Travel For Two
18 Must-Try Cozy Coffee Shops in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
No matter where you are in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro region, you’re never too far from a cozy coffee shop. Enjoy a classic cup of joe or fantastic fall flavors at these 18 local coffee shops in the metro area.
Bloomington
Mugshots Coffee Company: Heading to Mall of America for the day? Just 10 minutes from America’s largest mall is Mugshots Coffee Company. Featuring a variety of delicious sandwiches, an extensive beverage menu (cinnamon roll latte, blackberry mint mojito lemonade, iced London Fog) and a warm, cozy interior, Mugshots is the perfect low-key spot to either gear up for or refuel from a long day of shopping.
Niko Niko Boba: If you prefer to power up without leaving the Mall, Niko Niko (which means “smile”) offers Taiwanese-style bubble tea and other delights at two MOA locations. Their boba-ristas proudly serve up an ever-expanding selection of fun flavors, all made using products sourced from Taiwan and real loose-leaf tea that’s brewed fresh daily.
Burnsville
Arise Nicolette Coffee Company: Nestled in the heart of Burnsville, Arise Nicolette Coffee Company is your local destination for a truly exceptional coffee experience. This woman-owned business serves handcrafted specialty coffee drinks and food.
Edina
Edina Coffee Roasters: Transforming the ordinary into something beautiful, Edina Coffee Roasters focues on artisan roasted blends and single origin coffees.
Eagan
VENDELLA euro boutique & coffee haus: This Eagan gem is part coffee house, part boutique. Browse artist-made items and order a classic coffee drink. Or ask for something off the secret menu that’s only listed on the website. It includes French Toast (cinnamon, vanilla, macadamia nut and white chocolate) and Angie’s Puerto Rico (banana and coconut).
Minneapolis
Honour Coffee & Raw Juice: Honour was created with wellness in mind. If the cozy interior flooded with natural light and over 150 plants isn’t energizing enough, the shop also offers an incredible lineup of freshly brewed coffee, naturally sourced health drinks, cold-pressed juices and hand-crafted pastries and sandwiches. It also sells its own coffee-based skincare line that’s made by collecting oils and remnants of its in-house-roasted beans. Plus, Honour offers bike rentals, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the art scene in Northeast Minneapolis.
FRGMNT: FRGMNT (pronounced “fragment”) is in the heart of the North Loop neighborhood with a bright, energetic interior that practically screams Instagram. FRGMNT’s ever-changing lineup features coffee and gourmet chocolates from around the world. Grab a drink and a treat and take a walk through the North Loop to explore local shops, bakeries and historic buildings.
Café Ceres: Brought to you by top local pastry chef Shawn McKenzie, Cafe Ceres features traditional and Turkish coffees, pastries, salads and sandwiches. So, if you need a sweet treat with your coffee make sure you visit this place.
Dogwood Coffee: Located in the Warehouse District of Northeast Minneapolis, Dogwood is peacefully tucked away just off the main drag of Central Avenue. Locally sourced pastries and house-roasted coffee make a tasty one-two punch. The large outdoor patio is lovely on nice mornings, but if it’s chilly, the indoor seating is warm and cozy with a rotating display of local art.
Minneapolis Northwest
Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso: Daily Dose is the kind of cafe you want to spend your whole day in. It’s comfortable and relaxed with Instagram-worthy signature drinks and delightful paninis, flatbreads and deli-style wraps and sandwiches. Both the Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove locations are just a few blocks from walking paths and plenty of shopping.
Saint Paul
Nina’s Coffee Café: If you’re visiting Saint Paul, be sure to stop by Nina’s. Located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, it’s surrounded by local businesses, historic architecture and beautiful views of Saint Paul. It’s an ultra-cozy stop for a rainy morning or a crisp, cool fall day. Pro tip: Nina’s recently opened a location in Stillwater, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Golden Thyme Coffee & Café: Located on Selby Avenue in the heart of Saint Paul, Golden Thyme is surrounded by local shops, restaurants and galleries. The beverage menu is made up of classics, as well as handcrafted lattes and mochas all named after famous jazz artists. There’s the Dizzy Gillespie (pure espresso shot), the Duke Ellington (dark mocha espresso with steamed milk) and the Louis Armstrong (hot chocolate with steamed milk). And don’t miss the crown jewel of the jazz-themed decor: the drum set chandelier.
Caydence Records & Coffee: Caydence is a coffee shop created by music lovers, for music lovers. From classic drip and espresso to specialty drinks like the “Cookies ‘n’ Queen,” there’s a cup of joe that will suit your taste. The much-photographed record wall and regular live music shows create a fun atmosphere for melomaniacs.
Café Astoria: No two ways about it — Café Astoria’s drinks are stunning. Try the campfire latte, which is topped with a freshly toasted marshmallow, or the rainbow latte, which has peppermint, chocolate and rainbow foam. Feeling especially decadent? Order the ‘Gram-worthy 24K Latte, which is topped with gold flakes.
Spyhouse Coffee: Nestled in a strip of vintage shops and music stores, Spyhouse is the perfect place to start a day of exploring one of Saint Paul’s most iconic neighborhoods. Be sure to try the locally sourced “Love You Cookies” while you’re there — they’re soft and cakey with a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor combo.
Golden Valley
Triple D Espresso: Duck into Triple D Espresso in Golden Valley for a cozy pick-me-up or a lowkey lunch. Its selection of muffins, scones, cookies and sandwiches pair deliciously with its house-roasted coffee.
St. Louis Park
Honey and Rye Bakehouse: Honey and Rye has made quite a name for itself in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro region. The rustic-chic bakery offers a top-notch lineup of fresh-baked pastries (including seasonal danishes and pies) made from locally sourced ingredients and a classic coffee menu to accompany it. Our go-to pick? Pair a monkey bread latte with a morning bun.
Stillwater
Mon Petit Chéri: Mon Petit Chéri is a classic French cafe and breakfast bar located in the heart of historic Downtown Stillwater. Its breakfast menu makes deciding what to order tough. (Go with the classic farmer’s breakfast or the luxurious citrus ricotta pancakes.) If you’re looking for a grab-and-go option, look no further than the bakery — fresh-baked caramel rolls, seasonal pies and perfectly flaky croissants fill the case each morning.