Part coffeehouse, part cafe, Moose and Sadie’s brings a much-needed meeting place to Minneapolis’ North Loop. Whether it’s the nearby loft residents grabbing brunch or employees from the converted warehouses looking for a midday meal, the eatery has a lot going for it: a menu that changes weekly to reflect seasonal ingredients, food sourced from local and/or organic producers, and a relaxed vibe that welcomes customers of all ages — often at the same table.
The atmosphere is so relaxed, in fact, that you may wait a while for your food. Moose and Sadie’s is not the place for take-out if you have a short lunch break, unless you’d like to spend half of that time hanging around the silverware stand and trying to stay out the way of other customers filling their water glasses. Dining at the cafe usually results in speedier service, so pull up a chair instead of hightailing it back to your desk.
Besides, is there a better place to enjoy fresh, veggie-heavy fare such as bean and cheese quesadillas than Moose and Sadie’s sunny dining room? Likely not. Recent menu highlights include cavatappi pasta with spinach, roasted red peppers, peas, gorgonzola, and a light cream sauce — a grown-up version of mac and cheese that puts Noodles‘ much-loved version to shame. A cup of creamy tomato soup perfectly complemented a grilled cheddar and gruyère sandwich, and the always-reliable huevos rancheros never fail to disappoint. The daily quiches can be hit or miss, and the entree salads seem overpriced, but the bakery counter can be counted upon for a winning treat or two. If the blondies are available, be sure to grab one of the mammoth bars — and don’t be ashamed if you don’t share.
BEST BET: Those huevos rancheros, with their runny eggs, beans, and roasted tomato salsa, are available every day until 2pm and always hit the spot.
Cafe/coffeehouse in the North Loop
212 N Third Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.371.0464
OWNERS: Peter Kirihara and Susan Muskat
HOURS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7am-8pm Monday-Friday; brunch 9am-2pm Saturday and Sunday
BAR: No
RESERVATIONS/RECOMMENDED: No/No
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: Yes/Not really (some soups are vegan)
ENTREE RANGE: $4-8 breakfast, $6-12 lunch and dinner
Learn more about this business in The Heavy Table’s Atlas of Ethical Eating and Drinking.
This place might just be my favorite spot in Minneapolis. I love the layout, they keep the tables clean and the food is outstanding. I usually don’t choose pancakes or oatmeal when I go out for breakfast but you can’t go wrong ordering those options here – the steel-cut oatmeal is easily the best I’ve had. The staff is very friendly too, no attitude.
Huevos Rancheros are by far their signature dish there. I absolutely LOVE them and will probably never venture away from them.