Modern Times Cafe

On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.

Set in Minneapolis, MN, Modern Times 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 Modern Times Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• 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
• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit

The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.

If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.

Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Minneapolis, Modern Times 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. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.

Tips from the regulars

• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
• Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Modern Times Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: We-Mo 09:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Modern Times 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 Modern Times Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — Modern Times 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 Modern Times Cafe serve?

It's classified under breakfast, diner, cafe, brunch, lunch — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Minneapolis.

Is there outdoor seating at Modern Times Cafe?

Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.

Location

Located at 3200 Chicago Avenue South. Coordinates: 44.9446, -93.2629. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.