Editor’s Note: Makers Cafe is now closed.
Nowadays, everyone is — as my friend would say — DTB: down to brunch. Anytime. Anywhere. Obviously, the concept surrounding brunch isn’t anything new. With that said, there seems to be an unspoken brunch battle within the confines of the Twin Cities and beyond. “Do you know of a good brunch place where I can take my parents?” “XYZ has the best brunch. Have you been yet?” And need I mention the inevitable hangover brunch craving? Brunch is the new black.
With what seems to be an endless array of options, establishments really need to step up their game to even have a chance of repeat customers. There are too many restaurants that have it down to a science. This brings me to Makers Cafe, the latest venture from Dunn Bros. in conjunction with Cafe Inc.
The restaurant plays the “local” card and deploys the tagline, “Eat at your desk with dignity,” so we were expecting goodness. And in terms of sourcing and decor, all seemed well: the fast-casual dining eatery uses Autumnwood Farm ingredients, Wood From the Hood decor, and it sells homemade crafts from local businesses. Sadly, actual breakfast food fell flat — figuratively and literally.
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast ($5) was lackluster. At times, we didn’t know if we were actually eating the brown paper plate it was served on. It looked and tasted sad and lonely.
The Frittata ($6) looked flat and tasted like it, too. It was a depressing, bland nosh. And the Breakfast Sandwich ($5, below) was only manageable due to the hot sauce at the table and the salt from the bacon.
The “makers” and “homemade” route had us fooled. It pains us to admit, but we might’ve rather opted for a — wait for it — chain restaurant. At least a chain doesn’t try to be something that it’s not, and you know what you’re getting for your buck, even if it is an utter salt fest. Or else we should’ve paid the extra money for a lick-your-plate-clean, Instagram-worthy breakfast elsewhere.
Makers delivered on friendly service, ample seating, and an inviting environment, and its possible that it serves up a tasty lunch and dinner. But in terms of breakfast, we doubt that cardboard-esque French toast gives us either “dignity” or more office cred.
Makers Cafe
Fast-casual dining in Edina
4920 W 77th St
Edina, MN 55435
952.417.6566
OWNER: Dunn Bros. and Cafe Inc.
HOURS:
Weekdays 6:30am – 8pm
Weekends 7am – 7pm
BAR: No (Beer and wine available)
VEGETARIAN / VEGAN: Yes / Yes
ENTREE RANGE: $5-$9 (plus add a $2 side to “Make it a Meal”)
PARKING: Free lot
I stopped in a few weeks ago during a time when they were occasionally open while training staff, but serving free food. They seemed like they earnestly cared about being really good. They did have really good hand-squeezed lemonade and a pretty decent French dip, although the accompanying spring greens salad was over-dressed and limp. I didn’t think their baked goods in the case looked that much more appealing than Starbucks or Caribou, but I actually had a very good chocolate chip cookie that was still warm. They’ve had a really long soft-opening, so it’s disappointing that they’re not hitting it out of the park. But your photos don’t depict good-looking tasty food.
There is an independent Dunn Brothers in Mankato that is also a very warm and cozy cafe. On-site they make gorgeous pastries, sandwiches, soups, etc. I was hoping this Edina location would be more like Mankato. Unfortunately it falls short. I think the corporate guys need to pay the little Mankato store a visit (they weren’t familiar with it when I asked them about it).