Finding the best breakfast in St. Paul isn’t as simple as picking the first spot with a line out the door. Over the years, I’ve roamed these city streets in search of early-morning satisfaction, from cozy booths to sunlit patios. St. Paul has a knack for breakfast classics, but it doesn’t stop there—each place seems to have a spin that makes it worth your fork’s attention. Once, I dropped by a neighborhood café on a sleepy Tuesday, only to discover their pancakes came with a story and a side of local charm that stuck with me long after the last crumb.
St. Paul is a city that takes breakfast seriously. Whether you crave bold espresso, crave-worthy omelets, or something straight from the oven, you’ll find plenty to wake up your palate. Hungry for old-school diners or modern morning spots? Stick around. I’ve gathered a list of the top breakfast spots in St. Paul, each with something to offer—no generic chains, and nothing that feels like an afterthought.
1. Downtowner Woodfire Grill
Downtowner Woodfire Grill has a knack for making breakfast feel upscale without being fussy. Tucked on 7th Street, this spot pulls you in with the scent of bread from their wood-fired oven and the cozy flicker of a fireplace. Every visit, there’s a sense of calm that lingers even after the last bite.
Their signature breakfast shines with grilled specialties that you won’t find at every corner diner. The woodfire-baked eggs have a little char and a lot of flavor. The fluffy omelets, expertly folded, feel a bit like they were made just for you.
The Downtowner’s style leans hearty and fresh, and you taste it in the roasted veggies and just-grilled breads. Pair your breakfast with a strong, hot coffee for a meal that’s both simple and special.
2. The Buttered Tin
Step inside The Buttered Tin and the first thing you notice is the aroma—fresh pastries, warm eggs, and just enough butter on the air. The vibe is welcoming and a touch nostalgic, like the neighborhood corner bakery you always wish you had. I remember my first visit, where even the toast seemed to have a following of loyal fans.
This spot is all about homemade goodness. Their scratch-baked biscuits and fluffy pancakes are standouts. One morning, I tried the breakfast sandwich on a soft, house-made roll and understood why people keep coming back.
Don’t miss the tin skillet eggs or lemon ricotta hotcakes—they’re both hearty and bright, a perfect reflection of The Buttered Tin’s approach to breakfast: comfort with a surprise finish.
3. Cecils Deli
Cecil’s Deli feels like a time capsule with a Minnesotan twist—a place where generations gather for a satisfying breakfast. The walls tell stories, and the staff greets you like you’re part of their extended family. My favorite visits usually begin with that unmistakable hum of the deli counter, where history mixes with the smell of fresh bagels.
The breakfast menu leans classic but never boring. Their omelets pack flavor into every forkful, and the latkes are crisp, hearty, and distinctly memorable. It’s the kind of breakfast that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
Try the bagel with nova lox or a classic egg sandwich. Both shine with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch—unmistakably Cecil’s style: unpretentious, yet somehow a cut above.
4. Tongue in Cheek
Tongue in Cheek manages to be playful and polished all at once. One morning, I landed at a corner table and realized that brunch doesn’t have to be predictable. The menu is packed with attitude, but the service stays warm and easy.
Every dish at Tongue in Cheek feels like a little surprise. There are inventive spins on breakfast staples—think sweet potato hash with just the right amount of crisp, or a tofu scramble that even meat-eaters return for. The kitchen’s creativity shows up in every bite.
The vegan pancakes are worth a special mention; light, fluffy, and finished with a house-made syrup, they make a strong case for a return visit. Here, brunch is never an afterthought—each dish reflects a genuine love for flavor and a good laugh.
5. Colossal Cafe
Colossal Cafe proves that tiny spaces can serve up big flavors. Each time I duck into this charming spot on Como Avenue, it feels like joining a loyal circle of regulars. The café hums with energy, but never feels rushed, which suits a morning meal perfectly.
Their signature “Flappers” put other pancakes to shame, arriving golden-brown and impossibly light. They’re famous enough that someone at every table usually has a short stack. If you prefer savory, the breakfast sandwiches are no afterthought—their biscuits in particular deserve your attention.
Colossal’s menu keeps things familiar, but always fresh. It’s a smart mix of satisfying basics and creative twists, all prepared with the sort of care you wish every breakfast place had.
6. Highland Grill
Highland Grill is a neighborhood cornerstone where breakfast never looks or tastes the same twice. My favorite mornings start here, tucked into a booth as sunlight filters through big, open windows that make even a foggy day feel brighter. There’s a buzz of happy chatter, which makes each meal feel like part of a bigger community story.
Breakfast gets star treatment all day. The lemon-ricotta pancakes are the first thing I think of when someone mentions Highland Grill—pillowy, citrus-kissed, and even better with real maple syrup. Eggs Benedict is another standout, perfectly executed every time, and the hash browns deliver that golden crisp everyone craves.
Highland Grill’s comfort-forward approach means you get both classics and clever upgrades, all with a homey vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s breakfast without pretense, just great flavors served right.
7. Neighborhood Cafe
Neighborhood Cafe lives up to its name the moment you walk through the door. On weekend mornings, you’ll spot regulars lingering over newspapers and mugs of coffee, while newcomers soon realize they’ve found a breakfast mainstay. I remember a slow Sunday here, watching the morning light hit their vintage decor and knowing I’d be back.
Their breakfast menu celebrates the classics, but they aren’t afraid to upgrade the basics. The cinnamon roll pancakes have a cult following, drenched in icing and cinnamon warmth. Scrambles and omelets let you pick your mix-ins, making it easy to find a favorite combo.
Neighborhood Cafe’s friendly style shows in both the service and the food. Here, breakfast is less about spectacle and more about simple pleasures, always done right.
8. Keys Cafe & Bakery
Keys Cafe & Bakery is a St. Paul staple where homemade really means homemade. There’s an unmistakable smell of fresh bread that meets you at the door, and more than once, I’ve found myself staying longer than planned—just to enjoy another cup of their strong coffee. The cheerful bustle here is matched by a menu that feels like it was built around family comfort.
Breakfast options span generous omelets to just-baked muffins, and everything in between. Their famous pancakes are so fluffy they barely need syrup, and the homemade toast is reason enough to visit. One morning, I tried the veggie scramble, and the color and flavor convinced me to return for lunch.
Keys Café makes sure even the simplest dishes feel special, with that personal touch you only get from a true neighborhood bakery and diner.
9. Shish Mediterranean Grill & Cafe
Shish Mediterranean Grill & Cafe brings a burst of sun and spice to the Grand Avenue breakfast scene. Familiar scents—freshly baked pita and roasted vegetables—always greet you as you step inside. My first visit led to an accidental feast, since the menu tempted me far past the usual eggs and toast.
The breakfast platters here are both hearty and colorful, highlighting Mediterranean flavors that aren’t easy to find elsewhere in St. Paul. Shakshuka, with its perfectly poached eggs in a bright tomato sauce, is a must. For a lighter bite, the hummus and veggie plate with warm pita is equally satisfying.
The energy at Shish is always lively, and breakfast feels both comforting and a little adventurous—just the right mix for a great start to the day.
10. Hope Breakfast Bar – St. Paul
+1 651-330-8996
Hope Breakfast Bar invites you in with a warm buzz that’s hard to resist. The setting, housed in a historic building, adds character to a spot where breakfast always feels like a little celebration. I once lingered here on a cold morning, revived by the chatter and the first sips of smooth coffee.
The menu here loves a good twist on classics. Their sweet potato pancakes come stacked high, light and subtly spiced. The avocado toast is generous and loaded with thoughtful toppings—feta, radish, a drizzle of honey—that make every bite pop.
Hope’s mission is about community and comfort, which you’ll taste and feel, right down to the cheerful plating. Breakfast here feels hopeful in more ways than one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-try breakfast spots in St Paul, MN?
You can’t go wrong with classics like Keys Cafe & Bakery, Colossal Cafe, or The Buttered Tin. Each offers a unique twist on familiar favorites while keeping things hearty and welcoming.
Are there vegetarian and vegan breakfast options in St Paul?
Absolutely. Places like Tongue in Cheek, Shish Mediterranean Grill & Cafe, and Hope Breakfast Bar offer plenty of flavorful vegetarian and vegan choices, including pancakes, tofu scrambles, and vibrant veggie platters.
Is there anywhere to get a great gluten-free breakfast?
Many top breakfast spots in St Paul, such as The Buttered Tin and Colossal Cafe, serve gluten-free options—think pancakes, egg dishes, and custom scrambles that don’t skimp on flavor.
Which places are best for a cozy, sit-down breakfast?
Cecils Deli, Neighborhood Cafe, and Highland Grill are favorites for a relaxed atmosphere and friendly table service, perfect for lingering over a good meal and fresh coffee.
Where can I find breakfast with a Mediterranean twist?
Shish Mediterranean Grill & Cafe offers a unique breakfast experience with standout dishes like shakshuka and fresh pita platters, all full of bright, fresh flavors.
Are there kid-friendly breakfast restaurants in St Paul?
Yes, spots like Downtowner Woodfire Grill, Keys Cafe, and Hope Breakfast Bar each have kid-friendly menus and a warm, relaxed vibe. Little ones can enjoy classics like pancakes, eggs, and fruit plates.