- Attraction: Modern Times
- Location: 3200 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Industry: Cafe
- Website: https://moderntimesmpls.square.site/
Counter-culture meets comfort food at this extraordinary Powderhorn neighborhood gem that redefines what a breakfast cafe can be.
Modern Times bills itself as being for punks and their parents – a South Minneapolis cafe serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.
What started as a simple neighborhood spot has evolved into something completely unique: a restaurant where you might think you’ve stepped into a skate shop thanks to their incredible merchandise wall that rivals any trendy clothing boutique.
Modern Times opened in 2011 and has become a Minneapolis landmark that perfectly captures the creative, laid-back spirit of its neighborhood.
Their motto embraces modern hippy food created with community in mind, describing themselves as the place where punks take their parents. This isn’t your typical brunch spot – it’s where art meets appetite, where you can fuel up on incredible hash while browsing for your next favorite t-shirt.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That’ll Blow Your Mind
The Legendary Southside Hash: You’ll discover why this dish has achieved cult status among Twin Cities food lovers.
The crispy hashbrowns consistently earn rave reviews from visitors, paired with perfectly seasoned ingredients and flavorful sauces that create combinations you won’t find anywhere else.
Local food lovers return again and again specifically for this dish that never fails to deliver satisfaction.
John Paul Croques: This cafe features an entire section of their menu dedicated to French-inspired croque sandwiches, and these creations are absolutely divine.
The croque monsieur delivers simple perfection with high-quality ingredients, and you can easily transform it into a croque madame with the addition of a fried egg. Food enthusiasts express such devotion to this dish that it becomes part of their ideal meal fantasies.
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Discover MoreCreative Breakfast Specials: Every visit brings new surprises with rotating specials that showcase the kitchen’s creativity.
Recent favorites include chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter syrup that earn enthusiastic reactions, and huevos rancheros served over polenta that consistently impress diners.
The kitchen creates fantastic food using quality ingredients that are creatively put together with generous portions.
Vegan & Vegetarian Paradise: Almost everything on the menu can be made vegan and vegetarian, with many organic options available.
The hashbrown rancheros with tofu showcase perfectly cooked plant-based protein, flavorful sauces, and fresh cabbage salsa that work together beautifully. You can enhance dishes like Migas with avocado for a small additional charge.
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Keep Exploring →Outstanding Coffee Program: Their coffee is French press served fresh all day and consistently praised for its quality. They also serve strong coffee and amazing chai lattes that pair perfectly with their hearty breakfast offerings.
Atmosphere & Unique Shopping Experience
Art-Filled Punk Aesthetic: The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an unapologetic DIY cozy vibe, featuring local art on the walls and hand-written signage.
This colorful, art-filled, eclectic café has hand-painted tables that create an atmosphere unlike any other breakfast spot. Local artwork is displayed for sale throughout the space.
The Legendary Merchandise Wall: Over the last few years, the left-hand side of Modern Times’ art deco building has transformed into a formidable array of merchandise.
You can shop for Modern Times-branded bike shorts, Carhartt beanies embroidered with the cafe’s cat logo, or even camouflage cat-printed baby onesies. New designs drop regularly on Instagram, making this feel like a trendy fashion brand rather than just a restaurant.
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Discover MoreCommunity Art Space: Modern Times has always been deeply involved with a vibrant community of artists and serves as a home for intentional art.
During the pandemic, they rented out their secondary dining room as an art studio, allowing artists to have their designs turned into t-shirts through their partnership with local nonprofit Elpis Enterprises that provides job training for young people experiencing homelessness.
Comfortable Waiting Experience: They’re well equipped for waits with a waiting room offering seating, magazines, coffee, and water.
The brunch wait becomes enjoyable as you browse their incredible selection of unique clothing and accessories, making the time pass quickly.
Other Considerations
Pricing That Makes Sense: You’ll find great food at surprisingly affordable prices with large portions. The pricing hits that sweet spot where you get exceptional quality and generous servings without breaking the bank. Despite using high-quality, organic ingredients, it maintains reasonable brunch pricing.
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Keep Exploring →Wait Times & Walk-In Only: They don’t take reservations – it’s walk-in only policy. Expect to wait during busy periods, especially on weekends. Weekend waits of 20-30 minutes for a table are common during peak hours, but the experience is absolutely worth the patience required.
Dog-Friendly & Family-Welcoming: Dogs are allowed and it’s suitable for kids, making it a perfect spot for the whole family. They offer outdoor seating for nice weather dining, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Parking & Location: Located in the heart of the Powderhorn neighborhood on Chicago Avenue, you’ll find street parking is typically available. The location puts you right in one of Minneapolis’s most vibrant cultural districts, perfect for exploring the area before or after your meal.
Best Times to Visit: Hours are 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily, so plan accordingly for their breakfast and lunch focus. Weekend mornings are the busiest, but the energy and community vibe are at their peak during these times.
Modern Times
📍 3200 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
