Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Minneapolis, MN, Matchbox Coffee Shop 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 Matchbox Coffee Shop. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
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.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Minneapolis, Matchbox Coffee Shop 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. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
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 Matchbox Coffee Shop.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Matchbox Coffee Shop open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-19:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Matchbox Coffee Shop 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 Matchbox Coffee Shop kid-friendly?
Yes — Matchbox Coffee Shop 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 Matchbox Coffee Shop serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Minneapolis.
Is there outdoor seating at Matchbox Coffee Shop?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1306 Northeast 2nd Street. Coordinates: 45.0013, -93.2663. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.