustrated about how absolutely terrible I was, but Vintage Paris makes it impossible for their customers to stress. The music is soothing, the décor is welcoming, and the soft hum of customers’ conversations fill the air with warmth and familiarity. The coffee, like the café’s style, was bold yet smooth. The taste was not eclectic and overpowering, but rather clean and mild.

After I lost two quick games of chess, we headed through the back door and on to the courtyard!

When Kevin and I visited this café last year for a night cup of tea, we sat on this swing. At night, the courtyard is warmly lit with stringed lights and a fire. During the day, the courtyard is still a relaxing place to enjoy your cup of coffee; however, I recommend paying another nighttime visit.

The fountain is another nice, European touch.

Additional seating and a view of the fire pit and globe lights. One day, I will design my backyard with Vintage Paris in mind.

I’m such a sucker for these lights!

And we almost took a new friend home! I wonder if he’s a regular.

All in all, the two of us were very impressed with the coffee, mood, and look of Vintage Paris Coffee Shop and Wine Café. The coffeehouse was so incredibly homey, Kevin’s parents even decided to take a nap on the couch (I have pictures, but I don’t think his parents would appreciate me posting them to a public website. Besides, I’m using them as blackmail). Vintage Paris Coffee has mastered the relaxing feel other shops should envy, and sets themselves apart with crisp and artsy Parisian influences. If I were a Branson/Hollister native I would unwind in the peaceful courtyard every night, with a delicious cup of coffee and a new kitten friend.

For their full story and more reviews, please visit vintagepariscoffeeshop.com. Also, feel free to like Vintage Paris on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Hey, I'm Lexie! I'm Kevin's partner-in-crime during our roller coaster trips. I have currently ridden 232 different coasters and have visited 54 amusement parks. I can't wait to keep adding to my count and sharing our experiences with you.