What better way to welcome autumn in Minnesota than by finding a cozy, locally owned coffee shop to enjoy a warm drink? While the classic pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is always tempting, consider patronizing a local gem that not only offers a friendly atmosphere but also roasts its own beans and boasts unique coffee blends.
Below is a curated list of some of our favorite coffee shops and roasters in the Twin Cities. Each one provides an excellent spot to catch up with friends over a chai latte, hot chocolate, or cold brew, or simply enjoy some quiet time while working on your laptop or diving into a good book. All these local establishments are sure to delight coffee enthusiasts.
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Here’s our compilation of the best coffee shops in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and their surrounding suburbs.
Dogwood Coffee Co.
With three vibrant locations throughout the Twin Cities—two in Minneapolis (Northeast loop and East Lake area) and one in Saint Paul (near 280 and University)—Dogwood Coffee Co. has been a favorite since 2010. They collaborate with coffee farmers worldwide and local aficionados to roast their own beans right at their Minnesota-centered shops, where coffee is truly “joyfully roasted.”
If you’re seeking a cheerful, modern coffee shop and love dogs, Dogwood Coffee will feel like home. Bright murals and playful dog-themed decor create a friendly vibe, though seating can be limited due to its popularity. If it’s packed, check out their roasting process through the glass doors of the Northeast location and grab a cup to go.
Be sure to sample their seasonal sweet potato maple bourbon latte, a unique take on the pumpkin spice latte that strikes a balance between sweetness and warmth, reminiscent of autumn.
You can purchase individual bags of their house-roasted coffee beans online or in-store, with options for subscriptions and branded merchandise available as well.
- Northeast location: 1209 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis
- East Lake location: 4021 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
- Saint Paul location: 826 Carleton Street, Saint Paul
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
Spyhouse Coffee features seven locations, each serving sustainably sourced coffees from around the globe. The roasting takes place in-house at their Northeast location, while each café boasts distinctive aesthetics and charm.
While the Uptown location has a dark and inviting ambiance, the Northeast location is warm and cozy. The North Loop shop is modern, filled with natural light. Each spot offers ample seating whether you’re working, catching up with a friend, or just soaking in the atmosphere.
Since 2000, Spyhouse has built a reputation for creative drinks that redefine typical coffee offerings. Their seasonal menu might surprise you with delights like Blood Moon Espresso Tonic, Sage Against the Machine, and Cookie Butter Cappuccino; don’t miss the Sage Against the Machine for its delightful notes of caramel, pecan, and sage.
Their beans are available for purchase in-store and online. If you’re after an eclectic blend of clientele, intriguing ambiance, and unconventional flavor combinations, Spyhouse has your coffee fix covered.
- Whittier location: 2451 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis
- Uptown location: 2404 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
- Northeast location: 945 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis
- North Loop location: 907 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis
- St. Paul location: 420 Snelling Ave S, St Paul
- Downtown location: 215 S 4th St, Minneapolis
- Rochester location: 601 2nd St SW, Rochester
Backstory Coffee Roasters
At Backstory Coffee, the mission is to foster connection over a delightful cup of coffee or other unique beverages from their extensive menu.
The West Saint Paul shop combines a cozy café space with an in-house roastery, featuring a convenient walk-up ordering window and a charming outdoor patio.
The North Loop location boasts high ceilings and plentiful seating set among antique decor and lush plants. Known for its energetic vibe, this spot is a favorite for those working on laptops or catching up with friends.
Enjoy a classic espresso drink, like a matcha latte with seasonal flavor twists such as vanilla or blood orange. Current fall treats on the menu include buttermilk almond miel, spiced apple matcha latte, and carrot cake cold brew topped with cream cheese cold foam. Both locations provide online ordering options and sell six or 12 oz. coffee bags for purchase.
- West Saint Paul location: 432 Wabasha Street South, West Saint Paul
- Minneapolis location: 528 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis
In the Loop Coffee Company
This quaint coffee shop offers distinctive specialty drinks and outdoor seating, all designed with dog lovers in mind. Framed photos of dogs adorn the walls, and it was awarded the title of Best Dog Friendly Coffee Shop by Sidewalk Dog. While indoor seating is limited, the lively North Loop neighborhood makes it a fantastic spot to grab a latte for yourself and a “puppuccino” for your furry friend.
Their specialty drinks range from the spicy Cafe Miel of Itasca to the chocolatey Opera Black and White mocha and the indulgent Comedy Caramel Roll Latte, inviting nostalgic memories of childhood coffee sips from grandmother’s cup. Their coffee is locally sourced, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Location: 708 North First Street, Minneapolis
Nina’s Coffee Cafe
Nina’s Coffee Cafe draws inspiration from the legacy of local figure Nina Clifford, a known businesswoman and brothel organizer from the early 1900s, and the literary works of Saint Paul-born author F. Scott Fitzgerald. This café is both a tourist attraction and a beloved local spot.
With a cozy, Art Deco ambiance, it is a favored hangout for students and book clubs, though seating can be scarce during peak hours. Nina’s features a specialty drink menu honoring its historical namesakes, including the Madame Nina miel, the F. Scott cold press, and the Gatsby latte. While it may not be a roastery, Nina’s remains an integral part of St. Paul’s rich history, making it well worth a visit for coffee and literature enthusiasts alike.
- Location: 165 Western Ave N, Saint Paul
Isles Bun & Coffee
Located in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis, Isles Bun & Coffee welcomes guests with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon treats. Since 1993, this café and bakery has served the community, allowing guests to order drinks while watching bakers prepare an array of pastries. Their beverage menu is standard, but the real stars are their baked goods: buttermilk drop scones, caramel pecan buns, coffee cake with walnut streusel, biscotti, and classic blueberry muffins. Don’t miss out on their signature puppy dog tails—cinnamon twists with cream cheese frosting named by local preschoolers. You can visit in-store, have goodies delivered, or order online, with large catering orders available as well.
- Location: 1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis
Cafe Astoria
Café Astoria in St. Paul is a colorful haven for those with a sweet tooth. This café serves breakfast all day, offering a variety of delicious options such as crepes, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and egg sandwiches with prosciutto. Specialty drinks like the bee sting latte, made with wildflower honey, bee pollen, and chili, or the nutty professor latte with hazelnut and caramel, are crowd favorites. For the adventurous, check out their secret menu, featuring the 24K Latte (amaretto, white chocolate, and edible gold), the Rainbow Latte (peppermint, chocolate, and vibrant foam art), and a lavender-infused matcha with edible glitter and gold. It’s an inviting spot for a fun brunch with friends.
- Location: 180 Grand Ave, Saint Paul
Cafe Ceres
Café Cerés offers a unique twist on the traditional coffee shop experience with its focus on classic Middle Eastern flavors. You can choose from delightful options like pistachio croissants, Turkish bagels, and chocolate tahini cookies. For drinks, their spiced vanilla latte and dukkah latte provide exciting flavor combinations created using date syrup instead of regular sugar. With three locations throughout the Twin Cities, Café Cerés is a must-visit when you want to try something different from your usual Starbucks or Caribou Coffee visit.
- Linden Hills location: 3509 W 44th St, Minneapolis
- Armatage location: 5401 Penn. Ave S, Minneapolis
- Downtown location: 100 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis
Northern Coffeeworks
Northern Coffeeworks is the epitome of warmth and coziness, providing a perfect retreat as the Minnesota winter approaches. Established in 2017, this local coffee shop and roastery serves classic espresso drinks alongside rotating seasonal menus and single-serve drip options. They also offer a selection of Minnesota-curated coffee bean blends, such as the Boundary Waters blend with chocolate, cherry, and brown sugar notes, the Evergreen Espresso with hints of strawberry jam and cacao nibs, or Cabin Vibes, featuring pomegranate, dark chocolate, and almond flavors. Stop by their Minneapolis café to sample their drink of the week, like the Loon Lake Love Potion, a refreshing rosemary and hibiscus spritz paired with Ethiopian espresso.
- Location: 4208 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis
Wesley Andrews
Wesley Andrews was established with the goal of creating a space where “conversations flow freely and time passes easily, all while enjoying excellent coffee.” This establishment collaborates with coffee farmers and co-ops to serve ethically sourced espresso in both in-house drinks and for home brewing. Explore their specially crafted tea blends, such as Big Red Robe Oolong or Moonlight White, which features distinctive flavors of birch syrup and black pepper. Be sure to try their fall seasonal offerings like THC Ginger Punch with homemade vanilla lime syrup over fizzy soda water, golden turmeric chai with cardamom and turmeric, or a maple spice latte blending maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
- Location: 111 E 26th St, Minneapolis, MN
Additional Information from MNTrips
Explore a comprehensive list of all Minnesota State Parks, including key permit details. Additionally, we feature a guide to all locations managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, with future commentary planned as we visit these sites.
If you’re planning a hiking or biking excursion at Minnesota State Parks, don’t forget to download the Avenza Maps app. This useful tool allows you to access trail maps for nearly every state park, which is invaluable for navigation, especially since many parks lack adequate signage.
Moreover, reservations are necessary for camping at Minnesota State Parks. Here’s the online reservation form for your convenience.
Check out our recommended essentials for packing in your hiking day pack while you explore the rich natural beauty of both Minnesota State Parks and National Parks.
Makenzi Johnson is a freelance journalist and a senior at Bethel University, where she studies journalism and Spanish. Originally from North Dakota, she now embraces the vibrant Twin Cities area and all its offerings. Makenzi enjoys reading, fashion, spending time with her family back home, and connecting with new people through her writing.
