Brunch in the Twin Cities is a quiet kind of adventure. Every neighborhood you wander into holds a new surprise: flaky pastries one weekend, plantain pancakes another. There’s a stretch along University Avenue where I once tried four different brunches in a single morning—research, I swear. Each plate felt like a postcard from its creator, stamped with flavors from Minneapolis and St. Paul’s endless array of cultures.
Finding the best brunch isn’t about the fanciest mimosas or how many pancakes you can stack. It’s about discovering those dishes and cafés that hit the spot, and the ones you end up telling your friends about. Whether you crave bold spice, classic comforts, or creative twists you’d never attempt at home, this list pulls together the best places in the Twin Cities to indulge your perfect brunch cravings—no guesswork needed.
1. Holy Land Bakery, Grocery and Deli
Holy Land Bakery, Grocery and Deli is an institution in Northeast Minneapolis. Walking through the door means stepping into a world of fresh-baked pita, halal meats, and aromatic spices. I still remember my first bite of their falafel—crisp outside, lush and green within. It’s the kind of place you revisit when you crave something both comforting and unique.
The brunch menu here is far from basic. Their shakshuka arrives bubbling, with perfectly poached eggs gently tucked into a spiced tomato stew. For something truly special, try the lamb gyro omelet. Each plate echoes the warmth of Mama Fatima’s original recipes and feels right at home in the diverse Twin Cities food scene.
If you’re searching for halal, vegetarian, or vegan brunch options, Holy Land’s spread delivers. With a side of warm house-made bread and a glass of fresh-squeezed juice, you can’t go wrong.
2. Wood + Paddle Eatery
Wood + Paddle Eatery, tucked inside the Royal Sonesta Downtown, brings a sleek touch to Midwest comfort cooking. It’s a spot I stumbled into one rainy Saturday, lured by the inviting scent of maple and fresh dough. The dining room feels spacious yet cozy—a welcome escape from city bustle.
The menu celebrates local ingredients with inventive brunch twists. Their veggie skillet combines roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and perfectly poached eggs, showing off simple, honest flavors done right. If you prefer lighter fare, the quinoa breakfast bowl offers hearty grains paired with seasonal veggies and a punchy vinaigrette.
Service here is warm and attentive, and everything I tried felt both fresh and thoughtful. Grab the house-made granola if you love a sweet crunch in the morning.
3. Red Cow North Loop
Red Cow North Loop is where brunch takes on serious flavor, but never takes itself too seriously. The exposed-brick vibe and open windows give the space a cheery, relaxed feel. I landed here on a bustling brunch weekend, drawn in by the talk of legendary hash browns and scratch-made sauces.
The menu balances classic comfort with modern flair. The breakfast burger—topped with a fried egg and sharp cheddar—hits all the right notes. If you’re after something lighter, try the avocado toast, layered with local microgreens and a hint of citrus.
There’s a playful approach to brunch here, where every dish is hearty but never heavy-handed. Red Cow proves brunch can be both stylish and satisfying, right in the heart of the North Loop.
4. Chimborazo
Chimborazo feels like a passport to Ecuador, right on Central Avenue. The walls are bright, the music familiar, and each visit feels like being welcomed by family. My last brunch here started with a friendly greeting and the aroma of sweet plantains drifting from the kitchen.
For brunch, the llapingachos—cheesy potato pancakes topped with eggs and zesty salsa—always steal the show. The savory mote pillo (hominy scrambled with eggs and onions) is simple, filling, and full of quiet warmth. Every dish honors Ecuadorian roots and brings cozy highland flavors to Minneapolis.
Don’t miss the fresh juices, especially the maracuya, which is tangy and bright. Chimborazo’s brunch delivers both adventure and comfort, one plate at a time.
5. Hen House Eatery
Hen House Eatery in downtown Minneapolis has a lively, sunny atmosphere that matches its menu. I first wandered in on a snowy morning, warmed instantly by the scent of cinnamon and fresh coffee. It’s the kind of place that sparkles with neighborhood energy yet feels comfortable for a solo brunch escape.
Standouts here include the veggie-packed omelets and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Their hash brown bake is a local favorite, golden and crisp on the edges. If you lean lighter, the avocado toast—topped with fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon—is bright and refreshing.
Every plate at Hen House feels like home but with a twist. It’s where classic brunch comfort meets Minneapolis’s earnest, creative spirit.
6. Spoon and Stable
Spoon and Stable combines historic charm with quiet culinary ambition in the North Loop. The space itself, a transformed horse stable, glows with natural light and a hint of city elegance. My last brunch visit here felt special—each plate arrived as art, but tasted even better than it looked.
The wild mushroom omelet is a local legend—pillowy eggs, earthy with foraged mushrooms, balanced by fresh herbs. Their house-made pastries, especially the lemon-lavender scones, are a perfect opener.
At Spoon and Stable, every meal feels thoughtfully crafted. Brunch becomes more than a weekend habit—it turns into a story you want to tell friends, with flavors that linger long after you walk back onto First Street.
7. George & The Dragon
George & The Dragon brings a dose of British comfort—and a dash of whimsy—to south Minneapolis. It’s a neighborhood pub where I once lost track of the afternoon, happily sipping tea and swapping stories. The wood-paneled walls and friendly service invite you to linger a little longer.
For brunch, their veggie fry-up is a satisfying nod to UK tradition: heaping potatoes, roasted tomatoes, and sautéed mushrooms all piled high. The Welsh rarebit—melted sharp cheese over toasted bread—is cozy and craveable.
With plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, George & The Dragon delivers hearty fare without fuss. It’s the rare spot where brunch feels both familiar and just a bit unexpected.
8. Key’s Bar & Grill
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Key’s Bar & Grill, beneath the historic Foshay Tower, is a downtown brunch classic. I stopped in after an early meeting once, and the bustle of regulars made it clear why this spot draws a loyal crowd. There’s an old-school warmth here, where generous portions meet decades of breakfast know-how.
Their omelets are perfectly fluffy, packed with fresh veggies and melted cheese. Key’s house-made whole-grain toast is thick, hearty, and arrives with just the right amount of crisp. If you love a simple pleasure, try the hash browns—crisp edges you can’t not finish.
With vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly brunches, Key’s puts comfort first. It’s a slice of Minneapolis tradition, right in the city’s heart.
9. Hell’s Kitchen Inc.
Hell’s Kitchen Inc. is a Twin Cities brunch icon, tucked below street level in a moody dining room lined with local art. A rainy Saturday drew me in once, and the energy inside—a lively mix of regulars and newcomers—made the place feel like a hidden haunt for breakfast lovers.
The lemon-ricotta hotcakes are unforgettable: light, tangy, and the kind of dish you keep thinking about days later. Their wild rice porridge, topped with fruit and cream, is a true Minnesota comfort on chilly mornings.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options round out the menu, giving everyone a reason to come back. At Hell’s Kitchen, brunch always surprises, and never takes itself too seriously.
10. Victor’s 1959 Cafe
Victor’s 1959 Cafe is a burst of Cuban sunshine in south Minneapolis. The walls, covered in graffiti from happy guests, set a playful scene for brunch. My first meal here started with the café con leche and ended with a plate scraped clean—it’s hard not to get swept up in the cheerful mood.
The vegetarian Cubano omelet is a brunch star—packed with peppers, onions, and just the right touch of spice. The sweet corn pancakes are light, fluffy, and served with fresh fruit for the perfect finish.
Victor’s stands out with its bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality. Every visit feels like a quick escape, just right for days when you need a little extra brightness with your brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular neighborhoods for brunch in the Twin Cities?
The North Loop, Uptown, Northeast Minneapolis, and parts of St. Paul—like Selby and Grand—are packed with standout brunch spots. Each area has its own personality, making brunch-hopping a fun weekend plan.
Do most Twin Cities brunch restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, most top brunch restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Expect creative takes, such as veggie skillets, vegan pancakes, and dairy-free pastries.
Is it necessary to make reservations for brunch?
Reservations are a safe bet, especially at popular spots or on weekends. Some local gems, though, are first-come, first-served, perfect for a spontaneous brunch with friends.
Are there halal-friendly brunch options in the Twin Cities?
Absolutely. Several restaurants—like Holy Land Bakery—specialize in halal-certified brunch dishes. Many others offer vegetarian or seafood-based brunch plates as well.
What dishes are must-tries when brunching in the Twin Cities?
Featured favorites include shakshuka, lemon-ricotta pancakes, wild rice porridge, Cubano omelets, and plantain pancakes, each with a local twist. There’s always something unique to discover.