Coffee Crawl in Downtown Rochester, MN
A Coffee & Tea Crawl through Downtown Rochester, MN
If you’re looking to explore Downtown Rochester one sip at a time, here’s a curated crawl through seven beloved local spots. Follow this path, pace yourself (you’ll need it!), and enjoy!
1. Bravo Espresso
Start your day right in the Galleria at University Square, where Bravo Espresso (the oldest coffee shop in Rochester!) is tucked away on the skyway level. This longtime favorite is known for its community feel — they source local honey for their Café Miel and even cider from a nearby orchard.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick visit or sitting a moment to plan your crawl, Bravo is a classic launchpad.
2. Cafe Steam (Broadway & Skyway)
From Bravo, head south to Cafe Steam’s Broadway location at 315 S Broadway. This spot leans quirky and cozy — expect art on the walls, local pastries and a menu that invites wandering and lingering.
Then, if you want to hop in and out quickly (especially in bad weather), you can slip into their Skyway location at 150 S Broadway.
3. Caribou Coffee (Downtown)
Next, make your way to Caribou Coffee, located at 101 1st Avenue SW (subway level) in Downtown Rochester. While Caribou is a national chain, this location offers a reliable all-day option — handcrafted drinks, baked goods and WiFi.
4. Hollandberry Pannekoeken
Switch it up with something a little different — Hollandberry Pannekoeken at 214 Broadway Ave N. This Dutch-style cafe serves “pannekoeken” (large, thin pancakes) alongside specialty coffees, pastries and about 20 varieties of muffins. It’s a great stop if you want something more substantial or a sweet break between sips.
5. Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery
Return toward central Downtown and find Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery at 20 3rd St SW. They offer a full coffee menu (espresso, cold brew, lattes, etc.) and a lovely afternoon tea. Mezza9 is also known for desserts, macarons and a beautiful floral atmosphere.
6. MOKA Peace Plaza
Just a short walk away, you’ll find MOKA at 18 1st St SW in Peace Plaza. This is a smaller, more tucked-away spot that locals mention as a hidden gem. It’s a perfect place for a quieter second (or early evening) pick-me-up.
7. Tea Time
To round out your crawl with tea, end at Tea Time located at 20 2nd Ave SW. Select from milk tea, flavored iced tea, and smoothies for a base, then select a topping such as tapioca, jelly, popping ball, or pudding. Tea Time is easily accessible at the street level!
Tips for Your Crawl
- Snacks & food — Hollandberry and Mezza9 offer more food options; others tend more toward pastries and café fare.
- Free Parking — Parking Downtown is FREE after 5pm and on weekends. Take advantage of this, and park your car and leave it to explore Downtown's coffee scene!
Find more spots for coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert in Downtown Rochester, MN here.
