May 28, 2021

Situated in South East Minnesota, Rochester is famous for its beautiful architecture and its varied seasons. Home to around 100,000 residents, Rochester is a bustling city with plenty of great cafes and eateries. Whether you want a cooling iced coffee or something to warm you up on a wintry day, these are the 6 best places to get your caffeine fix in Rochester, MN.

1. Café Steam 

Situated in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Café Steam sits right in the heart of Rochester’s city center. With its stylish décor, relaxed atmosphere, and specialty coffee, Café Steam is a great place to stop in on your way to the shops. The location is within easy walking distance of the University Square Shopping Center on Broadway Avenue.

2. Lumen Coffee

If you fancy a short drive, Lumen Coffee is a wonderful café with local roots and a fascinating backstory. Located north of the city, near the Northern Hills Golf Course, Lumen Coffee was started by Rochester native and retired firefighter, Bryce Fogelson. Selling delicious and unique coffee flavors alongside homemade light snacks, Café Steam is well worth the trip. The brand is also impressive because of its dedication to environmental business practices.

3. Hollandberry Pannekoeken 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and like a treat with your coffee, Dutch bakery Hollandberry Pannekoeken is the place for you! Their menu features their namesake, Pannekeoken: a traditional Dutch pancake served with a variety of fillings. Hollandberry is based on Broadway Avenue and, as well as pancakes, they also serve homemade muffins and other baked desserts. Their menu also features their signature “bottomless” cup. Ideal for coffee lovers!

4. Caribou Coffee 

Rochester is home to two Caribou Coffee locations, with one residing on 2nd Street and the other on First Avenue. They are within easy walking distance of each other and serve a tantalizing range of coffees, iced juices, and cold brews. Their Christmas coffee menu is particularly spectacular and ideal for a pick-me-up during a festive shopping spree.  

5. St James Coffee 

A ten-minute drive out of the center takes you to St James Coffee. Run by the area’s Catholic Church, St James Coffee blends a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with delicious, artisanal coffee. Located just off the main highway heading south into Rochester, St James Coffee is a great place to stop if you’re driving through Rochester and need a relaxing break.

6. Café Presto 

Café Presto is a fun, American style diner that serves up classic USA and Mexican cuisine as well as hot drinks. This family-friendly joint is ideal for a day out or a pitstop on a family vacation. There’s plenty of desserts for kids to choose from and iced and hot coffee is served all day long. Café Presto can be found on 2nd Street, just off of Broadway Avenue.

With so many great places to pick up a coffee, you’ll always find what you need in Rochester. If you’re looking for a vehicle to explore the surrounding area, the Mazda dealership should be your first point of call. Drop in at the Rochester Mazda showroom to view all the best deals!