Stepping into Caffetto
Caffetto Coffee House feels like a time capsule that never got a facelift. Tucked in Uptown Minneapolis, this café has been called “grunge” by some— but to us, it came across as dated and a bit run-down. The booth benches were ripping open, the décor felt tired, and the overall vibe was less cozy-cool and more… worn out.
The barista was working solo on a Sunday morning—managing as best he could. Not unfriendly, not overly warm either. Think “efficient neutrality” as he powered through the line.
Food & Drinks: Mixed Bag
- Vanilla Latte – Average at best. Drinkable, but not something you’d rave about or come back for.
- Almond Croissant – Looked promising with its flaky exterior, but inside? Doughy and underbaked. Big letdown.
- Rhubarb Croissant – Redemption! Light, flaky layers with a fabulous sweet-tart rhubarb filling. A refreshing twist that delivered.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea – Lovely surprise. Light, cooling, and perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day.
Community + Charm = Vibe Check
Caffetto’s reputation as a community staple is built on its quirks: late-night hours, basement pinball, doodle-covered walls, and a gathering place for Uptown’s eclectic mix of artists, students, and regulars. But during our visit, the run-down seating and dingy atmosphere took away some of the magic.
And speaking of quirks—we couldn’t even find a bathroom. Only later did we realize there’s a basement (with pinball machines and restrooms). Maybe knowing that would’ve changed our impression slightly, but at the time, it felt like an odd miss.
Final Take: Character or Just Worn Out?
Caffetto clearly means a lot to its neighborhood and longtime fans. But for us? The vibe leaned less toward “grungy-cool” and more toward “in need of TLC.” Between the tired seating, a barista stretched thin, no obvious bathroom, and hit-or-miss food, it didn’t win us over the way other local cafés have. Still, the rhubarb croissant and hibiscus tea were standout bright spots, proving there are gems hidden on the menu.
Pro Tips for Visitors
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Manage expectations | Go in for quirk, not polish |
| Try seasonal pastries | The rhubarb croissant was a winner |
| Bring a group game night vibe | Pinball + late-night hours are the real draw |
| Ask about the bathroom | Yep, it’s downstairs (and easy to miss) |
| Don’t expect cozy seating | Those ripped booths need replacing |
In Summary:
- Atmosphere: Worn out, dim, eclectic
- Baristas: Solo + efficient, but not warm
- Pastries: Hit (rhubarb croissant), miss (almond croissant)
- Coffee/Drinks: Average latte, refreshing iced tea
- Unique Feature: Pinball arcade + doodle walls
- Downside: Shabby seating, hard-to-find bathrooms, uneven quality
Stop by 708 West 22nd Street, Minneapolis—Caffetto’s doors are open (7:00 AM–12:00 AM daily), a café with charm and quirks, but a little patience is required. https://caffettocoffeehouse.shop
Our Star Rating for Caffetto Coffee House: 3 Stars
From Quirks to Coffee: A Peek Inside Caffetto!
