When Ben and I first moved to Minnesota, our top priority was to find local coffee shops! In Wisconsin, there were so many local coffee shops for us to choose from — so we wanted to be sure to find our go-to local coffee shops in the Twin Cities right away. We’ve been Minnesotans for over a year, so today, I’m excited to share our favorite local coffee shops in the Twin Cities!

Local Coffee Shops in the Twin Cities

Backstory Coffee Roasters

With one location in Saint Paul, Minnesota and another location in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Backstory Coffee Roasters is one of my personal favorite coffee shops. I always order a decaf iced latte with oat milk, and it’s always absolute perfection! On the weekends, the Saint Paul location has vegan chocolate donuts, and they are truly amazing. I recommend the Saint Paul location for outdoor seating and the Minneapolis location for indoor seating.

Nina’s Coffee

Nina’s Coffee is located in the Historic Cathedral Hill Neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Nina’s is great anytime of year, but there is something really special about Nina’s in the summer, when you can sit at a bistro table along the tree-lined sidewalk or go for a walk in the neighborhood.

Cafe Astoria

Cafe Astoria is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With a very extensive menu, Cafe Astoria is perfect for both coffee and brunch. Cafe Astoria is known for their very creative coffee drinks — like their rainbow latte, 24K latte with edible gold, and campfire latte, complete with a roasted marshmallow!

Swede Hollow

Swede Hollow is Ben’s personal favorite coffee shop in summer! It is located in Saint Paul, and even though it’s just a couple of blocks from the highway, Swede Hollow’s outdoor seating area is surrounded by trees, nature, and a community garden. Just like Cafe Astoria, is perfect for both coffee and brunch. Their oatmeal is delicious and always filling.

Spyhouse Coffee Roasters

Because Spyhouse has several locations throughout the Twin Cities, Spyhouse is usually the first local coffee shop locals think of. What’s cool about Spyhouse is: Every location has a unique aesthetic and style. (One location in Saint Paul was once a grocery store!)

Five Watt Coffee

Five Watt also has several locations throughout the Twin Cities — from a location in Keg & Case Market in Saint Paul, to a few stand-alone locations in Minneapolis. Five Watt also has one of my favorite lattes in the area.

Smith Coffee & Cafe

Smith Coffee & Cafe is in a southwestern suburb, Eden Prairie. We came upon Smith when we we were visiting pumpkin patches around the Twin Cities in fall. Because Smith is located in a historic home, we love and appreciate both the indoor and outdoor seating. Smith also has delicious avocado toast — the perfect pair for an iced latte!

Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Yum has locations throughout the Twin Cities, but the location in Saint Paul is our favorite. Yum is so much more than a coffee shop — but a full service restaurant, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. We usually visit Yum for brunch, but we have had delicious dinners there, too, before walking to Minnesota soccer games at Allianz!

Forth & Cork

Froth & Cork is located south / southeast of the Twin Cities in Hastings, Minnesota. We love visiting Hastings, because it has such a cute, walkable downtown area alongside the river. There are also a few orchards and pumpkin patches near Hastings, so it’s just a short drive from the city to enjoy nature. Froth & Cork has a delicious menu, a really cute, homey atmosphere, and awesome patio seating.

I’m so hopeful you’ll enjoy trying these local coffee shops in the Twin Cities!