The best coffee in Minneapolis combines the craft of specialty coffee with cool cafe design and warm local vibes.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota’s largest city, good coffee seems to flow like the Mississippi River between the Twin Cities.
So, let’s discover together the quality coffee beans and cool coffee shops in Minneapolis and suburban neighborhoods. You’ll also find our custom maps to plan your own visit.
All the following selections reflect our firsthand experiences and personal recommendations.
Whenever we travel, visiting local coffee shops ranks high on our list of favorite things to do.
We’ve personally visited, taste-tested, reviewed, and photographed countless cups of coffee to discover excellent specialty coffee roasters, unique coffee shops, and local cafes.
Our global search for great coffee is always underway. Future trips to the Twin Cities will undoubtedly uncover even more local gems for this coffee guide.
Ready? Grab your coffee travel mug, and let’s go!
- Best Coffee in Minneapolis
- Best Coffee in Minneapolis Downtown
- SK Coffee
- Gray Fox Coffee
- Best Coffee in Minneapolis North Loop
- Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
- Backstory Coffee Roasters
- Five Watt Coffee
- FRGMNT Coffee
- Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
- In The Loop Coffee Company
- Best Coffee in Minneapolis Eat Street
- Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea
- Glam Doll Donuts
- Best Coffee in Minneapolis Suburbs
- Coffeesmith
- Caribou Coffee Original Location
- Map of Twin Cities
- Interactive Map: Best Coffee in Minneapolis
- Sources and Resources
- Check Out More Recommendations
- FAQs: Best Coffee in Minneapolis
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Special Note: Paul and I (Marilee) have been on a years-long coffee journey around the world. It’s an ongoing quest to discover artisanal coffee roasters, independent coffee shops, and local cafes that focus on the craft of specialty coffee, in particular, Third Wave coffee.
Coffee fuels our travels on and off the beaten path. We specifically seek local gems and also take pilgrimages to legendary cafes. Our purpose is to share wonderful places, people, and stories with you. So that you, in turn, may travel the world, taste the coffee, and tell your own stories.
Best Coffee in Minneapolis
Let’s begin with the best coffee shops in downtown Minneapolis and nearby neighborhoods.
Several of the best Minneapolis coffee shops have multiple Twin Cities locations, which we’ve noted on the custom interactive map.
Likewise, the stand-out coffee shops in Saint Paul, such as Black Sheep Coffee Cafe and Dogwood Coffee, are indicated on the map.
Next, let’s expand our coffee explorations to the greater Minneapolis-St Paul Metropolitan Area.
Speaking of the Minneapolis-St Paul Metropolitan Area, we’ll also learn some Minnesota coffee history later in this article.
It’s a story about two entrepreneurs who launched a cute coffee shop in a small town outside the Twin Cities.
More than 30 years later, that one little coffee house grew into a multi-state coffee company. Now, it’s a global coffee brand with hundreds of locations.
Best Coffee in Minneapolis Downtown
Downtown Minneapolis offers impressive natural, architectural, and cultural landmarks, such as:
- St. Anthony Falls, Minnehaha Falls, and the mighty Mississippi River waterways.
- The Stone Arch Bridge, a National Historic Engineering Landmark connecting the Twin Cities since 1863.
- Glittering Foshay Tower and gleaming Guthrie Theater.
- Nicollet Avenue, where Mary Richards tossed her beret to open every episode of the 1970s TV show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Downtown Minneapolis also offers distinctive restaurants, public art by international artists and local artists, and, furthermore, the best coffee in Minneapolis.
SK Coffee
Surprisingly, some of the finest coffee in Minneapolis is found in a small shop above city streets in the financial district.
SK Coffee is a cozy, family-friendly, and quite pretty coffee shop on the Skyway level.
Hand-made arts and crafts lend a homey charm. Many items by local artists and craftspeople are available for purchase
Crayons and colored pencils invite children and grown-ups to draw and doodle, as well.
The baristas crafted a well-balanced cortado and a cappuccino for us. Both coffee drinks were so delicious, we stayed and ordered another round.
We’ve found the charming cafe, the friendly staff, and the fine coffee to be markedly consistent on subsequent visits.
Should we be required to rank the best coffee in Minneapolis, SK Coffee in the Skyway would surely stake a claim to the top spot.
Address: SK Coffee | Skyway Level, 50 South 6th Street Unit 290 | Minneapolis, MN 55402
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
Gray Fox Coffee
An Art Deco landmark, the Foshay Tower is famous for its 32nd-floor observation deck with 360-degree views over the Twin Cities.
Nowadays, the W Minneapolis Hotel fills the fabled historic tower. Meanwhile, Gray Fox Coffee and Wine Bar fills the fab updated foyer.
Gray Fox Coffee is memorable for clever innovations, like foil-wrapped coffee cups. Or whimsical prints in espresso ink on their signature coffee drinks.
The soaring lobby is a stunning space to sit and sip. However, if your itinerary allows time, we suggest ordering another coffee to go.
We took a short walk to another landmark, the Prince mural by artist Hiero Veiga.
Similar to the 1929 Foshay Tower, the 2022 Prince towers 100 feet (30.5 m) high in purple majesty.
The public art is steps from the First Avenue nightclub, a prime location in Prince’s 1984 blockbuster movie, Purple Rain.
The walking distance from Gray Fox Coffee to the Prince mural is approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km.
Address: Gray Fox Coffee | 801 South Marquette Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55402
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
Best Coffee in Minneapolis North Loop
The hip heart of downtown Minneapolis is the historic North Loop neighborhood. Just north of the financial district, this 19th-century warehouse district is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Warehouse renovations, contemporary constructions, and loft apartments bring new work, new life, and new residents to this old neighborhood.
North Loop provides a dynamic mix of start-up companies, small family businesses, boutique hotels, local arts, and top attractions like Target Field.
Dive bars, pubs, and casual bistros share the block with swanky bars, high-end restaurants, and chic, stylish shopping. And equally chic, stylish coffee shops.
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Christian Johnson founded Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Company in 2000.
Fast forward more than a quarter century later. No longer the new kid on the block, Spyhouse Coffee now offers numerous locations, coffee subscriptions, retail merchandise, and a wholesale business.
Still, the Third Wave coffee culture, indie attitude, and artistic approach continue in each individual coffee shop.
The Spyhouse Coffee North Loop location expresses all these elements.
A pristine white La Marzocco espresso machine gleams atop the Carrera marble counter. The beverage menu includes espresso drinks, chai lattes, and matcha. Plus, of course, delicious baked goods.
Long communal tables and smaller marble-topped tables provide seating. Sleek fixtures enhance the natural light flooding the open and airy space, a former bank.
Overall, there’s a minimalist aesthetic. But with one maximalist element: The original bank vault door.
Bold lettering, impressionistic artwork, delicate tracery, and sturdy hardware still embellish the door from Hall’s Safe and Lock Co.
Address: Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | 907 North Washington Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
Backstory Coffee Roasters
When you enter Backstory Coffee Roasters in North Loop, you immediately notice the vast volume of space inside the 19th-century structure.
Rugged brick walls and mullioned windows draw your eyes up to the ceiling. Massive wood beams and steel infrastructure emphasize the scale.
Bookshelves divide the immense area and define intimate sections. Upholstered sofas, love seats, and chairs flank coffee tables, occasional tables, and dining tables.
Students, professionals, couples, families with children, and patrons with dogs all flock here for good coffee, light bites, and friendly vibes in spectacular surroundings.
Quite simply, Backstory Coffee Roasters’ North Loop location is a WOW.
In our opinion, it ranks among the most beautiful coffee shops and cafes. Not only in the Twin Cities, but also anywhere in the world.
So whether you’re a Third Wave coffee connoisseur, a hungry traveler, or a style maven, Backstory Coffee Roasters in North Loop is a must-visit cafe.
Address: Backstory Coffee Roasters | 528 North Washington Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
Five Watt Coffee
Looking for a specialty coffee drink with local flavor and photogenic flair? Look no further than Five Watt Coffee.
Five Watt Coffee answers the question with specialty drinks, such as the Kingfield, the Pollinator, or the Northeast Fog. Seasonal specialty drinks, e.g., Pumpkin Spice and Candy Cold Press, fulfill holiday requests.
Desiring a classic cappuccino, cortado, or flat white instead? Rest assured, Five Watt baristas can deliver a classic espresso for you as they did for us.
In short, Five Watt Coffee shops are fun, friendly, and festive places year-round.
Address: Five Watt Coffee | 3745 Nicollet Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55409
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
FRGMNT Coffee
FRGMNT Coffee exemplifies the North Loop old-meets-new vibe and buzzy energy. The North Loop cafe takes major space in the modern Nordic, next to century-old buildings.
Outdoor seating makes Nordic Plaza a lively spot on sunny days and warm nights. It’s a winter hot spot, too, due to pop-up holiday markets and the nearby Minneapolis Christkindl Market.
Once we stepped inside FRGMNT, the expansive dimensions and dramatic fireplace felt very much of the moment, yet with an echo of an earlier age.
The coffee bar features a special highlight: A rotating roaster program of different coffee origins. The knowledgeable baristas can help you choose from the array.
Address: FRGMNT Coffee | 729 North Washington Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
(See our custom interactive map later in this guide for additional locations)
Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
Located on a posh block in the North Loop neighborhood, Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea is one of the prettiest coffee shops in Minneapolis.
Pale blue and bright yellow accent the white-washed brick in this historic building with high ceilings.
We appreciate Fairgrounds’ attentive design and cohesive details. For example, the instagrammable “F” sign and the rolling library ladder. Industrial-style ironwork and lights aplenty.
Order “fare for all” and drinks at the marble counter. Fine teas and matcha accompany Fairgrounds’ hand-crafted coffee drinks.
Take a seat at rustic wood tables, along the tufted banquette, or on the cozy sofa. Easy chairs by the fireplace complete the picturesque interior. There’s also a small patio area on the sidewalk.
Then, relax. Sip your drink and snap a selfie (or two) while you savor this picture-perfect cafe.
Address: Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea | 116 North 3rd Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
In The Loop Coffee Company
What In the Loop Coffee Co. may lack in urban style and swagger, it more than makes up for in authentic sincerity and smiles.
We felt like locals at this North Loop neighborhood coffee shop. Because the team greeted and treated us like next-door neighbors.
Besides their locally roasted organic coffee, In the Loop Coffee Company also serves tea, smoothies, pastries, and a light lunch menu.
You’ll find books, games, and puzzles for grown-ups and kids. Water bowls and welcomes for furry four-legged friends.
After all, dogs are the real VIPs here at this delightful little coffee shop. Literally!
Framed black-and-white photographs of neighborhood dogs line the walls like a Doggie Hall of Fame.
Address: In the Loop Coffee Co. | 708 North 1st Street, Unit 136 | Minneapolis, MN 55401
Best Coffee in Minneapolis Eat Street
Eat Street District combines a bustling commercial district, arts and cultural hub, and residential neighborhood in South Minneapolis.
Ever since 1965, when the Black Forest Inn and German beer garden opened, Eat Street has been a destination for international food, vibrant culture, and authentic community.
Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea
Opened in November 2016 and, alas, closed in December 2025, Wesley Andrews Coffee and Spot was a beloved neighborhood spot and one of our favorite Minneapolis coffee shops.
The owners, Jared Thompson and Johan Podlewski, got their start roasting coffee together before they opened their cafe.
The colorful architectural flourish over the front door and large windows overlooking the street invited us into the gracious space.
Exposed brick and lots of natural light brightened the clean-lined interior. Music varied according to the barista’s mood. Sometimes light jazz, occasionally something louder.
Nonetheless, music and conversations complemented the fine teas and coffees. Wesley Andrews served its own and other roasts, including Heart Coffee from Portland, Oregon.
The focus on great coffee, latte art, fine teas, vinyl records, and community spirit made Wesley Andrews a special place.
Indeed, Food and Wine Magazine agreed, having named Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea the “Best Coffee Shop in Minnesota.”
Let’s hope another indie coffee shop will step in to resume the good work of Wesley Andrews.
Address: Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea [closed] | 111 East 26th Street | Minneapolis, MN 55404
Glam Doll Donuts
Delightfully decadent Glam Doll Donuts is an Eat Street legend. Fabulously fresh, Glam Doll makes and bakes artisanal donuts, fillings, and icings from scratch daily.
Glam Doll Donuts’ cute shop is as sweetly sassy as its donuts are irresistibly instagrammable. The Mid-Century Modern aesthetic pops in bubblegum pink, black, and teal.
Lest we forget to mention, Glam Doll also serves sparkling wine, beer, and most importantly, coffee.
Clearly, the owners and staff take coffee seriously. Because the espresso machine is La Marzocco, and the espresso is Intelligentsia Coffee, one of the Third Wave Coffee pioneers.
So, here’s what we highly recommend: Choose your delectable donuts. Order an espresso. Grab one of the vintage Formica tables. Then, have a tasty time on Eat Street.
PS: We didn’t give Glam Dolls’ Photo Booth a whirl, but obviously it’s awesome.
Address: Glam Doll Donuts | 2605 Nicollet Avenue South | Minneapolis, MN 55408
Best Coffee in Minneapolis Suburbs
Certain coffee shops are worth the journey. And we coffee aficionados certainly have many reasons why our coffee journeys are worthwhile.
Perhaps you’re seeking the ever-elusive perfect cup of coffee. Finding one-of-a-kind designs, secret menus, or exclusive offers. Making pilgrimages to iconic coffee destinations.
Well, friend, it’s an easy journey and a fairly short drive from central Minneapolis to suburban Minneapolis.
Coffeesmith
Coffeesmith is located in Forest Lake, a booming small town in the northeast Minneapolis St. Paul Metropolitan Area.
Founded in 1874, Forest Lake still boasts some historic architecture. For instance, the 1912 Victorian house that Coffeesmith calls home.
Coffeesmith blends colorful hues and contemporary decor in its restored and renovated turn-of-the-century rooms.
Similarly, Coffeesmith serves big-city quality products from local artisans and family-run farms.
It’s a fun, friendly environment to enjoy espresso drinks from Duluth Coffee Company, dairy from Autumnwood Farms, and baked goods from Patisserie 46.
Particularly popular are the pretty 5-ounce coffee flights of three curated selections. Some pairings are classic, others are trendy options.
Choices may include the Cold Brew Fanatic Flight (Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cold Brew, Lavender Cold Brew, and Brown Sugar Cold Brew), for example. Or the Louis Flight (Hot Chocolate, Chai Latte, and Matcha Tea Latte).
Coffeesmith is one of the best Twin Cities coffee houses and a personal favorite. So, it’s on our list of must-stop spots whenever we visit.
The driving distance from downtown Minneapolis to Forest Lake is approximately 29 miles (47 km).
Address: Coffeesmith | 432 North Shore Drive | Forest Lake, MN 55025
Caribou Coffee Original Location
In 1992, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs John Puckett and Kim Puckett opened the first Caribou Coffee in Edina, Minnesota.
Over the decades, Caribou Coffee expanded from a small business to Minnesota’s biggest coffee retailer. Today, Caribou Coffee is part of a multinational corporation.
That pioneering Caribou Coffee cafe has since closed in Edina. However, the quaint building still remains.
And, of course, you can visit Caribou Coffee retail outlets at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, throughout Minnesota, across the USA, and around the world.
Special Note: The original Caribou Coffee location opened in 1992 and closed in 2023. The site has since been remodeled and now hosts another small business. Currently, that is Oh Crêpe, a cute casual French café serving savory and sweet crepes as well as Wonderstate Coffee and espresso drinks.
Address: Oh Crêpe | 4408 France Avenue South | Edina, MN 55424
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Map of Twin Cities
Interactive Map: Best Coffee in Minneapolis
Sources and Resources
Kaplan, Allison, “Original Caribou Coffee Location is Closing,” Twin Cities Business, November 10, 2023.
Summers, Joy, “Wesley Andrews coffee shop closing at the end of the year,” Minnesota Star Tribune, November 18, 2025.
Weinberg, Bennett Alan and Bealer, Bonnie K., The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World’s Most Popular Drug. Taylor & Francis, 2000.
Wild, Antony, Coffee: A Dark History. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2005.
Check Out More Recommendations
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FAQs: Best Coffee in Minneapolis
Where is Minneapolis?
The city of Minneapolis is located on the Mississippi River in southerneastern Minnesota, USA. Across the Mississippi River is the city of Saint Paul, the Minnesota state capital. Minneapolis and St. Paul are coupled together as the Twin Cities.
Where are the best Twin Cities coffee shops?
The best Twin Cities coffee shops are arguably SK Coffee Downtown Minneapolis (50 South 6th Steet, Unit 290, Minneapolis, MN) and Dogwood Coffee Saint Paul (2700 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN).
What is a cortado vs flat white?
Both cortado and a flat white are espresso coffee drinks with milk. On one hand, a cortado is equally balanced between espresso and milk with a limited foam. Cortados are traditionally served in 4 to 6-ounce glasses. On the other hand, a flat white is one-third espresso and two-thirds milk with a creamy/velvety microfoam. Flat whites are usually served in a 5 to 8-ounce cup.
All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.
All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas. We’re the Hidden Gemologists® of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts and slow travel storytellers. Because slow travel is meaningful travel, part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.