Calling all coffee enthusiasts and Twin Cities dwellers in search of the perfect brew! Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey as we unveil the ultimate compilation of the best Twin Cities coffee shops.
Ready to find out the best Twin Cities coffee shops? Whether you’re a devoted espresso aficionado, a lover of rich pour-overs, or simply seeking a cozy atmosphere to indulge in aromatic blends, our comprehensive guide will lead you to the caffeinated gems that await your discovery. From trendy urban hubs to hidden neighborhood gems, this caffeine-filled adventure will leave you buzzing with excitement. Get ready to awaken your taste buds and explore the vibrant coffee scene that defines the Twin Cities like never before!
Twin Cities Coffeehouse Tour
Is there anything better than a perfect cup of warm coffee on a cold Minnesota day? Well, you’re in for a treat because today we’re letting you in on a little secret…local picks for the best coffeehouses in the Twin Cities!
You know, I’m a bit sad today. Kitty left me in Winona so she and a girlfriend could go up to the Twin Cities and write this article for you guys. Since I was all alone and feeling blue, I wandered down to my neighbor Ole’s place for a cup of ambition, and when I tasted the coffee he made I said, “Ole this coffee is terrible! It tastes like mud!” And he said, “Well, it oughta, it was just ground this morning!”
Ok, enough with the bad dad jokes, let’s have Kitty take over this blog posting before I lose us any more readers. Hehe.
Thanks Jack. Hey guys! I wanted to bring you to my top five fave coffeehouses in the Twin Cities. These are fun local spots that you have to try if you are in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
1. Spyhouse Coffee
2451 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website
This is my favorite coffeehouse in the Twin Cities.
In 2000, Spyhouse first opened in a 1926 brownstone in the Whittier neighborhood, one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most diverse neighborhoods – just blocks from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and The Children’s Theatre.
Spyhouse Coffee is known for its high-quality coffee, which is sourced from sustainable and ethical farms around the world. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, including espresso-based beverages, pour-over coffee, and cold brew. They also offer a selection of teas, pastries, and other food items.
They have several locations in the Twin Cities, but I like visiting their OG shop.
You might like reading: “Dine Like a Local: Where to Find the Best Food in Minneapolis – 2023 Twin Cities Foodie Guide” – are you planning a trip to Minneapolis and looking for the best places to eat? As a local foodie, I’ve scoured the city to find the most delicious and authentic dining experiences. From farm-to-table restaurants to ethnic eateries, Minneapolis has a thriving food scene that is sure to satisfy any palate. Join me on a culinary tour of the city as we explore the top spots to dine like a local. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, this guide will help you discover the best food in Minneapolis.
2. Five Watt Coffee
3745 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55409
Website
The baristas at Five Watt believe that coffee is about connecting people. If you’re a regular, they will remember your name, your order and usually serve your drink with a caffeinated high five.
Five Watt Coffee is known for its creative and innovative coffee drinks. Their menu features a variety of espresso-based beverages, pour-over coffee, and signature drinks, such as the “Kingfield,” which is made with espresso, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. They also offer a selection of teas, pastries, and other food items.
Jack and I used to live in the Kingfield neighborhood, and we would walk to Five Watt several times a week.
Do you ever find yourself wondering…is Minnesota a good place to live? Read our pros and cons post from a local and find out now: https://jackandkitty.com/2023/04/is-minnesota-a-good-place-to-live-2023-pros-and-cons-honest-opinion-from-local
3. Hard Times Cafe
1821 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Website
Hard Times Cafe is a popular restaurant located in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. One of the most unique features of Hard Times Cafe is its punk rock aesthetic. The walls are covered in graffiti and posters, and the music is often loud and energetic.
Overall, Hard Times Cafe is a great spot for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for tasty and affordable food in a laid-back atmosphere. With its punk rock vibe and commitment to serving delicious and ethical food, it’s no wonder why it’s become a beloved local institution in Minneapolis.
My husband Jack did an entire video essay about his love/hate relationship with Hard Times, click here to watch…and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel tips, hidden gems and more. We typically make a lot of content about fun and quirky spots to visit in Minnesota and the upper Midwest…you betcha!
4. Pow Wow Grounds
1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Website
Pow Wow Grounds is a Native American-owned coffee shop and restaurant located in Minneapolis. Pow Wow Grounds offers a variety of dishes that showcase traditional Native American ingredients and cooking methods. For breakfast, try a blueberry wild rice muffin or a wild rice breakfast burrito. Lunch offers include Indian tacos and frybread pizza.
In addition to its delicious food and drink offerings, Pow Wow Grounds is also known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The walls are adorned with Native American art, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and culture.
Overall, Pow Wow Grounds is a great spot for anyone looking to experience traditional Native American cuisine and culture in a warm and inviting setting. With its commitment to serving high-quality food and drinks and honoring Native American traditions, it’s no surprise why it’s become a beloved local institution in Minneapolis.
5. Nina’s Coffee Cafe
165 Western Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55102
Website
Nina’s Coffee Cafe is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. The cafe has been a local favorite since it first opened. Nina’s is known for its high-quality coffee, which is locally roasted by True Stone Coffee Roasters. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso-based beverages, pour-over coffee, and cold brew. They also offer a selection of teas, pastries, and other snacks.
One of the unique features of Nina’s Coffee Cafe is its commitment to supporting the local community. They often host events such as book clubs, live music performances, and art shows. They also partner with local organizations and businesses to give back to the community.
Overall, Nina’s Coffee Cafe is a great spot for coffee lovers in St. Paul. With its high-quality coffee, cozy atmosphere, and community-focused approach, it’s no wonder why it’s become a beloved local coffee shop.
Conclusion
Well, those are my picks for finding a good cup of coffee here in the Twin Cities. Five of the best coffeeshops in the Twin Cities. By the way, in Minneapolis you can find big, comforting chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Caribou…but it’s fun to support the local ma & pa places, tiny little cafes with dedicated baristas whose passion for their craft you can taste in every cup.
As we wrap up our caffeinated expedition through the Twin Cities’ vibrant coffee culture, we hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive journey of uncovering the best coffee shops of 2023. From the moment we stepped foot into each carefully curated space, we were captivated by the passion, skill, and unwavering commitment to quality exhibited by the baristas and roasters. Whether you found yourself indulging in a velvety latte at the chic downtown establishments or sipping on a meticulously brewed pour-over in the cozy corners of the neighborhood gems, these top five coffee shops stood out as beacons of excellence.
The Twin Cities’ coffee scene continues to evolve, promising endless exploration and delightful encounters for both local residents and coffee enthusiasts visiting from afar. So, next time you find yourself craving a moment of pure bliss in the form of a perfectly brewed cup of joe, remember the caffeine chronicles that guided you to these remarkable coffee havens. Cheers to the Twin Cities and the exceptional coffee experiences that await you!
What did you think of our list of the best Twin Cities coffee shops?
Jack and I are curious to find out: what is your favorite coffee shop…in the Twin Cities…or wherever you live? Let us know in the comments (just scroll to the bottom of this page). We’re always on the road…and always in need of a good cup of coffee. Thanks for reading.
Have a super day!
Love Minnesota? You betcha!
If you love Minnesota as much as we do, you’ll probably love these cute items. They’ll definitely have you saying, “oh for cute”! Hehe…
About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.