- Attraction: Cafe Latte
- Location: 850 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.cafelatte.com/
Picture this:
A bustling eatery where the aroma of fresh-baked goods mingles with the sound of espresso machines and happy chatter, all centered around one legendary dessert that has food lovers making pilgrimages from across the Midwest.
Since 1984, Cafe Latte has transformed from a humble bakery into a St. Paul institution that perfectly captures the essence of Minnesota’s comfort food culture. You’ll discover three distinct dining experiences under one roof – a cafeteria-style gourmet restaurant, an award-winning bakery, and a cozy pizza wine bar.
The cafeteria format lets you witness your fresh salads and sandwiches being prepared right before your eyes, while the bakery showcases an ever-changing rotation of cakes, tortes, and pastries that’ll make your decision-making process delightfully difficult. The back wine bar offers the perfect spot to unwind with artisanal pizzas and over 30 wines by the glass.
Menu Highlights
The Legendary Turtle Cake: This three-layer chocolate masterpiece has achieved cult status for good reason. Rich Belgian chocolate cake layers are smothered in fudge frosting, drizzled with buttery caramel, and topped with oversized roasted pecans.
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Keep Exploring →Each slice delivers an intensely satisfying chocolate experience that’s both decadent and perfectly balanced. The cake has been featured in national magazines and inspired countless copycat recipes, but nothing quite matches the original.
Daily Soup Selection: You’ll find more than six different soups available daily, with popular favorites like chicken wild rice, tomato basil, and quinoa-based options.
The soups are hearty without being heavy, offering comfort food satisfaction with fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken wild rice soup, in particular, has developed a devoted following among locals.
Fresh Salads & Sandwiches: The build-your-own sandwich station lets you create custom combinations on fresh-baked breads, while the prepared salads showcase seasonal ingredients.
The Caesar salad features crisp romaine with house-made dressing and whole wheat croutons, while the pasta salads offer creative flavor combinations that change regularly.
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Discover MoreSpread Sampler: This popular option lets you try multiple house-made spreads for around $10, offering excellent value while allowing you to sample different flavors. The selection rotates but commonly includes options like tuna salad, hummus, and olive tapenade.
Artisanal Pizzas: The back pizza bar serves creative gourmet pizzas with unique toppings like nacho chicken with sour cream, salsa, and pepperoncini, or classic Italian sausage with roasted peppers. The pizzas pair beautifully with the extensive wine selection.
Bakery Specialties: Beyond the famous turtle cake, you’ll find rotating selections of cheesecakes, tortes, and seasonal desserts. The German chocolate cake, lemon chiffon cake, and various fruit tarts consistently receive rave reviews. The bakery also produces fresh breads, scones, and cupcakes daily.
Atmosphere & Décor
Cafeteria-Style Efficiency: The lunch-line format creates a bustling, energetic atmosphere that moves surprisingly quickly despite often lengthy lines. You’ll grab a tray and move through the stations, watching your food being prepared fresh. The system is efficient and allows you to see all your options before deciding.
Spacious Seating Areas: The restaurant has expanded significantly since its 1984 opening, now offering ample seating throughout multiple rooms. You’ll find everything from intimate tables for two to larger communal spaces perfect for families or groups.
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Keep Exploring →Grand Avenue Location: The prime location on St. Paul’s vibrant Grand Avenue puts you in the heart of one of the Twin Cities’ most beloved shopping and dining districts. The neighborhood buzzes with energy, and you can easily combine your visit with browsing the nearby shops and boutiques.
Wine Bar Ambiance: The back pizza and wine bar offers a more intimate, relaxed setting compared to the bustling cafeteria area. This space feels perfect for evening gatherings or when you want a more traditional restaurant experience.
Other Considerations
Pricing Value: You’ll find the pricing falls into the moderate range for the quality and portion sizes offered. While not the cheapest option in town, the fresh ingredients, generous portions, and overall experience provide solid value. The desserts, while rich and substantial, offer reasonable pricing for their size and quality.
Parking Challenges: The most consistent complaint involves parking difficulties on busy Grand Avenue. You’ll likely need to circle the block or walk a few blocks, as street parking fills up quickly, especially during peak times. Plan extra time for finding a parking spot.
Peak Time Considerations: Expect lines during lunch hours and weekend evenings, but they typically move efficiently. The bustling atmosphere is part of the charm, though you might prefer visiting during off-peak hours if you want a quieter experience.
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Discover MoreFamily-Friendly Environment: The casual cafeteria setup works well for families with children, while the variety of options ensures everyone can find something they enjoy. The atmosphere remains welcoming to all ages throughout the day.
Best Times to Visit: Early afternoon often provides the best balance of food availability and manageable crowds. Evening visits offer access to the wine bar atmosphere, while weekend mornings provide a more relaxed brunch experience.
Takeout Options: While online ordering is available, pickup can be challenging due to the parking situation. The restaurant’s popularity means takeout orders may require patience, especially during busy periods.
Cafe Latte
📍 850 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
