Located in the heart of the Midwest, Minneapolis and St. Paul are large and vibrant cities, and a cultural hub of art, music, and food and drink. There is no shortage of things to do and see.
The Mississippi River and the downtown skylines provide a beautiful backdrop while you take in all of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that the cities have to offer.
And what is the most popular drink of choice in Minneapolis? The answer is coffee.
Here is my top list of the most interesting coffee shops to visit in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
By Andrew.
Coffee is the fuel that drives the ambition of artists and typical workers alike in a busy and bustling urban center.
There are a number of coffee shops in Minneapolis and St. Paul whose drinks menus, décor and atmosphere reflect the rich culture of the city.
Minneapolis Coffee Shops
#1: Spyhouse Coffee: An Artistic Atmosphere
It could be argued that Spyhouse Coffee is the best coffee shop in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area according to locals.
It truly is a destination café for tourists visiting Minneapolis and St. Paul.
With the goal of providing a welcoming environment for all customers, the rustic elegance of the design of its four locations does just that.
Using reclaimed materials and antiques for the interior of their coffee shops, they created an old-style atmosphere that resonates well with customers.
The building’s artistic design echoes the closeness of their first coffee shop to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Spyhouse Coffee has a passion to source, roast, and serve only the best coffee.
A local favorite on their menu is a Spygirl, which is a latte made with lavender and honey.
Be sure to try it when you visit, and sit back and relax and enjoy the comfortable ambience.
#2: Uncommon Grounds: A Romantic Getaway
Uncommon Grounds is a coffee shop located in Uptown Minneapolis very close to Lake Bde Maka Ska, which is sure to please the senses.
Located in an old, renovated Victorian style home from the year 1877, the dimly light atmosphere and artistic décor on the walls offer the perfect place for date night, with a candle burning on each table.
Uncommon Grounds used to be my old high school hang out, and I have brought a girl here for a date once or twice.
And they even called back.
Maybe it was because I brought them to Uncommon Grounds. Every time I come here, it brings back great memories.
City Pages, a local newspaper, calls Uncommon Grounds “the best coffee shop in town with the best chai in the state.” You can see the praise posted on their website.
I would have to agree, as every time I come here, I order the same thing – chai tea.
It truly is a must try!
#3: Dogwood Café: A Spacious Environment
Dogwood Café is both a coffee shop and roastery located in Northeast Minneapolis.
They work with the best coffee farms to source, roast, and serve some of the best coffee the city has to offer.
They serve up delicious in-house blends and tasty single-origin brews as well.
Contrasted with smaller, cozier coffee shops around the city, Dogwood’s atmosphere is different.
It is large, spacious, and breathable.
A great environment, where you can enjoy your cappuccino or cold brew comfortably while reading a good book.
Make sure to try their maple lattes – they are to die for!
#4: Penny’s Coffee: Stylish and Welcoming
Located in Downtown Minneapolis on the very busy Washington Avenue, Penny’s Coffee is a delicious option to enjoy.
Offering a stylish and modern look, Penny’s Coffee has a welcoming environment where a lot of natural light comes in.
With plenty of options on their menu, come in and enjoy one of their artisanal coffees and tasty pastries while people watching through their tall windows.
With a spacious walnut bar, 40 feet tall ceilings, and marble, hanging light fixtures, and a busy setting, your senses – sight, smell, sound, and taste – will be pleased and satisfied.
With their first location opening in South Minneapolis in 2014, and now with locations in the Kingfield, Lyndale, and Northeast neighborhoods, I chose Five Watt Coffee to be on my list because of their unique way to serve up coffee.
This is the choice to visit if you like bold, unusual, and innovative flavors.
Their menu constantly changes.
What makes them unique is the fact that they serve up coffee and espresso drinks, made with chicory syrup and cocktail bitters.
In fact, these specialty coffee drinks are inspired by craft cocktails.
St. Paul Coffee Shops
#1: Claddagh Coffee: A Quaint Irish Coffee Shop
This Irish coffee shop with an old style and plenty of seating, is sure to become one of your favorite coffee shops in St. Paul.
Their first Claddagh Coffee location in the West 7th neighborhood opened in August 2011 and their second location in the Selby-Dale neighborhood opened in October 2015.
Their locations offer the perfect spot to meet with friends or to read a book in a quiet atmosphere.
They offer an extensive menu, including homemade chai and delicious syrups.
They also offer food. I’ve heard that their breakfast sandwich and mini donuts are to die for.
I highly recommend that you order the “Salty Dog.”
It consists of espresso, chocolate, caramel, and sea salt.
What could be better than that?
#2: Café Astoria: Beauty is the Name of the Game
Located on Grand Avenue, Café Astoria is a family-friendly coffee shop in St. Paul that is a beautiful setting decorated with plants and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Even their drinks are beautiful, with baristas making creative latte art for you to enjoy.
They are most famous for their matcha latte, but their mochas are equally as delicious.
If you visit Café Astoria, you will definitely want to pair your coffee with some of their delicious food. Their menu includes crepes, smoothies, sandwiches and oatmeal. They have gluten-free options too.
Café Astoria is family-friendly as there is a side room with games and activities for children.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled, daytime, and urban adventure.
#3: Workhorse Coffee Bar: St. Paul’s Best Kept Secret
After an extensive remodeling process, the Workhorse Coffee bar, nestled in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood, opened its doors in 2015.
Formerly the Twin Cities Business College in the 1900s, the owners of this relatively new, hole-in-the-wall coffee shop cleaned up the space, by polishing the tin ceiling and wooden floors and exposing the brick wall.
They serve traditional espresso drinks and seasonal coffee and tea specials. Their friendly staff will help with your indecision by suggesting some really tasty beverages.
They also serve great food, including bakery items, soups, salads, and flatbread pizza.
#4: Quixotic Coffee: An Ideal Rustic Feel
Offering a kind, friendly, rustic, and serene atmosphere, Quixotic Coffee is a must visit coffee shop in St. Paul.
Located in the Highland Park neighborhood on South Cleveland Avenue, Quixotic Coffee’s interior design is minimalistic, with wood and brick covering the walls, and marble tables with some booth seating.
It looks small at first-glance, but the space really opens up when you enter and explore the coffee shop.
They have cold brew specialty coffees and kombucha on tap, and your typical espresso drinks as well.
#5: Nina’s Coffee Shop: A Historical Experience
Nina’s Coffee shop, named after a famous madam who lived in the area in the 1800s, is located on Cathedral Hill in the historical, architecturally rich Summit-University neighborhood in an historic corner building.
The interior of Nina’s Coffee Shop includes brick walls, tall ceilings, mirrors, warm lighting, and comfortable, old-school sofas with plenty of seating.
Besides great coffee, they also serve traditional breakfast foods, sandwiches, soup, as well as delicious dinners.
Which One Will You Visit Next?
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, or the Twin Cities, are beautiful locales and cultural hotspots, with a never-ending list of things to do and see.
Besides art and music, the cities also offer some of the best food and drink the state and country have to offer.
Their coffee scene is particularly unique and special. There are a number of exceptional coffee shops in the area.
After reading the list, I hope that you visit them and find your next favorite spot to grab a bite and enjoy a delicious coffee.
Photo by Zach.
