Cream & Amber

Wish I knew about this place sooner! Fantastic breakfast, friendly staff, and more books to choose from than I know what to do with! Love the staff picks cards as well

Cute venue located in downtown Hopkins. Met my daughter here on a Sunday morning. Our egg sandwiches were tasty. Fast and friendly service. Clean restrooms. Love the books and all the artwork. Great coffee shop!

I love my neighborhood coffee shop! They have a lovely atmosphere that’s perfect for a quiet coffee or brew date. Their seasonal flavors are unique and have a great taste. Their selection of handmade goods, many from local artists, is beautiful and carefully curated. Definitely recommend a visit when you’re in Hopkins!

Cream and Amber Cafe in Minneapolis is a delightful blend of superb coffee and literary charm. The moment you enter, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and shelves lined with an impressive array of books. Whether you're craving a smooth cappuccino or looking for a cozy nook to dive into a good read, this cafe delivers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind, indulge in quality coffee, and immerse yourself in the world of literature. A must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and book lovers alike.

I love this local place - coffee/tea and books are among my favorite things, and having both at once on Main Street in Hopkins is wonderful. The staff is always very helpful and quick. Occasionally it can be a little crowded, but that’s a sign that it’s a great gathering spot for the community.

Cream & Amber is a staple spot for me and the owners -- best friends running a community bookstore/cafe -- are essentially living out my dream/fantasy. Food/Drinks: -Rose Cardamom Latte: This might be one of my new favorite coffee beverages PERIOD. It was so good! The rose is definitely present and carries the drink until the end when the cardamom takes over. I think this is a seasonal drink and I'm already mourning when it's taken off the menu. -Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: These are delicious, especially if you happen to catch them as they're coming out of the oven! -Lavender Bread: I love lavender and this bread doesn't disappoint! -Great local beers and ciders on tap. -Lots of salads, sandwiches, etc. Parking: I never have an issue parking. There is street parking out front and a small lot out back. Renting/Reserving Space: There are desks and offices that you can rent upstairs, otherwise you can reserve the community room ($25 per hour) or a large free table. All in all? This is a lovely community spot with really wonderful staff, food, books, and more! I can't recommend it enough.

The coffee was good. Looks like they have lots of seasonal options. Good book options and an abundance of staff picks . The had a seating area in the back but it was full when we arrived. Looks like it would be a good sit down place to talk with friends.

A cute but crowded space. Very queer friendly for folk like myself. Coffee was okay but slightly higher priced. Service was unfortunate. They have a sign posted about using gender neutral terms with staff. While I was initially greeted very warmly I was scowled at and treated rudely before completing my check out. I did not understand why. After receiving my drink I decided to leave and realized in the rush I did say a general 'I just learned about you guys this morning'. My bad, I reinforced the patriarchy with the phrasing. I only hope the younger person taking my order is given more grace by others, than they provide. Turning on each other in anger divides us, making it harder to stand together.

Cute, cozy shop that offers hot beverages as well as books and other small trinkets for sale. The back room is all tables and it was hopping on a Wed mid-morning. They also had room with some larger tables. While it was a chilly fall day, I thought I also saw a patio for outdoor seating but all were staying inside to keep warm. I ordered a chamomile tea. It was served with loose leaf tea. Quite tasty. I met a colleague here and the tables were full so we sat at the bar which was still a good place to connect. Loved perusing the books. Saw one recommended that I just read and loved, The Wedding People. The staff was helpful. On street parking. Fun area being on main street Hopkins.

This place was not on my radar. They are Very PC. So if you're not into that, skip this place. My lady friend and I went together. She got a Chai latte and said it was quite good. I got an iced coffee and it was also quite good.

Consistently great food, great coffee and chai tea and lovely ambiance. Our new fav gem for weekend breakfast sandwiches. Pick up a book while at it!

Coffee is decent, food is good. Skip the rice krispy bar. The place is also a beautiful gift shop and bookstore. It's my wife's dream. I was able to work here and the staff is super friendly.

Delicious coffee and all kinds of food options, AND an incredible variety of books to purchase. The staff is always friendly and the music is always cozy. A great spot to plop down and get some work done. They've got a little back area that's cute, but I'm a fan of the bar top! They have a seasonal menu that currently includes a pumpkin brown sugar latte that is a true delight.

Atmosphere is fabulous. Staff awesome. The book selection is unique, and it would be easy to spend hours there just perusing the choices.

I loved my visit today! I found Cream & Amber by searching "coffee" over Hopkins on Google Maps. I was wary of getting coffee here because the reviews on Google didn't have much but figured I could go down the street if nothing stood out, but still wanted to go to see the book selection and support local. (Spoiler alert, the coffee was lovely!) We parked across the street (free street parking and plenty of it on a Sunday morning) and crossed the street to come in. The facade is nice and welcoming, and the outdoors seating area makes me want to come back on a warmer day. I was a little overwhelmed when I first walked in because of how much stuff there is in the store! I wasn't sure what to expect. There are tons of books, games, trinkets, stickers, pins -- I think there's so much more than what I saw just because I was scanning trying to take everything in. I'm not sure if they normally have queer focused books & merch or if it was just for pride month, but I loved it. I have been thinking about picking up Heartstopper for a while and saw 2 copies sitting out of the first edition, so I nabbed one. It's sold out in big box stores! The stickers and merch messages range from cute to funny to inclusivity messaging. The "Please be nice to me" made me laugh. I'd definitely come back to browse the products some more. Two more things I liked about the products: the range of pricing and the range in genres. They carry sci-fi, romance, graphic novels, you name it, and they also have price points for everyone. I could have walked out with a $3 used book, which I love. We ordered a maple cinnamon iced latte with oat milk, a cold brew, a scone, and a breakfast sandwich (sausage egg & cheese). The sandwich took the longest but it was so good! Panini pressed and melted cheese came to us within five minutes. The maple cinnamon flavoring is enough to get me back in the door, that was so tasty. The cold brew was bitter, fruity, and strong, which we also loved. The scone was moist (I know, sorry for using The Word) and delicious, the texture was lovely. With my graphic novel purchase, the two drinks, scone, sandwich, and a 20% tip, we walked out for $40 total. By the register, there's a shelf for pickups. I asked what it was for and the barista explained so kindly that Cream & Ale has a subscription service where you can get monthly puzzles for pickup or delivery and ALSO books & coffee beans for pickup or delivery. For the books and beans, you tell them what you like and they choose for you -- if you'd rather have something else you can come in and swap. How cool?! There's also a community journal where you can share what you're reading and get recommendations from others. So sweet. We didn't stay to enjoy the ambiance of the cozy spot but I've already set up two coffee dates to come back, which is something I don't often do!! I'd also love to come back for Friday trivia. Cream & Ale is a place where I felt at home and welcomed immediately, and feel excited to return. UPDATE Happy to report that C&A is one of my favorite coffee places to visit and I love supporting them!!

This has been my favorite coffee shop in the area so far. It's a house on the outside which kind of threw me off. But upon walking inside I was blown away by the hooks, plants and sitting spaces. The ambiance is 10/10 & the coffee was good. I wanted to sit there for hours

Cream and Amber is a great neighborhood coffee shop and local ales. When I was back in town, a friend suggested we meet there for coffee and was glad we did. The Cold Brew was great as was the banana bread. My breakfast mate went. With the peace coffee. The community room was a great spot to catch up, enjoy the Java, and a quick bite to eat. On my next trip to MN, it will be my go-to!

Cream & Amber is a staple spot for me and the owners -- best friends running a community bookstore/cafe -- are essentially living out my dream/fantasy. Food/Drinks: -Rose Cardamom Latte: This might be one of my new favorite coffee beverages PERIOD. It was so good! The rose is definitely present and carries the drink until the end when the cardamom takes over. I think this is a seasonal drink and I'm already mourning when it's taken off the menu. -Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: These are delicious, especially if you happen to catch them as they're coming out of the oven! -Lavender Bread: I love lavender and this bread doesn't disappoint! -Great local beers and ciders on tap. -Lots of salads, sandwiches, etc. Parking: I never have an issue parking. There is street parking out front and a small lot out back. Renting/Reserving Space: There are desks and offices that you can rent upstairs, otherwise you can reserve the community room ($25 per hour) or a large free table. All in all? This is a lovely community spot with really wonderful staff, food, books, and more! I can't recommend it enough.

Uneven. I've visited a dozen times. The space isn't bad, the books are a nice touch. It tries to be many things. It's not quite great at the coffee or food. The drink menu changes so I don't feel comfortable suggesting anything specific, and the items ranged from okay to good. Nothing great. The seating area is pleasant. The patio isn't bad in-season. Street parking is never a problem. The service is uneven and undertrained. One time I walked in and was promptly ignored because a customer walked up after to get a refill. Gee, thanks. I don't know what it will take for an honest-to-goodness good coffee shop to open on the west side other than the FRGMNT way down in Eden Prairie. The best thing might be Grocer's Table in Wayzata and it really isn't great. The Jones Coffee in Ridgedale has a bad location and has dropped a bit because of it. What would it take for something like a Cafe Ceres, Dogwood, Five Watt, Spyhouse, Backstory, etc. Could be a one-off, could be part of a local chain. Why must the coffee options be mediocre chains and places that feel 10 years out-of-touch? This whole region is a desert for quality coffee. Downtown Hopkins would seemingly be a great area for one. I *wanted* to like this place. The wait continues.

Loveeeee Cream & Amber! The cutest local coffee/wine & beer shop with breakfast pastries and dishes. What's even cooler? It also doubles as a book shop with tons of great titles and frequent sales. Adorable spot and worth the visit!

We decided to give this place a try on a Sunday in the early afternoon. At first when we walked in there didn't appear to be much for seating... We realized you just have to walk to the back after you order and there are two decent sized rooms with several tables! If you say you are staying for coffee they give you a number and your order will be delivered to your table (which is great because the pickup area isn't very large). I had the butterscotch coffee and it was delicious, 10/10! My companion ordered the Cranberry tea, it was amazing as well, 10/10. The only less than favorable part of this place in the bathrooms are awkwardly in the middle of the building and the tables were sticky (not the best for the game we brought to play). I'd recommend this place if you are in the are looking for a spot with enough space and good coffee! Also, note, it was busy on Sunday, but there was still plenty of room for 2-4 people at two available tables.

Sadly disappointed. The book shop coffee shop is such a cute idea! But the prices were what you'd see in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and the quality quite low. I got the pumpkin chai latte (it was a seasonal offering) and it was not only cold but what I'm pretty sure was just canned pumpkin was sitting at the bottom (unmixed). We got two breakfast sandwiches - the outside looked toasted, but they were stone cold, filled with unmelted cheese. I've been told my experience is somewhat singular, so I'm willing to give it another try in the future. Hopefully second time will be better!

Absolutely loved this place! So cute inside with the bookstore and all of the staff were so nice, I left with a smile on my face. My iced miel was also one of the best I've ever had, I even ordered a second one to-go. Can't wait to go back!

Really cute spot a few blocks down from most of the restaurants on main street Hopkins - a fun spot to book/gift shop or meet someone for a coffee or beer. I was under the assumption it was a secondhand bookstore- that was not the case! However, there are tonnnsssss of popular new releases and great picks on the many shelves. Honestly, it was a much bigger selection than I expected! Each section was organized by category with bookmarks marking top staff picks and blurbs on the shelves with comments from the staff. It was honestly serving a bit of Patina vibes with the emphasis on gifts at the front and in one particular room: lots of local items and gift-worthy trinkets or gadgets. There is a space at the back with a handful of seating options, then some bar space at the cafe and a random-ish couch in the gift room. Overall, I'd say the vibe leaned more towards bookstore and less towards cafe. I didn't grab anything to drink while I stopped in, but will next time!

Awesome local place. Homemade coffee syrups, pastries and the like. Super friendly staff. Relaxing decor. Will be back.

Was visiting this coffee shop at least weekly. Last 2 visits sandwich was just terrible. Asked to replace - no attention from employee. Don't know what happened, new owner or new employee. This place a no go for me

Straight-up: I love this place. Books, beer, coffee, food - what could be better? I've met friends here, I've worked here, and I've simply stopped in to browse the shelves. Every time I'm reminded how much I love this place. Staff are friendly, wifi has always worked well, and seats/booths are comfy. Their book selection is pretty top-notch as well. Staff recommendations have come in handy when looking for a new book! My Top Three Choices Are: *Iced mocha: This is hands-down my all-time favorite iced mocha. You can really taste the chocolate, and the big glass straw allows me to slurp this delicious beverage down way too quickly. So good! *Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie: One time, I had the special privilege of eating these straight out of the oven. That was a game changer. This cookie is soooo good - not too sugary at all. *Any other baked good: You really can't go wrong with their pastries or breads! Cream and Amber enjoys incorporating unique flavors into their foods, and I definitely applaud them for it. Note: Parking has never been an issue! Additionally, make sure to go in the summer, their patio is awesome.

I have eaten frequently at Cream & Amber for lunch. I have not found a meal or beverage on the menu that was "bad". Additionally, the staff is so awesome in their approach to service, that it is a real treat to spend time (and money) at this local business.

LOVE this place! Cute atmosphere, friendly staff, great food & drinks. It's dangerous though because I always end up spending way more than I intended

We've been here twice and really enjoyed it both times! The specialty lattes were so good and so was the food! They have a good selection of used and new books without being too packed.

Stopped in for a early morning meeting and had a vanilla almond milk latte. Easily one of the best lattes I've ever had. The staff was nice and the chop is so cute. They are a combo coffee shop/bookstore/bar. Love the cozy feeling. I will definitely go there again. Parking is available on the street, which is not always ideal in the winter, but it's available on both sides of the street in all directions. Prices are on par with most other coffee shops and for how tasty the coffee was I definitely think it is worth it!

Friendly, inclusive vibe. Great lattes - not a big selection of pastries but enough. Both like-new and new books to peruse, with staff reccos. Seating inside and out. Lots of folk with laptops. Super chill place.

Friends I was meeting there had recommended...Lovely patio! Delicious coffee! Warm comfortable atmosphere surrounded by boooooks!

Not only can you get a bomb coffee here, the food is also amazing!! Highly recommend giving Cream & Amber a try.

Stopped in for a quick coffee today and fell in love! While waiting for my coffee, I browsed all the books and every recommendation/staff pick was so thoughtful. I'll definitely be back for a beverage and to spend more time.

Books & Beer! What a great concept! The beer choices were great! The book selection when I was there was small, but it changes constantly and it was just after independent Bookstore day. We had a group that had a tough time renting out their room. It is a smaller space. Good for a friend or two to grab a drink & chat about what you are currently reading. Super cute, clean, sunny vibes. Stop in for a brew!

This coffee/book shop is a diamond hidden away in Hopkins! It's worth the drive to visit this spot! Wonderful coffee paired with literary wit and charm; the friendly staff can offer both coffee recommendation and book suggestions! The coffee uses beans from another local spot and is crafted very well! You won't regret popping in here for a sip and read !

When I moved to the Twin Cities from Seattle, I struggled to find my go-to independent book store...and I finally found it! This place has all you could want: a great coffee menu, well-thought book displays, comfy couches, and a top notch staff. I even decided to become a member of their monthly books and beans subscription. If it's too late in the day for a cup of joe, they serve beer as well! What isn't there to love!! Swing by for all of your book-loving fantasies!

Such a cute and tranquil spot for coffee and a bite to eat. I met a friend here and was pleased to find a cute seating area in the back for those choosing to dine in. The front had some displays of local accessories and books for purchase. I ordered the summer spiced iced latte and asked if I could substitute simple syrup for the honey, and they were super accommodating. It was delicious! My friend and I also split the chevre & fig toasts, which were made with house fig spread, chevre cheese, and topped with balsamic and micro greens- so creamy and perfect! Staff was super friendly and helpful.

I am writing this sitting in my car after just leaving the cafe because I just have to sing their praise! The baristas were so kind and so helpful, the food was SO good, the chai was awesome, and the books were incredible! This is the kinda place you come back to time and time again. They seemed so in touch with the local book and coffee scene and the energy was just so fun. Please go here!

Want to enjoy some Iced coffee, kombucha, beer, & wine? Look no further, Cream & Amber is the place to go! Right off the main drag from downtown Hopkins is this trendy little bookstore and cafe. Great place to study, meet friends, or sit and enjoy their food and drinks alone. Very welcoming atmosphere, clean, all gender bathrooms, and quiet place to be.

This is an adorable little spot in Hopkins. It's a cozy cafe + bar + bookstore hybrid, locally owned. If I lived in this neighborhood I would happily throw my money their way often. You can come here to sip coffee and work, grab lunch on the go, buy a new (or used) book, enjoy a happy hour beer/wine and snack, check out local art on display, or attend an event. For events, they host a monthly book club, weekly "Trade-In-Tuesday", special ticketed events, meet the author series, and more. Or you can reserve their Community Room to host your own gathering of up to 13 guests. Again, it's not a huge space but it maintains that neighborhood feel. My only qualms are: they have those metal bar stools that I can't fit both cheeks on, and I wasn't crazy about the spinach artichoke dip (possibly store-bought?).

Cream & Amber is one of the most unique places around. It is a bookstore that serves coffee and beer, as well as scrumptious food + baked goods. The atmosphere is inviting and warm. You are surrounded by literature and lively plants. To add, the establishment seems to be a home that was turned into a business. It is simply lovely. The space seems to naturally split itself between those who are studying, those who are grabbing a drink after work, and those who are present to catch up with friends. There is space for any occasion. However, when it comes to coffee, they only serve classic brewed at the moment. They are working on getting an espresso bar...which means they will soon accumulate far more of my cash. Do yourself a favor and visit.

Love this place! Cozy atmosphere, fun drinks, great menu. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Love this place. Excellent coffee and local pastries. Perfect bike stop if you're headed through Hopkins. Patio is not particularly scenic but cozy. Fine book selection--eclectic and appealing and not the least bit musty. I've come home with several. Great place for brunch. Easy parking--bike and car--right in front. What's not to love?

10/10 Absolutely love Cream and Amber! I go there to do homework and work from "home" Customer service is amazing! The lavender lattes are unmatched!

Great bookstore with hygge space and atmosphere. The owners are the best, open and friendly. A great addition to our community.

Owned by two awesome young women, this book store/brew pub/coffee shop is refreshing, modern and relaxing. Come for the coffee and peruse the new and used books! Such a cool hangout.

This is a really great little place in a nice downtown. They serve Minnesota beers and rotate the beers to keep things interesting. The menu is small but very good. I had the pepperoni panini and greens. Both were delicious. The bartender was super nice as well. Check this place out. I'm not a reader but they have a large selection of books for sale throughput the restaurant.

One of my favorite spots in the Twin Cities. Calm, clean, and bright. The employees are so kind. The food is excellent (get yourself a panini ASAP-any of them). Great spot to meet with a friend. The patio is great for bringing a dog or kids. Did I mention there are books and cards? Can't recommend this local business enough.

Books, beer, and coffee! Cute coffee-shop / cafe in the downtown Hopkins area. Suitable for lunch if you work nearby. Paninis are fresh and tasty, though on the small to medium size. The iced chai latte is one of the best I've had. Didn't get to try the beers since I came during my lunch break, but will be back again!

A handful of flavorful and local beers available, along with tasty salads and sandwiches. Never been disappointed with food or beverage. Patio in the summer. If it has one downfall is that rather small.

While I have never been inside the location, I have ordered books through their "Kind Kid Book Box." They choose beautiful books written by wide variety of authors and illustrators. Despite that fact that I live in a very diverse city, there are many people, places and viewpoints that my kids haven't been exposed to, and these books bring the world to their door in engaging and powerful ways. Every choice C&A has made has become a favorite in the household.

Lovely neighborhood book store "plus" -- stop in for a book, get a baked item and coffee or a beer, enjoy the sun on their patio, hold an event in their meeting room, or pick up your CSA veggies from them! They do a lot for their community. Their book selections are somewhat limited but always interesting to browse.

Have not personally been but only hear good things. I have hundreds of books unread so do not need to come and do not drink very often plus I do not want to with strangers. But back in my younger days I was always looking for quieter placer like this so I can get on board this train. Thanks for providing this space its really a cool idea and glad to see you made it through the pandemic. I am curious to know if they rent or own the prices on mainstreet vary widely and I am an interested business owner seeking space in the next 5-10.

Okay, you may say that I give everyone 5-star reviews. But this place deserves it. I drove by this place everyday before I went in. I couldn't tell from the name as I thought it was just about beer and books. They have an excellent coffee bar and baked goods. And they know how to make an Americano the RIGHT way (not watered down). Now about books. Their buyer is doing an excellent job of choosing what to offer in a small footprint. They also appear to do many special orders. I did a bunch of holiday shopping in December and my family loved all the gifts and I got all the credit. As it should be. :) Nice work people!

Breakfast sandwich was amazing! Cant wait to grab a beer here once the Pandemic is open and we can dine indoors again.