TL;DR
Best vegan brunch in Minneapolis: Reverie Café (Northeast, best overall — chorizo scramble + cashew hollandaise), French Meadow Bakery (Uptown, most reliable for groups, legendary vegan cinnamon roll), Herbivorous Butcher Café (North Mpls, best mock-meat breakfast sandwich), Birchwood Cafe (Seward, seasonal farm-to-table, serious coffee), Black Coffee & Waffle Bar (Uptown/North Loop, best waffles, $ pricing).
The Short List
If you just need a quick answer:
- Reverie Café (Northeast) — best overall, especially the chorizo scramble
- French Meadow Bakery (Uptown) — most reliable, good for groups
- The Herbivorous Butcher Café — best if you want mock meats done right
- Birchwood Cafe — best for seasonal, farm-to-table brunch
- Black Coffee & Waffle Bar — best waffles in the city, vegan options clearly marked
Reverie Café (Northeast Minneapolis)
Reverie does something most vegan brunch spots fail at: it makes food for people who eat actual food, not people managing guilt.
The chorizo tofu scramble has been on the menu for three years for good reason. It's well-seasoned, has heat, and doesn't fall apart into watery mush — a common failure mode for tofu scrambles. The green chile sauce on the side is essential.
The Benedict situation at Reverie uses cashew hollandaise. Skeptics (including me, initially) are usually converted. It has the richness and slight tang you expect. They run it on a house-made English muffin, not the rubbery grocery store version.
Weekend waits run 20-40 minutes from 10am onward. Go early or go late.
Hours: Sat-Sun 8am–2pm | Location: Northeast Minneapolis | Price: $$
French Meadow Bakery (Uptown)
French Meadow is the safest bet in Minneapolis if you're bringing non-vegans who are skeptical. The menu is clearly labeled, the servers know the ingredients, and the pastry case is legitimately excellent.
The vegan cinnamon roll is the best I've found in the city. Dense where it should be dense, not poured in frosting. Get one regardless of what else you order.
For a full brunch, the Southwest scramble with black beans and roasted peppers is solid. Nothing here will blow your mind, but nothing will disappoint either.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am–8pm, Sat-Sun 8am–3pm | Location: Uptown | Price: $$
The Herbivorous Butcher Café
If you want mock meats and you want them done correctly, Herbivorous Butcher is your answer. They're famous for their retail products, but the café brunch on weekends is worth the trip.
The breakfast sandwich uses their house sausage and a cashew cheese spread. It's the sandwich you think of when you think "I just want a normal breakfast sandwich." No compromises, no explaining to the table why it doesn't taste like cardboard.
Their Bloody Mary also uses house-made ingredients and holds up against non-vegan versions.
Hours: Sat-Sun 10am–2pm | Location: North Minneapolis | Price: $$
Birchwood Cafe (Seward/Midtown)
Birchwood is the answer when you want brunch that feels like an event rather than a quick meal. The kitchen changes its menu seasonally — you will always see careful sourcing and actual cooking technique.
The coffee program is serious here. If you care about pour-overs or espresso drinks made by people who've actually been trained, Birchwood is the move.
One honest note: Birchwood is slower than most places. It's the spot if brunch is the plan for the morning.
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am–9pm, Sat-Sun 8am–2:30pm | Location: Seward | Price: $$$
Black Coffee & Waffle Bar (multiple locations)
Waffles are the thing here and the waffles are good. The vegan batter (available at all locations, just ask) produces a crisp exterior without the crunch disappearing in the first two minutes.
Toppings are customizable. The strawberry-basil combination sounds precious but works. If you go savory, the avocado-jalapeno situation is worth the slight upcharge.
Hours: Daily 7am–3pm | Locations: Uptown, North Loop | Price: $
What to Know Before You Go
Reservations: Most of these spots don't take them for brunch. French Meadow is the exception.
Best timing: Arriving before 10am or after 1pm cuts your wait significantly at the popular spots.
Parking: Uptown is the worst for parking on weekends. Northeast and Seward are easier.
Looking for more? Check out our guide to Minneapolis vegan food trucks or explore the full Northeast Minneapolis vegan dining scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fully vegan restaurant for brunch in Minneapolis?
Yes — Herbivorous Butcher Café and Reverie Café are fully or predominantly plant-based. French Meadow and Birchwood are omnivore restaurants with strong vegan menus.
What's the best vegan brunch spot for a group?
French Meadow handles groups best — larger space, clearly labeled menu, servers who know ingredients cold.
Are Minneapolis vegan brunch spots expensive?
Prices are in line with any brunch restaurant. Expect $12-18 per entrée at most places.
Do any Minneapolis vegan brunch spots have outdoor seating?
Birchwood has a large patio from May through September. French Meadow has some outdoor seating in Uptown.