Sit and Sip at These 5 Top Twin Cities/Rochester Coffee Shops

Today's coffee shops are more than just a place to grab a hot cup of joe. You can catch up with a friend over cappuccino, settle in with a good book and a latte, or set up a virtual office as you sip an Americano. 

The Twin Cities and Rochester have no shortage of hip, cozy and quirky coffee shops serving up ambiance along with java. Here are some of our favorites, and we hope you enjoy them as well.

Anelace Coffee
2402 Central Avenue NE
Minneapolis

Anelace Coffee is just coming up on its first anniversary, but features like exposed brick and hardwood floors have already earned it the unofficial title of "Most Instagrammed Coffee Shop in Minneapolis." Luscious pastries baked in-house have recently been added to the rotating list of top-quality coffee brands.

Bull Run Coffee Bar
3346 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis

Bull Run finds itself on just about every list of top 10 Twin Cities coffee shops. Its signature coffee comes from the local Bull Run roasting facility, and the shop gets high marks for its friendly and knowledgeable baristas. Pair your coffee with creative meal specials such as the Elvis French toast or South of the Border lasagna. Bull Run has a second location at 4301 Nicollet Avenue S.

Claddagh Coffee Café
459 W. Seventh Street
St. Paul

Not surprisingly, Claddagh Café is home to specialty drinks such as Nutty Mick, with handmade hazelnut ganache, and its namesake drink, made with Irish cream, chocolate, espresso and steamed milk. The downstairs "grotto" can be reserved for meetings or luncheons, and it serves as an additional workspace when not in use. Check the calendar for events like writing circles and book readings. A second shop was recently opened at 612 Selby Avenue.

Groundswell
1340 Thomas Avenue
St. Paul

Groundswell is a true community gathering place where residents can spend time with kids and friends. Enjoy a meal or snack from the Southern-inspired menu, or indulge your sweet tooth with a cupcake flight including four different flavors of your choice. Stop in for live music or other events such as the annual cookie-decorating fest.

Café Steam
315 S. Broadway
Rochester

With its large tables, exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, Café Steam manages to be both roomy and cozy. Large front-facing windows let in plenty of light and the walls display an eclectic assortment of local art. Entertainment includes live music and open mic nights.

With all the amazing coffee shops in the Twin Cities and Rochester, we may have missed your favorite. Do you have a great spot to share? Let us know in the comments!