5 Best Cafes in Downtown, Rochester MN
Updated 29 September 2026 · 30 cafes in Downtown, Rochester MN considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five cafes and casual eateries in and around Downtown Rochester MN, useful for residents and for visitors in town for appointments or conferences. The order comes from Google ratings, weighted by the number of reviews each place has received. Each entry includes hours, address and what reviewers mention, from Turkish dishes and vegan bowls to acai and coffee, so you can find a place that fits your schedule and diet.
#1
Lumi Restaurant and Bar
★ 4.8 (1,062 Google reviews)Mediterranean restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Lumi Restaurant and Bar is a Mediterranean restaurant at 255 1st Ave SW, which reviewers describe as a modern Turkish spot next to the Mayo Clinic. Regulars point to an appetizer sampler with hummus, a feta pistachio dip, a pomegranate dip and a carrot dip, plus baklava and Turkish tea. Reviewers note clean, upscale decor. It opens at 8 am Friday through Sunday and 11 am on other days.
Best for: Turkish plates near downtown
- Address
- 255 1st Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–10 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 8 am–10 pm; Sun 8 am–9 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#2
Old Abe Coffee Shop
★ 4.8 (669 Google reviews)Vegan restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Old Abe Coffee Shop at 832 7th St NW is a vegan restaurant and coffee shop that reviewers call a favorite lunch and work spot. Regulars point to plant-based rice bowls, a Korean bulgogi BBQ bowl, banh mi, bagel sandwiches, vegan and gluten-free donuts and mochas. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, opens at 7 am the rest of the week, and has a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet.
Best for: Vegan bowls and donuts
- Address
- 832 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–7 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 7 am–5 pm; Sun 7 am–5 pm; Thu 7 am–7 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 7 am–7 pm
#3
ThaiPop
★ 4.7 (1,136 Google reviews)Thai restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
ThaiPop is a Thai restaurant at 4 3rd St SW, open for lunch and dinner most days and closed Sunday. Reviewers mention fresh food, wings, and cocktails made with house syrups and juices, with a bar where you can watch the action. The vibe is described as modern and fun. Reviewers also say it works well for gluten-free and dairy-free diners, with staff who help with ordering.
Best for: Thai food and cocktails
- Address
- 4 3rd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#4
Bloom Acai Cafe
★ 4.9 (165 Google reviews)Health food restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Bloom Acai Cafe is a health food restaurant at 2483 Commerce Dr NW that identifies as veteran-owned and women-owned. Reviewers mention fresh fruit, quality toppings, the Bloom Bowl, the chocolate Nest Bowl and custom bowls, with vegan acai available. Staff are described as accommodating with groups of kids. It is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and lists outdoor seating, a fireplace, catering and organic dishes.
Best for: Acai and smoothie bowls
- Address
- 2483 Commerce Dr NW Spc 200, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- daily 8 am–6 pm
#5
St. James Coffee
★ 4.8 (187 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
St. James Coffee at 4156 18th Ave NW is a coffee shop where, reviewers mention, purchases support a Catholic nonprofit. Regulars point to friendly service, a cozy atmosphere, board games, toys and books for children, a small gift shop and a lavender drink. Reviewers also describe the coffee prices as reasonable. It opens at 7:30 am Monday through Saturday and is closed Sunday.
Best for: Families with young children
- Address
- 4156 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–6 pm; Mon 7:30 am–6 pm; Sat 7:30 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 7:30 am–6 pm; Tue 7:30 am–6 pm; Wed 7:30 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 30 cafes in Downtown, Rochester MN with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Old Abe Coffee Shop opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Lumi Restaurant and Bar ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 1,062 reviews. Old Abe Coffee Shop is second at 4.8 from 669 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Rochester MN are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Lumi Restaurant and Bar, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Bloom Acai Cafe $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Bloom Acai Cafe.
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