The Briar

This the place we all wish was within walking distance from our homes. Where you could just stroll over for your morning coffee, or pop in for lunch, or meet up with friends for a cocktail and some lighter food. We were there for dinner, but it is not a dinner place. That being said, we had funky interesting cocktails and a fabulous chicken liver mousse. The more substantial flood is only sandwiches. I got the open face hot chicken sandwich. It was good and very "home cooked". My husband has the zio vecchio - mortadella, burrata, pistachio pesto, and regular on cianatta. Very nice, indeed. Is this like eating at Spoon and Stable? No. Is it a lovely place to sit with your computer, drink nice cocktails or coffee and chill? Yes. Do I wish I lived closer? Yes. The staff is fabulous. Friendly and accommodating. The ambience is quiet and calm. The experience - very relaxing.

What an amazing surprise! High quality food, progressive vibe, fresh clean environment. Small neighborhood Bistro just a short detour off the highway. Worth the stop! The K'evan Keen had me at the first bite. Flavorful and overwhelmingly fresh to the senses. Perhaps the fresh dill. All was lite (as opposed to heavy in your gut) and a medley of flavors that played well together. The Chowder was like nothing I had tasted before. The olives gave it a salt kick to the otherwise smooth, mild yet flavorful soup. Sandwiches served in unexpected china. The decor was mostly retro with some antique looking odds and ends to modern. I know it seems contradictory but all put together in a way that feels genuinely progressive. Very queer welcoming.

This has become one of my all time favorite neighborhood spots. Their coffee drinks are made with oat milk unless you ask otherwise, and their cocktails are well balanced and delicious. Currently hooked on their meatball soup, which they don't always have but when they do i order at least one. Other must orders: -The chips and dip, the onions are crunchy and have an interesting flavor from the coffee brine -Sancho Panza, an amazing veg sandwich. -Briar chowder is a rich yet light sweet potato soup with olives and giant white beans -Kevan Keene egg salad sandwich is my favorite of their breakfast only sandwiches -waffles are crispy, sweet, tart, and fun to eat. They're not overly sweet thanks to the blackberry puree.

We had a beautiful evening as we sat outside on the patio visiting over Coffee, and specialty nonalcoholic drinks. We didn’t eat, however, their food looks delicious. When we found that there was no big name, coffee shops available on a Saturday night around 9pm. We were pleased to find The Briar located on the corner of a neighborhood. This place made a special night as we celebrated my birthday.

The employees are always friendly and welcoming. The food is always prepared fresh and to order. The desserts and coffee are top notch. There’s also an outside seating area that we hope to take advantage of next time we visit!

This spot has a great atmosphere and a wonderful patio that can be enjoyed with your dog. The beer / drink list was great and the servers were friendly and helpful. My only reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the food wasn’t the best. It could have just been what I ordered, and it’s a place I’d definitely go back to again, especially on a summer evening.

Cute little coffee shop sells breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads. Patio with lots of seating in the back, dogs are welcome. Good service. I stopped in after a walk to the farmers market in NE mpls. I got the pork cutie breakfast sandwich and lavender iced coffee both wonderful.

A cozy, laid-back café with dim lighting, friendly staff who let you relax, and had a great tap beer selection. Indoor-outdoor seating, clean space, and a chill crowd made it feel like a Chicago dive bar vibe. We had smoked trout (small but delicious), a cortado (delishashhh, one of the best I've had), chicken sandwich, and tiramisu (not too sweet which was a plus but just tasted okay). Loved the atmosphere!! Beautiful selection of music, would return for the vibes alone.

I was looking for a place i could get a good breakfast sandwich and came across the Briar. Me and a date went and tried it out. Very small place, felt super cozy inside. The person at the counter taking our order was very helpful and friendly. Ordered a couple sandwiches, a coffee and a mimosa. We sat on their patio and they brought our stuff to the table. Everything was very good and I'm not even a coffee drinker. The cocktail list looks really good so I have to return to try those and some more food items. Also the price wasnt bad at all for the what we got. Will be going back soon!

As someone new to the area, The Briar has been on my list for a while -- and I'm glad I finally made the trip. After being recommended, I tried the Autumn Serenade sandwich and The Huxley coffee, and both delivered in their own ways. The sandwich was the perfect portion for one -- satisfying without being too much -- and the pickles it came with were a standout surprise. The kind you usually find on a charcuterie board, which added a really nice touch and elevated the whole plate. There was a small mix-up with my coffee -- I ordered it iced, but it came out hot. Not a huge deal, though it did mean biking home with a hot drink in hand, which was a bit of a balancing act. Still, the flavor made up for it. The rosemary was prominent and gave it a unique twist I didn't expect. Honestly, it's my new obsession. The space itself is super cute with a warm, inviting vibe and a surprisingly wide variety of menu items. The staff was friendly, which made the experience even better. I'll definitely be back -- especially since it's so close to home.

A true neighborhood coffee shop and bar, immaculate vibes. If I lived over in this part of NE Mpls, I'd be here all the time to just hang out, drink tasty beverages, read and visit.

this is where I had my first date with the love of my life and there couldn't have been a better spot. cozy, cute, warm, and lovely. good place to find a soulmate

Such a great spot for delicious sandwiches. I loved the decoration and atmosphere. They even have an outdoor place to eat.

The Briar is perfect in every way. The coffee is excellent and breakfast sandwiches are really good. It is really hard to pass up the sweet potato soup with beans. I loved the Lily Tomlinson egg sandwich with Brie. Just delicious....

Very small and quaint coffee, bar and corner cafe located in Northeast Mpls. Walk in to sounds of nice tunes playing in the background. The seating is spaced out nicely but if you have a large group it may be hard to find seating since the place is quite small. Had a small machiatto and it came in a cute little shot glass. The coffee tasted authentic with the coffee bitterness and foam. It was the friendly staff and complimentary service that really sold me. The bartender was really nice and had good hospitality. People here are well dressed and match the ambience.

Seriously amazing food and the coziest atmosphere. We got a couple sandwiches and the sweet potato olive chowder, both of which blew me away. The chowder was savory and delicious. The sandwiches had some of the best bread, and wasn't secondary to the sandwich ingredients. The alisada sandwich is especially delicious and I'm already looking forward my next trip to this restaurant. The service is friendly, quick and professional.

A beautiful, cozy place for breakfast. It's a place where you can go alone and read a book or study, or grab a large booth and catch up friends over brunch. We ordered the bread pudding and a breakfast sandwich and both were very good. I'm excited to go back and try out the patio but the interior is an amazing space.

Wonderful drinks and good food in a beautiful and intimate setting. Best for cocktails and light bites. Parking on the street was easy to find, but I imagine it would get more difficult on a busier night. The space is relatively small and very cute! Sat at the bar with my partner early evening on a Friday. There was plenty of space. I ordered the dandelion highball - definitely would recommend! It was unique and refreshing. We ordered the relish plate, deviled eggs, and Winnipeg lunch. All were wonderful! I particularly loved the homemade pickles. Our bartender wasn't particularly friendly, but she wasn't rude either. Just the minimum standard service. I'll definitely be back to try more cocktails!

Yesterday met a friend for lunch....for the cucumber salad. Unfortunately we had both read the Facebook post and glossed over the fact they included "available after 4". So we'll return again for the cucumber salad for dinner. I opted for an Old Fashioned and the Pork Cutie sans hot sauce. For arriving shortly after noon on a Thursday, several tables were already occupied and a few tables on the patio as well. My friend opted for an iced coffee drink that she thought was fabulous. She paired it with the Avocado Ensalada. She talked to a cook about it and the vegetarian ingredients. He told her they could put in a mushroom something. She also raved about how delicious the sandwich was and especially with the perfectly flavorful mushroom. Looking forward to our next meal and cocktail @ The Briar!

Cutest space and great coffees! I like how the non dairy milk was the default! Kind staff

I'm so glad we heard about this place! Its tucked away in northeast in a residential area. The interior feels like a European bistro with small tables and some large booths on one side. There's also a pretty big patio with more tables, and the wifi worked outside. It was a little loud at times with traffic right outside but it's a great place to sit for a while. The chai was delicious and made in house! The breakfast sandwich was incredible and we will definitely be coming back just for that. The barista was nice and helped explaining the menu and items.

How did it take me all winter to come here?! This is the best new coffee shop in NE nestled in a nice neighborhood. I LOVED the outdoor seating area. And the free wifi worked out there too! Lots of seating inside as well. So many drink and food options and an entire NA cocktail menu that includes THC drinks. Highly recommend the Crescent City Ransom drink- chicory cold brew, coriander, maple, and oat milk. They also have soy milk for an alt milk option. Can't wait to come back for the sandwiches, soups, cheese board, chips & dip. They also had baked goods. Super friendly staff. Highly recommend checking this place out. Can't wait to go back.

A great spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch or cocktail hour with friends. A true neighborhood joint with calm vibes and great food and drink.

Their food and coffee were so good. Very cute patio as well! Baristas are friendly and smiley and the music playing was very vibey.

Such a hidden gem!?? It's sort of tucked into a residential neighborhood in NE, but I'm glad I came across it. We went here for some snacks and cocktails/wine (all great) but I can see this being a really nice place to drink coffee and work too.

5 stars across the whole board! The menu is so unique and tasty! My breakfast sandwich was to die for. The pickled vegetables on the sandwich was something I've never had on a breakfast sandwich and I loved it! The coffee drinks were unique as well and very delicious. I would love to check this place out at night too!

"Architecture is basically a container of something. I hope they will enjoy not so much the teacup, but the tea." During a period of personal turbulence, I literally wandered by the Briar. The combination of pleasant aesthetic, neutral yet engaging music and solid customer service transformed my cup of tea into a reminder of a simpler time. I needed it, so I thought I'd show my gratitude by sharing.

It is alright. They should make better money now that have a liquor license. I was surprised by that. Good for them. Food not that great??? Potato chips with a dry sandwich? Yuk.

Very cute little neighborhood cafe/restaurant. Great service, ambitious food and helpful staff.

I've been to The Briar twice now. Once for a quick cup of coffee, and again for lunch/work. This is a super cute cafe that has strong wifi, good music, and ample seating. I tried the NE Turkey. While it was a generous amount of turkey, I wasn't a huge fan. However, I will definitely be back to try other dishes. My coffee drink was delicious! The cream was SO good! I can't wait to come back in the summer for their patio. Service has always been great! Notes: *Parking: Even for NE, street parking is pretty good here! *If you can, try to sit at their booths!

Stopped in on a Saturday night with a Ukrainian friend I grew up with. She was in heaven with Chef Rick's Ukrainian food of Houndstooth and so was my husband and I! You have to try this food! We ordered almost everything on the menu and everything was a hit. Rick spoke with us for quite awhile about his grand mother's recipes and his passion for Ukrainian food. Wow. The Briar itself is a sexy, intimate room. Just beautiful. The patio looks like the place I'll be spending my summer since I live within walking distance. The owner Abe also chatted with us. Nice guy!! Kudos for keeping the metal work by Lisa Elias on the patio during the renovation! The drinks. I'm a Meteor fan but this is a close 2nd. The Briar 1231 is soooooo good, but I'm a sucker for bubbles! I also had the Dandelion which is made with roasted dandelion root liqueur, who knew that was a thing! Very refreshing, I can't say enough good things about this place. I can't wait to come back and try everything!!

Cute newer place in the neighborhood. I haven't eaten there yet, but the drinks are fabulous and I love their patio. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and fun to chat with.

First visit, food was unique and fantastic. We sat at the bar for lunch and the servers were very informative and friendly. Will be returning for dinner experience.

Was super excited to check out The Briar and it did not disappoint. The building was an old art gallery that I'm sure the city wanted to turn into some sort of crowded housing development, but thankfully the team at The Briar stepped in to renovate the space and turn it into something spectacular. It's well lit and beautifully styled to retain the charm of North East Minneapolis. As a specialty coffee snob, I can confidently say this is by far the best coffee you will find in the twin cities. Pro tip: You know you've found good coffee when they are using scales during the process and serving sparkling water with their espresso! The food is no slouch either! We had some delicious breakfast sandwiches while we sipped our coffee. Can't wait to check out their dinner menu sometime in the future.

One of the best spots for a.m. coffee and, with the amazing Houndstooth restaurant pop up, also one of the best spots in the cities for p.m. cocktails and small plates! The chef took the time to speak with us about his food choices - it is obvious that he loves what he does - and that translates into lovely, intentional dishes. Lovely ambiance and atmosphere!

NE Hill Turkey sandwich requested gluten free bread served with chips. A perfect little lunch. Nice size patio however no shade from the midday sun. The inside was pleasant and was no problem getting inside seating. Staff was helpful when ordering and recommending the various types of teas.

Great neighborhood spot. Cute vibe inside and lovely patio. Yummy food and nice staff. Three thumbs up!

Stopped in for brunch on Saturday afternoon. We had delicious bowls of chicken and white bean soup, egg salad open face sandwich's and bread pudding for dessert. The food was very very good, presented well, and each item had a little different presentation that made it very interesting. An example was the egg salad sandwich, which was open face on focaccia with dill and cornichons, The restaurant wasn't large but nicely done; the outside seating looked inviting but the weather did not cooperate. During our visit, people of the neighborhood dropped by, some with dogs at their heel. The ambiance was nice, friendly, and the facility is clean and attractive. This is a great place tucked away in the neighborhood. Go try it!

Very Friendly!!! Food and Drinks were extremely good especially the Avocado Tostado. Nice to have a new place in NE

We went for lunch with high hopes and left pretty disappointed. We really want to support neighborhood places but we won't return to this one, at least not for lunch. We had a turkey sandwich and a chicken sandwich. For a $13 sandwich I expected something delicious but it just wasn't. The cortado was good though.

Saw this place on Yelp. Good reviews. Well the reviews were right on. I had the Smoked Whitefish Buddy - Smoked whitefish chunks mixed with a cream cheese avocado spread and heirloom tomato. I'm not a huge fan of tomato but the smoke flavor was intensified by the fats and that blended just perfectly with the tomato. REALLY delicious. Chill ambiance. Solid low-key place to hang out in. Highly recommended.