A Coffee Lover’s Guide

Sip your way through the Twin Cities

The satisfaction earned from finding the perfectly made cappuccino with a warm croissant on the side cannot be underplayed. Whether you drink black coffee, vanilla lattes, or tea, our morning beverages help establish the mood for the day and often become a ritual in our daily routines. To help you discover quality coffee shops, we compiled a list of cafes to try around the Twin Cities that are elevating the java scene.

Café Astoria
Lattes at Café Astoria

Courtesy of Café Astoria

Cafe Astoria

Café Astoria is a haven for coffee and food lovers on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. The local favorite offers a wide variety of espresso beverages, specialty coffee, and smoothies. And the food menu is equally impressive, featuring a variety of options, including crepes, pastries, wraps, eggs, and more. Every creative latte flavor is topped with fun designs and is a work of art in itself.

Smith Coffee & Cafe

Smith Coffee & Cafe, nestled in the heart of Eden Prairie, offers a quiet respite from the urban hustle and bustle. The unsuspecting coffee shop operates in a historic home, providing guests with a cozy and quaint atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. Popular menu items include chai tea latte, cappuccino, croissant sandwiches, and pastries. If you visit on a Thursday night, you can even try their mouthwatering pizza.

Smith Coffee & Cafe
Smith Coffee & Cafe

Courtesy of Smith Coffee & Cafe

Backstory Coffee Roasters – North Loop

The ultimate coffee shop for a rainy day, Backstory Coffee Roasters has an atmosphere akin to a library with its high ceilings and warm lighting. Their frothy lattes, unique seasonal beverages, and tea blends will satisfy coffee and tea lovers alike. And their croissants supplied by Vikings & Goddesses and gluten-free donuts from Sift offer the perfect pairing with your beverage.

Backstory Coffee Roasters
Backstory Coffee Roasters in the North Loop

Courtesy of Backstory Coffee Roasters

Olivia’s Organic Café

Olivia’s Organic Cafe
Olivia’s Organic Cafe

Courtesy of Olivia’s Organic Cafe

This local breakfast and coffee shop in Burnsville perfectly combines healthy and delicious goods. The cafe uses organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring top quality for guests. Its menu is also dairy-, gluten-, and peanut-free, making it an excellent option for those with allergies. The food and beverages are as tasty as they are nutritious, and the homey feel provides a relaxing environment for catching up with family and friends.

Kingdom Coffee

Kingdom Coffee is located on Main Street in Maple Grove and offers an array of specialty drinks, baked goods, and delicious coffee. Its tea lemonade refreshers and smoothies provide a fun addition to its beverage menu, allowing coffee and noncoffee drinkers alike to enjoy their experience.

Kingdom Coffee
Pistachio Matcha at Kingdom Coffee

Courtesy of Kingdom Coffee

Julia Jacobson is a rising senior at the University of Notre Dame, studying political science and journalism. Outside of her coursework, she participates in her school’s mock trial team and works as a teaching assistant for an introductory political science course. Julia was born and raised in Minnesota, and loves traveling both domestically and internationally. In her free time, she enjoys reading and journaling.