Seward Cafe, American in Seward, Minneapolis
Vegetarian

Seward Cafe

4.5(622 reviews)$Seward

The vibe

Longtime worker-owned neighborhood institution -- unassuming, warm, and genuinely community-rooted. Cash-friendly, no rush.

Weekend brunchBudget breakfastSeward neighborhoodCooperative diningOrganic and local eating

What to order

Customer favorites from 622+ verified Google reviews

Coffee

Top Pick

Decent, very good coffee.

One of a kind coffee rotating coffee flavors

Fluffy pancake

Top Pick

A standout fluffy pancake, especially with maple syrup.

I get the fluffy pancakes every time I go

Tofu scramble

Popular

Flavorful and satisfying scramble with smoky tempeh.

I didn’t love the hash browns, too oily for me, but the tofu scramble was good

Monster Mash

Featured

Hot apple cider and miso caramel topped with coconut whip.

Had the monster mash and its landing in my top 10 drinks of my life

Vegan breakfast burrito

Featured

An incredible vegan breakfast burrito.

Got a vegan breakfast burrito which was INCREDIBLE and also loved the vegan sausage biscuit

Vegan sausage biscuit

Featured

A vegan sausage biscuit, mentioned as a great breakfast option.

Got a vegan breakfast burrito which was INCREDIBLE and also loved the vegan sausage biscuit

Lemonade

Featured

A refreshing drink.

Biked over from the river and was lovely to sip on refreshing drinks- got the lemonade and Jamaica, both so delicious

Jamaica

Featured

A delicious and refreshing hibiscus tea drink.

Biked over from the river and was lovely to sip on refreshing drinks- got the lemonade and Jamaica, both so delicious

Vegan breakfast sausage and biscuits and gravy

Featured

Vegan version of the classic breakfast dish.

I have especially enjoyed their vegan breakfast sausage and biscuits and gravy

People mention

vegan options(89)hashbrowns(14)biscuits and gravy(13)patio(16)gluten free options(9)tofu scramble(3)fluffy pancake(3)lattes(6)healthy food(11)affordability(4)

Customer reviews

622+ verified Google reviews

Marques Garrett
a year ago

Seward Cafe is a gem for anyone looking for amazing vegan options! I had the tofu scramble, and the smoky tempeh in it was hands-down my favorite part—so flavorful and satisfying. The fluffy pancake was also a standout, especially drizzled with maple syrup. Cozy atmosphere, great food, and friendly service. Definitely worth a visit!

Albert Danielson
2 years ago

A snazzy little cafe on the Franklin just off the highway. This restaurant functions a little differently than others, but the food is pretty good for the value. When you come in you can seat yourself and put your order in at the register. Tons of indoor and outdoor seating and fun things to check out on the walls. Free Wifi is easily accessible and posted in a few spots. They'll call out when the drinks and food is ready and you'll have to pick that and utensils up yourself. They note that it'll take a bit, but as long as you keep yourself occupied, it's not really noticeable and is certainly worth the wait. Mocha was definitely one of the better ones I've had in the Twin Cities. The Super Red Earth was pretty big and a solid breakfast item that was very filling. Overall, a pretty fun and progressive vibe that's nice to just sit and chill in for a while and get some good food. Was pretty quiet for breakfast, but seemed to start getting packed around brunch/lunchtime. Very vegan friendly menu for those who prefer it, and thankfully not crazily upcharged, and still plenty of options for those who don't swing that way. Definitely worth a visit.

Joel Abrahamson
Edited 2 years ago

The cafe is back! The full breakfast and brunch menu has returned. The biscuits and gravy (vegan or not) are excellent. Enormous fluffy pancakes and scrambles are also stars of the menu. Full range of espresso drinks and creative herbal tea blends. If you are uncomfortable with the anarchist/ antifa scene... You won't like Seward Cafe.

Jenny Saufl
11 months ago

Always the best. Been going here for over 20 years, but moved away from MN in 2014. I was devastated that it closed during covid and remained closed while I was last in MN. Fast forward to May, visiting Minnesota and so happy to find it open and working as it used to. Me, my husband and our friend went and enjoy the breakfast and coffee as we had years before. I was a little sad that you don't write your own ticket and the coffee is no longer self serve, but I absolutely understand these changes. Will make sure to visit every time I'm in the area.

Ivy Bolthouse
Edited a year ago

Love Seward cafe overall. Good prices, good ethics. I have especially enjoyed their vegan breakfast sausage and biscuits and gravy. I didn’t love the hash browns, too oily for me, but the tofu scramble was good. As far as drinks go, I have had mixed experiences. The chai was good one time but the next time it had an overpowering taste of cloves and I struggled to drink it (and I do like spicy chai) so I hesitate to order that again. They have 2 single-user bathrooms which are both gender neutral.

Alane Klein
2 years ago

This has always been a favorite place because they have vegan biscuits and gravy on the menu. It’s been about 8 years since I visited and I’m happy to report it hasn’t changed much. The quantity of food for the price is pretty much unmatched for vegan options. I ordered the biscuit breakfast with tofu. I was very happy with the cold press coffee, it was perfect. Garden seating was so nice on an August morning. All of the space made it felt very private and chill.

Santiago O'Connor
Edited 6 months ago

The Seward will continue to be the best Breakfast in Minnesota on my book. Something there is to mention. If graffiti offends you, or the occasional homeless person hanging out inside or the weirdos that choose to frequent here (me included)...bothers you. Than this fine establishment is not for you. If you are fine with the crowd, please go in and enjoy their food cause is really good

L A
11 months ago

Fantastic vibes, food and drinks. Stopped in just minutes before the kitchen closed and wasn’t rushed in ordering food and drinks. Got a vegan breakfast burrito which was INCREDIBLE and also loved the vegan sausage biscuit. Biked over from the river and was lovely to sip on refreshing drinks- got the lemonade and Jamaica, both so delicious. And the vibes are wonderful- a chill welcoming patio + truly a community space within. Can’t wait to return

Espen Dinneen
7 months ago

Seward Cafe is so great!!! The breakfast here is fantastic, the drinks are great, and the vibes are also so nice! Seward Cafe is very community based so sometimes they host events or sell local things too! I really enjoy the community atmosphere that this cafe upholds. I do knock a star off because I think the service is very hit or miss. I've been here 5+ times and maybe 2 or so times I had the absolute sweetest barista & great interactions!!! The other times, not so much. Breakfast is also very hit or miss depending on who is working. Might take 10 minutes to get your food-- might take 40 minutes to get your food. Consistency seems to be a weak point with this cafe, but the quality and affordability makes up for it by a landslide. I really love how they have a pay-it-forward type of donation system where you can add funds to a card for those who are in need of food or something to drink. I'll keep coming back here for sure, I recommend others to try them out too!!

Laura Ford
a year ago

A very cute cafe with lots of delicious vegan food and good prices. They are able to make most of the menu vegan- all the breakfasts and scrambles. They also have a community cork board and many community health initiative information (narcan kits,exc). This would be a great place to hang out and do work at or have a community event. The food was delicious and can’t wait to go back.

About

Seward Cafe is a collectively-owned vegetarian cafe at 2129 E Franklin Ave in Minneapolis's Seward neighborhood, open Thursday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch. The all-day menu centers on vegan-friendly brunch: the Earth breakfast (hash browns with scrambled tofu), fluffy vegan pancakes with optional add-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or tahini, and house-made soups and sandwiches. Ingredients are local, organic, and fair-trade where possible. Open since 1974 and worker-owned, Seward Cafe is one of the longest-running cooperatively operated restaurants in the Twin Cities.
Seward Cafe photo 11 / 8

4.5 average from 622 verified Google reviews

Featured In Our Guides

Guide

Best Vegan Restaurants in Minneapolis 2026: 46+ Spots Ranked

Herbivorous Butcher, Lulu EthioVegan (4.9 stars), J. Selby's, Reverie Cafe, Hard Times, and 40+ more Minneapolis vegan restaurants ranked for 2026.

Guide

Vegan Brunch Minneapolis: 10 Best Spots Ranked (2026)

Vegan brunch Minneapolis: J. Selby's Breakfast Burger, Hard Times biscuits and gravy, Seward Cafe tofu scramble, Reverie weekend brunch. The 2026 ranked guide.

guides

Vegan Coffee Shops Minneapolis 2026: Dreamstate, Reverie & More

Minneapolis vegan coffee shops 2026: Dreamstate (100% vegan), Reverie (seasonal oat milk lattes), Seward Cafe (fair trade), and 6 more picks.

Neighborhood Guide

Seward Vegan Guide: Best Plant-Based Spots in Minneapolis' Most Vegan-Friendly Neighborhood

Seward has been Minneapolis's vegan heartland since the 1970s. Seward Cafe, Hard Times Cafe, Reverie Cafe + Bar, May Day Cafe, and the Seward Co-op anchor a neighborhood that built its identity around cooperative food culture.

Guide

Best Vegetarian Restaurants Minneapolis 2026: 30+ Spots Ranked

Minneapolis vegetarian restaurants ranked: Hard Times Cafe, Seward Cafe, Lulu EthioVegan (4.9 stars), 14 fully vegan spots. Organized by neighborhood, updated June 2026.

Guide

Best Vegan Food Minneapolis 2026: 40+ Spots by Neighborhood

40+ vegan and vegan-friendly Minneapolis restaurants in 2026: Herbivorous Butcher, J. Selby's, Lulu Ethiovegan, Reverie & more, mapped by neighborhood.

Guide

Best Vegan Grocery Stores in Minneapolis: Co-ops, Natural Foods & Specialty Shops (2026)

The best vegan grocery stores in Minneapolis — from Seward Co-op and Wedge Co-op to Herbivorous Butcher, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. Where to buy vegan staples, specialty items, and local plant-based brands in the Twin Cities.

Guide

Best Vegan Happy Hour Minneapolis 2026: Reverie, Francis Burger Joint & More

The best vegan-friendly happy hour in Minneapolis: Reverie Cafe (100% vegan, $2 off taps 4-6pm weekdays), Francis Burger Joint (fully vegan bar), Hai Hai NE, and Hola Arepa. Hours, deals, and what to order.

Explore More Vegan American in Minneapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seward Cafe fully vegan?

Seward Cafe is vegetarian with vegan options available. Ask staff which dishes are fully plant-based.

What should I order at Seward Cafe?

Popular vegan picks at Seward Cafe include Earth Breakfast - Hash browns with scrambled tofu, the signature plate, Vegan Pancakes - Fluffy diner-style with blueberry, chocolate chip, or tahini, House Soups - Rotating, made fresh, usually vegan, Fair Trade Coffee - The right coffee for the right cafe.

Where is Seward Cafe located?

Seward Cafe is at 2129 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404, in the Seward neighborhood.

Free Download

The Ultimate Vegan
Minneapolis Guide

Get our free printable cheat sheet with the top 10 must-visit spots, neighborhood guides, and secret menu hacks.

Join Twin Cities vegans

We respect your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.

47
Spots Listed
25
Neighborhoods
100%
Plant Love