We know there are great coffee shops in both Minneapolis and St. Paul—you can throw a rock and hit at least two from wherever you stand. But have you stopped by some of the local coffee shops in the Twin Cities suburbs? There are so many places worth checking out that (trust me) go beyond Starbucks and Caribou Coffee. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and a place for those, but there’s just something about a local, independently-owned coffee shop that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. Keep reading to add them to your list for the next time you make a drive out to the Twin Cities suburbs.
Note: make sure to check websites and/or Facebook pages for updated and accurate information related to COVID-19.
Don’t miss: 10 Minneapolis Coffee Shops You Should Know and 10 Coffee Shops in St. Paul You Should Know
Local Coffee Shops in the Twin Cities Suburbs:
West
Next time you are west of the city, make a point to stop at one (or a couple!) of these coffee shops in the Twin Cities suburbs. The west-side holds some of the top shops in all of Minnesota.
Munkabeans Coffeehouse
Hopkins
Munkabeans is locally and independently owned with a fun and funky atmosphere. Right in the downtown Hopkins area they serve high-quality coffee in addition to tea, smoothies, ice cream, sandwiches, and an all-day breakfast menu. Munkabeans is colorful and chaotic (in the best way, of course—total vibe) and they also work with local artist’s to highlight different pieces of work throughout the shop. Definitely stop in if you are in the area! They have a great Americano.
YoYo Donuts * Coffee * Ice Cream
Minnetonka
What a fun, colorful place—with phenomenal donuts, I might add! You know how good YoYo Donuts and Coffee is? Line out the door good! If you come here on a weekend, get here early because there are a ton of people with the same idea as you. There are so many drool-worthy donut options to choose from, and not only can you treat yo self to an unforgettable donut, but a delicious cup of coffee to go along with it. The employees were all young and upbeat which made the atmosphere even more fun.
P.S. Both the Maple Bacon Long John and the Classic Glazed made me sad when they were gone.
Smith Coffee & Cafe
Eden Prairie
If you haven’t been here yet, you need to run here now! Smith Coffee & Cafe is one of my favorite coffee shops in all of Minnesota. Located in an old, historic house, the property is welcoming, cozy, and quaint. The outdoor space is the place to be and I was served one of the best Americanos I’ve ever had—in a cute, branded cup. The Bacon Avocado Egg Sandwich is a must-order that comes with a spicy mayo on a soft brioche bun. It is the perfect place to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning. Note: if you do come on the weekend, don’t be in a rush. It’s a busy place so enjoy the historic grounds while you wait.
Mocha Monkey
Waconia
Voted #1 coffeehouse in Minnesota + #1 coffeehouse in Southwest Metro magazine
Another favorite coffee shop in all of Minnesota. This is a well-known stop in Waconia, about 45 minutes west of Minneapolis. The service is next-level and the coffee is made with locally roasted organic fair-trade beans that will have you coming back for more. Your coffee is served in hand-crafted mugs, plates, and bowls that are made by owner—and are also for sale. Mocha Monkey is right near Lake Waconia so it is the perfect morning stop for coffee (or afternoon ice cream!) before a walk around the water. I had a Lavendar Latte here and it gets an A+!
South
If you are making your way south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, stop at one of these local coffee shops in the Twin Cities suburbs that will not disappoint.
Sift Gluten Free
South Minneapolis
Okay, so technically this is in Minneapolis. But it’s south Minneapolis and they do wholesale to several coffee shops in the suburbs! It’s the perfect coffee shop and bakery for those who are gluten free—and just as good for those who aren’t! Everything Sift Gluten Free serves is gluten free and peanut free with dairy free, soy free, and vegan menu options as well. Stop in for an Americano (it’s delish), Cappuccino, or Matcha Latte and pair it with a delightful gluten free donut, scone, cupcake, or other bakery item. I’m not GF myself, but wanted to check the place out anyways. The Maple Donut was SO dang soft and flavorful and I even got a frozen pack of waffles to bring home which we LOVED. Won’t be my last time here!
I mean…look at that donut…*mouth hangs open*
The Buzz Coffee & Cafe
Burnsville (Also one in Plymouth)
The Buzz Coffee & Cafe has your typical drink, breakfast, and lunch menus, but to take it a step further, they have an extensive waffle menu. We’re not talking your average blueberry and chocolate chip options either. I counted 99 different waffle orders (including vegan), like Fruity Pebble, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Potato Chip, Apple Crisp, Cajun Chicken, and Caprese. WHAT!? Lol. It’s cozy inside and the perfect place to bring your laptop, order your favorite coffee, and try a crazy waffle combo!
Ambrosia Coffee & Cafe
Edina
Ambrosia Coffee & Cafe is a great stop if you are in the Edina area. They feature locally-roasted coffee beans and sandwiches prepared with ingredients from local farms, bakeries, and dairies! It’s a cozy space and you’ll definitely want to sit out on their outdoor patio that’s right on Centennial Lake. Better yet, take your coffee and go for a scenic walk! Note: it’s a little strange to get to and seems like you’re going into urgent care but it’s in that same building 🙂
East
Local coffee shops in the Twin Cities suburbs continue out east!
The Daily Grind
Stillwater
One of Minnesota’s top cities to visit. And when you do, make sure The Daily Grind is on your to-do list. Located right on Main Street, you’ll want this to be stop #1 before you stroll through downtown or take a walk along the St. Croix River. There’s a hometown feel to the oldest coffee shop in Stillwater which is locally owned and serves some of the best coffee, bakery goods, and breakfast sandwiches west of the cities!
If you want to spend a full day in the area, read MN Day Trip: Stillwater Minnesota for a ton of fun ideas!
North
Triple D Espresso
Golden Valley
Okay let me just start with this right off the bat: best Matcha Tea I have ever had and it’s really not close. At all. I don’t know how they did it but it tasted like the nectar of the gods. LOL I am serious. A beautiful green color that tasted of perfection. I will probably never know how the regular coffee at Triple D Espresso tastes because I’m never going to get over the matcha! Ha. Anyways, make sure to stop here someday. It’s right in Golden Valley, just outside the city off of 169 (and not far off 100) in a strip mall. It’s your basic coffee shop but packs a lot of punch! Worth a stop next time you are heading north.
Local coffee shops in the Twin Cities suburbs are great when you are on a trip heading north to Duluth or the North Shore! Here are a couple of coffee shops I hope to try soon:
- Kodiak Coffee (Forest Lake)
- Limu Coffee (New Brighton)
Don’t Forget to Check Out 10 Minneapolis Coffee Shops and 10 Coffee Shops in St. Paul for even more coffee shops recommendations in Minnesota!
