There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like all things new and different, and those who like predictability. My husband is a consistency guy. He likes to sit at the same desk and drink the same black coffee and follow the same routines in his work day. Not me. I love change. I bounce around from room to room in my house always looking for the coziest seat, the best lighting, the most inspiring workspace. And when that gets boring, I love to change things up by finding a new coffee shop to explore. Not only does it give me new spaces to admire, but it also provides new fantastic drinks to sample.
Popping up around the Twin Cities are bright, cozy spaces for working with menus of eclectic drink choices for sipping. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spaces; some have been around for a while, some new. Plus I’ve scouted out what to order if you are ready to add a spring to your step, and your coffee cup!
Fiddlehead | 8061 33rd Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55425
A new coffee shop opened in Bloomington’s up-and-coming South Loop neighborhood inside The Fenley Apartments features ethically-sourced beans and food with a local focus. In addition to their great food, you’ll love the plant-filled space giving off hopeful spring vibes. It’s perfect for relaxing before or after a visit to The Mall, making an airport pickup, or meeting a friend for coffee. Speaking of, catch their Friendship Fridays when you can get two craft coffees for only $10. Don’t miss out on the amazing quiche!
What to Order: The chamomile rose tea is a perfect spring pick-me-up.
Hours: Mon – Sat: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday: 6:30 am – 3:00 pm
Backstory | 528 Washington Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55401
Everyone is talking about the newest addition to the North Loop coffee shop scene–Backstory– and for good reason. I literally gasped when I walked into the door. It felt more like a cathedral than a coffee shop. The space open three stories up and yet it still gives off intimacy with seating corners and cozy lighting and tons and tons of plants. My only complaint was I wanted to get work done but unfortunately, I was too busy gawking at the gorgeous space.
What to order: The Lemon Bar Latte was incredible but I was sad to discover this was seasonal. Thankfully the barista pointed me to a new one on the spring menu the Lemon Matcha, and that was delicious.
Hours: Open daily 7 am-3 pm
Cafe Astoria | 180 Grand Ave/325 W. 7th St., St Paul, MN 55102
I’ve had my eye on Cafe Astoria ever since I caught their incredible rainbow matcha lattes on my Instagram feed years ago. Their space was always so tiny and crowded that I never made time. Thankfully they have recently acquired more space and every inch is as gorgeous as the rainbow latte. I took a friend for her birthday and we both sampled the crepes, as well as eyed some of their other tasty options on the menu. And yes the rainbow matcha latte with gold flakes with as tasty as it was pretty.
What to order: The Rainbow Latte with Gold flakes, of course, is always a good choice, but especially in spring when we need a little help with color.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wildflyer | 3262 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Wildflyer, a coffee shop that opened in the space once occupied by Peace Coffee, not only makes great coffee, they do great work with the coffee they make. Their mission is to create employment opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability through the cultivation of life skills and personal empowerment. When you visit Wildflyer you’re not only getting a taste of locally made ingredients, but you also get to support the work of building strong futures for the youth in our community.
What to order: To bring the spring floral vibes to your glass, try the French Girls Latte made with Rose and Cardamom.
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 7 am – 5 pm
Get Down Coffee | 1500 N 44th Ave, Minneapolis
We’ve already mentioned this incredible new local roaster hot spot in North Minneapolis so I won’t go into too much detail. But let me just share this quote from founder Houston White. “Our combined love of good music and good coffee sparked the cultural collision that is The Get Down Coffee Co.” Those are two of my favorite things so this was enough to sell me.
What to order: The Lavender Mornings Latte made with housemade lavender syrup is exactly what you need to feel springy while we wait for the real spring weather to show up.
Hours: M-F 7 AM – 3 PM, S-S 8 AM – 3 PM
