Craving a fresh cup of coffee in Glencoe, MN? Good news: this small city knows how to deliver. I’ve spent enough mornings navigating the quiet streets and snug corners of Glencoe’s best coffee shops to tell you, there’s no shortage of hidden gems here. Each spot has its own personality—some do breakfast with a side of small-town banter, while others focus on the art of the perfect pour.
My first time in Glencoe, I was caught off guard by the range of options. From cozy cafes serving homemade pastries to specialty spots where baristas remember how you take your brew, Glencoe mixes comfort with craft in a way that keeps you coming back. Ready for a journey through the city’s most inviting and memorable cafes? You might just discover your new favorite place to sip, relax, and socialize.
1. Garden View Cafe
Nestled inside the Chicago Botanic Garden, Garden View Cafe is a scenic spot for a coffee break or a relaxing lunch. With wide windows overlooking peaceful gardens, this place brings a sense of calm to your day. My last visit here included the kind of sunrise that makes you want to linger over a second cup.
The menu caters to many diets, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The house-made sandwiches and crisp salads taste as fresh as the air outside. For coffee, order a hot Americano and pair it with their scone or zucchini bread; both have a local, homemade touch that fits the garden vibe.
If you’re after a laid-back meal with a view, this is the place.
2. Meg’s Cafe
Meg’s Cafe sits right on Park Avenue, easy to spot by its cheerful atmosphere and friendly staff. The vibe is warm, with locals often catching up over coffee. My last stop there, I ended up in an unexpected conversation about the best muffins in Minnesota. Spoiler: they bake them right here.
The menu covers the classics but adds its own twist, especially with breakfast staples. The vegetarian-friendly choices include thick-cut toast, fluffy omelets, and bright fruit bowls. Their coffee, smooth and well-balanced, is worth a slow sip.
Order the house-made granola with Greek yogurt and freshly brewed drip coffee. It’s simple, satisfying, and a good example of Meg’s focus on quality ingredients. For a casual morning or a midday pick-me-up, this spot gets it right.
3. Hometown Coffee and Juice
Hometown Coffee and Juice is the kind of place where mornings start bright and local chatter is the background music. Every visit greets you with a clean, modern space and the soft aroma of fresh espresso. I remember dropping by on a drizzly day, watching the rain through their big windows and feeling right at home.
Their menu balances fresh, healthy choices with a few indulgent treats. No surprise, the cold brew and green juice are favorites, both bursting with flavor and a signature kick that sets them apart. For something hearty, go for the avocado toast—piled high, fresh, and a clear nod to Glencoe’s trendier side.
This spot makes healthy eating—and coffee—feel easy and inviting.
4. Bump’s Family Restaurant
With its classic neon sign and bustling dining room, Bump’s Family Restaurant is where locals gather for real home-cooked meals. Every time I’ve grabbed a booth here, the friendly staff made me feel like a regular. The scent of fresh-brewed coffee mixes with the morning’s griddle, calling you in.
Breakfast is the standout, offered all day and made with farm-fresh eggs and golden hashbrowns. If you’re stopping in for coffee, pair it with a stack of blueberry pancakes or their hearty oatmeal. The menu sticks to comfort food done right, perfect for a relaxed start or midafternoon refuel.
Generous portions, classic flavors, and a welcoming setting make this a must for anyone who loves the feel of a true small-town cafe.
5. Gert & Erma’s
Tucked along Hennepin Avenue, Gert & Erma’s feels like the heart of Glencoe’s community. The place is always humming, from sunrise to mid-morning, with neighbors swapping news over steamy mugs. When I stopped in, the sweet aroma of espresso was all it took to make me linger at the counter a little longer.
Here, you’ll find more than just coffee. The espresso drinks are rich and bold, but the real surprise for me was their homemade muffins—soft, loaded with flavor, and perfect with a cappuccino. This is a no-frills spot with a knack for making you feel welcome, even on your first visit.
Take a seat by the window for the best view and savor a freshly pulled shot of espresso with a warm blueberry muffin. Nothing fancy, just coffee done right.
6. Peet’s Coffee & Tea
(320) 864-6132Call
If you value a strong, flavorful brew, Peet’s Coffee & Tea is a must-stop. The first time I wandered in, I noticed right away that every cup has a deep, roasty aroma you can’t fake. Regulars come for the quality and stay for the focused, relaxed atmosphere. This is the place for people who take their coffee seriously, but still want a friendly chat now and then.
The baristas know their beans, and they’re happy to walk you through the selection. For a true taste of what makes Peet’s different, go for a classic dark roast drip or a creamy latte—both are rich, satisfying, and brewed to perfection.
If you want your coffee as bold as your morning plans, start here.
7. Rhema Coffee
Rhema Coffee sits just off Hennepin Avenue and greets you with the smell of fresh ground beans and baked treats. Stepping inside, I found a cozy blend of café and bakery, with neighbors quietly chatting over steaming cups. The peaceful energy, along with the sunlight pooling through the windows, made it easy to relax and linger.
Rhema is as much about their baked goods as their coffee. The croissants and cinnamon rolls are just the right kind of indulgent, always warm and perfectly flaky. Coffee-wise, their signature brew or smooth cappuccino pairs well with whatever comes from their ovens.
This is an ideal stop when you want a comforting atmosphere and a homemade touch with each order.
8. Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee in Glencoe is more than just a stop for caffeine—it’s where cozy interiors and a friendly crowd make every visit feel easy. On my last morning there, the gentle murmur of conversation made a perfect backdrop for a quiet cup and a bit of people-watching. This shop treats coffee as an experience, not just a habit.
The drink options range from classic lattes and dark roast drip brews to inventive cold press creations. If you’re after a treat, their breakfast sandwiches and baked oatmeal stand out—warm, filling, and meant to pair with a strong cup. Their signature is consistency; you know it’s always going to taste fresh.
Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a space to slow down, Caribou fits the bill perfectly.
9. Central Cafe
Central Cafe lies just outside Glencoe in Lester Prairie, but locals know it’s worth the short drive. This is your small-town hangout where everyone seems to know each other’s order. On my first visit, I was met with a genuine hello and left with a new appreciation for a spot that feels untouched by hurry.
The menu brings classic comfort food but never skimps on flavor or friendliness. For coffee shop fare, you can’t go wrong with their fresh-brewed drip coffee and homemade caramel rolls. Each bite and sip is familiar but never dull, especially when paired with a chat at the counter.
If you enjoy coffee with a side of conversation and a slice of small-town life, Central Cafe delivers every time.
10. Cafe Latte
(651) 224-5687Call
Cafe Latte in Silver Lake has a warm neighborhood feel, perfect for a lingering morning or a midday escape. The wood-paneled walls and easygoing crowd drew me in the first time, and I stayed longer than planned over several refills.
Their signature lattes are rich and foamy, with just enough punch to get you moving but smooth enough to savor. Pair your drink with a slice of their homemade banana bread, which arrives perfectly moist and not overly sweet.
This cafe knows how to combine comforting classics with cozy hospitality, making it easy to unwind whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet solo break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best coffee shops in Glencoe, MN?
You’ll find great options like Bump’s Family Restaurant, Gert & Erma’s, Rhema Coffee, and Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each offers its own unique atmosphere and specialty drinks, so there’s something for everyone.
Which coffee shops in Glencoe offer breakfast or bakery items?
Bump’s Family Restaurant is known for all-day breakfast, while Rhema Coffee and Gert & Erma’s serve fresh-baked goods alongside their coffee selections.
Are there coffee shops in Glencoe with vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, Garden View Cafe stands out for its vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside classic coffee favorites.
Where can I find a quiet place to work or read in Glencoe?
Rhema Coffee offers a peaceful ambiance, while Caribou Coffee has a cozy interior perfect for studying or unwinding with a book.
Do these cafes offer takeout?
Most coffee shops in Glencoe, including Meg’s Cafe and Caribou Coffee, offer takeout so you can enjoy your coffee on the go.
