HiFi by Upshot Coffee to open in Clayton in December

The new cafe will offer vinyl record bar vibes and specialty coffee

Upshot Coffee is unveiling a bold new concept that harmonizes exceptional flavor with an immersive, record-bar-inspired ambiance. Set to open Dec. 1 at 8401 Maryland Ave. in downtown Clayton, HiFi by Upshot Coffee will merge expertly crafted coffee with a lively community atmosphere, offering a Japanese-inspired experience that elevates the café concept into something entirely new.

For Upshot Coffee partners Eric Peters and Conor VanBuskirk, HiFi is more than just another coffee spot. It’s a vision brought to life — an artfully designed space that feels at once exclusive and welcoming, grounded in the warmth of high-quality coffee and the energy of vintage hi-fi sound. With music humming in the background, customers will be immersed in a setting that brings people together over a shared love of sound and coffee.

The heart of HiFi’s menu lies in its coffee program, as finely tuned as the sound system itself. Known for its balanced yet bold approach, Upshot sources and roasts a variety of specialty coffees that highlight each bean’s unique flavor profile. Signature offerings include the beloved Chimera house espresso and a range of rotating single-origin espressos for those who seek a more complex sip. Filter coffee options will also highlight these nuanced flavors, while cold brew fans can look forward to an array of distinctive brews, including Upshot’s vibrant, creamy cold brew and a Japanese Kyoto-style option that brings a fruity brightness to every pour.

Complementing the coffee selection is a curated breakfast and lunch menu crafted by Chef Travis Garcia, known for his culinary creativity at Coffee Commissary in Los Angeles. From delicate tartines to hearty breakfast burritos and sandwiches featuring Companion Bakery’s celebrated breads, the menu balances approachable comfort with refinement. One standout, according to Peters, is a “sweet toast” topped with ricotta con latte, house-made blackberry jam, mint chiffonade, and a hint of lemon zest — an indulgent yet refreshing start to the day.

With HiFi, Peters aims to expand Upshot’s presence across St. Louis. “We want to expand retail and expand our footprint in St. Louis,” he says. Yet his goal extends beyond opening more coffee shops. “I’m interested in creating true community spaces rather than co-working spaces,” he explains. “HiFi is a lively space where people can meet, connect, build community and bring a fresh perspective to what a coffee shop can be.”

With its December opening, HiFi by Upshot Coffee is poised to become Clayton’s newest gathering spot, blending the artistry of exceptional coffee with a unique ambiance. Upshot Coffee invites St. Louis residents to be part of this experience—a place to enjoy, linger, and connect in the vibrant heart of Clayton. For more details on the opening and the Upshot brand, visit the official website.