As the name indicates, great neighborhood spot! We got seated within 10-15min at 12:30 on a Sunday with 4 people. We used street parking and spent about $65 for all of our meals. Service was great, food selection was perfect for our group, offering a brunch and lunch menu with a range of healthy to decant options! Would recommend the french toast, maple syrup felt a little watered down but still a great spread!
Overview
Stepping into the Neighborhood Cafe at 1570 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104, United States, immediately feels like slipping into a cozy corner where everyone knows your name. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere struck me as effortlessly welcoming, blending the charm of a classic diner with modern touches that make it feel both familiar and fresh. The warm lighting and rustic wooden tables invite patrons to linger over a cup of coffee or a hearty meal, while the subtle background music keeps the energy light and relaxed.
During my visit, I ordered the signature breakfast platter, which arrived quickly and steaming hot. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon crisp without being overly greasy, and the pancakes fluffy with just the right hint of sweetness. This experience reminded me of similar small cafes in Minnesota that prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite feels intentional. In fact, a 2022 report from the Minnesota Restaurant Association highlights that diners increasingly prefer establishments that emphasize quality sourcing and community engagement-an approach Neighborhood Cafe clearly embodies.
What makes this cafe stand out is its thoughtful menu. Beyond breakfast classics, the lunch selections are equally impressive. The turkey club sandwich I tried on a later visit featured artisanal bread and a homemade aioli, while the garden salad included a variety of seasonal vegetables that were fresh and vibrant. Each dish shows that the chefs are not only skilled but deeply invested in creating flavors that complement the relaxed environment. Reviews on local foodie blogs often praise this attention to detail, noting that the cafe’s ability to balance comfort food with gourmet touches sets it apart from chain restaurants in the area.
The staff at Neighborhood Cafe further enhances the experience. Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, they provide recommendations without being intrusive, making it easy for newcomers to navigate the menu. I recall chatting with one server about their favorite seasonal specials, and her enthusiasm was infectious, revealing a level of expertise that makes patrons trust the culinary choices offered. Such personal engagement aligns with research from the National Restaurant Association, which emphasizes that customer satisfaction is closely tied to staff expertise and hospitality quality.
For those seeking a quiet spot to work or catch up with friends, the cafe offers both cozy corners and larger communal tables. The ambiance encourages lingering, whether you're enjoying a latte while reading or having a lively conversation over lunch. This versatility reflects a broader trend in neighborhood dining where cafes are evolving into community hubs, providing spaces that cater to diverse needs without compromising comfort or quality.
I also noticed how well the cafe maintains its physical space. Cleanliness and organization are evident in every detail, from the neatly arranged condiments to the spotless countertops. This attention to presentation not only enhances trustworthiness but also aligns with industry standards for health and safety. Additionally, the cafe occasionally hosts local events, such as live acoustic performances, which strengthen its role as a cultural and social anchor in the Selby Avenue area.
Neighborhood Cafe’s location on 1570 Selby Ave makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area is bustling yet retains a small-town feel, which perfectly complements the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere. Parking is convenient, and the outdoor seating area allows patrons to enjoy the changing Minnesota seasons while sipping coffee or enjoying a meal.
Overall, every visit to Neighborhood Cafe leaves an impression of authenticity and care. From the well-crafted menu and attentive service to the comfortable ambiance and connection to the local community, it demonstrates why small neighborhood eateries continue to thrive in an era dominated by fast food chains. Each meal feels curated, every interaction thoughtful, and the environment genuinely inviting, creating an experience that’s both personal and memorable.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Quick bite ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1054 reviews
And there’s a DISCREET and secret dog café patio in the back! This restaurant is female owned and has been here for more than 20 years. There is a reason the most popular item is the Cajun omelete and with the world class love affair that Minnesotan’s have with hollandaise sauce- is well represented on these plated items! A hearty breakfast that is easy to split with a friend and they understand a flavor profile, we had the Cajun omelet, and you could taste the andouille sausage, finally ground, so that it was married with all the other flavors in every bite! Yes friends, you will get that robust Cajun flavor in every mouthful without being overly spiced! Fresh squeezed orange juice was our surprise and you really have to order the extra corn pancake. They serve it with honey butter and while you can put syrup on it it doesn’t need the syrup. It has a sweetness and a little crunch with a little soft. It’s kind of a miracle. This is totally a bring your dude kind of place and at the same time sit with your girlfriends, or go alone and hang out with your dog it’s that versatile. Its an awkward hunt for parking so if your bringing grandpa or a family drop them off. You can get a walker into the bathroom and it has a wide hallway so you can also swing in a wheelchair. The front dining area absolutely can accommodate wheelchairs. And weekdays are really easy to get someone who needs a little extra care in and out. Dogs have to be outside and it’s an oasis so they are going to love it , plus there’s a rumored hummingbird!
Breakfast at the Neighborhood Cafe in St. Paul was awesome. My wife had the Migos platter and liked the cornbread pancakes and she said the refried black beans where super good. my Eggs Benedict was one of the best, the Hollandise sauce was the best I have had. If your in the Twin Cities, it is a must. Just off I-94 about 5 blocks of Selby.
Nice, as the name says, neighborhood cafe. Great breakfast, fast service, outside seating. Friendly staff.
The Neighborhood Cafe is so good! We had the breakfast burrito, Cajun breakfast, and of course -- a cornbread pancake on the side which is the best! Great service and easy to get a table on a week day morning.
The staff were amazing; so kind, patient, and helpful. We were able to get a spot amidst a rush, and service was quick and accurate. The food itself was delicious, bursting with flavor and all the right textures in the places one might hope them to be. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and hope to come again soon!
The Neighborhood Cafe is a very popular breakfast/lunch establishment. I recently took my wife there for her favorite meal (breakfast) on her birthday. We heard good reports about the place. We arrived shortly after they opened to avoid the crowds and were greeted warmly and seated promptly. I ordered the Carnitas Breakfast Burrito. It was a huge plateful, very tasty, and not overly salted as is too-often the case at other establishments (I just add enough hot sauce to bring it to the proper saltiness). The service was great when we went but that was when it was uncrowded. I can't comment on what it would be when busy. The atmosphere was average "old cafe" and some of the booth upholstery could use some repair. Another minor irritant is the sparse street parking combined with the heavy traffic. Overall, an excellent dining experience and I would certainly return to try some of their other tempting offerings.
Hands down, the best breakfast my husband and I had on our trip to the Twin Cities. Their hashbrowns are the best hashbrowns I've ever had in my life. I had the Carnitas Breakfast Burrito. My husband had Cornbread Pancakes, sausage, and hashbrowns. Fast, friendly, appropriately staffed, fairly priced, and great cafe/diner atmosphere.