Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar

Outstanding southern cooking! We had the jambalaya linguine and the fried catfish. Both were incredible. I consider myself a bit of a catfish connoisseur, and this was probably the best I’ve ever had. Biting past the perfectly crispy crust, the catfish was mild and melted in my mouth. My husband, who’s had jambalaya in Louisiana and quite picky about it, said his jambalaya linguine was incredible. Last, but not least, the Jam Jam Sangria was perfect. We’ve had outstanding sangria in Spain and Portugal, and the Golden Thyme’s was up there with the best of them. Wonderful red wine perfectly balanced with fruit, and not too sweet. The service was warm and from the heart. Tasteful decor that felt very welcoming. The large picture windows brought lots of wonderful light into the dining room. We’re already planning our next visit, this time with a whole bunch of our friends!

I really like the decor of this restaurant immediately when walking in. The hostess was very pleasant and sat us immediately. The jambalaya was a favorite for lunch, the pulled pork sandwich was good, and the fried chicken sandwich was also good but a bit messy to eat. Our server, Rebecca was very nice and our food came quickly. The music was a bit loud so conversation was hard at times. This restaurant was a fun place and you should give it a try!

If I could give Golden Thyme 10 stars, I would! My husband and I were looking for a new spot in St. Paul and stumbled upon this hidden gem. We’d never heard of Golden Thyme, but the high reviews convinced us to give it a try—and thank goodness we did. …because what a lovely spur-of-the-moment date night it turned out to be (even though we did make a reservation)! VIBE & SERVICE: The restaurant is romantically lit, with beautiful art lining the walls—lots of gold frames, which I’m always a sucker for. It was quieter than expected for a Saturday night, which made it feel even more intimate. Everyone working was absolutely lovely. True hospitality at its finest. FOOD: I’ve been thinking about the shrimp and grits for weeks and already can’t wait to go back. Now I’m stuck with the eternal dilemma: do I order the same thing because it was perfection, or try something new because literally every dish on the menu sounds incredible? Life’s tough. 😉 My husband ordered the catfish po’ boy with collard greens and devoured it so quickly, thus needing to steal bites of my shrimp and grits. We’re excited to check out their jazz sundays!! I cannot recommend Golden Thyme enough—an absolute must-try!

Our first visit here and we had an absolutely amazing experience. All the staff was amazing, from the hostess, our server Tashaun, the manager Heather, Chef Adam they were all amazing. We were greeted and welcome very professionally. Love the soul food! The atmosphere was so welcoming. Love the fresh flowers touch at the tables. The artwork the colors of the paint, it was all so welcoming. The food, just wow! We had the dry rub wings, with the collard Dip. We had the short ribs with the au gratin potatoes, and asparagus. And the sweet potato cheesecake for dessert. The food was cooked perfectly and it had so much flavor! The cocktails were amazing as well. The Old Fashioned and the Espresso Martini were delicious!!! Thank you for the amazing date night!!!

Incredible food, fantastic staff (Mariel), great vibe with live music. We really enjoyed our brunch here, choosing the chicken & Johnny cakes and jambalaya. Had a good chat with the chef and manager too, making it an extra special experience. Love the decor with period jazz photos from a bygone era. Would thoroughly recommend. 🇬🇧💕

So, we chose Golden Thyme for our big date night meal.... Probably the best decision we ever made in life. I'm kidding sort of. This place is a sheer marvel. Every single aspect of this restaurant is correct. It's warm, inviting, classy, and btw, probably the best meal my wife and I have had in ages. Golden Thyme is 10.00 out of 10. Amazing restaurant, from the seafood jambalaya, with perfectly cooked tender chunks of chicken, to the andoule sausage and sweet beautiful shrimp the size of an orange. Slightly spicy incredibly creamy sauce, would have licked the bowl, if not in mixed company. My wife had the dry rubbed wings and quinoa salad. Un be liev able. Service was great, charming, sweet staff. II could go on. Will be back!!!

Today’s visit to Golden Thyme Cafe and Restaurant & Bar was nothing short of a treat! Gathering with my sisters for a relaxing day filled with heartfelt conversation, we were able to enjoy the perfect blend of coffee, culture, and curated elegance. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere exuded warmth, sophistication, and a true celebration of Black excellence. The staff was incredible – so welcoming and genuinely warm, making us feel like we were dining with family. There’s something so special about a place where you can feel both pampered and at home at the same time. Our waitress, Savannah, was the absolute highlight of the experience. She was attentive, kind, and truly made our day even brighter (Savannah, we love you girl🤎). Now, let’s talk about the food! The catfish linguine special was an absolute revelation. The catfish was perfectly cooked—melt-in-your-mouth buttery with just the right touch of crispness. It was the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor every bite. Pair that with a cocktails, and we were in culinary heaven. Golden Thyme isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a space where stories are shared, memories are made, and you leave feeling like your spirit has been nourished as much as your body. I can’t wait to return and experience it all over again. Thank you, Golden Thyme, for providing a beautiful place where three Haitian sisters could come, get our cups filled, and enjoy each other’s company in the most perfect way. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food, an amazing vibe, and a true sense of community!

We stopped in off of a suggestion from my coworker Kirk. He said the food was good and plentiful. Well he was right. We made a reservation before we came and were seated promptly. It took no time for the food to come out and it was delicious. It was hot, fresh and flavorful. I suggest the po boy. It was definitely worth it and the price was decent especially with the amount we received. Will visit again.

Great food. Loved the appetizers and great shrimp and grits. Super waitstaff. We were a large party and they did a wonderful job taking care of us.

Went here for date night recently cause I was in the area. Didnt make a reservation but they were able to accommodate us. Staff was personable and friendly. Restaurant is beautiful on the inside, feels a little fancy but comfy. Ordered some wings, Phoenix shrimp and tator tot gumbo. Portions and price were good and everything we had was full of flavor! Drinks are also really good and I cant wait to go back.

Headed to one of the best local coffee spots in St. Paul, in my childhood neighborhood. I love local small businesses. They space is cute, the chai latte was delicious and the service was 5 stars. Please stop by for a great experience and keep these businesses thriving.

Pulled up for brunch last Saturday and grabbed a seat outside. We were surprised to learn they'd only been open about a month, and we were excited to be there. We started with the macaroni croquets and greens. The waiter let us know that the croquets didn't have bacon in them, as described on the menu, which was disappointing. The croquets were drier than I expected, but they came with a side of cheese sauce for drizzling or dipping, which I appreciated. My ladies I was with found the greens a bit too salty, but we still finished them, so clearly they were still delicious. For my main, I ordered the fried Catfish Po'Boy. It was really good and nicely portioned. I even had leftovers to enjoy the next day. I also really enjoyed the bread! I plan to order it blackened next time. I tried the Hello, Hot Lips and the sangria (love a sangria with cognac). The flavor of the drinks is subtle which is nice cause its not overly sweet. But that doesn't mean they weren't strong. It was a little quiet in the restaurant for a Saturday afternoon, so I'm hoping things pick up for them. I'm planning to bring my husband later this week. Our waiter was nice and effective, but lacked some of the forward warmth Im used to receiving. But people are allowed to have off days, so its all good.

This neighborhood restaurant glows in the dark, you can see the lights shimmering and the people inside. This restaurant looks new compared to the neighborhood. They have their own parking lot and street parking as well. Dine inside or on the patio. Reservations recommended for the weekends. The colors were green and gold. My server was amazing and checked on us often. When he was occupied with the party next to us, he asked a fellow server to check in. Food is delicious as well. Ribs were perfectly cooked and jambalaya was tasty. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.

I visited Golden Thyme and the atmosphere alone was worth the trip. The art on the walls, the soulful vibe, and the mix of people, from families sharing meals to friends deep in convo and couples enjoying each other.. felt warm and welcoming. Our server was super pleasant and started us off with the Rondo 93: Pineapple Gin, Elderflower, Sparkling Wine. It was refreshing and beautifully balanced. For dinner, I ordered the Blackened Catfish, but chose to have it fried instead. It came with peas & rice and collard greens. We added sides of mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and a Johnny Cake. Here are my honest food thoughts: * The greens and rice together packed great flavor. Alone, the rice could've used a bit more seasoning. * The mac and cheese was underwhelming by itself, but paired with sweet potatoes? Much better. * The Johnny Cake? Absolutely amazing. A true standout. * I did find the additional sides a bit pricey, but overall, still a solid dining experience.

There's a new place in Saint Paul on Selby with southern comfort food. Decent square footage with a full bar. Staff was friendly and service was great. Our waitress was able to recommend a few different options and I was impressed.

What a lovely new spot in the neighborhood! I was in town visiting my sister and noticed golden thyme while on a walk so I made it my mission to check it out the next morning. We arrived shortly after they opened on a Sunday morning. The space was well lit, with plenty of seating (tables, couches, high tops and chairs). I ordered a flat white with two pumps of lavender. My partner orders an iced caramel drink that he and the barista created (he is trying coffee). I stopped in a second time while in town and I absolutely loved my drink both times it was perfect! The service was fast and friendly. If you are ever in the area definitely check out Golden Thyme. They also have pastries, salads, yogurts, coffee and other snacks for sale.

Delicious lunch and vibe. Highly recommend for business, family or solo visit. I can't wait to go back for dinner. Appetizers were also delightful. Highly recommend shrimp toast. It has a kick!

Ideal place to catch a early morning vibe. I loved the decor and jazz music playing through the speakers. The olace was vlean and spacious, and service was friendly and fast. i ordered a raspberry Danish and fruit - kinda pricey but satisfying. Would recommend and I will be back

I came here with locals while I was at a work conference. I was actually staying in Minneapolis but they came and took me to this place. It started off with great service from the host! She was a very nice and kind lady who offered us seating outside or inside. We ate outside and it was a cute little area. Our server ( which I can't remember his name) was soo attentive to us and giving me time to browse the menu since I was new. He brought extra plates for us to share and tastes each others food. The host actually came and gave us advice about moving purses since our table was next to the side walk which was very kind of her. I ordered the jerk chicken and it did not disappoint! The seasoning was just the right amount of spice and the chicken was well cooked. Overall I was happy that this was the only place I was able to eat at and have a great experience and even better customer service!

Food, music and service was on point. The food we had was so good and seasoned to perfection. Zero complaints!

The ambiance brought me here! Also TikTok reviews have been an advocate! I came here 2 times and I wasn't really impressed with the amount of seasoning on the second go round. It wasn't really my cup of tea. I would recommend if you weren't a big fan a Cajun style food! (Ribs 10/10) (Mac 0/10) (Jambalaya 8/10) (Catfish Poboy 8/10) DRINKS 100/10!!

I've held off reviewing this for a while but the food and service is spectacular. I grew up with food like this in the south. Service is also first rate and top notch. Everyone is so friendly and nice. The ambiance is great with soulful jazz music. Great burger. Better than great jambalaya. Mac and cheese croquttes are to die for. Friendly owner. Neighborhood gem. Great Mac n cheese. Spectacular pork Sammie. Crispy French fries. Amazing Old Fashioned. Keep it a secret or not is the question? I decided not too. You will not be disappointed in this Souhthern classic menu w a twist. It's just fabulous and affordable. It was a magnificent way to end a very stressful day!

This is a very nice spot, with cozy seating, and plenty of good coffee options. The cold brew I got was very smooth and tasty. The barista was super nice, and the prices were great compared to other coffee shops in the city!

Golden Thyme has a unique menu, excellent flavors, and wonderful atmosphere and staff.

Best service and the best Mocha I've ever had. The people there are wonderful! The ambiance is soothing and the music is so cool!

A beautiful shop. There were a lady and a gentleman in the shop teleworking. The cashier was nice but she forgot my coffee. I ordered muddy waters as it was a fave of a tiktoker who did a video review of them. It was good but a little on the sweet side. I was also disappointed to learn from her they are no longer offering pancakes since they changed owners. They have unique lights. One made of a drum set. I also loved seeing sojourner truth photos on the table. Power to the people.

When I walked in I found the oasis I'd been looking for. My Duke Ellington coffee drink with either a biscotti or a veggie omelette gave the start to the day I needed. Seeing neighborhood friends and you just might see the Mayor. Love it

I have been going to this business for two decades. I have appreciated watching a girl from the small corner, coffee shop into a center for community activity and organizing. The owners, Michael and Stephanie, are cornerstones of the Rondo community, as well as the business community in the area. They also are founders of the Selby Avenue jazz festival. I highly recommend their shrimp and grits and their coffee is always percolated to perfection. If you're looking for a scene where the best mines in liters converted to talk about key issues and their communities and you want to support a Black owned local business, this is your spot!

Amazing coffee and danishes! Stellar service and atmosphere. Cool wall art. Will be going back!

Stopped in today for the first time and got a Muddy Waters - pretty sweet but so so good! The small was definitely more on the medium/large size. Lots of room to sit and work, love how everything is jazz themed. Staff was so friendly. Can't wait to come back!

Don't miss this great gem. I am so glad Golden Thyme is open again. Their new location is BEAUTIFUL!!! The coffee continues to be the BEST in the twin cities. The personal touch and friendly welcoming atmosphere add to the wonderment of this awesome cafe. This is a great spot to meet up with friends, family, coworkers or enjoy some alone time. Yes, they offer a whole lot more than coffee...breakfast sandwiches, shrimp and grits, soup, sandwiches, chili, muffins and everything is good. Always looking forward to my next visit.

This place has a hidden gem and it is called "Gravy Babies" It's a ghost kitchen that serves Soulfood only on the weekends. My husband and I decided to give this place a try. It's hard trying to find Soulfood restaurants in the twin cities. When we did find a good Soulfood spot, they closed down and invested in their catering business instead. Anywho, you know how you would walk in a restaurant, and the aroma of the food hits you like a Mack truck? Well... that wasn't the case with this place. The food at this place has a lot of potential. For starters I ordered smothered pork chops over white rice, greens mixed with cabbage, Mac&cheese and some candid yams. I can't remember what my husband ordered. The smothered pork chops were good. I would give them a 3/5 however the gravy has a loud smell to it. The greens, I would give it a 1/5 because they were a bit on the salty side and there was no meat in the greens. The Mac&cheese I would also give it a 3/5. It was seasoned well. The yams...I have to give them a 0/5 because they tasted like the yams that come in the can. Customer service was good though. But hey, it might taste better to other people. I just have high quality taste buds.

FOOD: Its a good place to go if you're looking for a cozy vibe and a light meal. If I was really really hungry, though, I probably wouldn't go here. SERVICE: Patrons were nice. I asked whether the cheese on one of the sandwiches was cheddar or American and they just said it was yellow. I don't expect everyone to be a chef..... but knowing that would be nice.

They are back and better than ever! Golden Thyme is one of my favorite neighborhood businesses and for good reason. Not only do they brew a mean cup of coffee, they also cook up amazing shrimp and grits, and make delicious soups and salads, but that is not all. Owners Stephanie and Michael are active in our community. They are instrumental in Selby Jazz Fest, they host all sorts of community events like backpacks for school children, Thanksgiving baskets for neighbors in need and a neighborhood visit from Santa. They also regularly host spoken word poetry events, AA meetings, and a variety of other community groups. Their new space on The south side of Selby near Milton is a gorgeous, open, and bright space. It is also full of laughter and love. Today I tried out a new menu item, an amazing, healthy, shrimp salad. The shrimp, coated in a beautiful Cajun spice were perfectly sautéed and served atop a bed of gorgeous greens (no iceberg lettuce here) with ripe tomatoes, diced red and orange bell peppers, and thinly sliced onion. This was the perfect salad for my carb avoiding self.

Golden Thyme is easily one of the best local coffee shops in St. Paul. It has such a nice atmosphere, and I feel at home right as I walk in the door. I've been here twice specifically for the bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, which MUST go on an everything bagel. They also make an unbelievably tasty chai tea latte, another one of my go-to orders. Great service, delicious food, incredible drinks. I always feel good about spending my money at Golden Thyme Cafe.

Yo! Let's talk about this shrimp and grits from Golden Thyme. Let's start by saying this was two meals in one. There is no way I could have finished this in one seating. I have a hard time finding good grits in MN so I was happy when hubby brought this home for breakfast for me last week. This dish was so good. I loved the mushrooms, onions, and spinach cooked in with the grits and the large juicy shrimp on top. Check them out!

Such a delight to find. Excellent and friendly staff! The coffee is warm and delicious. The food is amazing! This place is a gem. Excellent environment, great ambiance. Local art displayed and great background music.

Super easy to order during corona with walk up window! The coffee is so delicious and this is one of my favorite spots to come too!! Definitely recommend this coffee spot. Nice outdoor seating too!

Full of Jazz & Soul, Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe is located on Selby Ave, right on the bus line. (21) This neighborhood gem represents the beauty in black owned businesses that bring peace and a sense of community to the area. I absolutely love the artistic feel of the Cafe. Filled with wall art, and interesting decor I find myself intrigued each time I enter. There is a message board, where you can find local activities, who's hiring, support groups, etc. They also host an open mic night, Thursday's @ 6 pm in the side room. You do have to sign up prior to, if you'd like to perform. The side room can also be reserved for meetings, celebrations, etc. I have only ever ordered "The Dirty Grits w| Shrimp" and it is phenomenal! It is one dish, the base is grits, a sufficient amount of cut up vegetables sautéed, one egg cooked (your preference) and loaded with cheese w| a side of toast. "The Dirty Grits w| Shrimp" is hands down, my FAVORITE breakfast made in the Twin Cities! Of course, it taste a little different depending on who's cooking, but it is ALWAYS delicious! Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe is a MUST TRY!

I came here on a freezing winter morning and it was amazing. You order right at the counter, and everyone here was so friendly. It's a great atmosphere. The feel of the place is great, the coffee was delicious and the dirty grits....*wow*. I've never had grits prepared that way, and it was incredible. So much flavor in every single bite. It was the kind of food where, even without trying anything else, they put so much care into it that I'm sure everything on the menu is equally good. Very highly recommended! Good people and good food, when it's cold out and you need a good breakfast, you can't ask for much more.

Very quaint and cozy place. I am impressed with their "Billie Jean" Mocha. I am a coffee snob and this was pretty good! I had a sausage egg and cheese croissant and this was pretty tasty! My girlfriend had the dirty grits and I sampled these and they were pretty darn good! Service was decent, you order before you are seated. (So prepare yourself) The food arrived very promptly. Ambiance is decent again very quaint. This is a nice whole in the wall with good food! I'll be back!

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the Twin Cities. It's small, but has such a warm character. I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy that day and they started a tab (without keeping my credit card) on a piece of paper with only my first name. Despite the fact that I was a stranger who they had no reason to trust. I remember last year when I came here, I overheard a grandfather talking to his daughter about education. It's just such a heart-warming place to be casually working on your laptop.

Golden Thyme Restaurant and Coffee Shop is now open at 934 Selby in Saint Paul Greetings: I just wanted to drop you a short kite and let you know that Mychael and Stephanie Wright have opened their expanded Golden Thyme Restaurant and Coffee Shop at 934 Selby Ave. across the street and just up the block from their prior location on the corner of Milton and Selby in Saint Paul (2 and 1/2 blocks East of Lexington Pkwy.) The new shop features comfortable seating for up to 57 folks, a private dining room, good music, great food and a warm and welcoming environment. If you live in Saint Paul, or if you are traveling to the Capitol city anytime soon, please stop by and check out the new and expanded Golden Thyme. Stephanie and Mychael have given so much to our community (including 18 yrs. of the Selby Jazz Festival in September) and the new location is going to be open longer hours on the weekend. For further information: https://www.goldenthymeonselby.com/ or by phone (651) 645 - 1340 or email rm13wright@gmail.com

We enjoyed great coffee, food, and atmosphere! Highly recommend Golden Thyme Coffee!

I love the food here. Always good and always fresh. The environment feels like home and servers are always pleasant.

The coffee is yummy but the service was the main reason I'll be back! So friendly and sweet :)

We live close by and love the folks who run this awesome cafe. Great drinks and food and awesome prices.

Great local, friendly coffee house! The Lemon Cake was worth every calorie: Not too sweet but very moist (it was the only piece left)! Breakfast egg/sausage/cheese croissant was delicious and the turkey sausage was surprisingly spicy. Coffee was spot ON!

I go to cafes a ton for work and pleasure. This place is an absolute gem on Selby Avenue. When was the last time you went into a cafe for a java and then ordered a full Brekkie is dirty shrimp and grits? Well that's what happened to me and it was incredible. Not only did I love the food and warm vibe but the barista and owner were both beyond friendly. The New Orleans of Selby Avenue? Just sit down and try this place and you'll feel that easy and awesome vibe and end up not needing lunch because you crushed a breakfast.

Stopped in here this last Saturday to get some espresso to enjoy with a fresh lemon curd cream cheese danish from Brake Bread Bakery. We got here just as it was closing for the day (1pm); however, the front door was still open, and the owner, Mychael, positioned behind a table in the entry, said "Sure! We can make you some espresso!" I ordered 2 triples - one with a little water added to make an Americano and paid him. He transferred the order to the barista, and then returned with 2 different sized paper cups - one larger than the other. It was this larger cup that was filled with liquid near to the top. I tasted it, and encountered very weak coffee. He apologized and said he'd make it right - he went to their machine and made it himself and then returned to me with a smaller cup containing a triple shot with "some" water added. It was a *good* Americano. Very tasty coffee. I asked him which beans he uses for their espresso. He said they're currently using the Classic Espresso beans from Roots Roastery, which I'm familiar with - it's a few blocks from my house. We described our enjoyment to him about the taste of the espresso, and encouraged him to continue using those Roots Roastery beans!

My absolute favorite coffee shop in the area. Everyone is friendly, the coffee selection is terrific, and there's a great variety of food and baked goods. They've really embraced the changes needed to operate safely during COVID. Everyone -customers and owners- wears masks, ordering can be done from outside, and people are cognizant of social distancing. I can't recommend this place enough!

I used to live within walking distance of Golden Thyme and regularly went for breakfast sandwiches - so good! Would definitely recommend.

This is a place you go to get you morning coffee and leave feeling seen and a part of the neighborhood. Mychael is always so friendly and eager to help. Last time I was there they served Peace coffee which is my favorite. They also have simple yet delicious breakfast sandwiches. It isn't a hip,sleek coffee shop like so many these days. It's a coffee shop with heart and soul, good food and good drink!

We try a lot of different coffee places and could be considered snobs so I'm proud to say that the drinks here are delicious. We got the Sara Vaughn and the Muddy Water. They are very flavorful and smooth. The man behind the counter was polite and friendly and the decor is nice to look at. We will surely be coming back.

The atmosphere, the service and the food...amazing! I can't stop thinking about it. Update hours on Google to say you are open until 5 now.

Fresh and tasty coffee drinks in a comfortable setting, filled with tributes to Jazz and Blues legends. We came on a Saturday, after lunch. The outside of the coffeeshop drops few hints of the interior's amazing theme. On the menu, the drinks' names come from Jazz and Blues greats. The latte becomes the Benny Goodman, the cappuccino Cab Calloway. As a former resident of Chicago, it was especially nice to see Muddy Waters featured too. Stylish paintings and famous photos of the musicians cover the walls. The one barista on duty whipped up the drinks in less than two minutes. I appreciated the generous amount of froth on the cappuccino. At a counter looking out on to the street, we drank our coffees, and examined the wall perpendicular to us. Flyers and posters for concerts and community events, a great resource for anyone who lives in the area. We will be back to get more coffee and culture.

Delicious coffee and great atmosphere, black owned business as well. Location is hard to find but it is located in the bottom of the apartments. Come check it out :)