Vegan Brunch Minneapolis: The Complete Guide to Weekend Feasting

Your Complete Guide to Vegan Brunch in Minneapolis

Listen, I get it. It's Saturday morning, you're slightly hungover (or completely hungover, no judgment), and you need carbs, grease, and caffeine in that exact order. The problem? Half of Minneapolis' brunch spots think "vegan option" means a sad fruit cup and dry toast.

Not these places.

I've spent way too many weekend mornings scouting the perfect vegan brunch spots, and I'm sharing the results so you don't have to suffer through another disappointing dining experience while your non-vegan friends demolish their eggs benedict in front of you.

The Heavy Hitters

J. Selby's — The Comfort Food Champion

St. Paul | $$ | ⭐ 4.7 (2,900+ reviews)

"The breakfast burger is my number one choice every time." — K G

J. Selby's is what happens when someone actually understands that vegans want brunch food, not health food. This is greasy, indulgent, "I might need a nap after this" territory. It's a top pick in our complete Minneapolis vegan restaurant guide.

The Order:

• Cauliflower Wings — Start here. The ranch dipping sauce is so good people ask for extra to-go.
• Breakfast Burger — Their breakfast menu's crown jewel
• Animal Fries — Caramelized onions, special sauce, cheese. Yes.
• Crunchwrap — Taco Bell could never
• Cake — The carrot cake is "rich and delicious" according to literally everyone

"Constantly floored with how far vegan food has come. That dang sandwich tasted like a heckin chicken fillet!" — Abdiwak Yohannes

Real talk: They don't have a parking lot, so plan for street parking. Weekends can get busy, but it's worth the wait.

Insider tip: They use products from Herbivorous Butcher, so the "bacon" actually tastes like bacon.

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Seward Cafe — The Neighborhood Institution

Seward | $ | ⭐ 4.6 (600+ reviews)

A worker-owned cooperative that's been feeding the neighborhood since 1974. Seward Cafe has an eclectic vibe (think community bulletin boards and local art), and almost everything can be made vegan.

"This has always been a favorite place because they have vegan biscuits and gravy on the menu." — Alane Klein

The Order:

• Vegan Biscuits and Gravy — The reason this place is on the list. Period.
• Tofu Scramble — "The smoky tempeh in it was hands-down my favorite part—so flavorful and satisfying"
• Fluffy Pancakes — "Especially drizzled with maple syrup"
• Vegan Breakfast Burrito — "INCREDIBLE"
• Monster Mash (drink) — Hot apple cider and miso caramel topped with coconut whip. "Landing in my top 10 drinks of my life."

"The quantity of food for the price is pretty much unmatched for vegan options." — Alane Klein

The vibe: Counter service, garden patio seating in summer, and an actual community space. Not everyone's scene, but for the right person, it's perfect.

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Hard Times Cafe — The Punk Rock Classic

Seward | $ | ⭐ 4.5 (500+ reviews)

Cash only. Anarchist posters on the walls. Some of the best vegan biscuits and gravy in the city. This is Minneapolis.

"Classic diner food and vibes but vegetarian and vegan-ified." — Mariah Mckenzie

Hard Times Cafe is a beloved institution and one of the best vegan restaurants in Minneapolis.

The Order:

• Vegan Biscuits and Gravy — "A half order is plenty! The mushroom gravy is good enough to take home"
• Helter Skelter — Their signature scramble with all the veggies
• Hash Browns — Crispy, not oily
• Any baked goods — "Outstanding"
• Tempeh Reuben (if you're going savory) — "Fantastic"

"It's been surprisingly hard for me to find good vegan food in Minneapolis, but Hard Times is a gem." — Rachel M

Heads up: Cash only! There's an ATM, but save yourself the fee and come prepared. Also, expect some wait time—everything is made from scratch.

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Modern Times Cafe — The Uptown Favorite

Powderhorn | $ | ⭐ 4.7 (400+ reviews)

Progressive politics, killer tempeh, and the kind of greasy spoon vibes that make a hangover feel manageable.

"Punk cafes 4 ever! Love all the vegan options while still fulfilling my greasy spoon cravings." — Emily Mills

Modern Times Cafe is perfect for when you need comfort food with a side of community.

The Order:

• Deadwood with Tempeh — "Literally salivating just thinking about it"
• Tempeh Reuben — "Best and freshest Reuben I have ever had! Every ingredient was so fresh"
• Southside Hash (veganized) — "Super delicious"
• Breakfast Burrito (veganized) — "Amazing"
• House Donuts — "They were amazing too!"

"This very well may be my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis! Where is your tempeh from? How do you make it so good??" — Breanna Peltz

Pro tip: Get there right when they open. This place fills up fast.

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French Meadow — The Crowd Pleaser

Uptown | $$ | ⭐ 4.5 (1,000+ reviews)

When you're brunching with a mixed group (vegans, vegetarians, and the uninitiated), French Meadow is your diplomatic choice. They've been doing organic and plant-based before it was trendy.

"Great restaurant with a ton of options. They have many vegan and vegetarian items which makes it super easy to eat there as a vegan." — Nick Koons

The Order:

• Vegan Breakfast — "Very good"
• Veganized Breakfast Burrito — They'll do it
• Tempeh Reuben — Solid
• Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookie — "Rich and flavorful without being overly sweet"
• Vegan Chocolate Rose Cake — "Such a treat!"
• Oatmeal Latte — "Tasty with just the right amount of flavoring"

The vibe: More upscale than the punk cafes on this list. Outdoor patio seating, full bar, and a to-go section for those in a hurry.

Parking: They have a free, shaded parking lot. This is actually a big deal.

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The Timing Strategy

Here's what I've learned after too many weekend mornings staring at wait lists:

Restaurant	Best Time to Arrive	Expect to Wait?
J. Selby's	Right at opening	Yes on weekends
Seward Cafe	Before 10am	Usually no
Hard Times	Midweek mornings	Cash only—prepare
Modern Times	Right at opening	Yes—place fills FAST
French Meadow	Early or late	Usually quick

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The Real Talk Section

Best vegan biscuits and gravy: Hard Times or Seward, honestly it's a toss-up and I refuse to choose

Best for hangovers: Modern Times. Something about those greasy spoon vibes and progressive politics just hits different when you're feeling rough

Best for impressing someone: French Meadow or J. Selby's. More polished, still delicious. For actual date ideas, check our vegan date night guide.

Best value: Hard Times. Cheap, filling, excellent. Cash only though.

Best if you want to also day drink: Seward Cafe's garden patio with a Monster Mash, or French Meadow's full bar

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What to Know Before You Go

1. J. Selby's — Street parking only, no lot
2. Seward Cafe — Counter service, you pick up your food when called
3. Hard Times — CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
4. Modern Times — Gets packed, arrive early
5. French Meadow — Has a parking lot (rare!)

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My Personal Sunday Rotation

Look, I'm not going to pretend I don't have favorites. My typical Sunday rotation goes like this:

• Feeling bougie: French Meadow patio with a mimosa
• Need grease immediately: Hard Times, biscuits and gravy, no questions
• Taking out-of-towners: J. Selby's—it shuts up the "vegan food is boring" crowd real quick
• Just vibing: Seward Cafe garden, Monster Mash, people watching

For more comprehensive options beyond brunch, browse our complete Minneapolis vegan restaurant guide or plan a Northeast Minneapolis vegan tour.

Now go forth and brunch. 🥞🌱