
Colossal Cafe
A beloved Twin Cities eatery famed for colossal, made-from-scratch breakfasts and lunches, serving up comfort with a smile.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Colossal Cafe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Twin Cities eatery famed for colossal, made-from-scratch breakfasts and lunches, serving up comfort with a smile.
"Get ready for a 'colossal' experience with amazing food that's worth the wait!"
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and potential parking challenges by arriving early, especially on weekends.
Don't Skip the Gravy!
Elevate your meal with a side of their flavorful pork bison gravy.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colossal Pancakes
Massive, fluffy, and tangy yeasted pancakes served with real maple syrup, a signature treat that's a must-try.

Made-From-Scratch Goodness
Indulge in hearty, homemade breakfast and lunch dishes crafted with care, offering exceptional flavor and value.

Gigantic Cinnamon Rolls
Don't miss these enormous, decadent cinnamon rolls, a sweet treat that lives up to the cafe's 'colossal' name.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and potential parking challenges by arriving early, especially on weekends.
Don't Skip the Gravy!
Elevate your meal with a side of their flavorful pork bison gravy.
Order to-go
Consider take-and-bake brunch or weekly specials for a convenient meal at home.
Check the Menu First
Orders are placed at the counter, so looking over the menu beforehand is helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and potential parking challenges by arriving early, especially on weekends.
Don't Skip the Gravy!
Elevate your meal with a side of their flavorful pork bison gravy.
Order to-go
Consider take-and-bake brunch or weekly specials for a convenient meal at home.
Check the Menu First
Orders are placed at the counter, so looking over the menu beforehand is helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colossal Cafe is widely praised for its generous, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch dishes, with standout items like massive pancakes and cinnamon rolls. Diners appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the value for money, though some note that flavor could be more pronounced and parking can be a challenge. The cafe is a beloved Twin Cities institution for hearty, homestyle comfort food.
"If you’re looking for a place with great made-from-scratch breakfast food, this spot is a must-visit. They truly know how to do breakfast right. While the food might take a bit longer to arrive compared to a chain restaurant, the wait is definitely worth it. The flavors are exceptional, showcasing thoughtful and delicious flavor profiles in every dish.
If you’re unsure of what to order, I highly recommend trying the Colossal Breakfast. Don’t forget to add a side of pork bison gravy—it’s the perfect complement to your meal. The portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices are very reasonable, ranging from $10 to $15.
Be prepared for a bit of a crowd, as this place can get busy, and parking might be a challenge. However, the quality of the food makes it all worthwhile. It’s definitely a breakfast destination worth checking out."
Ritter Family
"Nice start to the weekend morning - a stop at the Colossal Cafe. The Colossal Breakfast was great - over easy eggs, bacon, hash browns, and sourdough toast with homemade rhubarb jelly. Also the breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon and cheese. Enjoy and stop in!"
Chris Goggin
"I’m giving this place three stars because the food was solid with no complaints other than it was lacking depth and definitely salt. I’ve noticed here in the Twin Cities. A lot of places have very high ratings, but don’t seem to be matching up with the flavor. While all the ingredients on the dish were right, there was just no flavor coming from them. A little salt will go a long way. Prices were slightly elevated, and the coffee was overpriced for what it was. I might be willing to try it again, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go back."
Marco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The cafe is most famous for its 'flappers' (massive, fluffy pancakes) and its gigantic cinnamon rolls. The Colossal Breakfast is also a popular choice.
Many diners agree that the exceptional made-from-scratch food and generous portions make the wait well worthwhile.
Parking is typically street-only and can be challenging. Seating can also be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, vegetarian diners will find plenty of options on the menu, with many dishes being naturally vegetarian or easily adaptable.
Yes, Colossal Cafe offers take-and-bake brunch options and weekly specials for convenient take-out.
The patio at Colossal Cafe is pet-friendly, and water bowls are available upon request.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
best brunch twin cities suburbs
Map of the Best Breakfast in Mineapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities Suburbs, Best breakfast in downtown Minneapolis: Hen House, Best cheap breakfast in Minneapolis: Our Kitchen, Most unique breakfast: Victors 1959 Cafe, Best breakfast sweets: Isles Bun and Coffee, Most Popular Breakfast in St. Paul: Hope Breakfast Bar, The Most Legendary Breakfast in St. Paul: Mickeys Diner, Best Waffles: Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, Best Cheap Breakfast in St. Paul: Coffee Cup, Best breakfast with locations in both Twin Cities: Colossal Cafe, Best Breakfast in the Twin Cities Suburbs, Best Swedish Pancakes: Taste of Scandinavia, Our favorite breakfast in the suburbs: Fat Nats Eggs, A post shared by gretchen hatz (@wildfreshntasty), A post shared by Hen House Eatery (@henhouseeatery), A post shared by Caitlin Abrams (@caitabrams), A post shared by Victors 1959 Cafe (@victors1959cafe), A post shared by Richard Lafleur (@richard.lafleur), A post shared by Birchwood Cafe (@birchwoodcafe), A post shared by Hope Breakfast Bar (@hopebreakfastbar), A post shared by The Buttered Tin (@thebutteredtin), A post shared by Mickeys Diner (@mickeysdiningcar), A post shared by Cafe Astoria (@cafeastoriasaintpaul), A post shared by Elite Repeat (@eliterepeatstpaul), A post shared by Colossal Cafe (@colossalcafe), A post shared by Taste Of Scandinavia (@tasteofscandinavia), A post shared by Good Day Cafe (@gooddaycafemn). So wake up: Theres never been a better time for breakfast in the Twin Cities. Wendys also serves other brunch options like chicken and waffles, caramel cakes, and the Broadway Special smothered chicken over rice and gravy.
St. Paul's Best Restaurants
There’s often a line winding out the door of Colossal Cafe, and for good reason. With an tasty and affordable menu of breakfast and lunch plates, including biscuit sandwiches, cinnamon rolls the size of a dinner plate, and a famous yeasted pancake they call a “flapper,” Colossal is the perfect place to go when you just can’t stare down another half-hearted bowl of yogurt eaten over the kitchen counter. The Como Avenue location is perfectly positioned for a post-prandial stroll around the scenic surrounding neighborhood or a quick game of frisbee at College Park.
BEST Chopped-salad Near Saint Paul in 2025 – Doordash
Reuben has the most tender and delicious corned beef I've ever had on a sandwich. I am picky when it comes to that. also, the size of the sandwich is a good size without wlbeing stupid. I like a large sandwich that I can still hold in my hand. They have that down. it also delivers well, without being soggy. Also, the breakfast is constantly great in the restaurant and delivered. I even love the Biscuits and Gravy.
Must-Try Minneapolis Locations Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Don’t be misled by the modest 500-square-foot space at Colossal Cafe, located at 1839 E 42nd St in Minneapolis. This beloved eatery, spotlighted on “Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives,” is famous for its Meatloaf Sandwich, featuring a delectable citrus-infused cranberry compote on freshly baked bread. Another fan favorite is their Apple, Walnuts & Brie pancakes.
11 Best Breakfast Restaurants in St. Paul
On the corner of Hamline and Grand Avenue, this trim bakery and restaurant is popular early in the day and on weekends. Perhaps the most iconic dish on Colossal's menu are the flappers: massive, yeasted pancakes that are impossibly fluffy and filled with a wonderful tangy flavor. Doused in real maple syrup, they are a scrumptious treat.
A Breakfast and Brunch Haven in Saint Paul
Colossal Cafe, located in Saint Paul, MN, offers a plethora of breakfast and brunch options in a cozy atmosphere. Their menu features diverse options for kids, including generous portions at affordable prices. The Colossal Caffe breakfast dish stands out, with delicious maple turkey sausage, perfectly cooked eggs, and a massive biscuit.
These St. Paul restaurants make great mac and cheese
This mac and cheese is something you’d find on a kids’ menu at a good restaurant. The cheese is plentiful, but not too stinky, and it even comes in a sturdy bowl. Add a generous amount of thick-cut bacon, though, and you’ve got a winner on your hands, especially if you spike it with the restaurant’s house-made habanero hot sauce.
Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Minneapolis
A quaint neighborhood joint, the Colossal Cafe is known for serving up scrumptious made-from-scratch breakfast options, which are available all day long and as a to-go option. Enjoy an early morning breakfast or a late brunch with your pooch in tow, as its patio is pet-friendly. Water bowls are available upon request.
Your guide to Easter buffets, brunch, takeout and desserts
Colossal Cafe has all the brunch goods covered with take-and-bake brunch at both St. Paul locations. Choose from honey-glazed Fischer Farms ham, smoked salmon, biscuits and jam, baked bread, almond monkey bread, burnt sugar chai and more on the a la carte menu. Order via Tock and schedule a pickup.
Brunching in Saint Paul: Best Brunch Spots in the Heart of Minnesota
Colossal Cafe in Saint Paul is an exceptional brunch spot that I highly recommend. The service is fast and friendly and the food is downright delicious. From the Scandinavian frittata with smoked trout to the classic Colossal Breakfast, every dish is cooked to perfection.
Twin Cities Restaurant Guide
If you ask someone if they’ve ever been to Colossal they’ll usually just scream “THE BISCUITS!!!. ” and that’s all that really needs to be said. What we order: Roasted Pork Shoulder Burrito Bowl, or Breakfast Sandwiches (on a biscuit! duh!)
21 Best Brunch Spots in St. Paul, MN
First up on my list of the top restaurants offering brunch in St. Paul is Colossal Cafe. You can find it on Grand Avenue and Como Avenue. This homey and cozy restaurant offers seasonal American brunch fare to help you start your day right.
Highest-rated Breakfast Restaurants in the Minneapolis Area by Diners
- Rating: 3.8/5 (273 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1340 Grand Ave. Saint Paul, Minnesota - Categories: Cafes, Breakfast & Brunch, Bakeries- Read more on Yelp

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit