The 12 Best Cafés & Coffee in Minneapolis

A Minneapolis institution since 1995, Birchwood is a beloved neighborhood cafe and restaurant committed to local and organic sourcing long before it was trendy. The coffee is solid but the real draw is the seasonal menu of breakfast and lunch dishes made with genuine care. Expect a wait on weekend mornings — it's a rite of passage for locals.

A beloved neighborhood specialty coffee shop with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that draws regulars from across the Twin Cities. Order the pour-over or a well-crafted latte alongside one of their excellent pastries. It can get crowded on weekend mornings, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a seat.

Five Watt is a serious specialty coffee destination with a reputation for creative seasonal menus and technically excellent brewing. The Kingfield location has a cozy, neighborhood feel and attracts a loyal crowd of coffee geeks and remote workers. Expect a wait during morning rush and note that seating is limited.

Dogwood is a Minneapolis-rooted specialty coffee brand with a flagship presence that emphasizes clean, precise brewing and high-quality sourced beans. Their espresso drinks are consistently excellent and the space is bright and functional. It can feel a bit utilitarian compared to cozier cafes, but the coffee quality is hard to beat.

Sebastian Joe's has been Minneapolis's homegrown ice cream since 1984 — famous for Pavarotti (banana-caramel-chocolate) and raspberry chocolate chip, scooped at cozy shops in Lowry Hill and Linden Hills. A friend would absolutely send you. Caveat: summer evening lines at the Franklin Ave shop can stretch out the door.

A small, community-rooted cafe in Powderhorn that sources Latin American beans and celebrates the cultural heritage of coffee-growing regions. The drinks are excellent and the space has a warm, neighborhood feel that reflects the surrounding community. Hours can be limited so check before visiting.

Best known for its inventive soft-serve ice cream, Milkjam also operates as a genuine cafe serving quality coffee drinks that pair perfectly with their creative frozen treats. The Lyn-Lake location is small and lines form quickly in warm weather. Come for the coffee, stay for the ice cream — the combination is unbeatable.

A community-minded specialty roaster and cafe near Lake Nokomis that sources beans with genuine care and brews them with skill. The space is welcoming and unpretentious, popular with cyclists and lake-goers after a morning ride. It's a bit off the beaten path for visitors but absolutely worth the detour.

The Whittier location of this beloved Minneapolis mini-chain occupies a stunning converted space with soaring ceilings and dramatic industrial design that makes it one of the most visually impressive cafes in the city. Coffee quality is consistently strong across espresso and filter options. It gets very busy and can be noisy during peak hours.

Spyhouse's Northeast cafe is the flagship of Minneapolis's best-known local roaster — a gorgeous restored brick-and-timber warehouse with big windows, serious espresso, and free parking. Great for working or a slow morning. Caveat: it's popular with laptop crowds, so weekday midday seats can be scarce.

A charming neighborhood cafe tucked into the walkable Linden Hills village that locals genuinely love for its relaxed atmosphere and quality drinks. The seasonal lattes and drip coffee are reliable, and the space is ideal for a slow morning with a book. Parking in Linden Hills can be tight on weekends.

A stylish, European-influenced cafe in the heart of Northeast that pairs excellent espresso drinks with a thoughtful food menu including avocado toast and grain bowls. The space is beautifully designed and feels genuinely upscale without being pretentious. It draws a brunch crowd on weekends so expect waits for seating.