Operated byLaura Leister, Ameet Rawal and James Lettaus, the founders ofPieces: The St. Louis Board Game Bar and Restaurant, Protagonist Cafe is described in a release as a "literary coffee shop." Located just a few blocks from Pieces, the spot caters to bibliophiles with its "impressive library of books" housed ina custom-made 27-foot floor-to-ceiling bookcase and an additional corner bookshelf stocked with more than 2,000 novels,reference books, biographies and anthologies.

The atmosphere of Protagonist Cafe inspires you to read a story, write a story or start a story, manager Sam Sultzer said in the release.

Much like your favorite bookstore, works are organized by category, and from there, the last name of the authorbut that's not all. "They are also labeled with their dewey decimal designation, but dont have grade school nightmares, thats mostly for staff to make sure all books are always organized," states the release. The space aims to be kid-friendly, too, featuring a childrens corner with books for kiddos.

Snag a seat on one of the cafe's many cushy sofas or park at one of its tables for writing and research. Once you've staked out your spot, peruse Protagonist's menu, which is centered around coffee drinks and tea plus a selection of housemade sweet and savory vegan pastries. Eats at Protagonist include a hand-sized cinnamon roll, salted chocolate-pecan cake donut, orange glazed scone and asparagus-tomato quiche.

If you're settling in for a long read or morning, the cafe offers a bottomless cup and you can even choose your mug, ranging from designs featuringPrincess Leia to Jack Skellington. The cafe also offers a selection of loose-leaf teas, tea lattes, hot chocolate, juice and kombucha.

Protagonist Cafe is currently open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The release states that by the end of December the cafe may extend its hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

Follow Liz Miller on Twitter at @lizzaymillah. We are always hungry for tips and feedback. Email the author at liz@riverfronttimes.com.

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Protagonist Cafe, a "Literary Coffee Shop" Serving Sweet and Savory Vegan Treats, Now Open in Soulard - Riverfront Times