In the last few years, the Twin Cities have become a go-to spot for food lovers, with many awesome dining spots popping up around every corner. And when it comes to breakfast, there are several restaurants committed to dishing up the most important meal of the day. In this article, we give you a list of the best places you can get a delicious, filling breakfast in the Twin Cities.
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The Best Breakfast Spots in the Twin Cities
1. Hi-Lo Diner
LOCATION: 4020 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
CALL: (612)353-6568
Housed in a vintage 1957 Fodero dining car, Hi-Lo Diner offers a nostalgic breakfast experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Breakfast options include burritos, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, omelets, sandwiches, French toast, burgers, pies, and pancakes.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Soups and salads
- Delicious pies
- Milkshakes and malts
- Coffee, Chocolate
- Cocktails
- “Hi-Top”: house-made donuts topped with sweet and savory ingredients
- Hang out with your pets on the patio
- The Smash Burger with 2 patties, 3 patties, or 1 patty
- Specials are offered daily
Click here to order online.
2. The Copper Hen
LOCATION: 2515 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404
CALL: 612-872-2221
The Copper Hen combines rustic charm with farm-to-table dining. The quaint interior, with reclaimed wood and farmhouse décor, adds to the overall appeal.
HIGHLIGHTS
- You can order the Copper Hen cookbook, which is filled with 120+ recipes for cocktails, cupcakes, cookies, lunch and brunch meals, entrees, desserts, and many more.
- Menu choices include brunch, dinner, cakes/desserts, cocktails/spirits, beer/wine, coffee, tea, date night, and Sunday Happy Hour.
- For brunch and breakfast options, you can choose from soft pretzels, cinnamon rolls, beef and egg, avocado toast, omelets, sandwiches, and many more.
- You can order your birthday cakes from the Copper Hen.
- Date night is every Thursday.
- The Copper Hen also hosts weddings and events and will supply your cakes and desserts.
- There are homemade gluten-free options.
- Everything is made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients.
Visit the website here.
3. Cafe Astoria
LOCATION: 180 Grand Ave., St Paul, MN 55102
Call: (651) 340-9471
Situated in the heart of Saint Paul, Cafe Astoria offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and American breakfast cuisine. The café’s bright and airy interior is adorned with colorful artwork and a charming European flair.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dine-in. Outdoor seating. Curbside pickup. No delivery.
- The menu features drinks and coffee, smoothie bowls, oatmeal bowls, basic smoothies, fruit, and granola.
- Breakfast is served all day with options like sandwiches and wraps, toasts, cakes, eggs, and many more.
Visit the website here.
4. Hazel’s Northeast
LOCATION: 2859 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
CALL: (612) 788-4778
Hazel’s Northeast is loved for its warm ambiance and satisfying comfort food. The retro décor with vintage knick-knacks and cozy booths creates a nostalgic charm.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dine-in, take-out, and delivery, outdoor seating, roadside collection
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and kid’s meals
- Burger nights on Tuesdays with cheeseburgers and fries
- For breakfast, you can have the Classic Breakfast, Omelet, Biscuits & Gravy, Meat Waffle, French Toast, Cakes, Rolls, Waffles, Bacon, Hash Browns, and many more.
- Family night on Wednesdays. Children eat 50% off and get a lollipop.
Visit the website here.
5. Good Day Café
LOCATION: 5410 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55416
CALL:
This restaurant’s menu boasts a range of creative options, from classic omelets to unique dishes like Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes. Its modern yet rustic décor creates a warm ambiance for diners.
7. Milkjam Creamery
LOCATION: 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
CALL:
While renowned for its ice cream, Milkjam Creamery has expanded its reach to delicious breakfast offerings. The menu features creative options like the “Cinnamon Cardamom Waffles” topped with rich coconut cream and tropical fruit.
8. Keys Cafe & Bakery
LOCATIONS:
- Forest Lake: 1960 W. Broadway Ave. Forest Lake, MN 55025
- Spring Lake Park: 8299 University Ave. NE. Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
- White Bear Lake: 2208 4th St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
- Minneapolis: 114 So. 9th St. Minneapolis, MN 55402
- St. Paul on Raymond: 767 Raymond Ave., St Paul, MN 55114
- Woodbury: 1750 Weir Dr. Woodbury, MN 55125
- Roseville: 1682 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113
- St. Paul on Robert: 500 N. Robert St. St. Paul, MN 55101
- Hudson, WI: 840 Carmichael Rd. Hudson, WI 54016
The extensive menu includes breakfast staples and unique offerings like the “Swedish Breakfast.”
9. The Kenwood
LOCATION: 2115 W 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
CALL:
Kenwood is committed to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. The menu features creative twists on classic dishes, such as the “Poached Eggs with Truffle Hollandaise.”
10. Milda’s Café
LOCATION: 1720 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
CALL:
This restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to savory omelets and crispy bacon.
Their signature dish, “Milda’s Special,” is a hearty breakfast plate with eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast. Milda’s is known for its generous portions and affordable prices.
11. Hot Plate
LOCATION: 5204 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, 55417
CALL: +16128244794
Hot Plate has a cozy and quirky ambiance, with its mismatched chairs and vintage decor.
The breakfast menu at Hot Plate caters to a wide range of tastes, featuring everything from traditional American breakfast classics like fluffy buttermilk pancakes and crispy bacon to inventive dishes like breakfast burritos with a twist.
12. Hola Arepa
LOCATION: 3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
CALL:
Hola Arepa is known for its Latin-inspired breakfast offerings. The vibrant décor transports diners to a tropical getaway.
The restaurant’s specialty is the arepa, a traditional Venezuelan cornmeal bread, which serves as the base for other breakfast dishes. Arepa sandwiches feature flavorful ingredients such as chorizo, eggs, cheese, and avocado.
13. Birchwood Cafe
LOCATION: 3311 E 25th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
CALL:
The breakfast menu features various wholesome options, including:
- farm-fresh egg dishes
- hearty whole-grain pancakes
- creative vegan options
Notable dishes include:
- The “Wild Rice Porridge” made with locally harvested wild rice
- The “Truckstop Deluxe” breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, cheddar, and aioli on a house-made English muffin
14. Patisserie 46
LOCATION: 4552 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
CALL:
This bakery and cafe, influenced by French cuisine, is renowned for its delightful pastries and breakfast selections. Upon entering, diners are welcomed by the enticing scent of freshly baked bread, and the cozy ambiance.
The breakfast menu includes options such as buttery croissants, elegant quiches, and delicate fruit tarts.
15. Brasa Rotisserie
LOCATIONS:
- Northeast Minneapolis: 600 E. Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55414
CALL: 612-379-3030
- Grand Ave., Saint Paul: 777 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
CALL: 651-224-1302
- Southwest Minneapolis: 812 West 46th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419
CALL: 612-315-3395
- Downtown Hopkins: 1728 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343
CALL: 612-405-1600
Brasa Rotisserie focuses on Southern comfort food.
Breakfast dishes include “Chilaquiles,” which features tortilla chips layered with black beans, cheese, eggs, and a choice of rotisserie meat, all smothered in salsa. Another standout is “Grits and Eggs”, a comforting bowl of creamy grits, scrambled eggs, and flavorful toppings.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Breakfast Spots in Twin Cities
Regarding breakfast, the Twin Cities are not short on options. With countless cafes and restaurants offering a wide variety of breakfast foods, choosing the best breakfast spot can be daunting. To help you make the right decision, here are some factors to consider when choosing the best breakfast spot in the Twin Cities.
#1. Location
Location is a crucial factor when choosing a breakfast spot. A good breakfast spot should be conveniently located in a place that is easily accessible to you. Consider choosing a breakfast spot close to your home or workplace so you can quickly grab breakfast on the go.
#2. Menu Variety
The breakfast menu is another factor to consider when choosing the best breakfast spot. A good breakfast spot should offer a wide range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Look out for spots that offer a combination of traditional breakfast foods and creative options to cater to the more adventurous eaters.
#3. Quality of food
The quality of food served at a breakfast spot is another important consideration. Make sure to choose a breakfast spot that serves fresh, high-quality food prepared using the best ingredients. Do your research and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the food quality served at a particular breakfast spot.
#4. Ambiance
The ambiance of a breakfast spot can also contribute to the overall experience. Choose a breakfast spot with a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your breakfast comfortably. The spot should have comfortable seating arrangements and an aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances your experience.
#5. Pricing
Pricing is another important factor to consider when choosing a breakfast spot. Choose a breakfast spot that offers good value for money. Look out for spots that offer reasonable prices without compromising on the quality of food and service.
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Pros and Cons of Breakfast Spots in the Twin Cities
When finding a breakfast spot in the Twin Cities, there is certainly no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stack of pancakes or fresh avocado toast, you can find it all in Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, with so many options, deciding where to go cannot be easy. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 pros and cons of breakfast spots in the Twin Cities to help you decide.
Pros
- Variety of Options: One of the best things about breakfast spots in the Twin Cities is that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic diner breakfast or something unique like Korean bibimbap, you can find it all in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
- Quality Ingredients: Many of the breakfast spots in the Twin Cities pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This means that not only will your breakfast taste great, but it will also be healthier and more sustainable.
- Great for Groups: Breakfast is the perfect meal for a group outing, and many of the spots in the Twin Cities are set up to accommodate larger groups. You can find the perfect space for your party, from communal tables to private dining rooms.
- Instagram-Worthy: Let’s be honest: we all enjoy a good Instagram post. Many of the breakfast spots in the Twin Cities are beautifully designed, making them the perfect backdrop for your brunch pics.
- Brunch Cocktails: Who says you can’t start your day with a little alcohol? Many breakfast spots in the Twin Cities offer delicious brunch cocktails, like mimosas and Bloody Marys, to make your breakfast even more enjoyable.
Cons
- Crowds: Breakfast spots in the Twin Cities can get very crowded, especially on the weekends. This can mean long waits for a table and a less-than-relaxing experience.
- Prices: Some breakfast spots in the Twin Cities can be quite expensive. While the quality of the food may justify the cost for some, it can be a downside for others.
- Noise Level: With crowds comes noise. Many breakfast spots in the Twin Cities can be quite loud, making it difficult to have a conversation or enjoy a quiet morning meal.
- Limited Hours: Some breakfast spots in the Twin Cities are only open for breakfast and brunch, which can be inconvenient if you’re looking for a later breakfast or an early lunch.
- Lack of Parking: Parking in the Twin Cities can be a nightmare, and many breakfast spots don’t have dedicated parking lots. This can mean circling the block several times or paying for parking in a nearby lot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great breakfast spot?
A great breakfast spot should have a welcoming ambiance, delicious food, friendly staff, and quick service. It should also offer various options to suit different dietary needs, whether vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Are there any breakfast spots that offer outdoor seating?
During the warmer months, many breakfast spots in the Twin Cities offer outdoor seating, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the fresh air. Some recommended places for outdoor seating include Tiny Diner, The Buttered Tin, and The Bachelor Farmer.
Which breakfast spots are best for a family brunch?
Some recommended spots for a family brunch are Good Day Café, The Kenwood, and Tilia. These places offer kid-friendly options and a casual atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Twin Cities boast a vibrant culinary scene that caters to breakfast enthusiasts with an array of delightful options. From cozy cafes serving hearty classics to trendy establishments crafting innovative dishes, the breakfast spots leave no palate unsatisfied.
Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick weekday bite, the diverse range of flavors, atmospheres, and menu offerings ensures something for everyone.
Exploring these top breakfast destinations provides a satisfying start to the day and offers a glimpse into the rich gastronomic culture that defines the unique charm of the Twin Cities.
Reference
- mspmag.com – The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in the Twin Cities
- discoverthecities.com – Best Breakfast in the Twin Cities: Our Local’s Awards