Your Twin Cities Coffee Guide: The Best Local Coffee Shops to Fuel Your Holiday Season

Thanksgiving may be wrapping up, but the holiday hustle is officially here! With festive events, shopping, family gatherings, and community celebrations filling every corner of the Twin Cities, we all know one thing is essential:
COFFEE.
And not just any coffee—the kind that fuels joy, warms you up, and keeps you energized through the most magical (and busiest!) time of year.

At the Cari Ann Carter Group, we love supporting local businesses and helping you experience the very best our cities have to offer. That’s why we're sharing our top Twin Cities coffee shops—places that are not only delicious but perfect for holiday meetups, quick pick-me-ups, and cozy moments between the chaos.

These handpicked favorites offer incredible brews, charming atmospheres, and locations worth exploring as you adventure through the Twin Cities this season.

Top Coffee Shops in the Twin Cities

☕ Backstory Coffee Roasters — North Loop, Minneapolis

Location: North Loop, Minneapolis
Known For: House-roasted beans, rich flavor profiles, elevated café experience

Backstory Coffee is a North Loop staple and a must-visit if you love expertly crafted brews. Their beans are roasted in-house with precision and passion, and the café offers a warm, modern atmosphere perfect for working, meeting friends, or grabbing a cup before exploring the North Loop. Seasonal drinks are a highlight—don’t skip their rotating holiday specials!

☕ Brim — Edina

Location: Edina
Known For: Clean eats, nourishing café favorites, organic & health-focused options

Brim is loved for its bright, modern vibe and a menu filled with wholesome, locally sourced foods. Their coffee is smooth, high-quality, and pairs perfectly with their famous power bowls, baked goods, and all-day offerings. It’s an ideal stop between holiday shopping trips or before a day of gift hunting at nearby boutique stores.

☕ Mudslingers Coffee — Roseville

Location: Roseville
Known For: Drive-thru convenience, creative specialty drinks, local community charm

If you’re on the go this holiday season, Mudslingers Coffee is the perfect stop. Known for its fast service and amazing specialty drinks, this Roseville hotspot has become a community favorite. Whether you love a classic latte or a holiday-themed creation, this drive-thru gem will keep you caffeinated and moving all season long.

☕ Mon Petit Cheri — Stillwater

Location: Downtown Stillwater
Known For: French-inspired pastries, scratch baking, cozy neighborhood atmosphere

Heading to Stillwater for holiday festivities? Make Mon Petit Cheri your must-stop café. Famous for their made-from-scratch pastries and decadent baked goods, this charming coffee shop is warm, inviting, and absolutely delicious. Their coffee menu pairs beautifully with croissants, brioche, and seasonal treats you won’t want to miss.

☕ Spyhouse Coffee Roasters — Multiple Locations (Minneapolis & St. Paul)

Known For: Iconic Twin Cities brand, handcrafted espresso drinks, stylish spaces

Spyhouse is a Twin Cities classic, known for its beautifully designed cafés and expertly crafted coffee. With several locations around Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s a go-to for students, professionals, and coffee lovers who appreciate consistency and quality. Their seasonal drinks and signature roasts make them a must-visit during the holiday season.

☕ Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea — North Loop, Minneapolis

Known For: Multi-roaster concept, trendy design, a huge menu of coffee & tea options

Located in the heart of the North Loop, Fairgrounds serves up an eclectic mix of national roasters, meaning every visit offers something new. The vibrant, Instagram-worthy atmosphere makes it ideal for holiday meetups, festive photos, or warming up between events downtown.

☕ Up Coffee Roasters — South Minneapolis

Known For: Organic beans, small-batch roasting, cozy neighborhood feel

Up Coffee Roasters is a locally loved gem focusing on organic, ethically sourced beans. It’s a quiet, welcoming spot perfect for relaxing with a latte, catching up on work, or grabbing a to-go cup before exploring the charming nearby neighborhoods.

☕ Northern Coffeeworks — Minneapolis

Known For: Adventure-inspired vibes, small-batch roasting, elevated espresso drinks

Located near Eat Street, Northern Coffeeworks is known for its adventure-forward branding and beautifully crafted beverages. Their espresso shots are smooth, balanced, and flavorful—ideal for coffee purists who crave quality. Plus, it’s a great stop before hitting the nearby restaurants and shops.

☕ Café Astoria — St. Paul

Known For: Over-the-top lattes, legendary “24K Latte,” brunch favorites

If you love a stunning, picture-worthy latte, Café Astoria is the place to be. Their gold-dusted drinks, edible flowers, and creative flavor combinations make every cup feel like a special treat. It’s a perfect holiday-season destination for something indulgent and memorable.

Explore, Sip & Stay Caffeinated All Season Long

Whether you’re touring holiday markets, shopping local boutiques, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Twin Cities, a great cup of coffee makes every moment brighter. Supporting local cafés also strengthens our community—and gives you an excuse to try something new this season!

We hope this Twin Cities Coffee Guide helps you discover your next favorite spot.
Stay tuned for more local features, lifestyle guides, and real estate updates from the Cari Ann Carter Group—your trusted resource for all things Twin Cities living.

If you want us to feature more local businesses, neighborhood guides, or must-visit holiday stops, just let us know. We love sharing the best of what our cities have to offer.