10 Cozy Coffee Shops & Cafés for Peak Sweater Weather in the Twin Cities
Sweater weather calls for steaming mugs, flaky pastries, and coffee shops that feel like a warm hug (bonus points if the kids can snag a hot chocolate!). These cozy coffee shops in the Twin Cities are brewing up all the fall feels. Love a moody, academic vibe? Check. Prefer a café with an indoor play area? We’ve got that too! Or maybe you just need a cozy corner to reconnect with friends? Don’t worry, this list has you covered for whatever little cup of joy you’re looking for this fall. Here are our top picks for 10 cute coffee shops to try this fall in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and beyond. Grab your coziest sweater and make a day of it!
Our Favorite Cozy Coffee Shops to Try This Fall
Curiouser Coffee and Elixers | Eagan & Apple Valley
Eagan: 1278 Lone Oak Rd, Eagan, MN 55121 | Apple Valley: 14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Down the rabbit hole we go! Curiouser Coffee and Elixirs is no ordinary coffee shop. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this whimsical hideaway surrounds you with antique books, lush greenery, and chandeliers. It’s dark and moody in all the right ways! Things get even curiouser after dark, when coffee gives way to creative cocktails. It’s an all-day spot made for gathering and lingering over a drink or two.
Sink into a cozy leather chair with your brew. Try The Only Alice, a lavender-and-honey espresso creation. Made with local honey, it’s a year-round favorite among the regulars. For seasonal sips, we recommend the Sage Advice or the Long Fall. Both are delightful alternatives to pumpkin spice (though they have that, too!). Curiouser Coffee and Elixirs is undoubtedly one of those cozy coffee shops where you’ll want to order a second mug, cozy up, and pause a little longer before heading back to reality.
The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities & Tea House | Anoka
1632 S Ferry St, Anoka, MN 55303
Trade your usual latte for a proper pot of tea! High Tea at The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Tea House is an undeniable addition to cozy coffee shops in the Twin Cities. It is located in one of Anoka’s most historic homes (built in the 1850s!). With several living room-esque dining spaces, this place is packed with Wonderland whimsy. Think mismatched china, charming curiosities, and tea parties fit for the Queen of Hearts. We promise, you’ll quickly feel like it’s your unbirthday, too! Just be aware that it’s less grab-and-go coffee run, more Alice in Wonderland comes to tea.
This storybook-worthy experience welcomes all ages, with tea service designed for kids and adults. Little ones will instantly delight in the Cheshire Children’s Tea. It even comes with a Princess or Prince Tea (raspberry lemonade) just for them! For grown-ups, high tea pairs a hot tea of your choice with savory bites, scones, and desserts. High Teas change seasonally, with special holiday and Mother’s Day experiences. Reservations are required for High Tea, so plan ahead.
Silver Fern | Minneapolis
114 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Silver Fern is a cozy neighborhood café with a little plot twist. By day, it’s focused on specialty coffee and house-made pastries. Later, the wine bar comes to life with local beer and seasonal spritzes. Fall is when this Northeast Minneapolis spot really shines! Its seasonal coffee flights are the only excuse you need to plan your next coffee date. We recommend visiting mid-week for a quieter experience (weekends get very busy!).
Can’t choose just one fall flavor? Don’t! Silver Fern’s seasonal coffee flight features four autumn-inspired creations: Brown Butter Miso Caramel, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Spice, and Rosemary with a Caramelized Honey Cloud. You can order the flight hot or iced. The pumpkin spice is perfectly balanced. But we think the rosemary latte is this season’s real showstopper! If you’re not up for a seasonal pour, snag a matcha or a Cookie Butter Latte instead.
Nina’s Coffee Café | Saint Paul
165 Western Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Step inside Nina’s Coffee Café in Saint Paul and prepare to feel a little fancy. This Cathedral Hill gem serves coffee and pastries in a gorgeous historic space filled with soaring ceilings, graceful arches, and dreamy natural light. This café has some serious main-character energy! Snug indoor nooks and outdoor seating for those last few crisp fall days make it a perfect spot, rain or shine.
Bring the kids for a pastry pit stop. They will be dazzled by the big, flaky croissants! The menu features classic and specialty coffee drinks (both hot and iced). Try the Madam Nina. Named for the madam who once ran a brothel in downtown Saint Paul, this espresso drink is made with cinnamon powder and local honey. Pair it with a decadent croissant, and you’ve got the makings of a great day! It’s a lovely little excuse to linger a bit longer before heading out to explore Saint Paul’s autumn-hued streets.
Honour Coffee & Raw Juice | Minneapolis
451 Stinson Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Some coffee runs deserve a little extra intention. Moments of centering or calm while you savor. Honour Coffee & Raw Juice is built around celebrating these small, everyday rituals. This local favorite feels extra inviting on sunny autumn days with pops of yellow and large windows. A welcoming atmosphere and friendly service take that warm, fuzzy feeling even further.
Start with a locally roasted coffee. Pair it with feel-good bites that go way beyond the usual pastry case (like colorful açaí bowls!). The lineup here brings plenty of personality! Try the Black Honey Latte. It’s a sweet-and-spicy blend of honey, cayenne, and cinnamon. Feeling adventurous? The White Pumpkin Patcha pairs earthy matcha with a banana cold foam. You can always go classic with a cardamom latte for a fragrant, warm pick-me-up.
Claddagh Coffee, Saint Paul
459 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Claddagh Coffee checks all the boxes for a cozy autumn cuppa. This Saint Paul establishment features a lovely lineup of seasonal drinks and eats, alongside year-round favorites. Antique chandeliers and exposed brick walls also add plenty of historic character. Sunny upstairs seating and a snug basement nook offer options for every mood.
The house-made Pumpkin Spice Latte brings all the sweater-weather feels. We love its pumpkin and brown-sugar flavors, topped with pumpkin spice. Prefer something less pumpkin-y? Try The Claddagh, a cozy blend of Irish cream, dark chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk. Or order the Sister Mary Claddagh, which uniquely pairs orange with your choice of dark chocolate or caramel. Pair your pick with a crumb cake or scone for the ultimate fall treat!
Sovereign Grounds | Minneapolis
813 E 48th St, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Sovereign Grounds is a neighborhood coffeehouse where family always comes first (and to the owner, everyone’s family here!). This family-owned gem in Minneapolis is beloved for its vintage charm, comfy seating, and fireplace. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by leafy houseplants and warm smiles from the baristas. The mismatched chairs and tables add an extra touch of whimsy. The real win, however, is the kids’ play space in an adjoining room.
Sovereign Grounds was the first coffee shop in the Twin Cities to offer a kids’ play space! The recently remodeled playroom is packed with toys, making it a win for little ones (best for ages 18 months to 4 years) and grown-ups alike. Beans are roasted on-site, and the menu features all the usual suspects, plus a few international pours. We recommend the Traditional Turkish Coffee. Make sure you come hungry! Sovereign Grounds offers a hearty menu of Mediterranean favorites, including soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also have fresh pastries and kid-friendly snacks to round things out. If you’re after a full morning experience, this is the place we’d go!
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. | 3 Twin Cities Locations
Little Canada: 3 Little Canada Rd E, Little Canada, MN 55117 | Blaine: 8685 Central Ave NE Ste 100, Blaine, MN 55434 | Eden Prairie: 582 Prairie Center Dr Ste 260, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Ready to give your usual coffee order a passport stamp? Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. brings centuries of coffee tradition to the Twin Cities. It sources beans directly from farmers in Yemen. The spacious cafés feature comfortable lighting and richly colored cushions you can sink back into. It’s an inviting spot to escape rainy or chilly autumn days.
The Iced Pistachio Latte is a must-try for nutty, creamy goodness. It’s a crowd favorite at every location. Prefer something warm to wrap your hands around? Order a Mufawaar. This medium-roast coffee with cardamom and cream will warm you on even the chilliest of fall days. Save room for the honeycomb pastry and Turkish milk cake, too. Both pair perfectly with any drink on the menu.
Workhorse Coffee Bar | Saint Paul
2399 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Workhorse Coffee Bar proves a neighborhood coffee shop can boast plenty of inviting character without trying too hard. Think exposed brick and big front windows to start. This queer-owned shop also offers responsibly sourced and locally roasted beans. It’s an inviting place to slow down and enjoy fall in Saint Paul. The vibe is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the community spirit is real.
Pumpkin fans, this is your spot! The house-made PSL features real pumpkin, brown sugar, and warming spices. It is heavenly! The Scarecrow adds pumpkin-spice sauce to chai, while the Dolly’s Apple Stack Latte adds spiced apple syrup to your cup. Both are exceptional alternatives to your usual pour. Now that’s a fall forecast worth getting excited about!
Backstory Coffee Roasters, Minneapolis
528 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Step inside Backstory Coffee Roasters and you might forget you’re in the Twin Cities. This airy, plant-filled hideaway is sprinkled with whimsical curios and knickknacks. You can quickly settle into a snug corner with something tasty. The bakery case is packed with treats, and the lunch menu makes lingering all afternoon awfully tempting. Backstory also roasts thoughtfully sourced coffee, so there’s plenty to feel good about with every cup.
Fall flavors are having their moment! The Pumpkin Butter Flat White pairs espresso with silky steamed milk and house-made pumpkin butter sauce. Pumpkin spice, meet your match! For something unexpected, try the Blue Cranberry Espresso Tonic. Summery blueberry meets tart cranberry in a bubbly, refreshing sip. Locally crafted Chiya Chai is a year-round favorite here. This small-batch chai is brewed in Minneapolis using Himalayan black tea, cardamom, vanilla and warm spices. No matter what you’re sipping on, this North Loop coffeehouse brings all the homey vibes you’re looking for this fall.
