Minnesota
Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

The Cafe Meow Is A Completely Cat-Themed Catopia Of A Cafe In Minnesota

The Cafe Meow in Minneapolis is a unique cat-themed cafe where visitors can enjoy cat-themed treats and spend time with adoptable cats.

Published Nov 24, 2019

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

Minnesota has many delightful themed eateries that always make fun places to dine out. We have car-themed bars, tropical restaurants, and more than a few train-themed eateries. But there's one themed cafe that's even more unusual. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Cafe Meow is the only cat-themed cafe in the state. Visit this place for a cozy atmosphere, cat-themed treats, and a chance to cuddle up with some real-live cats. Sound interesting? Read on to learn more about visiting the Cafe Meow.

The Cafe Meow is a long-awaited cat cafe that opened in Minnesota in 2018. You'll find it along a busy stretch of Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.

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The Cafe Meow/Google

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a cozy cafe with plenty of places to settle in for a drink and a light snack.

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Faith A/Google

The cat-themed art will make you feel right at home. There's even a window into the cat lounge where you can watch as you hang out.

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Kimberlee Simones/Google

While you're there, grab a cup of coffee or tea. Some drinks even come in cat-themed mugs.

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The Cafe Meow/Google

There are also cat-themed sweets. Grab a cupcake or macaron from FoxCakes, or a muffin, scone, or brownie from Breadsmith.

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The Cafe Meow/Google

But of course, you don't visit the Cafe Meow only for the coffee and tea. The cat lounge - separate from the main cafe - is filled with adoptable cats.

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Faith A/Google

The lounge is home to 5 to 10 rescue cats at any given time. These playful, sociable cats are perfect for relaxing after a stressful day.

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The Cafe Meow/Facebook

Four tickets to the lounge per hour are available on a first-come, first-served basis. But to guarantee your visit, you'll want to make reservations in advance.

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The Cafe Meow/Google

A visit to the cat lounge is $10 per hour per person, and it's totally worth it for the chance to cuddle with an adorable purring ball of fluff. If you meet a cat you love, you even have the chance to adopt it!

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The Cafe Meow/Google

The Cafe Meow is a Minnesota cat lover's utopia. Cats come and go all the time, so you'll always have a new friend to meet!

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The Cafe Meow/Facebook

The Cafe Meow is open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the cafe, including hours, cats, and making a reservation, check out the website and Facebook page.

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

The First Brick-And-Mortar Coffee Shop On Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail Opened In 2023

Published Mar 12, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

The Gunflint Trail is located in the extreme northeastern part of the North Star State, and it's renowned for being both beautiful and remote. Now, however, visitors to the trail can worry about one less thing: where to get a decent cup of coffee. In summer 2023, Loons Nest Coffee opened its brick-and-mortar location, making it the first coffee shop on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota.

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You can now get your caffeine fix on the Gunflint Trail!

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Loons Nest Coffee/Facebook

Well, technically speaking, you've been able to do so for a couple years now, thanks to Loons Nest Coffee.

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Caleb Fouss/Google Reviews

However, until summer 2023, Loons Nest operated out of a trailer while its permanent space was being refurbished.

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Loons Nest Coffee/Facebook

But the shop's brick-and-mortar location is now open for business.

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Leslie Carey/Google Reviews

As Loons Nest, this former rock shop is bright and welcoming inside, with a homey, Up North lodge vibe.

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R P/Google Reviews

There's also outdoor seating for those gorgeous days on the Trail.

Despite its status as a relative newcomer, Loons Nest has already made a splash with its coffee and cardamom rolls.

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Loons Nest Coffee/Facebook

It's also a great place to stop for a quick bite on the trail if you're feeling peckish in the morning or around lunchtime.

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Leslie Carey/Google Reviews

At this point, like many other Gunflint businesses, Loons Nest will be closed during the shoulder seasons - November, December, and April.

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Loons Nest Coffee/Facebook

That doesn't mean you can't get the shop's awesome coffee and merch, though. You can have it shipped anywhere at any time of year.

Now you know where to go for your caffeine fix or a quick snack next time you're exploring the Gunflint Trail. To confirm hours or to place an order for home delivery, visit Loons Nest Coffee on the web. Be sure to check out the coffee shop's Facebook page for even more updates and information. As I mentioned before, the Gunflint is fairly remote, so be sure you pack all your road trip essentials and get fuel in Grand Marais before you head up. Also, cell service is pretty spotty, so a standalone GPS comes in handy; and when you're hiking some of the amazing trails up there, an app like AllTrails Plus - which you can use offline (one of my favorite features) - is a great tool to have.

Have you had a chance to try Loons Nest Coffee, yet? Let us know in the comments!

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Food|Cafes & Coffee Shops

This Record Shop Cafe In Minnesota Is Truly Enchanting

Published Feb 6, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Caydence Coffee, in St. Paul, is a Minnesota coffee shop that also feeds the habits of music junkies and vinyl collectors. Or maybe it's the other way around. But, regardless, I think it's one of the funkiest coffee shops in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it's definitely one of my personal favorites. Read on to find out why.

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Founded in 2016, Caydence Records and Coffee weathered the pandemic to becoming a thriving pillar of its East Side community in St. Paul.

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Caydence Records and Coffee/Facebook

With all it has to offer, folks visit Caydence for everything from daily coffee to lunch, breakfast to live music, and, of course, to shop for records.

The shop is definitely music forward, with its eclectic and excellently-curated selection of vinyl and CDs right up front for browsing.

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Jessica Brouillette/Google Reviews

But when you're ready, make your way back to the counter for a shot of energy and a snack.

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Dave Speidel/Google Reviews

The coffee selection and execution at Caydence is as impressive as its music.

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Caydence Coffee and Records/Facebook

You'll also find hot and hearty breakfast and lunch options, such as quiche, omelets, and sandwiches.

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Caydence Coffee and Records/Facebook

And there are also plenty of pastries to partake in.

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Caydence Coffee and Records/Facebook

You'll find everything from muffins to decadent desserts, like this peanut butter coffee cake.

Stay a while and enjoy the shop's friendly ambiance and music selections.

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Don Jacobs/Google Reviews

Feast your eyes on the wonderful art that rotates through the shop on a regular basis.

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Caydence Coffee and Records/Facebook

And lovers of live music will also appreciate Caydence's full schedule of events, featuring local bands and acts from all genres, who perform at the shop.

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Susi "WolF" Sainio/Google Reviews

In addition to shows in its indoor venue, Caydence also hosts occasional outdoor events.

Whether you go for the vinyl, the coffee, or a live performance, you're certain to find a reason to check out Caydence Records and Coffee in St. Paul. Visit Caydence Records and Coffee on the web for more information, including its menu and events schedule; and stop by Caydence's Facebook page for additional updates, as well as photos and specials. Just like Caydence Records and Coffee rocks its East Side pride, you can rock your own Minnesota pride and show off where you call home with Wear Your Roots apparel - be sure to check it out!

Have you visited Caydence Records and Coffee in St. Paul? Tell us about your experience at this Minnesota coffee shop in the comments!

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