Now that we’ve officially awoken from our winter slumber, we Northerners are filling up our social calendars like there’s no tomorrow. In other words, brunch season is upon us. Here are 5 tried and true Twin Cities breakfast/brunch spots that don’t disappoint.
Photography by Libby Anderson
Bellecour
Wayzata
Serving weekend brunch
No Twin Cities brunch list would be complete without James Beard Award winner Gavin Kaysen’s charming French bistro. It was one of 2017’s hottest restaurant openings. Then Kaysen and co. added brunch. And debuted the courtyard patio. These days, we should consider ourselves quite lucky that we can radiate in the sun while noshing on delectable dishes like the duck confit crepe, the smoked salmon tart, and the buttermilk waffle with fruit compote. Not to be overlooked, of course, are the daytime cocktails with playful names like Orange You Glad? and Bloody Marie. Topping it all off are pastry chef Diane Yang’s masterful creations, like the signature crepe cake. (Didn’t save enough room? Snag some pastries from the bakery to enjoy later.)
Photography provided by Salty Tart
Salty Tart
Lowertown St. Paul
Serving daily breakfast and lunch
Much to the delight of St. Paulites, Salty Tart made its Lowertown debut late last year in Tim McKee’s Market House Collaborative. With its bright, airy ambiance and vintage vibes, the space was practically made for Instagram. Breakfast fans can enjoy shirred eggs, a crepe gallette, toast service and the like, while lunch aficionados can choose between an artichoke panini, a quinoa bowl and more. Caffeine fixes range from the old standards (cappuccinos, lattes, mochas) to unexpected concoctions, from the Green Line (matcha and lavender) to Up North For the Weekend (maple and toasted pecan). Of course, it all started with owner Michelle Gayer’s sweet and savory pastries, fresh breads, and cakes — all of which are on offer as well.
Photography by Megan Dobratz/Studio Tart
The Buttered Tin
Lowertown St. Paul
Serving daily breakfast and lunch
When the Buttered Tin opened in 2013, breakfast clubbers clamored to snag a table in the small Lowertown space. They waited patiently, sometimes more than an hour, until it was their turn to dine on items like the crab cake benedict, “damn good” egg sandwich, smashed avocado toast and banana foster French toast, saving room for such sweets as the Lowertown TwinKeys and weekend-only milk balls (just trust us on this one). Much to the delight of St. Paulites once more, owner Alicia Hinze expanded the space in 2016 to allow for 50 more seats, a wider pastry selection and revamped bar offerings.
Photography provided by the Lynhall
The Lynhall
Uptown Minneapolis
Serving daily breakfast and weekend brunch
What exactly is the Lynhall: market, food hall, incubator, event venue? Founder Anne Spaeth ambitiously opened the Uptown café last summer with hopes that it would be all of those things. Nearly a year later, it’s plain to see that she’s succeeded. With just the right mix of communal and private tables, this gathering space is always abuzz with spirited conversations between friends and family, colleagues and collaborators. We’re particularly fond of the Lynhall’s brunch bundle concept, which includes a breakfast entrée, a sweet pastry, coffee, and a bloody Mary or mimosa. Dishes that don’t disappoint: the polenta breakfast, the smoked short rib hash and the roasted mushroom tartine.
Photography by Ryen Goldsmith
The Sample Room
Northeast Minneapolis
Serving weekend brunch
This Northeast fixture is situated in a historic building along the shores of the Mississippi River. The name was coined by 1890s owners Matthias and Rose Thies, who rolled beer kegs over from the nearby Gluek brewery for sampling. The current iteration, which opened in 2002, pays homage to its storied past by highlighting restored elements like the original tin ceiling. The Sample Room’s scratch kitchen churns out mouthwatering fare like sweet corn cake huevos rancheros, stuffed French toast and a fried chicken sandwich. Regional partners include such farmers and producers as Gentleman Forager, Larry Schultz Organic Farm and Peterson Craftsman Meats. Insider tip: Call ahead to get on the waiting list.
