Matchbox Coffee Shop

Would rate higher. LOVE, LOVE , LOVE this place. A very comfortable atmosphere. There are a bit of regulars that come and seem to have very good relationship with the baristas that actually care about how they are doing. You don't get that a lot anywhere or maybe I have been going to the wrong places. I will be coming back!

My roommate brought me here today. She’s been here a few times and I will absolutely be going back. The CUTEST cozy place, that had the kindest people. I didn’t know what I wanted exactly and the barista threw out some flavor ideas and asked for specific ingredients I wanted. I will absolutely be going back. It’s the perfect place where they have lots of knowledge of coffee but don’t make you feel like you have to also know so much. Really comforting.

Finally made it to Matchbox. Cute little coffee shop in NE. There is one table you could sit at otherwise it mostly seems like a pick up and go sip it somewhere else type of place. There were some baked goods for sale as well. Lots of good drink options. I tried the “best cold press in town” and it was very smooth and did not disappoint. Excited to go back and try the homemade chai. They DO accept credit cards now. Give them a try!

Matchbox is great! Good price on quality drinks and down to earth place with personality! The barista I met, Lauren, is very pleasant and makes great drinks!! For sure Matchbox is worth my bike ride from South Minneapolis. I highly recommend it!

People here are super friendly. Cash only, which isn’t too common anymore, but if you’re a regular you can start a tab. They have fun art hanging around which is always unique to see. Their patio is cozy as well! Coffee is very delicious and the baristas always serve with a smile!

Great drinks and great service every time. Matchbox is a bit further from me now that I’ve moved so I don’t get there too often anymore. Went in at 10:45a on a Tuesday in January 2022 (COVID-19 Omicron Variant times) and no one else there. The barista was very friendly and efficient. I ordered an almond latte & vanilla latte for a friend. FYI, my total for two 12oz lattes with flavors, one with 2 shots was $9 before tip. Both were delicious, affordable, and served in compostable cups. I love the atmosphere there. So many things to look at while you wait for your drink to be made. A great reminder to skip the convenience of Starbucks and get higher quality for the same price (or less) and keep gems like Matchbox alive. Oh, and it’s cash only.

Lots of great coffee in Mpls but Lauren is THE BEST barista, making Matchbox the best coffee house in the TC.

Always a good conversation Can be had! They now have a card reader but cash is king. Neighborhood coffee life. A must stop espresso before a ride

Amazing service. My latte rocked. They had all the alt creamers. Really great atmosphere.

COFFEE: I had a caramel latte (classic), and my partner had a cold brew latte (how cool)! We both agreed the quality of coffee was good, but I would love to see some more flavors on the menu! SERVICE: I absolutely loved how everyone that came into the coffee shop new the barista, as you could tell it was a 'homey' and friendly place to be!! AMBIANCE: If you are looking for a sit down coffee shop, I would say that this is more of a to go vibe, as it is extremely small on the inside. But it is also a cute nook if you are looking to cozy up with a good book. LOCATION/PARKING: Great location next to other shops and restaurants in northeast, and parking was easy to find!

LOL at me thinking this was a cute new spot - the barista told me they've been around for years, and I'm sad I've been missing out on this gem! Cute little NE cafe next to some other awesome dining/drinking spots - makes for a great post-yoga, meal, or local shopping treat :) Ambiance is 10/10 - I love the string lights and cozy (tiny!) nook they have decorated eclectically. I took my cup to go, but it would be so fun to belly up to the coffee bar or sit at the (one) table and just watch folks stop in. Great coffee and other beverage selection! They were out of the seasonal Golden Milk, so I opted for a chai instead. I believe they make the chai in-house? They had some pastries and other little treats as well. 5-6pm happy hour of half-price espresso shots - I wouldn't sleep a wink but love the idea! You've just got to poke your head into this little matchbox of a coffee shop and grab one of their delicious drinks. If I lived in the neighborhood, this would for sure be my spot!

First time customer, usually get Starbucks, but was at a friend's apartment near by. Was tasked to get 4 iced coffees for 3 hangover girls and myself. Was originally supposed to 3 macchiatos but they didn't do those iced so she hooked us up with some of the most flavorful iced lattes I've ever had. Would absolutely recommend but please tip if doing large orders!

Tucked into a building just off the street, this popular neighborhood coffee shop is good for to-go coffee, but don't expect to find a table to sit at as seating is tight and very limited. Ambivalent barista and average baked goods add to the charm. They take credit cards, but have a $5 minimum.

Cozy and intimate space. Good coffee and music. Friendly staff all around. A coffee shop I want to be in. Would love to read a book in here one day.

Tiny tiny walk through place not wheelchair accessible at all. One tiny bathroom. Barista is super friendly. They make their chai in house from scratch. The day old coffee cake was delicious!

Finally made it to Matchbox. Cute little coffee shop in NE. There is one table you could sit at otherwise it mostly seems like a pick up and go sip it somewhere else type of place. There were some baked goods for sale as well. Lots of good drink options. I tried the "best cold press in town" and it was very smooth and did not disappoint. Excited to go back and try the homemade chai. They DO accept credit cards now. Give them a try!

Matchbox Coffee is right around the corner (maybe 200-400 feet) from the very popular Young Joni! It's a small, unassuming, coffee shop that has a very extensive menu. When I came in around 5pm on a Friday, it wasn't very busy with only a handful of customers in the shop- a couple people who comfortably sat by the bar chatting on barstools, and another person who was quietly reading at the one community table at the front of the shop. It was exactly the down to earth environment I was looking for after being in the hype/ buzzing line around the corner. The barista was playful and upbeat as he helped me make my selection. I eventually settled on a pomegranate decaf oat milk cortado as I wanted to try something interesting, with a flavors you wouldn't normally pair together. It was a bit sharp and citrusy in terms of taste; however the barista had recommended the lavender syrup instead for a hot beverage beforehand so I'll be sure to come back and try his recommendation next time I'm in town. Nonetheless, the espresso notes that burst through the drink were complex and rich which I prefer to a subtle espresso that you struggle to capture the tasting notes of. In addition, I enjoyed the homey feel of the shop; it provided a snug reading nook for me to enjoy my book for a while. I so appreciate the folks that make this coffee shops environment (and full, impressive coffee menu) what it is; this is a wonderful place to pop in for a to-go order or to stay a while and relax.

Every neighborhood deserves a Matchbox Coffee Shop. It's small and cozy but vibrant. You've probably seen their heart neon sign by Dangerous Man... so stop on in... with CASH because they're cash-only! The space is small, I think there's literally one table and a couple barstools, maybe, but they also have a patio which is repainted. Their chalkboard menu offers caffeinated classics, and my favorite is the Thai Coffee (iced). They're not over-fussy or over-priced. There's a fridge with soft drinks and kombucha, and they sell local baked goods. Other tidbits: 1) They host an annual Summer Solstice Party where they're open overnight. 2) You can open a tab. 3) Again, cash only!

This NE coffee shop stands out from the crowd! But watch out it's cash only! Nonetheless, going to the ATM will be worth it. This is the only local shop that I've stumbled on that offers real Thai Iced Coffee. If you've been to south east Asia and long for a return to their coffee flavors, or if you wish you could visit SE Asia, pop in here! No sweetener needed the condensed milk brings all the flavor you'll want! It's a corky very hippie, hipster m, chill, relaxed vibe-ish spot, do not expect a clean cut Starbucks feel. Instead, come and look at the art, plant: and chill atmosphere provided in this tiny spot! It can get cramped, so wait your turn to stay socially distant; there's no seating out front but the local shops with in walking distance provide ample viewing pleasure to stroll and window shop. The staff wear masks and and are very friendly; they were even super kind when I didn't realize it was cash only and fumbled to try and get the amount needed. If you like NE you'll like this coffee shop; stop in and check it out.

*cash only*! a small, eclectic coffee shop in northeast :) they allow dogs inside and had dog treats! i got an iced vanilla latte with oat milk and it was decent. i think i'll try the cold brew latte next time. friendly service and a back patio with various seating options. they didn't have any vegan food options in stock when i visited so i hope to snag one when available.

This quaint place is small. Seriously small. Like Matchbook size small -for a coffee shop. But it's packed with character and has a homey, hippie, people of all walks of life matter, feel good atmosphere. It would be the opposite of a swanky, hipster, modern coffee shop. A bit more of a Dive feel without grungy feel and sticky floors. And the coffee is amazingly good. It's hard not to feel the tension between in your shoulders loosen a bit after you walk thru the door and start absorbing the ambiance of the atmosphere around you. It's oddly relaxing in here. And did I mention the coffee is fab?!! (I've been here twice now. The first time my then beau had a Chai- I think it was the best Chai I've had the opportunity to sneak a sip of. Today selection was a simple cappuccino. The espresso was so perfect and the foam was heaping)

Great coffee stop. Small shop with great baristas and a neighborhood feel. It's very small so more of a grab and go. There is some seating if you'd like though.

Slow service. There was only one person working on Sunday. It took 30 minutes to get coffee. They only accept cash. Latte was pretty good.

A great little joint next door to Dangerous Man on 13th and 2nd Street in Northeast Arts district. I've been going there off and on for years. It's cash only, so I gave him all I was carrying plus a nickel I picked up off the street and had a fine latte and a fine chat. It's a cozy neighborhood-y spot, reasonably priced. My latte was good enough so I was sorry I didn't have any more cash, and the barista/owner and I easily fell into a conversation about the new post-hip Northeast Minneapolis. The muffins are locally sourced (I'm told--I blew everything on my latte) which is a plus. Places like this (lots of them in NE Minneapolis) absolutely make a bike ride for me. I bet I would've given it 5 stars if I could have put one of those muffins on the card...

I liked the chai here, especially because it is home-made and not some awful over-the-counter stuff that comes out of a Tetra-pak (I'm talking about you, Oregon Chai). I also appreciate that they have ABC vegan cookies, though I wish they would make their own instead. The space itself is really small, but it's in a quaint, quiet neighborhood with galleries and other art-shop places. It's a great place to bike to, or to get a cup of tea at, after a day of wandering the galleries and antique furniture stores.

Just pop in, pop out. In between pick up a hardy cup o joe and grab a bite. The selections are conveniently place to your left or right. The place is tiny but packs a punch. A few outdoor seats (which are always full). Service smiling and friendly. Cookies are large and soft.

This place is an escape from the city life. It feels like a small town coffee shop where you can have a seat and catch up on the neighborhood gossip and news. The fact that it's cash only adds to the rural vibe. There isn't a ton of seating, but it is perfect for a grab-and-go in the morning. I'm always impressed by their light roast drip coffee. It's organic, smooth, and moderately strong. My favorite is their Honduran. I will be making good use of their punch card!

I realize it's Saturday night and y'all can't wait to go home, but when a 1st time customer gets to your door at 4 minutes to close to find it locked and the barista can CLEARLY see the confusion/disappointment on my face, you might want to consider not staring at me like I'M the jerk and changing the hours painted on your door to "Saturday: 8:00am to whenever we feel like it"

YES!! This place is a big as a matchbox haha. Love it, great staff, quick service, awesome Americano, perfect pump up for this wedding I'm about to go to!

Matchbox is on my way from my house to the bus in the morning. It's typically hard to judge whether one has time to get a coffee and not miss the bus. Not with Matchbox. I can leave literally 1 minute earlier than normal and be able to head down to the bus, delicious and hot americano in hand. They are so fast! By the time I get money out of my wallet (cash only) the barista is handing me my drink. I have seen them do a chai latte in the same amount of time. I have only had americanos and cold press, both are delicious. Their prices are also in normal, easy to pay amounts (think $2, $1.50) and CHEAP! A large americano is exactly $2. Fast, great coffee, better prices.

Just moved back from Melbourne where the coffee is unbelievably amazing. I had pretty much resigned myself to not being able to drink coffee in Minneapolis because I couldn't find any I liked, and on a whim I went here and it has been my savior. Everyone is relatively friendly and the coffee is top notch

Small place, great coffee! If you are looking for the trendy-ist, most Disney-fied, sterile coffee shop, this is not the place for you. In fact, don't show up. If you want really, REALLY, good coffee, and you like an eclectic group of folks and you are open to conversing with strangers, then definitely, come on in! Also, did I mention the coffee is amazing!

Top notch drinks. My fave is their Chai tea Matchbox's own home brew, wow! I love the conversations with the neighborhood people and the folk who work at Machbox, very arty free spirit types and all walks of life. All super friendly. Very small place, with outdoor seating. This is a cooperative run place, cash only, and on the same note very reasonable prices for organic delicious drinks! Many times I have seen where a new customer doesn't have cash - your first brew is on the house, or you're welcome to come back and pay with cash. They have for regular customers a tab of their own.. this is a very different kind of coffee shop with who many LOVE!

My experience at Matchbox Coffee provided some restoration of faith in humanity. I wanted to read in a coffee shop one afternoon, so I headed here, completely unaware of what I was in for. I had NO idea how tiny this place would be. It has a bar and I believe one community table, which was occupied by two individuals when I arrived. The barista quickly started on my order, and as I stood there realizing I was going to have to head somewhere else for a cozy armchair reading session, I noticed a sign that said "cash only." Crap. I never carry cash. Like an idiot, I said "I'm sorry! Do you not take cards?" to which the barista kindly responded "sorry, no." I apologized and said I didn't have any cash on me. Here is where the restoration happened: the two people behind me - easily overhearing this conversation from two feet away - both chimed "I have cash" and proceeded to chip in $2 each for my drink and $1 tip for the barista. I was floored. It's little things like that that remind me of the good in people. My gifted chai was great, but Matchbox Coffee got a five star from my experience alone. Any place that has customers that gracious has to be golden.

Stopped in to get a quick coffee after some beer next door. Didn't have enough cash (cash only) but they told me not to worry about it, took what I had (was short about a buck). So friendly and nice and they made a delicious latte. I'll be sure to leave a big tip next time I'm in the neighborhood!

After fabulous food around the corner at Young Joni's on a Friday night, we wanted a quieter spot to talk for our date night. On a whim I remembered this was here, although never had tried it. It is indeed tiny, two tables only inside with bar stools along the counter. My husband really dug the eclectic ambience and indy music (eg large painting of hot dogs, an alligator in potted plant). Friendly barista, super delicious espresso in my Americano, and quiet enough to chat. We're already planning to go back!

There aren't a lot of collectively run places in the Twin Cities, so the Matchbox's unique operation sets it apart even before you walk in the door. Once inside, you'll understand the name. The shop is about 7 feet wide and maybe three times as long. Big enough for a counter and three tables. Great coffee, organic and cheap - 95 cents a cup - there's a little sign telling you where it came from. Add a bagel with cream cheese and you're paying about two fifty for breakfast. If you order with a buddy, you'll probably share your bagels off of one plate. You can add your cream from the carton in the fridge to your left. Or ask for milk at the bar. I don't know of any other coffee shop that sells Blue Sky soda (or Blusky - rhyming with brewsky - as I called them as a kid) You'll often see people pulling their chairs out front to read the paper in the sun, so feel free to do the same. Don't expect to find WIFI though. There's not really enough room for laptops as it is. Don't come in the evening hoping for an after dinner cup though. Matchbox closes at 5.

If you find yourself in this minuscule cafe one day, you won't be disappointed in the coffee. In my experience, the staff is nice---OK people to be with in such close quarters. They serve some baked goods, including some vegan things... and the coffee is hot! A lot of regulars were dropping in and out, but one of the patrons was thoroughly camped out. It reminded me of when I used to bartend in college and there'd always be the one guy trying to chat it up at 4 p.m. when the rest of the place is empty. Think they call those people bar flies. Well, this guy was a coffee bar fly, and it was sort of annoying to listen to him talk for a half hour while I sipped my coffee and read the paper. That was kind of a tangent, but seriously. This place is a testament to good things coming in small packages.

If you live close to Matchbox, lucky you! If you don't, well, you might just have to take a field trip. They have the best organic/fair trade coffee's, treats, and sandwiches ( LOVE the vegan hummus sandy). Also, Boylan's bottled beverages! They now exclusively sell only glass-bottled beverages, because it's much better for the environment, which I think shows respect for not only the earth, but also the eco-friendly customers!

BEST, YES BEST COFFEE SHOP Ok, so this says allot about what I like in my coffee shop and I could totally see why the average Starbucks patron would HATE, HATE, HATE this place.... but i am not that person. :) The matchbox is, well its a matchbox. Its tiny, with a bar that could fit maybe 5 people (that would be crowded) and then a table that could fit about the same amount. The coffee is average, not bad not great. Their chi however, is amazing! It is a Cooperative so the Baristas are their own bosses... which makes for some interesting baristas :) If you like people watching, and want an interesting place to read or meet a friend give it a shot. If you need to spread out to get some work done, or think that Starbucks is coffee, then this is not your place.

This place is almost like a hidden gem but it's not super hidden. They offer oat milk which is SO good with coffee if you're trying to get away from dairy. They only take cash but it's worth it! Not a good sit down place there isn't a lot of space but totally worth the trip in for a latte:

Super cute place, with friendly people working. I only had a tea, but my friend said she liked her coffee. Didn't really feel the whole "Wow! This place is great!", but I did find it cozy but a little too tight of a squeeze inside. If I lived closer I would tots try to go more often and become a regular and enjoy the window view.

Coffee's awesome, food limited and apparently the state nonsmoking law doesn't apply here. Love to patronize this place but, unfortunately, my asthma prohibits it. I have to be able to breathe to enjoy my coffee.

Forever my favorite coffee shop. Even though it's cash only- totally worth hitting up an ATM (the 331 club has an ATM nearby, if you forget) for some of the best coffee and people in town. I have been going to Matchbox since I was a kid (we used to live above what is now Maeve's and Anchor Inn, but was Lucille's Flower Shop [RIP Lucille's). I went to day camp on second street for years, and NE holds a special place in my heart, even though I live in St. Paul now. But this place holds merit beyond nostalgia. It may be tiny, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in service, atmosphere, and price. The epitome of a cool coffee shop- without the snobbery or standoffishness you seem to see so much. They haven't lost their personal touch, and I have never had a negative experience with a staff member (or other customer) in the twenty or so years I've been going there. The prices are incredibly reasonable, too. Dollar in house coffee with twenty five cent refills. Their other prices mirror this affordability, and they (like any good coffee shop) have some yummy baked goods and refrigerated options as well. Should go without saying, but the coffee quality is great. Some of the best in the cities. Now that Eat Your Words bookshop has moved in across the street, I have a perfect spring or summer afternoon- pick up a book from EYW, grab a cup of cold press from Matchbox, and enjoy the sunshine!

Some updates for the Matchbox! Now they are open til 9 on Friday and Saturday, yay! Also they extended their weekday hours a bit. Open til 6pm. All Organic/Fairtrade coffee and local organic milk, and that's really hard to find. Small eats like muffins and cookies and sandwiches from Black Cat ( if your lucky they might have some yummy soup).

A handy, cozy little coffee shop in a helpful location. I'd never heard of Matchbox but needed a cup of joe and this hit the spot. Friendly folks, a DIY atmosphere, genuine humanity on display here. No crass corporate slogans, etc. Affordable drinks. Well done!

Very, very, good coffee. They also sell whole beans. Very community oriented and Northeast centric - which is great. They sponsor local art and put it on their walls. It's very much a NE Mpls hangout. Kind, prompt, and serious service. It's a small operation, so sometimes at peak times there's a little line, but the barista's are on it and it's totally okay. Best coffee shop in Northeast.

Was taken here by a friend early in the morning. Small and quiet, but the perfect place to read and sip on your morning cup of joe. Plenty of chess boards available to play against a friend. Will be back for sure!

A good place to stop by before work, or while out on a walk. I really like their lattes, yummy organic milk, good coffee, etc. It is really small, but that seems to make it all the more charming and cozy.

This is my favorite coffeeshop! The coffee is very good, but not in a pretentious-good way. What I really love though is how it's such a utterly neighborhood place. As the name indicates and everyone says, it's tiny, and so there are no private conversations. Everyone feels free to join any convo. I'd never go here for a first date! There are a ton of interesting regulars, and they play good music.

Lurking round Spinario one hot summer day - someday I will be able to afford a $1000 bar cart - I came across this cute little coffee shop. Your basic place, literally a matchbox though. It's extremely narrow. They make a nice French soda - syrup, soda water, and a little half and half - which was refreshing.

This is one of my neighborhood coffee shops and before I moved here I knew that 13th Ave was the place I wanted to be near after visiting a number of establishments including Matchbox being one of the first. The baristas are friendly, they have satisfying caffeinated beverages (I always get espresso or coffee), baked goods, high quality fair trade chocolate bars, and even some prepared lunch items from the (North) Eastside Co-op. It's such a small (as in 10 people would fill the place up), welcoming place that's just perfectly quirky. Just a reminder: it's cash only.

If I ever read anything overtly negative of this place I'm gonna smack someone. Especially if it's about how small it is. This is the kind of place you go to for the EXACT experience that you get, every time. Great prices and an "it is what it is" sort of environment and attitude.

Need a coffee? Matchbox has hot coffee, they will make some for you! This is a place that, if I lived a little closer, I would probably be visiting in pajama pants.

My fav lil' coffeehouse that could. Matchbox features organic/fair-trade coffee, gourmet sandwiches from Chow Girls, collective ownership, great music & even a Melodi Grand piano that you'll hear if you're lucky. There's solid WiFi here too, so sit down & get some work done!

A great little gem. Cool cozy atmosphere and great prices. Honestly unlike any place I've ever been to.

NE hipster meets solid, high quality coffee shop. I love this place. They have great lattes, coffee, and bakery (if you catch it on a delivery day try the banana chocolate chip bread...yummo!). The staff is super helpful and attentive, but not in an uber-caffinated annoying way that we have grown accustomed to in most chain coffee shops. The only downside is that they don't take credit cards-so I have had to forgo my optional bakery items for mandatory coffee on a few occasions (which, come to think of it, really isn't that bad for the waist-line ;), but overall this is a solid place to grab a great cup of coffee.

The tea and service were great. Friendly people. The place, however, is very small. Not really a place where you can sit and work for a couple of hours. Oh, and they only take cash.