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13 Charming Cafes In Minnesota That Will Transport You To Another Era


Coffee, carbs, and a dash of nostalgia – the holy trinity of comfort.

Minnesota’s cafe scene is serving up more than just your average joe.

It’s dishing out time travel on a plate, with a side of small-town charm.

1. Normandy Kitchen (Minneapolis)

Step into a Parisian postcard! Red awnings and wicker chairs invite you to sip, savor, and people-watch like a true flâneur.Step into a Parisian postcard! Red awnings and wicker chairs invite you to sip, savor, and people-watch like a true flâneur.
Step into a Parisian postcard! Red awnings and wicker chairs invite you to sip, savor, and people-watch like a true flâneur. Photo credit: Ryan Byer

Step into Normandy Kitchen, and you might just forget what century you’re in.

This long-running cafe and bar in Minneapolis is like a warm hug from your grandma – if your grandma wore a beret and spoke with a French accent.

The cozy atmosphere is straight out of a Parisian postcard, complete with red awnings and wicker chairs that practically beg you to sit and people-watch for hours.

Cozy charm meets culinary magic. This Minneapolis gem serves up comfort with a side of je ne sais quoi.Cozy charm meets culinary magic. This Minneapolis gem serves up comfort with a side of je ne sais quoi.
Cozy charm meets culinary magic. This Minneapolis gem serves up comfort with a side of je ne sais quoi. Photo credit: mickey garza

But let’s talk pancakes, because that’s what Normandy Kitchen is famous for.

These fluffy discs of joy are so good, they might make you question everything you thought you knew about breakfast.

They’re the kind of pancakes that make you want to start a pancake fan club, with secret handshakes and everything.

2. Mickey’s Dining Car (St. Paul)

All aboard the flavor express! This gleaming time capsule serves up nostalgia 24/7, with a side of crispy hash browns.All aboard the flavor express! This gleaming time capsule serves up nostalgia 24/7, with a side of crispy hash browns.
All aboard the flavor express! This gleaming time capsule serves up nostalgia 24/7, with a side of crispy hash browns. Photo credit: Jerrod Boos

If you’ve ever dreamed of eating in a time machine disguised as a railroad car, Mickey’s Dining Car is your golden ticket.

This 24-hour diner in St. Paul is so vintage, it makes your grandpa’s stories sound cutting-edge.

The shiny exterior gleams like a beacon of hope for hungry night owls and early birds alike.

Diner dreams come true in this vintage railcar. Where the coffee's always hot and the welcome's always warm.Diner dreams come true in this vintage railcar. Where the coffee's always hot and the welcome's always warm.
Diner dreams come true in this vintage railcar. Where the coffee’s always hot and the welcome’s always warm. Photo credit: Daniel T.

Inside, it’s a symphony of sizzling grills and clanking plates.

The menu is a greatest hits album of American classics – think burgers that require a jaw unhinge to eat and milkshakes so thick you might need a spoon.

It’s the kind of place where the coffee is always hot, the waitstaff knows your name, and calories don’t count (okay, that last part might be wishful thinking).

3. Cafe Latte (St. Paul)

Dessert heaven or sandwich paradise? Why not both! This multi-level marvel is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.Dessert heaven or sandwich paradise? Why not both! This multi-level marvel is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Dessert heaven or sandwich paradise? Why not both! This multi-level marvel is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Photo credit: Molly M.

Cafe Latte is what happens when a bakery, a sandwich shop, and a dessert parlor decide to have a beautiful baby.

This multi-level cafe in St. Paul is like Willy Wonka’s factory for grown-ups – minus the Oompa Loompas, sadly.

The gourmet sandwiches here are architectural marvels, stacked so high you might need a safety harness to eat them.

Where sandwiches stack high and willpower crumbles. Prepare for some serious dessert FOMO at this St. Paul stunner.Where sandwiches stack high and willpower crumbles. Prepare for some serious dessert FOMO at this St. Paul stunner.
Where sandwiches stack high and willpower crumbles. Prepare for some serious dessert FOMO at this St. Paul stunner. Photo credit: Jeannie Hill

But the real showstoppers are the desserts.

These sweet creations are so pretty, you’ll want to take them home and introduce them to your parents.

Just be prepared for some serious dessert FOMO – choosing just one is like picking a favorite child.

4. Turtle Bread Company (Minneapolis)

Bread lovers, rejoice! This bakery's aromatic embrace might just convince you to move in permanently.Bread lovers, rejoice! This bakery's aromatic embrace might just convince you to move in permanently.
Bread lovers, rejoice! This bakery’s aromatic embrace might just convince you to move in permanently. Photo credit: Brad Beggs

Turtle Bread Company is proof that carbs are love in edible form.

This cozy bakery and cafe in Minneapolis is like a warm, yeasty hug for your taste buds.

The smell alone is enough to make you consider moving in and declaring yourself the Bread King (or Queen – we don’t discriminate in carb royalty).

Carb paradise found! Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside – just like your favorite teddy bear, but edible.Carb paradise found! Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside – just like your favorite teddy bear, but edible.
Carb paradise found! Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside – just like your favorite teddy bear, but edible. Photo credit: Peggy M.

Their artisanal breads are works of art – if art was crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely delicious.

The breakfast dishes are comfort food at its finest, the kind that makes you want to build a nest out of napkins and hibernate until spring.

5. Cafe Astoria (St. Paul)

Latte art so pretty, you'll hesitate to drink it. But trust us, the flavors are even more Instagram-worthy.Latte art so pretty, you'll hesitate to drink it. But trust us, the flavors are even more Instagram-worthy.
Latte art so pretty, you’ll hesitate to drink it. But trust us, the flavors are even more Instagram-worthy. Photo credit: amantastic

Welcome to Cafe Astoria, where your latte is more photogenic than you’ll ever be.

This St. Paul hotspot is like Instagram come to life, minus the filters and plus a whole lot of flavor.

Their colorful lattes are so pretty, you almost feel bad drinking them.

Almost.

Color outside the lines with these vibrant lattes. Your taste buds are in for a joyride at this St. Paul hotspot.Color outside the lines with these vibrant lattes. Your taste buds are in for a joyride at this St. Paul hotspot.
Color outside the lines with these vibrant lattes. Your taste buds are in for a joyride at this St. Paul hotspot. Photo credit: Sumit Jindal

But Cafe Astoria isn’t just a pretty face.

Their creative breakfast options are like a party for your taste buds, with flavors doing the cha-cha across your palate.

It’s the kind of place that makes you excited to wake up early – and if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.

6. Matchbox Coffee Shop (Minneapolis)

Small in size, big on charm. This vintage-inspired nook serves up coziness with every perfectly pulled espresso.Small in size, big on charm. This vintage-inspired nook serves up coziness with every perfectly pulled espresso.
Small in size, big on charm. This vintage-inspired nook serves up coziness with every perfectly pulled espresso. Photo credit: Mikhala F.

Matchbox Coffee Shop is living proof that good things come in small packages.

This tiny, vintage-inspired cafe in Minneapolis is like stepping into your cool grandma’s living room – if your grandma was a coffee connoisseur with impeccable taste in decor.

Grandma's living room meets coffee connoisseur's dream. Sip, nibble, and pretend you're in a Wes Anderson film.Grandma's living room meets coffee connoisseur's dream. Sip, nibble, and pretend you're in a Wes Anderson film.
Grandma’s living room meets coffee connoisseur’s dream. Sip, nibble, and pretend you’re in a Wes Anderson film. Photo credit: Jenine Kopenski

Their specialty coffee is so good, it might make you break up with your regular coffee shop. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)

And the homemade treats?

They’re the kind of goodies that make you want to start a petition for “dessert for breakfast” to become socially acceptable.

7. The Lynhall (Minneapolis)

Sophistication meets comfort food in this stylish space. It's like brunch got a makeover and decided to stay fabulous.Sophistication meets comfort food in this stylish space. It's like brunch got a makeover and decided to stay fabulous.
Sophistication meets comfort food in this stylish space. It’s like brunch got a makeover and decided to stay fabulous. Photo credit: Jesse Angell

The Lynhall is what happens when sophistication and comfort food have a beautiful love child.

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This stylish cafe and market in Minneapolis is like the prom queen of the cafe world – beautiful, popular, and surprisingly down-to-earth.

Where gourmet meets homey. Come for the Instagram-worthy dishes, stay for the Where gourmet meets homey. Come for the Instagram-worthy dishes, stay for the
Where gourmet meets homey. Come for the Instagram-worthy dishes, stay for the “I could live here” vibes. Photo credit: Sarah N.

Their gourmet breakfast dishes are so good, they might make you want to become a morning person.

(I know, shocking.)

The charming atmosphere is perfect for everything from first dates to “I can’t adult today” solo brunches.

Just be prepared to want to move in and declare it your new home.

8. Rustica Bakery & Cafe (Minneapolis)

Bread nirvana achieved! These loaves are so good, they might make you consider carbs as a love language.Bread nirvana achieved! These loaves are so good, they might make you consider carbs as a love language.
Bread nirvana achieved! These loaves are so good, they might make you consider carbs as a love language. Photo credit: David Speidel

Rustica Bakery & Cafe is where bread goes to fulfill its destiny.

This artisanal bakery in Minneapolis is like a United Nations summit for baked goods – bringing together the best from around the world in delicious harmony.

Pastry perfection in every bite. Warning: May cause spontaneous happy dances and uncontrollable Pastry perfection in every bite. Warning: May cause spontaneous happy dances and uncontrollable
Pastry perfection in every bite. Warning: May cause spontaneous happy dances and uncontrollable “mmm” noises. Photo credit: Trypp Adams

Their breads and pastries are so exceptional, they might make you consider a career change to professional taste-tester.

The cafe offerings are equally impressive, making Rustica the perfect spot for carb-loading before your next Netflix marathon.

9. Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Co. (Minneapolis)

Coffee so good, it's grounds for celebration. Each sip is like a hug for your taste buds.Coffee so good, it's grounds for celebration. Each sip is like a hug for your taste buds.
Coffee so good, it’s grounds for celebration. Each sip is like a hug for your taste buds. Photo credit: Nicole E.

Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Co. is like a choose-your-own-adventure book but for coffee lovers.

With multiple locations around Minneapolis, each with its own unique, vintage-inspired decor, it’s like cafe hopping without ever leaving the Spyhouse family.

Vintage vibes meet modern brews. It's like your cool aunt's living room, but with better coffee and fewer cat figurines.Vintage vibes meet modern brews. It's like your cool aunt's living room, but with better coffee and fewer cat figurines.
Vintage vibes meet modern brews. It’s like your cool aunt’s living room, but with better coffee and fewer cat figurines. Photo credit: Stefanie C.

Their coffee is so good, it might make you want to break up with sleep. (Long-distance relationships are hard, anyway.)

The hip atmosphere is perfect for everything from serious work sessions to pretending to work while people-watching.

10. The Buttered Tin (St. Paul)

Comfort food gets a glow-up! Prepare for breakfast dishes that'll make you want to hug your plate.Comfort food gets a glow-up! Prepare for breakfast dishes that'll make you want to hug your plate.
Comfort food gets a glow-up! Prepare for breakfast dishes that’ll make you want to hug your plate. Photo credit: Bob A.

The Buttered Tin is comfort food’s cooler, slightly fancier cousin.

This cozy bakery and cafe in St. Paul serves up breakfast fare that’s so delicious, it might make you want to eat breakfast for every meal.

(Wait, is that not normal?)

Where pastries are king and calories don't count.Where pastries are king and calories don't count.
Where pastries are king and calories don’t count. (Okay, they do, but who’s counting when it tastes this good?) Photo credit: The Buttered Tin – St. Paul (Lowertown)

Their homemade pastries are the stuff of legend – the kind you’ll be telling your grandkids about someday.

“Back in my day, we had cinnamon rolls the size of your head!” And you know what? You won’t even be exaggerating.

11. Cafe Meow (Minneapolis)

Purr-fection in a cup! Sip lattes, pet kitties, and try not to adopt them all at this feline-friendly cafe.Purr-fection in a cup! Sip lattes, pet kitties, and try not to adopt them all at this feline-friendly cafe.
Purr-fection in a cup! Sip lattes, pet kitties, and try not to adopt them all at this feline-friendly cafe. Photo credit: Maddie O.

Cafe Meow is what happens when cat ladies (and gents) decide to open a coffee shop.

This unique cat cafe in Minneapolis is the perfect spot for those who like their lattes with a side of purrs and whiskers.

The cozy atmosphere is ideal for both cat cuddling and coffee sipping.

Where Where
Where “cat-feine” dreams come true. Come for the coffee, stay for the furry snuggles and potential new family member. Photo credit: MR. “Zazzenfuk” B

And the best part?

All the feline residents are up for adoption.

So you might come for the coffee and leave with a new furry friend.

Talk about a purrfect day out!

12. Duluth’s Best Bread (Duluth)

Carb lovers, unite! This bakery's creations might just be worth moving to Duluth for. Lake views are just a bonus.Carb lovers, unite! This bakery's creations might just be worth moving to Duluth for. Lake views are just a bonus.
Carb lovers, unite! This bakery’s creations might just be worth moving to Duluth for. Lake views are just a bonus. Photo credit: Duluth’s Best Bread

Duluth’s Best Bread isn’t just a name – it’s a challenge to all other breads to step up their game.

This artisanal bakery and cafe in Duluth is like a carb-lover’s paradise, where the bread is always fresh and the breakfast options are always comforting.

Flour power at its finest! These loaves are so fresh, they might still be warm from their Lake Superior breeze nap.Flour power at its finest! These loaves are so fresh, they might still be warm from their Lake Superior breeze nap.
Flour power at its finest! These loaves are so fresh, they might still be warm from their Lake Superior breeze nap. Photo credit: Kat Spofford

Their freshly baked goods might make you consider moving to Duluth just to be closer to the source.

(No judgment here – we’ve all made bigger life decisions for less noble reasons.)

13. Cafe Alma (Minneapolis)

Elegance meets comfort in every bite. It's like your taste buds got invited to a black-tie event, but sneakers are welcome.Elegance meets comfort in every bite. It's like your taste buds got invited to a black-tie event, but sneakers are welcome.
Elegance meets comfort in every bite. It’s like your taste buds got invited to a black-tie event, but sneakers are welcome. Photo credit: Christin Smith Bland

Cafe Alma is where you go when you want to feel fancy, but also want to be able to lick your plate clean without judgment.

This elegant cafe and restaurant in Minneapolis serves up refined breakfast dishes that are so pretty, you might be tempted to frame them instead of eating them.

Breakfast so fancy, you'll want to wear a monocle. But don't worry, licking the plate clean is still encouraged.Breakfast so fancy, you'll want to wear a monocle. But don't worry, licking the plate clean is still encouraged.
Breakfast so fancy, you’ll want to wear a monocle. But don’t worry, licking the plate clean is still encouraged. Photo credit: Amber S.

The charming ambiance is perfect for everything from important business meetings to “I’m treating myself because it’s Tuesday” solo dates.

Just be warned – after experiencing Cafe Alma, your regular breakfast routine might seem sadly lacking in comparison.

There you have it, folks – 13 cafes that prove Minnesota is more than just lakes and nice people.

It’s also a hotbed of delicious breakfasts, heavenly pastries, and coffee that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some serious cafe-hopping to do. For research purposes, of course.





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