Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.
Set in Minneapolis, MN, Gigi's Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Gigi's Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Minneapolis, Gigi's Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
Tips from the regulars
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Gigi's Cafe.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Gigi's Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-16:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Gigi's Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Minneapolis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Gigi's Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Gigi's Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Gigi's Cafe serve?
It's classified under regional, burger, sandwich, american, coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Minneapolis.
Is there outdoor seating at Gigi's Cafe?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 824 West 36th Street. Coordinates: 44.9379, -93.2905. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.