Truly a hidden city GEM :) I've stopped in mid-morning, 6 pm-ish and staff have always been incredible nice, cheery, and knowledgeable of what is to serve. Quality eats at a reasonable price. My only wish is they'd stay open later on Fri, Sat as it would be a great alternative place to meet after a movie at the nearby Riverview Movie Theater, about 5 blocks east. They also have a small side room where more private conversations are possible. Also have nice outdoor seating in nice weather. Kid and pet friendly :
(4)
Grace H.
The pumkin chai latte had just the right mixture of spice and pumkin flavor. We paired it with the soup of the day which happened to be vegetarian gumbo. Perfect for a chilly day after a walk in minnehaha falls park. My boyfriend thought it could be a tad more spicy but I thought it was just right. Ambiance was comfortable and music was soothing. I'd come back again.
(5)
Jody-Beth M.
A coffee shop with a conscience leaving a smaller footprint on the planet and serving up world class customer service and excellent Java. You will feel welcome and be remembered.
(5)
Rubal K.
I loved this spot. The staff was helpful and nicely packed my to-go order which was a turkey and brie whole-wheat quesadilla with cranberry chutney. The quesadilla was delicious and I wish I had time to grab some coffee here too. The establishment itself is really cute with a small separated area towards the back also. Thanks for the awesome lunch!
(5)
Faith C.
****WARNING: Not child/stroller-friendly**** This review is about the general vibe of this place, not the food or the coffee, which is decent. I believe the owner's disquieting/nervous/unwelcoming vibe may be based on his desire to provide the best customer experience possible, but I have to say that he managed to create quite the opposite experience for this (former) patron. I have been to this neighborhood cafe numerous times and there are a few things that have spoiled the atmosphere enough to warrant never going back: - Audible micromanagement of staff in the background on the part of the owner, as well as what appears to be high staff turnover. Although I have been here several times with friends, I have not once had the same barista and it is hard not to notice the stiff, uncomfortable atmosphere in which they work. - It appears only certain customers are welcome. It seems obvious that the owner strives to recognize and know the names of some regular patrons but not others, as indicated by other reviews. He has never asked my name in all the times I have been there since moving into the neighborhood but judging from some of the reviews, certainly goes out of his way to know others. - Incident #1: My friend and I were tying up my dog outside when the owner nervously approached me, stood above me (invading my personal space), and asked me to do what I was already in the process of doing: leaving my dog outside. Why would the owner ask me to do what I was already doing while muttering something about serving food/losing his license under his breath? I found this situation uncomfortable, nonsensical, and odd. - Incident #2: We had been on a walk and my infant was asleep in her stroller. We chose not to disturb her from her sleep by removing her from the stroller and brought it into the cafe, pushing it off to the side. It was not busy - I saw a total of three other patrons during the time we were there. I was stunned when the owner again unnecessarily INVADED MY PERSONAL SPACE by approaching my infant in her stroller. She had been asleep the entire time we had been there UNTIL the owner put his face up to the stroller and told me, "Her eyes are open. She's crying." What the...? She had been asleep the entire time we were there and had NOT been crying until he approached us. He seemed to be indicating that the stroller was in the way or that the baby was unwelcome by his behavior and it came across in a very unpleasant, passive-aggressive tone. Talk about bizarre! Stunned by his odd behavior and the unwelcoming atmosphere he was creating, we chose to leave, never to return. I fail to see why a neighborhood like Longfellow, with its many young children and general neighborly, family-friendly vibe, tolerates a place like this where apparently, not everyone is welcome. I will definitely be sharing my negative experience here with my neighborhood play date group, as well as every neighbor with dogs and young children.
(2)
Cody B.
Excellent coffee and great sandwiches. I had a Cubano panini today and it was fire. Likely the best I've had. Their soups are also equally on fleek. I don't stop in too frequently but I've always noticed how friendly the staff is as well. It's jus an overall great neighborhood cafe.
(5)
Frank N.
Staying with friends and happened upon this place yesterday when looking for a place within walking distance for some coffee. Such a great treat and find, enjoyed a cappuccino and a ginger cardamon blonde brownie. Cute location with a few tables inside and out. Decided to come back today for lunch. Enjoyed the soup of the day, a cold spicy gazpacho loaded with chunks of fresh veggies. Also had the mozzarella tomato panini and my partner had the basil tomato goat cheese sandwich. Both were fresh and tasty. To drink, we tried the refreshing mint rosemary lemonade. Wanted to take home the whole pitcher!Seems like a popular place in the neighborhood for a bite to eat. Heard a few patrons commenting on the bakery items, which seem to sell out fast as they are available on a first come first serve basis--which is a good sign of quality! Not a vegetarian or gluten-free but seems like they have options for those preferences as well. Staff also was turn friendly and attentive. If we lived here, definitely would make it a regular spot, and will try the Sebastian Joe's ice cream next time.
(5)
Andrew W.
Lemonade is was great. Food is great. It's just that the price is a bit too high for the space and amount of food they give you. Otherwise, it's a nice area, good place to study.
(3)
Amber D.
I would have taken a picture of my Rosemary Chicken Salad and cup of Curried Lentil Soup, but I took one delicious bite and finished it before I even thought of looking at my phone. It was SO good. Flavorful, unique, fresh, and all made from scratch. I always have such a positive experience here; the owner Jeff is very friendly and is so hospitable - it almost feels like I'm being welcomed into his home for dinner. Plus, every time I've been here he personally asks how I enjoyed the food (and I can always say it was fabulous). Fire Roast Cafe is great! I promise to take a picture of my food next time ;)
(5)
Chelsea R.
Best lunch I've had in a long time. I had the half Rosemary chicken salad sandwich and cup of chicken and wild rice soup. Both were absolutely amazing. Everything is so fresh and tastes so healthy. I want to come back for lunch tomorrow!
(5)
Zoe D.
My favorite coffee shop. Ever! Great service. Incredible coffee. The best muffins I have ever eaten. The staff is awesome here. My workout buddies and i frequent Fire Roast, and all the baristas know all our orders and are friendly and engaging. It's such a welcoming environment. The cold press is some of my favorite in all of Minneapolis, and the lattes are always perfectly foamy. Their cranberry orange and blueberry lemon muffins are out of this world, sweet and moist and dense all at once. Also, even the bananas are better here. I don't know how they do it!
(5)
Adam T.
Really delightful spot. Excellent breakfast burrito, selection of teas, service and atmosphere. Looking forward to returning soon.
(4)
Jessica S.
Simple, laid-back cafe with some decent breakfast/lunch and beverage offerings to suit all tastes. Baked goods for nibbling and Sebastian Joe's ice cream for indulging are also available. After my rec footy game in brutal summer heat, I sought a light yet quick lunch, preferably outdoors where it would potentially be more socially acceptable to be mud-covered from head (well, technically, arms) to toe. This fit the bill. Order at the counter, grab your number and seating, and hold tight (maybe a little longer than seemingly necessary) till your grub arrives. [Full disclosure: I am admittedly biased towards wait staff-free eateries.] Homemade granola + yogurt. Well done... sweet, crunchy (but not tooth-shatteringly so) , chunky with freshly soft almonds. Snagged a bite(s) of my bf's chicken burrito. Well-stuffed and pressed with yummy ingredients, but standard and could easily be replicated at home with basic ingredients even by culinary dunces such as moi. Service was very pleasant (particularly from the man who I assumed owner) as was the space. Two rooms indoors, one more restaurant style-seating (booths and tables/chairs), the other a serene java-sipping lounge with art-adorned sky blue (or some equally calming hue) walls*. Plus, a number of umbrella-clad bistro tables outdoors. I'd happily return next time I'm in the Longfellow vicinity. *Upon skimming through photos, the wall is more of a jarring red-orange, yet this backroom still embodied a calming vibe.
(4)
Scottie S.
Hidden gem. Wonderful food and service. Their breakfast sandwich and breakfast quesadilla are to die for. A cute and quaint spot to sip coffee and get work done or meet up with friends.
(5)
Nicole N.
Great neighborhood cafe, nice people, good food
(4)
Sergio R.
Medium late is big! And well priced. The chicken rosemary sandwich was also amazing. It's served on a very crispy croissant. I came in on what looked like a slow day. It's not very big in there, so I'm wondering how crowded it gets during peak hours. Regardless, it's a hidden catty corner to a car repair shop.
(5)
Amy L.
Thought we were picking a local place for lunch. Unfortunately they must close the kitchen between 2-3pm. This is a heads up for anyone else looking for a mid day lunch.
(3)
Lorena W.
The green chicken tamale was alright, but their rosemary mint lemonade was quite tasty and refreshing! Also, they have yummy Sebastian Joe's ice cream! The staff are super friendly and seemed knowledgable when I asked them questions about their coffee from Mexico. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Tom B.
Great selection! More than you can get at the big chains, plus it's all better quality! If it's coffee and pastries or good and lemonade. This is a great spot.
(4)
Kathleen M.
Not a place to go if you want to mellowly read your paper and drink tea. Lots of busy to-ings and fro-ings and loud commentary by the owner (?) which I found distracting.
(3)
Sara G.
I like this place, but it's small and I feel like people who go there to do homework/study are unwelcome. Love the coffee, cookies are amazing and for the most part, it's a great little spot. However on a couple occasions I've felt forced out because they want to turn over tables/seats. I get it...but I'm a paying customer too.
(3)
Sara M.
Food is a little overpriced, but tasty! Quaint little neighborhood spot, great place to catch up on a book or get some work done!
(4)
Aubrie E.
I absolutely love this place and I've only been here twice so far! The employees are so friendly, which everyone knows can make or break a place. On top of that they have super tasty food! I just had a cup of cauliflower and gruyere cheese soup and it was so flavorful and creamy. I'm kicking myself that I didn't order a bowl. The atmosphere is also great. Soft music playing that doesn't distract you from working or studying and cute little two-person booths lined along the windows are just two nice features of the place. I might become a regular.
(5)
Byron T.
Exactly the small family owned restaurant I look for when I'm out and about. So glad I drove a little further and took the chance at this unknown hidden gem. Ditch the big brand coffee shops and see what you should feel like while enjoying your coffee and meal.
(5)
Zachary F.
My coffee shop. I enjoy visiting it's relaxing cheerful and friendly space. A great meeting place for the whole neighborhood. The baked goods, breakfast sandwich, tea and coffee are great. I really like the Red Sombrero coffee, it's exceptional. The warm friendly greetings this place provides make this place stand out as my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis.
(5)
Wendy J.
Comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and great food and beverages.
(5)
Mel S.
Fireroast Mountain Cafe had been on my to-do list or awhile and since a friend mentioned it last week I decided it should be my first stop for my Winter Sunday Coffee Shop Hop season. The cafe is quaint and residential, because of this there was plenty of street parking. (It looked like they also had a little lot for about 4 cars, but I didn't bother.) There's a decent sized food menu that I didn't dig into, but I was momentarily tempted by tamales. I was feeling fairly indecisive, so I just ordered my standard Americano. The prices are really good here, I got a medium for $2.16--although I overheard the manager training a new employee that all Americanos are the same size in volume; that confused me. My best guess is that it was a double shot (1, 2, 3 shots in the same size glass). The Americano was not particularly good; although I'm no expert judge of coffee--I can only speak to my personal tastes. It tasted a little burnt, a little too much like mediocre coffee. Perhaps I should have gotten the Tanzania Peaberry Pourover that I was debating instead. On the other hand, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. I snuggled up in a big armchair in a back room, which allowed me to get away from the training session going on at the counter. The customers in the front had an average age of about 65, it had a definite neighborhood after-church feel. Later two young kids came in to have burritos. As did a women's knitting group. I loved listening to this community of people (my community of people!) chatter away from my snug little near-private space in the back, which was also occupied by two girls working on their laptops, one of whom was discussing the novel she was working on. The music was also excellent. Lots of bluegrass country, and I even got to hear Down To The River to Pray at one point. This is such a quintessential neighborhood cafe. Next time I go here, I'm going to make sure to go with friends, and share some wonderful conversation about books, or knitting, or Yelping. I think that's what Fireroast was made for.
(3)
Abbie F.
Went on Easter and it was packed! I loved their ginger green tea...mmm so delicious! It is a great spot with a wide diversity of people who were there. I liked how there were two different rooms so that if you wanted a quieter space you could go on the other side. If I lived closer I would be there more often!
(5)
Meghann F.
Love it. Super cute little place. The iced chai was amazing on a hot day - it was like heaven in your mouth. Also tried the green chile and chicken tamale - yummy! I like that they have a seperate area for garbage, plastic, plates, compostable etc.
(5)
Andrea S.
Excellent find!! We were looking for a cozy cafe for lunch and Fireroast fit the bill. Great menu for lunch. I had a coconut curry pumpkin soup with a pesto chicken sandwich. My boyfriend had the Baja wrap. Both of our lunches had excellent flavor and were made to order. Jeff, the owner was extremely welcoming and friendly! We will definitely come back!!
(5)
Amy D.
I love working here when the mojo is good. The food is fresh and tasty. Their gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookie is deelish and they have a good selection of teas and decent drip coffee. If you do dairy, they have Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Nice little booths are cute and cozy. They have some outside seating good for the extendo-summer we are experiencing. The owner is a sweet guy, who obviously really cares. My only complaints are that the AC was way too cold; and on perfect days when the door could just be propped open I was covering the AC vent with a folder and donning a sweatshirt. And today the music is an epic fail, making it near impossible to stay. First cloying show tunes and now something that sounds like Cookie Monster doing heavy metal. I asked for a change after one too many Wicked numbers--I just couldn't take it. And now I can't bear having to ask again, so I will either try to block it out or leave. Late afternoon update: the evening crew is here and with them MUCH improved music, hooray! Extra star for improvement. I can keep working and enjoy the breeze coming in the open door. Get another tea and pound out a few hundred more words. Grateful for the portable office.
(4)
Kedar D.
This is a beautiful, cozy, hippie cafe. The inside is a part diner (with small booths), part coffee shop and part gift store; the outside is a lovely place to sip some tea and catch the summer breeze. The first time I went, a group of older people had a sing-along session, replete with a guitar and lyric books. It was folk music and pretty cool that five or six people could just hang out and sing in the middle of a small coffee shop. It didn't feel intrusive at all. Both times I went to Fireroast I had a cup of tea ($1.80); Fireroast has a small, but good, selection of loose-leaf blacks, greens and herbals. I also had a vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookie ($1.75) which was their only vegan baked good available. It was a great cookie: sweet, moist and nicely peanut-buttery. If Fireroast had more vegan baked goods (why no cakes or cupcakes or brownies?), and more vegan food options (how about tofu/seitan burritos and tacos, since you already offer tamales?), I'd be back often.
(4)
Doran S.
This place is down the street from my house and has become our second living room. The new owner has completely revamped the place while keeping what was great about it (ie tamales). This is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop: friendly, comfortable, family friendly, delicious, ice cream, great baked goods and wonderful atmosphere. And it's going to get better and better! Stop by!
(5)
Mara S.
Fireroast is consistently wonderful- always welcoming, always good drinks, always good food, always a good atmosphere. I've never had a bad experience here! I find myself trying out other cafes and in the end I miss Fireroast. Whether it's to meet a friend, sit and drink a coffee while my son plays, grab lunch or dinner, or get work done I know that my money will be well spent and they will always follow through with good service. While I don't live in the neighborhood, I find myself willing to go out of my way to come to this great little cafe where everyone is treated well and the experience is worthwhile!
(5)
Jacquie D.
I have been to a lot of coffee shops in the Twin Cities, and I can't help but keep coming back here. Here are my top ten reasons: 1. I can hear myself think. I can also hear a conversation with another person. Jeff never blasts the music in the background. 2. Lots of electrical outlets for the laptop and phone. And the free Wi-Fi ALWAYS WORKS. 3. Big, sunny windows. It feels happy in here. 4. Comfy booths. 5. Pots of loose tea. Yay!!! I can't handle too much coffee, so this makes it for me. 6. Friendliness. This owner loves his business, his customers and his neighbors. Every day, he asks what he could be doing better, and he means it. He always has a smile for me, and doesn't seem to mind how many hours I sit here working on finding a new job. 7. The bakery. Seriously, those are some damn fine herb-and-fruit scones, people. And raise your hand if you are sick and tired of the same old bakery products that Starbucks and Caribou have been carrying for years. 8. The location. Easy shot off of Hiawatha in South Minne. And there is plenty of street parking. 9. Dog-friendliness. I don't have a dog, but think it is sweet that there is a tie-out for the dog, a dog water dish and free dog biscuits here. I wonder if I could bring my cat? 10. Originality. Yeah, I feel a little more urban hipster here, because the decor, the gifts, the art and the food are all unique to this place. It's a good vibe.
(5)
Lauren H.
One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong. I am the thing that doesn't belong btw, at least that's what it felt like at Fireroast. I stopped in on a Saturday morning after reading about their especially delicious pumpkin spice chai latte. I waited while the girl behind the counter was chatting with what was obviously a regular customer - no probs, as I was awaiting the arrival of a friend and wasn't in the slightest rush. Then I got up to order my drink and asked (politely I might add) for a pumpkin spice chai latte. I wasn't asked if I wanted a specific kind of milk or if I wanted a specific size. Instead, I was asked, "anything else?" Uhmmm . . . the granola with yogurt. That sounds good, I'll have that. I paid, I tipped, and I kind of stood near where I wanted to sit because I wasn't sure about the protocol - sit and they bring it out? Stand and go up to the counter? Linger awkwardly? I did the third thing of course. My granola came out first with a guy meeting me halfway - he wasn't at the counter so he probably didn't know who ordered it. When my latte was done, the girl yelled it out, despite having later seen her bring drinks out to other customers and despite the fact that there was no one else in line. Well alright then. I should add that the 3 stars come from the fact that I really loved both the latte and the granola. The granola was just the right amount of sweet, nice and crunchy with a bit of dried fruit, and served with plain yogurt, which a girl who is attempting not to shovel sugar into her mouth certainly appreciates. The latte was perfectly spiced, maybe not as "pumpkin-y" as I was expecting, but delicious none the less and hit the spot on a cool fall day! Maybe I'll head back again, but I think I'd probably order my stuff to go so I don't feel like the very obvious outsider again!
(3)
Glenn P.
Great eclectic coffee shop. Whenever I travel, I try to search for eclectic coffee shops. Most places seem to have the same "Starbucks fast, I want your money" feel but Fireroast was different and enjoyable. They actually care about their coffee and customers. One of the employees informed me they plan on roasting their own in the future. I wish I had a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood. I strongly recommend trying it out if you have the opportunity.
(5)
Joe L.
A very calm atmosphere. The music is not too loud, and the Internet speed is excellent.
(5)
Conor C.
They make one hell of a tasty iced americano! I haven't had a chance to grab any of their food as of yet but the menu looks awesome.
(4)
Deb R.
I go here just to hear music or as a place to have an intimate meeting when there is not live music being played. High points are the many sort of Mexican entrees, the baked goods and the ice cream. There are also excellent soups and sandwiches and salads. It seems like it would be a great place just to hang, too, but I never get a chance to hang.
(4)
Clare O.
I liked this place with the old owners but now I LOVE this place. Their tea lattes are ah-mazing! Tea Source teas, Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Best way to keep your money local and your neighbors happy. Good food, good drinks, friendly, welcoming, a variety of food for all food types (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, ethnic, sweet-tooths (sweetteeth?), snackers, etc), neighborhood gathering spot and supportive of local businesses and causes. The new owner has reduced some (most?) of the visual clutter and is definitely making this place welcoming, clean and high quality. My fave items include fancy coffees, superior teas, a tart-sweet lavender lemonade, gluten-free espresso brownie (that I have not been able to replicate at home, dammit), a great pesto sandwich. Unlike the coffee shop down the street (RVC&WB), this place actually makes you feel welcome if you happen to be a breeder. RVC&WB takes my money, and even though they have a hug kid play area, I always feel like they are mad I've come in with my children. With Fireroast Cafe, I feel welcome and appreciated. Instead of a dirty messy play area, you can check toy bins out. They have moved some of the big chairs to where the kid play area used to be, so there's no designated kid area, which can be good or bad, depending on your brood & mood. Cons: The bathroom is super small and not sound-proofed. One afternoon, my daughter and I were enjoying a lovely hot chocolate and latte, and we heard all the bodily noises that one man made during his time in this airplane-sized bathroom. I hope he sees a gastro-intestinal specialist at the U real soon, because that sounded problematic. Then my daughter pipes up, "Mom, I can smell his poop from out here! He forgot to flush!" Yipes. The only other con is that you can't push a stroller thru the front door because it's 4 steps up. In the summer, I parked the baby outside, but I can't do that in winter. Yes, soon, she'll be able to walk, but until then, I totally have my hands full. Other than that, if you like coffee, tea & treats, if you want a cozy place to spend this winter, if you like friendly servers, this is your place.
(4)
Deanna D.
My experience today was MUCH better and the updates in the place make it a very comfortable place to: grab a cup of coffee, have lunch, get some studying done, play a game, read a book. The wrap my husband enjoyed was tasty and the muffin I had was deliciouso. Service was great and the owner out and about chatting with everyone. I am in the middle of a proposal so I anticipate that I will be a regular here for the next couple of weeks.
(4)
Lauren D.
I first discovered Fireroast through the weekly Thursday night trivia games. I have sampled their food and have nothing, but good experiences. The staff is so sweet and kind. I love that they even join in on the trivia! They offer a large selection of teas and will make customized drinks. I love their veggie tamales, but just remind the staff if it seems to be taking too long (a certain staff member will sometimes forget to bring it out!). Overall, a great little cafe with a fun vibe, entertaining art, and friendly staff.
(4)
Lon J.
Very nice little spot with great food, great coffee, and a great atmosphere...owner was an incredibly nice guy. Highly recommend.
(5)
Linda H.
This place is in the middle of a residential area, in a place you would not expect to see a coffee shop. The place is laid back, hippie friendly, and a comfy hideout but the food is not good at all. It might have been what we ordered (tuna sandwich and nachos) but I most definitely would not order food here again. I do think their baked goods are probably good. I heard one person talk about how she felt "buzzed" from eating the espresso muffin. ( I am assuming from all the caffeine in it) The staff, although friendly, seemed really out of it. So out of it that I had to find my tuna sandwich. They put it in a booth and did not tell me. After waiting a while after getting the nachos and remembering seeing a lonely sandwich in a booth near the back, I went and got it. I really do hope it was mine! I really did not mind that at all, it just added humor to our visit on such a beautiful day! I really doubt I will return to Fireroast unless I happen to be in that area and need some caffeine. I can not speak to the coffee because I did not have any. I was caffeined up for the day already. I am giving this place a three stars only because the staff seemed really nice and friendly, even after playing hide and seek with my sandwich. The food alone, I would give it a one.
Best chai latte I've had in this town -- it's mellow, with more tea than sugar, Yay! Awesome booths for working, studying, eating, chatting. Filtered water with cold and hot water for tea top-ups; brilliant idea, why don't more cafes do this?! Fewer kids and squeals than Riverview so Fireroast offers a calmer (and cleaner) atmosphere, especially after 3pm. Might be my new fave cafe in Minneapolis.
(5)
C B.
I'm in town visiting family and my grandma took my 2 year old son and myself here for lunch. The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. The waitstaff was REALLY nice and helpful. And to top it all off, I ordered the nachos with chicken for my son and I to split (yum!) and the man who made them thought to put jalapeños on just one side so my son would have some he could eat without me saying anything. So nice and so thoughtful. I hope they're looking to franchise in CA ;-)
(5)
Paul C.
This little gem reveals itself slowly. When you first walk in, there's no "wow" factor -- just a nice, cozy, artsy little neighborhood joint. Then you try one of the chocolate chip cookies. It's good. Another bite. Wow, it's *really* good. Still warm and soft ...did they just bake this? Probably: they do the cookies on site, in batches of like 4-6. Then you try the soup. Whoa! Made from scratch, great ingredients, like what you cook at home when you really have some time. And you paid how much for that much inferior soup in a fancy restaurant last week? Then you get hooked on the tamales. Then the salads. And the next thing you know, you're eating lunch here all the time, and the entire staff remembers your name and your eating habits. Or at least that's how it all happened for me. This place has become my absolute go-to favorite for an affordable lunch and a nice spot to park with my laptop. It's a gem among gems, Longfellow's best secret. Downsides? Few and small. The burritos & quesadillas are fine, but a bit boring. The coffee is good, but not the same knock-your-socks-off great as the soups and pastries. There are a few ill-placed air vents in the floor. Minor complaints. If this place doesn't deserve 5 stars, no little cafe does.
(5)
Annie D.
Beefing up the stars on this one! I headed back to Fireroast today for a meeting and it just didn't feel right to leave this one at three stars when it felt like a four star experience today. The gentleman at the counter was so kind as he got me a simple cup of coffee. As he poured that stuff into the mug, he told me if I ended up leaving before I finished it that he would get me a to-go cup. Why, thank you sir! Twenty minutes later, the then-lone barista who took the order of the person I was meeting was just as amicable and cheerful as she poured some freshly brewed iced tea. I still think some of the food is slightly overpriced, but there is a great sense of community here. I noted that in my previous review but didn't feel it as warmly until today. And that's something to rave about. Maybe it was the sunshine that put me in a good mood this afternoon, but I'd like to think that Fireroast had something to do with it.
(4)
Jesse G.
Came here for breakfast with my wife and kid and was very disappointed. We ordered two coffees, two muffins and a breakfast burrito. The coffee was decent, but nothing special. Peace Coffee is 10x better. The muffins were so-so, but nothing compared to the muffins at The Birchwood. The breakfast burritos are just awful. You can tell that it's a bunch of frozen ingredients thrown into a tortilla and zapped for 1 min in the microwave. They taste terrible. I wouldn't feed them to my dog. Also, they charge you for coffee refills. Who does that? The art is also an eyesore. The only redeeming qualities were: - The service. The cashier girl was very nice and efficient. - They also had some kids toys in a back room. My kid had fun playing. I am never coming back. There are so many other good coffee shops in this neighborhood and the Fireroast Mountain obviously doesn't care about how they measure up. Take your business somewhere else. Turtle bread, co. The Birchwood, Peace Coffee, etc.
(2)
Dan W.
Good coffee, good food, great ice cream!
(5)
Greta H.
This place is adorable and the owner is awesome. Such a wonderful neighborhood joint with great coffee, tea and food!
(5)
Ralph M.
Let me just cut to the chase and drop all these at once: granola hippie incense birkenstock Tibet save the whales vegan soy dreadlocks free trade organic local Green party composting lentils peace tofu. There. Now that I have those out of my system, I can write this review without falling into a 100 hippie cliches. Fireroast is nice little cafe (with a rather strong hippie vibe). Coming home from a leisurely afternoon movie at the Riverview on a gorgeous afternoon, an outdoor table and a cool beverage were too much to pass up. So was the honey lemon bread pudding, apparently, and as the little sign recommended, I did try it with ice cream. Delicious! My chai was not particularly impressive, but at least he didn't pull out a carton of Oregon Chai mix out in front of me to make it (I'm looking at you, Spyhouse). The dude (I've never liked the title "Barista") was very friendly. He asked us what we were up to, and at first it confused me. He was actually talking with us, not just engaging in the usual conversation-lite platitudes usually exchanged during ritualized commercial transactions. It took a moment to adjust to. Sad, isn't it? They had several cozy tables out front, and that is where we enjoyed our beverages (and bread pudding!) and the lovely day. It was exactly what I had hoped for stopping in.
(4)
Melanie D.
LOVE this place. It's a local cafe that I plan coming back to again and again. I ordered the veggie wrap for lunch, which was less than $5! I also ordered an iced Americano, which gave me a caffeine buzz like I've never experienced before (in a good way). The atmosphere is artsy and homey. Unlike a visit to Starbucks or Caribou, you don't feel rushed and in a hurry to leave. It's a great place to visit if you want peace to read a good book or to chat with a friend. Very nice and friendly staff. They are also Vegetarian/vegan friendly ;)
(4)
Fresh E.
Great place for people watching. The coffee, coffee and tea drinks and pastries are great. The staff were very friendly, the wireless works great and. This is a great place for gathering with friends for a chat and/or to do a reading. The menu looked great and folks who were eating there really seemed to enjoy the food.
(5)
Nate S.
As many others have said, Fireroast is a great place for a cup of coffee or a meal. The staff is always friendly and the food and drink are excellent.
(4)
Dana H.
Organic, fair trade and super nice. Enjoy
(5)
Marguerite S.
First thing that I gotta say about this place is that I love the booths. And the cute painted walls in the back room. Anyways... I usually stick around for a while, because they make their drinks in huuge mugs. They have a pretty good menu, usual lunch items, soups, sandwiches; but also have tamales, quesadillas, etc. My faves are their black bean hummus, and chocolate chip cookies. All of their bakery items are worth trying as well.
(3)
CJ M.
I love the new Fireroast! **Readers of Yelp reviews should note that the cafe changed owners in January 2012, so reviews from before that time don't apply to the current business.** I am in school and come here frequently to escape the kids while I do homework, and I have had a front row view of all the changes over the last 12 months. The new owner (Jeff) has worked very hard to improve the coffee, food, and ambience, while preserving the community-oriented values (meeting place for local community or activist groups, free book exchange, charming live music, neighborhood sing-a-long, art by local artists on the walls) that have always defined the Fireroast. The coffee is locally roasted and beans are fresh. They have drip, espresso, and the pour-over options that are becoming popular. They have ice cream from Sebastian-Joe's, and they make all their food from scratch on site (I highly recommend the cardamom-pistachio scones). The one exception is the tamales, which are made off-site but still local. The baristas are mostly a bunch of nice college kids and Jeff must keep them happy because they don't have high turnover. As another reviewer noted, occasionally I have to remind them about my order but that is usually when they are in the middle of a rush of customers. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have never had anything but cheerful customer service. Jeff bends over backwards to make sure his customers are satisfied and will always remake a beverage or an entree if there is a problem. Winter hours close at 8:00 pm but they are flexible and let customers stick around while they clean up. Things some people might object to (I obviously don't since I gave the place 5 stars) include the ongoing renovations of the space, although the big things are mostly done and now it's smaller projects that aren't very distracting, the teeny tiny bathroom, and perhaps the noisy nature of some of the community events such as the sing-a-long. Also if you're looking for a "kid pit" with a bunch of toys then you will be disappointed. There are some *clean* toys available for children to play with on the shelves in the back room. In my opinion the Fireroast is just what a neighborhood coffee shop ought to be, and it's only getting better.
(5)
Kari L.
I needed a change of scenery and was looking for a place to work for a couple hours and this coffee shop hit the spot! Very reasonably priced drinks and homemade goodies, and a very casual, comfortable and laid back environment. Staff is super friendly. Excellent mocha, and for $1 less than caribou, I might add!
(5)
Rosalind C.
I have been going out for coffee with my father every Sunday morning since I was 12 years old. I am now 21, and I can easily say Fireroast is the best place to have a cup of coffee. The coffee is strong, it will really get you going! But the best part about this place are the scones!! They are made in the store daily. The walnut date scone is soft and flaky and never disappoints. However, their other selections are equally as enticing. On a recent studying trip to the coffee shop I was able to experience the community environment that took over. Every patron in the entire place (10 or so people) was chit chatting in one large conversation. It was amazing! I am never one to join in on conversations with strangers but I found myself adding my two cents as well.
(5)
Michael G.
Great neighborhood cafe, cheap prices, tasty food. Nice, chill atmosphere. Nice place to stop by before going to a movie at Riverview movie theater.
(4)
Jennifer K.
We saw this place on the way back from the Riverview theater on Saturday, and Tim wanted to stop after the movie and a stop at the comic book store. Really cute. The lady in the back was making an apple pie-which seemed quaint, somehow. We hung out here for a couple of hours, and it soon got packed because the first Saturday of the month is a open-mic poetry reading. We had to leave before it started however, which made some people without chairs very happy to get our booth. The table by the door was kind of cold, but we gave some money to the economy by ordering chips with guac and salsa (the chips were from a bag, the salsa from a jar) a huge chicken burrito with rice, black beans and lots of chicken, not much cheese-not as good as Chipotle, I'm sorry to report. We also had a chicken mole tamale that I was excited about. When I think coffee place, tamale isn't what I think, but it was great! That was stage one. After a couple of hours, we decided to go for stage two, which was a piece of this ginormous guiness chocolate cake, which looked and tasted like regular chocolate cake but had a funny smell to me, and got a cappachino and some kind of icy chocolate drink for Tim. He didn't like the drink, which I saw her make by adding tap water to powder, which wasn't so great. He thought it was watered down, and asked her to put more chocolate in it. The food wasn't fantastic, but I wanted it to be. We'll be back. It's always fun to find a new place to go.
(3)
Joel L.
I'm not a fan of the brewed coffee here but the espresso is outstanding. I don't really eat here, just drink the espresso. It's a friendly, locally-owned, place that I like coming back to.
(4)
Michelle J.
I love this place, usually lunch time during the week to treat myself to the green salsa tamales, love love love these!! The ginger bars are fantastic and their soups are always interesting and unique, its nice to go somewhere so friendly too, the staff is wonderful and the owners are cool, hippie vibe for sure and it makes me love it more. I also recommend the chicken sandwich with fresh vegtables and served with carrots, the food tastes fresh and homemade. The ambiance is comfy and relaxed with booths and regular tables. They could do some updating but its not really a big deal. Love the art that is always changing on the walls (by local artists from what I can tell), its so cool to see something unique and interesting in this starbucks saturated world.
(5)
Tim S.
The other day I received an invite from Jeff F. to stop by the Fireroast Cafe. I have to give him an extra star for some 'gorilla marketing'. Good for him to promote his business! Since I was on the road on business trips yesterday and was in the area, I took him up on his offer. Nestled in the Longfellow area and just a few blocks off the Lightrail, the Fireroast Cafe is a neighborhood gem. As luck would have it, it was Jeff who helped me with my order. The herbal iced tea he recommended was so flavorful, if I didn't have another appointment, I would have turned the car around and ordered another. He also recommended the orange and cranberry scone I had for breakfast today. I like my scones hard and not cakey like a doughnut, so this was perfect. Jeff apologized for the mess as they were adding onto the Cafe, but that shows he's really trying to make it work for the area. And at around 4:00 PM on a Thursday, almost every seat in the place was taken, so that tells you it's good. So thanks again for the invite, Jeff, and to you readers, go support a local business that's doing some good for the community!
(4)
Jasper B.
Pretty good Chicken Quesadilla. Try the Rosemary Mint Lemonade!
(4)
Giancarlo R.
Original and delicious menu. Excellent escape for something light and healthy. Ordered 4 different items for the family and they were all freshly cooked and hit the spot for lunch.
Great coffee! The rosemary chicken salad sandwich was to die for and the breakfast sandwich was great, too. We were some of the few in there (mid-Thursday morning, not a peak time) and the people working in there were very friendly and asked how everything was. Very comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely go back and also recommend it to friends!
(5)
Terry M.
Fireroast is the best coffee shop in the neighborhood, one of the best in the cities. The reason is Jeff, the owner. The coffee is consistently very good because he really cares about what he does. Jeff knows every regulars name and always greets them with warmth and welcoming. The food is always fresh, the scones some of the best. The wifi is fast and the staff friendly. I love this place.
(5)
Pamela Q.
Stopped by on my way from airport to downtown for some lunch. Had the most AMAZING salad. Mango, chicken, glazed pecans -- it was really good. Highly recommend.
(5)
Maggie H.
Great homemade food. The owner of Fireroast is often serving and greeting patrons. Very nice local coffee shop.
(4)
Jody-Beth M.
A coffee shop with a conscience leaving a smaller footprint on the planet and serving up world class customer service and excellent Java. You will feel welcome and be remembered.
(5)
Lee D.
Truly a hidden city GEM :) I've stopped in mid-morning, 6 pm-ish and staff have always been incredible nice, cheery, and knowledgeable of what is to serve. Quality eats at a reasonable price. My only wish is they'd stay open later on Fri, Sat as it would be a great alternative place to meet after a movie at the nearby Riverview Movie Theater, about 5 blocks east. They also have a small side room where more private conversations are possible. Also have nice outdoor seating in nice weather. Kid and pet friendly :
(4)
Faith C.
****WARNING: Not child/stroller-friendly**** This review is about the general vibe of this place, not the food or the coffee, which is decent. I believe the owner's disquieting/nervous/unwelcoming vibe may be based on his desire to provide the best customer experience possible, but I have to say that he managed to create quite the opposite experience for this (former) patron. I have been to this neighborhood cafe numerous times and there are a few things that have spoiled the atmosphere enough to warrant never going back: - Audible micromanagement of staff in the background on the part of the owner, as well as what appears to be high staff turnover. Although I have been here several times with friends, I have not once had the same barista and it is hard not to notice the stiff, uncomfortable atmosphere in which they work. - It appears only certain customers are welcome. It seems obvious that the owner strives to recognize and know the names of some regular patrons but not others, as indicated by other reviews. He has never asked my name in all the times I have been there since moving into the neighborhood but judging from some of the reviews, certainly goes out of his way to know others. - Incident #1: My friend and I were tying up my dog outside when the owner nervously approached me, stood above me (invading my personal space), and asked me to do what I was already in the process of doing: leaving my dog outside. Why would the owner ask me to do what I was already doing while muttering something about serving food/losing his license under his breath? I found this situation uncomfortable, nonsensical, and odd. - Incident #2: We had been on a walk and my infant was asleep in her stroller. We chose not to disturb her from her sleep by removing her from the stroller and brought it into the cafe, pushing it off to the side. It was not busy - I saw a total of three other patrons during the time we were there. I was stunned when the owner again unnecessarily INVADED MY PERSONAL SPACE by approaching my infant in her stroller. She had been asleep the entire time we had been there UNTIL the owner put his face up to the stroller and told me, "Her eyes are open. She's crying." What the...? She had been asleep the entire time we were there and had NOT been crying until he approached us. He seemed to be indicating that the stroller was in the way or that the baby was unwelcome by his behavior and it came across in a very unpleasant, passive-aggressive tone. Talk about bizarre! Stunned by his odd behavior and the unwelcoming atmosphere he was creating, we chose to leave, never to return. I fail to see why a neighborhood like Longfellow, with its many young children and general neighborly, family-friendly vibe, tolerates a place like this where apparently, not everyone is welcome. I will definitely be sharing my negative experience here with my neighborhood play date group, as well as every neighbor with dogs and young children.
(2)
Cody B.
Excellent coffee and great sandwiches. I had a Cubano panini today and it was fire. Likely the best I've had. Their soups are also equally on fleek. I don't stop in too frequently but I've always noticed how friendly the staff is as well. It's jus an overall great neighborhood cafe.
(5)
Frank N.
Staying with friends and happened upon this place yesterday when looking for a place within walking distance for some coffee. Such a great treat and find, enjoyed a cappuccino and a ginger cardamon blonde brownie. Cute location with a few tables inside and out. Decided to come back today for lunch. Enjoyed the soup of the day, a cold spicy gazpacho loaded with chunks of fresh veggies. Also had the mozzarella tomato panini and my partner had the basil tomato goat cheese sandwich. Both were fresh and tasty. To drink, we tried the refreshing mint rosemary lemonade. Wanted to take home the whole pitcher!Seems like a popular place in the neighborhood for a bite to eat. Heard a few patrons commenting on the bakery items, which seem to sell out fast as they are available on a first come first serve basis--which is a good sign of quality! Not a vegetarian or gluten-free but seems like they have options for those preferences as well. Staff also was turn friendly and attentive. If we lived here, definitely would make it a regular spot, and will try the Sebastian Joe's ice cream next time.
(5)
Andrew W.
Lemonade is was great. Food is great. It's just that the price is a bit too high for the space and amount of food they give you. Otherwise, it's a nice area, good place to study.
(3)
Amber D.
I would have taken a picture of my Rosemary Chicken Salad and cup of Curried Lentil Soup, but I took one delicious bite and finished it before I even thought of looking at my phone. It was SO good. Flavorful, unique, fresh, and all made from scratch. I always have such a positive experience here; the owner Jeff is very friendly and is so hospitable - it almost feels like I'm being welcomed into his home for dinner. Plus, every time I've been here he personally asks how I enjoyed the food (and I can always say it was fabulous). Fire Roast Cafe is great! I promise to take a picture of my food next time ;)
(5)
Chelsea R.
Best lunch I've had in a long time. I had the half Rosemary chicken salad sandwich and cup of chicken and wild rice soup. Both were absolutely amazing. Everything is so fresh and tastes so healthy. I want to come back for lunch tomorrow!
(5)
Zoe D.
My favorite coffee shop. Ever! Great service. Incredible coffee. The best muffins I have ever eaten. The staff is awesome here. My workout buddies and i frequent Fire Roast, and all the baristas know all our orders and are friendly and engaging. It's such a welcoming environment. The cold press is some of my favorite in all of Minneapolis, and the lattes are always perfectly foamy. Their cranberry orange and blueberry lemon muffins are out of this world, sweet and moist and dense all at once. Also, even the bananas are better here. I don't know how they do it!
(5)
Adam T.
Really delightful spot. Excellent breakfast burrito, selection of teas, service and atmosphere. Looking forward to returning soon.
(4)
Jessica S.
Simple, laid-back cafe with some decent breakfast/lunch and beverage offerings to suit all tastes. Baked goods for nibbling and Sebastian Joe's ice cream for indulging are also available. After my rec footy game in brutal summer heat, I sought a light yet quick lunch, preferably outdoors where it would potentially be more socially acceptable to be mud-covered from head (well, technically, arms) to toe. This fit the bill. Order at the counter, grab your number and seating, and hold tight (maybe a little longer than seemingly necessary) till your grub arrives. [Full disclosure: I am admittedly biased towards wait staff-free eateries.] Homemade granola + yogurt. Well done... sweet, crunchy (but not tooth-shatteringly so) , chunky with freshly soft almonds. Snagged a bite(s) of my bf's chicken burrito. Well-stuffed and pressed with yummy ingredients, but standard and could easily be replicated at home with basic ingredients even by culinary dunces such as moi. Service was very pleasant (particularly from the man who I assumed owner) as was the space. Two rooms indoors, one more restaurant style-seating (booths and tables/chairs), the other a serene java-sipping lounge with art-adorned sky blue (or some equally calming hue) walls*. Plus, a number of umbrella-clad bistro tables outdoors. I'd happily return next time I'm in the Longfellow vicinity. *Upon skimming through photos, the wall is more of a jarring red-orange, yet this backroom still embodied a calming vibe.
(4)
Scottie S.
Hidden gem. Wonderful food and service. Their breakfast sandwich and breakfast quesadilla are to die for. A cute and quaint spot to sip coffee and get work done or meet up with friends.
(5)
Nicole N.
Great neighborhood cafe, nice people, good food
(4)
Sergio R.
Medium late is big! And well priced. The chicken rosemary sandwich was also amazing. It's served on a very crispy croissant. I came in on what looked like a slow day. It's not very big in there, so I'm wondering how crowded it gets during peak hours. Regardless, it's a hidden catty corner to a car repair shop.
(5)
Amy L.
Thought we were picking a local place for lunch. Unfortunately they must close the kitchen between 2-3pm. This is a heads up for anyone else looking for a mid day lunch.
(3)
Lorena W.
The green chicken tamale was alright, but their rosemary mint lemonade was quite tasty and refreshing! Also, they have yummy Sebastian Joe's ice cream! The staff are super friendly and seemed knowledgable when I asked them questions about their coffee from Mexico. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Tom B.
Great selection! More than you can get at the big chains, plus it's all better quality! If it's coffee and pastries or good and lemonade. This is a great spot.
(4)
Kathleen M.
Not a place to go if you want to mellowly read your paper and drink tea. Lots of busy to-ings and fro-ings and loud commentary by the owner (?) which I found distracting.
(3)
Grace H.
The pumkin chai latte had just the right mixture of spice and pumkin flavor. We paired it with the soup of the day which happened to be vegetarian gumbo. Perfect for a chilly day after a walk in minnehaha falls park. My boyfriend thought it could be a tad more spicy but I thought it was just right. Ambiance was comfortable and music was soothing. I'd come back again.
(5)
Rubal K.
I loved this spot. The staff was helpful and nicely packed my to-go order which was a turkey and brie whole-wheat quesadilla with cranberry chutney. The quesadilla was delicious and I wish I had time to grab some coffee here too. The establishment itself is really cute with a small separated area towards the back also. Thanks for the awesome lunch!
(5)
Sara G.
I like this place, but it's small and I feel like people who go there to do homework/study are unwelcome. Love the coffee, cookies are amazing and for the most part, it's a great little spot. However on a couple occasions I've felt forced out because they want to turn over tables/seats. I get it...but I'm a paying customer too.
(3)
Sara M.
Food is a little overpriced, but tasty! Quaint little neighborhood spot, great place to catch up on a book or get some work done!
(4)
Aubrie E.
I absolutely love this place and I've only been here twice so far! The employees are so friendly, which everyone knows can make or break a place. On top of that they have super tasty food! I just had a cup of cauliflower and gruyere cheese soup and it was so flavorful and creamy. I'm kicking myself that I didn't order a bowl. The atmosphere is also great. Soft music playing that doesn't distract you from working or studying and cute little two-person booths lined along the windows are just two nice features of the place. I might become a regular.
(5)
Byron T.
Exactly the small family owned restaurant I look for when I'm out and about. So glad I drove a little further and took the chance at this unknown hidden gem. Ditch the big brand coffee shops and see what you should feel like while enjoying your coffee and meal.
(5)
Zachary F.
My coffee shop. I enjoy visiting it's relaxing cheerful and friendly space. A great meeting place for the whole neighborhood. The baked goods, breakfast sandwich, tea and coffee are great. I really like the Red Sombrero coffee, it's exceptional. The warm friendly greetings this place provides make this place stand out as my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis.
(5)
Abbie F.
Went on Easter and it was packed! I loved their ginger green tea...mmm so delicious! It is a great spot with a wide diversity of people who were there. I liked how there were two different rooms so that if you wanted a quieter space you could go on the other side. If I lived closer I would be there more often!
(5)
Tim S.
The other day I received an invite from Jeff F. to stop by the Fireroast Cafe. I have to give him an extra star for some 'gorilla marketing'. Good for him to promote his business! Since I was on the road on business trips yesterday and was in the area, I took him up on his offer. Nestled in the Longfellow area and just a few blocks off the Lightrail, the Fireroast Cafe is a neighborhood gem. As luck would have it, it was Jeff who helped me with my order. The herbal iced tea he recommended was so flavorful, if I didn't have another appointment, I would have turned the car around and ordered another. He also recommended the orange and cranberry scone I had for breakfast today. I like my scones hard and not cakey like a doughnut, so this was perfect. Jeff apologized for the mess as they were adding onto the Cafe, but that shows he's really trying to make it work for the area. And at around 4:00 PM on a Thursday, almost every seat in the place was taken, so that tells you it's good. So thanks again for the invite, Jeff, and to you readers, go support a local business that's doing some good for the community!
(4)
Jasper B.
Pretty good Chicken Quesadilla. Try the Rosemary Mint Lemonade!
(4)
Giancarlo R.
Original and delicious menu. Excellent escape for something light and healthy. Ordered 4 different items for the family and they were all freshly cooked and hit the spot for lunch.
Great coffee! The rosemary chicken salad sandwich was to die for and the breakfast sandwich was great, too. We were some of the few in there (mid-Thursday morning, not a peak time) and the people working in there were very friendly and asked how everything was. Very comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely go back and also recommend it to friends!
(5)
Terry M.
Fireroast is the best coffee shop in the neighborhood, one of the best in the cities. The reason is Jeff, the owner. The coffee is consistently very good because he really cares about what he does. Jeff knows every regulars name and always greets them with warmth and welcoming. The food is always fresh, the scones some of the best. The wifi is fast and the staff friendly. I love this place.
(5)
Pamela Q.
Stopped by on my way from airport to downtown for some lunch. Had the most AMAZING salad. Mango, chicken, glazed pecans -- it was really good. Highly recommend.
(5)
Maggie H.
Great homemade food. The owner of Fireroast is often serving and greeting patrons. Very nice local coffee shop.
(4)
Jacquie D.
I have been to a lot of coffee shops in the Twin Cities, and I can't help but keep coming back here. Here are my top ten reasons: 1. I can hear myself think. I can also hear a conversation with another person. Jeff never blasts the music in the background. 2. Lots of electrical outlets for the laptop and phone. And the free Wi-Fi ALWAYS WORKS. 3. Big, sunny windows. It feels happy in here. 4. Comfy booths. 5. Pots of loose tea. Yay!!! I can't handle too much coffee, so this makes it for me. 6. Friendliness. This owner loves his business, his customers and his neighbors. Every day, he asks what he could be doing better, and he means it. He always has a smile for me, and doesn't seem to mind how many hours I sit here working on finding a new job. 7. The bakery. Seriously, those are some damn fine herb-and-fruit scones, people. And raise your hand if you are sick and tired of the same old bakery products that Starbucks and Caribou have been carrying for years. 8. The location. Easy shot off of Hiawatha in South Minne. And there is plenty of street parking. 9. Dog-friendliness. I don't have a dog, but think it is sweet that there is a tie-out for the dog, a dog water dish and free dog biscuits here. I wonder if I could bring my cat? 10. Originality. Yeah, I feel a little more urban hipster here, because the decor, the gifts, the art and the food are all unique to this place. It's a good vibe.
(5)
Wendy J.
Comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and great food and beverages.
(5)
Mel S.
Fireroast Mountain Cafe had been on my to-do list or awhile and since a friend mentioned it last week I decided it should be my first stop for my Winter Sunday Coffee Shop Hop season. The cafe is quaint and residential, because of this there was plenty of street parking. (It looked like they also had a little lot for about 4 cars, but I didn't bother.) There's a decent sized food menu that I didn't dig into, but I was momentarily tempted by tamales. I was feeling fairly indecisive, so I just ordered my standard Americano. The prices are really good here, I got a medium for $2.16--although I overheard the manager training a new employee that all Americanos are the same size in volume; that confused me. My best guess is that it was a double shot (1, 2, 3 shots in the same size glass). The Americano was not particularly good; although I'm no expert judge of coffee--I can only speak to my personal tastes. It tasted a little burnt, a little too much like mediocre coffee. Perhaps I should have gotten the Tanzania Peaberry Pourover that I was debating instead. On the other hand, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. I snuggled up in a big armchair in a back room, which allowed me to get away from the training session going on at the counter. The customers in the front had an average age of about 65, it had a definite neighborhood after-church feel. Later two young kids came in to have burritos. As did a women's knitting group. I loved listening to this community of people (my community of people!) chatter away from my snug little near-private space in the back, which was also occupied by two girls working on their laptops, one of whom was discussing the novel she was working on. The music was also excellent. Lots of bluegrass country, and I even got to hear Down To The River to Pray at one point. This is such a quintessential neighborhood cafe. Next time I go here, I'm going to make sure to go with friends, and share some wonderful conversation about books, or knitting, or Yelping. I think that's what Fireroast was made for.
(3)
Lauren H.
One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong. I am the thing that doesn't belong btw, at least that's what it felt like at Fireroast. I stopped in on a Saturday morning after reading about their especially delicious pumpkin spice chai latte. I waited while the girl behind the counter was chatting with what was obviously a regular customer - no probs, as I was awaiting the arrival of a friend and wasn't in the slightest rush. Then I got up to order my drink and asked (politely I might add) for a pumpkin spice chai latte. I wasn't asked if I wanted a specific kind of milk or if I wanted a specific size. Instead, I was asked, "anything else?" Uhmmm . . . the granola with yogurt. That sounds good, I'll have that. I paid, I tipped, and I kind of stood near where I wanted to sit because I wasn't sure about the protocol - sit and they bring it out? Stand and go up to the counter? Linger awkwardly? I did the third thing of course. My granola came out first with a guy meeting me halfway - he wasn't at the counter so he probably didn't know who ordered it. When my latte was done, the girl yelled it out, despite having later seen her bring drinks out to other customers and despite the fact that there was no one else in line. Well alright then. I should add that the 3 stars come from the fact that I really loved both the latte and the granola. The granola was just the right amount of sweet, nice and crunchy with a bit of dried fruit, and served with plain yogurt, which a girl who is attempting not to shovel sugar into her mouth certainly appreciates. The latte was perfectly spiced, maybe not as "pumpkin-y" as I was expecting, but delicious none the less and hit the spot on a cool fall day! Maybe I'll head back again, but I think I'd probably order my stuff to go so I don't feel like the very obvious outsider again!
(3)
Glenn P.
Great eclectic coffee shop. Whenever I travel, I try to search for eclectic coffee shops. Most places seem to have the same "Starbucks fast, I want your money" feel but Fireroast was different and enjoyable. They actually care about their coffee and customers. One of the employees informed me they plan on roasting their own in the future. I wish I had a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood. I strongly recommend trying it out if you have the opportunity.
(5)
Joe L.
A very calm atmosphere. The music is not too loud, and the Internet speed is excellent.
(5)
Meghann F.
Love it. Super cute little place. The iced chai was amazing on a hot day - it was like heaven in your mouth. Also tried the green chile and chicken tamale - yummy! I like that they have a seperate area for garbage, plastic, plates, compostable etc.
(5)
Andrea S.
Excellent find!! We were looking for a cozy cafe for lunch and Fireroast fit the bill. Great menu for lunch. I had a coconut curry pumpkin soup with a pesto chicken sandwich. My boyfriend had the Baja wrap. Both of our lunches had excellent flavor and were made to order. Jeff, the owner was extremely welcoming and friendly! We will definitely come back!!
(5)
Clare O.
I liked this place with the old owners but now I LOVE this place. Their tea lattes are ah-mazing! Tea Source teas, Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Best way to keep your money local and your neighbors happy. Good food, good drinks, friendly, welcoming, a variety of food for all food types (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, ethnic, sweet-tooths (sweetteeth?), snackers, etc), neighborhood gathering spot and supportive of local businesses and causes. The new owner has reduced some (most?) of the visual clutter and is definitely making this place welcoming, clean and high quality. My fave items include fancy coffees, superior teas, a tart-sweet lavender lemonade, gluten-free espresso brownie (that I have not been able to replicate at home, dammit), a great pesto sandwich. Unlike the coffee shop down the street (RVC&WB), this place actually makes you feel welcome if you happen to be a breeder. RVC&WB takes my money, and even though they have a hug kid play area, I always feel like they are mad I've come in with my children. With Fireroast Cafe, I feel welcome and appreciated. Instead of a dirty messy play area, you can check toy bins out. They have moved some of the big chairs to where the kid play area used to be, so there's no designated kid area, which can be good or bad, depending on your brood & mood. Cons: The bathroom is super small and not sound-proofed. One afternoon, my daughter and I were enjoying a lovely hot chocolate and latte, and we heard all the bodily noises that one man made during his time in this airplane-sized bathroom. I hope he sees a gastro-intestinal specialist at the U real soon, because that sounded problematic. Then my daughter pipes up, "Mom, I can smell his poop from out here! He forgot to flush!" Yipes. The only other con is that you can't push a stroller thru the front door because it's 4 steps up. In the summer, I parked the baby outside, but I can't do that in winter. Yes, soon, she'll be able to walk, but until then, I totally have my hands full. Other than that, if you like coffee, tea & treats, if you want a cozy place to spend this winter, if you like friendly servers, this is your place.
(4)
Deanna D.
My experience today was MUCH better and the updates in the place make it a very comfortable place to: grab a cup of coffee, have lunch, get some studying done, play a game, read a book. The wrap my husband enjoyed was tasty and the muffin I had was deliciouso. Service was great and the owner out and about chatting with everyone. I am in the middle of a proposal so I anticipate that I will be a regular here for the next couple of weeks.
(4)
Lauren D.
I first discovered Fireroast through the weekly Thursday night trivia games. I have sampled their food and have nothing, but good experiences. The staff is so sweet and kind. I love that they even join in on the trivia! They offer a large selection of teas and will make customized drinks. I love their veggie tamales, but just remind the staff if it seems to be taking too long (a certain staff member will sometimes forget to bring it out!). Overall, a great little cafe with a fun vibe, entertaining art, and friendly staff.
(4)
Lon J.
Very nice little spot with great food, great coffee, and a great atmosphere...owner was an incredibly nice guy. Highly recommend.
(5)
Linda H.
This place is in the middle of a residential area, in a place you would not expect to see a coffee shop. The place is laid back, hippie friendly, and a comfy hideout but the food is not good at all. It might have been what we ordered (tuna sandwich and nachos) but I most definitely would not order food here again. I do think their baked goods are probably good. I heard one person talk about how she felt "buzzed" from eating the espresso muffin. ( I am assuming from all the caffeine in it) The staff, although friendly, seemed really out of it. So out of it that I had to find my tuna sandwich. They put it in a booth and did not tell me. After waiting a while after getting the nachos and remembering seeing a lonely sandwich in a booth near the back, I went and got it. I really do hope it was mine! I really did not mind that at all, it just added humor to our visit on such a beautiful day! I really doubt I will return to Fireroast unless I happen to be in that area and need some caffeine. I can not speak to the coffee because I did not have any. I was caffeined up for the day already. I am giving this place a three stars only because the staff seemed really nice and friendly, even after playing hide and seek with my sandwich. The food alone, I would give it a one.
Best chai latte I've had in this town -- it's mellow, with more tea than sugar, Yay! Awesome booths for working, studying, eating, chatting. Filtered water with cold and hot water for tea top-ups; brilliant idea, why don't more cafes do this?! Fewer kids and squeals than Riverview so Fireroast offers a calmer (and cleaner) atmosphere, especially after 3pm. Might be my new fave cafe in Minneapolis.
(5)
C B.
I'm in town visiting family and my grandma took my 2 year old son and myself here for lunch. The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. The waitstaff was REALLY nice and helpful. And to top it all off, I ordered the nachos with chicken for my son and I to split (yum!) and the man who made them thought to put jalapeños on just one side so my son would have some he could eat without me saying anything. So nice and so thoughtful. I hope they're looking to franchise in CA ;-)
(5)
Amy D.
I love working here when the mojo is good. The food is fresh and tasty. Their gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookie is deelish and they have a good selection of teas and decent drip coffee. If you do dairy, they have Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Nice little booths are cute and cozy. They have some outside seating good for the extendo-summer we are experiencing. The owner is a sweet guy, who obviously really cares. My only complaints are that the AC was way too cold; and on perfect days when the door could just be propped open I was covering the AC vent with a folder and donning a sweatshirt. And today the music is an epic fail, making it near impossible to stay. First cloying show tunes and now something that sounds like Cookie Monster doing heavy metal. I asked for a change after one too many Wicked numbers--I just couldn't take it. And now I can't bear having to ask again, so I will either try to block it out or leave. Late afternoon update: the evening crew is here and with them MUCH improved music, hooray! Extra star for improvement. I can keep working and enjoy the breeze coming in the open door. Get another tea and pound out a few hundred more words. Grateful for the portable office.
(4)
Kedar D.
This is a beautiful, cozy, hippie cafe. The inside is a part diner (with small booths), part coffee shop and part gift store; the outside is a lovely place to sip some tea and catch the summer breeze. The first time I went, a group of older people had a sing-along session, replete with a guitar and lyric books. It was folk music and pretty cool that five or six people could just hang out and sing in the middle of a small coffee shop. It didn't feel intrusive at all. Both times I went to Fireroast I had a cup of tea ($1.80); Fireroast has a small, but good, selection of loose-leaf blacks, greens and herbals. I also had a vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookie ($1.75) which was their only vegan baked good available. It was a great cookie: sweet, moist and nicely peanut-buttery. If Fireroast had more vegan baked goods (why no cakes or cupcakes or brownies?), and more vegan food options (how about tofu/seitan burritos and tacos, since you already offer tamales?), I'd be back often.
(4)
Doran S.
This place is down the street from my house and has become our second living room. The new owner has completely revamped the place while keeping what was great about it (ie tamales). This is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop: friendly, comfortable, family friendly, delicious, ice cream, great baked goods and wonderful atmosphere. And it's going to get better and better! Stop by!
(5)
Mara S.
Fireroast is consistently wonderful- always welcoming, always good drinks, always good food, always a good atmosphere. I've never had a bad experience here! I find myself trying out other cafes and in the end I miss Fireroast. Whether it's to meet a friend, sit and drink a coffee while my son plays, grab lunch or dinner, or get work done I know that my money will be well spent and they will always follow through with good service. While I don't live in the neighborhood, I find myself willing to go out of my way to come to this great little cafe where everyone is treated well and the experience is worthwhile!
(5)
Paul C.
This little gem reveals itself slowly. When you first walk in, there's no "wow" factor -- just a nice, cozy, artsy little neighborhood joint. Then you try one of the chocolate chip cookies. It's good. Another bite. Wow, it's *really* good. Still warm and soft ...did they just bake this? Probably: they do the cookies on site, in batches of like 4-6. Then you try the soup. Whoa! Made from scratch, great ingredients, like what you cook at home when you really have some time. And you paid how much for that much inferior soup in a fancy restaurant last week? Then you get hooked on the tamales. Then the salads. And the next thing you know, you're eating lunch here all the time, and the entire staff remembers your name and your eating habits. Or at least that's how it all happened for me. This place has become my absolute go-to favorite for an affordable lunch and a nice spot to park with my laptop. It's a gem among gems, Longfellow's best secret. Downsides? Few and small. The burritos & quesadillas are fine, but a bit boring. The coffee is good, but not the same knock-your-socks-off great as the soups and pastries. There are a few ill-placed air vents in the floor. Minor complaints. If this place doesn't deserve 5 stars, no little cafe does.
(5)
Annie D.
Beefing up the stars on this one! I headed back to Fireroast today for a meeting and it just didn't feel right to leave this one at three stars when it felt like a four star experience today. The gentleman at the counter was so kind as he got me a simple cup of coffee. As he poured that stuff into the mug, he told me if I ended up leaving before I finished it that he would get me a to-go cup. Why, thank you sir! Twenty minutes later, the then-lone barista who took the order of the person I was meeting was just as amicable and cheerful as she poured some freshly brewed iced tea. I still think some of the food is slightly overpriced, but there is a great sense of community here. I noted that in my previous review but didn't feel it as warmly until today. And that's something to rave about. Maybe it was the sunshine that put me in a good mood this afternoon, but I'd like to think that Fireroast had something to do with it.
(4)
Jesse G.
Came here for breakfast with my wife and kid and was very disappointed. We ordered two coffees, two muffins and a breakfast burrito. The coffee was decent, but nothing special. Peace Coffee is 10x better. The muffins were so-so, but nothing compared to the muffins at The Birchwood. The breakfast burritos are just awful. You can tell that it's a bunch of frozen ingredients thrown into a tortilla and zapped for 1 min in the microwave. They taste terrible. I wouldn't feed them to my dog. Also, they charge you for coffee refills. Who does that? The art is also an eyesore. The only redeeming qualities were: - The service. The cashier girl was very nice and efficient. - They also had some kids toys in a back room. My kid had fun playing. I am never coming back. There are so many other good coffee shops in this neighborhood and the Fireroast Mountain obviously doesn't care about how they measure up. Take your business somewhere else. Turtle bread, co. The Birchwood, Peace Coffee, etc.
(2)
Dan W.
Good coffee, good food, great ice cream!
(5)
Greta H.
This place is adorable and the owner is awesome. Such a wonderful neighborhood joint with great coffee, tea and food!
(5)
Conor C.
They make one hell of a tasty iced americano! I haven't had a chance to grab any of their food as of yet but the menu looks awesome.
(4)
Deb R.
I go here just to hear music or as a place to have an intimate meeting when there is not live music being played. High points are the many sort of Mexican entrees, the baked goods and the ice cream. There are also excellent soups and sandwiches and salads. It seems like it would be a great place just to hang, too, but I never get a chance to hang.
(4)
Ralph M.
Let me just cut to the chase and drop all these at once: granola hippie incense birkenstock Tibet save the whales vegan soy dreadlocks free trade organic local Green party composting lentils peace tofu. There. Now that I have those out of my system, I can write this review without falling into a 100 hippie cliches. Fireroast is nice little cafe (with a rather strong hippie vibe). Coming home from a leisurely afternoon movie at the Riverview on a gorgeous afternoon, an outdoor table and a cool beverage were too much to pass up. So was the honey lemon bread pudding, apparently, and as the little sign recommended, I did try it with ice cream. Delicious! My chai was not particularly impressive, but at least he didn't pull out a carton of Oregon Chai mix out in front of me to make it (I'm looking at you, Spyhouse). The dude (I've never liked the title "Barista") was very friendly. He asked us what we were up to, and at first it confused me. He was actually talking with us, not just engaging in the usual conversation-lite platitudes usually exchanged during ritualized commercial transactions. It took a moment to adjust to. Sad, isn't it? They had several cozy tables out front, and that is where we enjoyed our beverages (and bread pudding!) and the lovely day. It was exactly what I had hoped for stopping in.
(4)
Melanie D.
LOVE this place. It's a local cafe that I plan coming back to again and again. I ordered the veggie wrap for lunch, which was less than $5! I also ordered an iced Americano, which gave me a caffeine buzz like I've never experienced before (in a good way). The atmosphere is artsy and homey. Unlike a visit to Starbucks or Caribou, you don't feel rushed and in a hurry to leave. It's a great place to visit if you want peace to read a good book or to chat with a friend. Very nice and friendly staff. They are also Vegetarian/vegan friendly ;)
(4)
Fresh E.
Great place for people watching. The coffee, coffee and tea drinks and pastries are great. The staff were very friendly, the wireless works great and. This is a great place for gathering with friends for a chat and/or to do a reading. The menu looked great and folks who were eating there really seemed to enjoy the food.
(5)
Nate S.
As many others have said, Fireroast is a great place for a cup of coffee or a meal. The staff is always friendly and the food and drink are excellent.
(4)
Dana H.
Organic, fair trade and super nice. Enjoy
(5)
CJ M.
I love the new Fireroast! **Readers of Yelp reviews should note that the cafe changed owners in January 2012, so reviews from before that time don't apply to the current business.** I am in school and come here frequently to escape the kids while I do homework, and I have had a front row view of all the changes over the last 12 months. The new owner (Jeff) has worked very hard to improve the coffee, food, and ambience, while preserving the community-oriented values (meeting place for local community or activist groups, free book exchange, charming live music, neighborhood sing-a-long, art by local artists on the walls) that have always defined the Fireroast. The coffee is locally roasted and beans are fresh. They have drip, espresso, and the pour-over options that are becoming popular. They have ice cream from Sebastian-Joe's, and they make all their food from scratch on site (I highly recommend the cardamom-pistachio scones). The one exception is the tamales, which are made off-site but still local. The baristas are mostly a bunch of nice college kids and Jeff must keep them happy because they don't have high turnover. As another reviewer noted, occasionally I have to remind them about my order but that is usually when they are in the middle of a rush of customers. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have never had anything but cheerful customer service. Jeff bends over backwards to make sure his customers are satisfied and will always remake a beverage or an entree if there is a problem. Winter hours close at 8:00 pm but they are flexible and let customers stick around while they clean up. Things some people might object to (I obviously don't since I gave the place 5 stars) include the ongoing renovations of the space, although the big things are mostly done and now it's smaller projects that aren't very distracting, the teeny tiny bathroom, and perhaps the noisy nature of some of the community events such as the sing-a-long. Also if you're looking for a "kid pit" with a bunch of toys then you will be disappointed. There are some *clean* toys available for children to play with on the shelves in the back room. In my opinion the Fireroast is just what a neighborhood coffee shop ought to be, and it's only getting better.
(5)
Kari L.
I needed a change of scenery and was looking for a place to work for a couple hours and this coffee shop hit the spot! Very reasonably priced drinks and homemade goodies, and a very casual, comfortable and laid back environment. Staff is super friendly. Excellent mocha, and for $1 less than caribou, I might add!
(5)
Rosalind C.
I have been going out for coffee with my father every Sunday morning since I was 12 years old. I am now 21, and I can easily say Fireroast is the best place to have a cup of coffee. The coffee is strong, it will really get you going! But the best part about this place are the scones!! They are made in the store daily. The walnut date scone is soft and flaky and never disappoints. However, their other selections are equally as enticing. On a recent studying trip to the coffee shop I was able to experience the community environment that took over. Every patron in the entire place (10 or so people) was chit chatting in one large conversation. It was amazing! I am never one to join in on conversations with strangers but I found myself adding my two cents as well.
(5)
Michael G.
Great neighborhood cafe, cheap prices, tasty food. Nice, chill atmosphere. Nice place to stop by before going to a movie at Riverview movie theater.
(4)
Marguerite S.
First thing that I gotta say about this place is that I love the booths. And the cute painted walls in the back room. Anyways... I usually stick around for a while, because they make their drinks in huuge mugs. They have a pretty good menu, usual lunch items, soups, sandwiches; but also have tamales, quesadillas, etc. My faves are their black bean hummus, and chocolate chip cookies. All of their bakery items are worth trying as well.
(3)
Jennifer K.
We saw this place on the way back from the Riverview theater on Saturday, and Tim wanted to stop after the movie and a stop at the comic book store. Really cute. The lady in the back was making an apple pie-which seemed quaint, somehow. We hung out here for a couple of hours, and it soon got packed because the first Saturday of the month is a open-mic poetry reading. We had to leave before it started however, which made some people without chairs very happy to get our booth. The table by the door was kind of cold, but we gave some money to the economy by ordering chips with guac and salsa (the chips were from a bag, the salsa from a jar) a huge chicken burrito with rice, black beans and lots of chicken, not much cheese-not as good as Chipotle, I'm sorry to report. We also had a chicken mole tamale that I was excited about. When I think coffee place, tamale isn't what I think, but it was great! That was stage one. After a couple of hours, we decided to go for stage two, which was a piece of this ginormous guiness chocolate cake, which looked and tasted like regular chocolate cake but had a funny smell to me, and got a cappachino and some kind of icy chocolate drink for Tim. He didn't like the drink, which I saw her make by adding tap water to powder, which wasn't so great. He thought it was watered down, and asked her to put more chocolate in it. The food wasn't fantastic, but I wanted it to be. We'll be back. It's always fun to find a new place to go.
(3)
Joel L.
I'm not a fan of the brewed coffee here but the espresso is outstanding. I don't really eat here, just drink the espresso. It's a friendly, locally-owned, place that I like coming back to.
(4)
Michelle J.
I love this place, usually lunch time during the week to treat myself to the green salsa tamales, love love love these!! The ginger bars are fantastic and their soups are always interesting and unique, its nice to go somewhere so friendly too, the staff is wonderful and the owners are cool, hippie vibe for sure and it makes me love it more. I also recommend the chicken sandwich with fresh vegtables and served with carrots, the food tastes fresh and homemade. The ambiance is comfy and relaxed with booths and regular tables. They could do some updating but its not really a big deal. Love the art that is always changing on the walls (by local artists from what I can tell), its so cool to see something unique and interesting in this starbucks saturated world.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No Good for Working : Yes
Lee D.
Truly a hidden city GEM :) I've stopped in mid-morning, 6 pm-ish and staff have always been incredible nice, cheery, and knowledgeable of what is to serve. Quality eats at a reasonable price. My only wish is they'd stay open later on Fri, Sat as it would be a great alternative place to meet after a movie at the nearby Riverview Movie Theater, about 5 blocks east. They also have a small side room where more private conversations are possible. Also have nice outdoor seating in nice weather. Kid and pet friendly :
(4)Grace H.
The pumkin chai latte had just the right mixture of spice and pumkin flavor. We paired it with the soup of the day which happened to be vegetarian gumbo. Perfect for a chilly day after a walk in minnehaha falls park. My boyfriend thought it could be a tad more spicy but I thought it was just right. Ambiance was comfortable and music was soothing. I'd come back again.
(5)Jody-Beth M.
A coffee shop with a conscience leaving a smaller footprint on the planet and serving up world class customer service and excellent Java. You will feel welcome and be remembered.
(5)Rubal K.
I loved this spot. The staff was helpful and nicely packed my to-go order which was a turkey and brie whole-wheat quesadilla with cranberry chutney. The quesadilla was delicious and I wish I had time to grab some coffee here too. The establishment itself is really cute with a small separated area towards the back also. Thanks for the awesome lunch!
(5)Faith C.
****WARNING: Not child/stroller-friendly**** This review is about the general vibe of this place, not the food or the coffee, which is decent. I believe the owner's disquieting/nervous/unwelcoming vibe may be based on his desire to provide the best customer experience possible, but I have to say that he managed to create quite the opposite experience for this (former) patron. I have been to this neighborhood cafe numerous times and there are a few things that have spoiled the atmosphere enough to warrant never going back: - Audible micromanagement of staff in the background on the part of the owner, as well as what appears to be high staff turnover. Although I have been here several times with friends, I have not once had the same barista and it is hard not to notice the stiff, uncomfortable atmosphere in which they work. - It appears only certain customers are welcome. It seems obvious that the owner strives to recognize and know the names of some regular patrons but not others, as indicated by other reviews. He has never asked my name in all the times I have been there since moving into the neighborhood but judging from some of the reviews, certainly goes out of his way to know others. - Incident #1: My friend and I were tying up my dog outside when the owner nervously approached me, stood above me (invading my personal space), and asked me to do what I was already in the process of doing: leaving my dog outside. Why would the owner ask me to do what I was already doing while muttering something about serving food/losing his license under his breath? I found this situation uncomfortable, nonsensical, and odd. - Incident #2: We had been on a walk and my infant was asleep in her stroller. We chose not to disturb her from her sleep by removing her from the stroller and brought it into the cafe, pushing it off to the side. It was not busy - I saw a total of three other patrons during the time we were there. I was stunned when the owner again unnecessarily INVADED MY PERSONAL SPACE by approaching my infant in her stroller. She had been asleep the entire time we had been there UNTIL the owner put his face up to the stroller and told me, "Her eyes are open. She's crying." What the...? She had been asleep the entire time we were there and had NOT been crying until he approached us. He seemed to be indicating that the stroller was in the way or that the baby was unwelcome by his behavior and it came across in a very unpleasant, passive-aggressive tone. Talk about bizarre! Stunned by his odd behavior and the unwelcoming atmosphere he was creating, we chose to leave, never to return. I fail to see why a neighborhood like Longfellow, with its many young children and general neighborly, family-friendly vibe, tolerates a place like this where apparently, not everyone is welcome. I will definitely be sharing my negative experience here with my neighborhood play date group, as well as every neighbor with dogs and young children.
(2)Cody B.
Excellent coffee and great sandwiches. I had a Cubano panini today and it was fire. Likely the best I've had. Their soups are also equally on fleek. I don't stop in too frequently but I've always noticed how friendly the staff is as well. It's jus an overall great neighborhood cafe.
(5)Frank N.
Staying with friends and happened upon this place yesterday when looking for a place within walking distance for some coffee. Such a great treat and find, enjoyed a cappuccino and a ginger cardamon blonde brownie. Cute location with a few tables inside and out. Decided to come back today for lunch. Enjoyed the soup of the day, a cold spicy gazpacho loaded with chunks of fresh veggies. Also had the mozzarella tomato panini and my partner had the basil tomato goat cheese sandwich. Both were fresh and tasty. To drink, we tried the refreshing mint rosemary lemonade. Wanted to take home the whole pitcher!Seems like a popular place in the neighborhood for a bite to eat. Heard a few patrons commenting on the bakery items, which seem to sell out fast as they are available on a first come first serve basis--which is a good sign of quality! Not a vegetarian or gluten-free but seems like they have options for those preferences as well. Staff also was turn friendly and attentive. If we lived here, definitely would make it a regular spot, and will try the Sebastian Joe's ice cream next time.
(5)Andrew W.
Lemonade is was great. Food is great. It's just that the price is a bit too high for the space and amount of food they give you. Otherwise, it's a nice area, good place to study.
(3)Amber D.
I would have taken a picture of my Rosemary Chicken Salad and cup of Curried Lentil Soup, but I took one delicious bite and finished it before I even thought of looking at my phone. It was SO good. Flavorful, unique, fresh, and all made from scratch. I always have such a positive experience here; the owner Jeff is very friendly and is so hospitable - it almost feels like I'm being welcomed into his home for dinner. Plus, every time I've been here he personally asks how I enjoyed the food (and I can always say it was fabulous). Fire Roast Cafe is great! I promise to take a picture of my food next time ;)
(5)Chelsea R.
Best lunch I've had in a long time. I had the half Rosemary chicken salad sandwich and cup of chicken and wild rice soup. Both were absolutely amazing. Everything is so fresh and tastes so healthy. I want to come back for lunch tomorrow!
(5)Zoe D.
My favorite coffee shop. Ever! Great service. Incredible coffee. The best muffins I have ever eaten. The staff is awesome here. My workout buddies and i frequent Fire Roast, and all the baristas know all our orders and are friendly and engaging. It's such a welcoming environment. The cold press is some of my favorite in all of Minneapolis, and the lattes are always perfectly foamy. Their cranberry orange and blueberry lemon muffins are out of this world, sweet and moist and dense all at once. Also, even the bananas are better here. I don't know how they do it!
(5)Adam T.
Really delightful spot. Excellent breakfast burrito, selection of teas, service and atmosphere. Looking forward to returning soon.
(4)Jessica S.
Simple, laid-back cafe with some decent breakfast/lunch and beverage offerings to suit all tastes. Baked goods for nibbling and Sebastian Joe's ice cream for indulging are also available. After my rec footy game in brutal summer heat, I sought a light yet quick lunch, preferably outdoors where it would potentially be more socially acceptable to be mud-covered from head (well, technically, arms) to toe. This fit the bill. Order at the counter, grab your number and seating, and hold tight (maybe a little longer than seemingly necessary) till your grub arrives. [Full disclosure: I am admittedly biased towards wait staff-free eateries.] Homemade granola + yogurt. Well done... sweet, crunchy (but not tooth-shatteringly so) , chunky with freshly soft almonds. Snagged a bite(s) of my bf's chicken burrito. Well-stuffed and pressed with yummy ingredients, but standard and could easily be replicated at home with basic ingredients even by culinary dunces such as moi. Service was very pleasant (particularly from the man who I assumed owner) as was the space. Two rooms indoors, one more restaurant style-seating (booths and tables/chairs), the other a serene java-sipping lounge with art-adorned sky blue (or some equally calming hue) walls*. Plus, a number of umbrella-clad bistro tables outdoors. I'd happily return next time I'm in the Longfellow vicinity. *Upon skimming through photos, the wall is more of a jarring red-orange, yet this backroom still embodied a calming vibe.
(4)Scottie S.
Hidden gem. Wonderful food and service. Their breakfast sandwich and breakfast quesadilla are to die for. A cute and quaint spot to sip coffee and get work done or meet up with friends.
(5)Nicole N.
Great neighborhood cafe, nice people, good food
(4)Sergio R.
Medium late is big! And well priced. The chicken rosemary sandwich was also amazing. It's served on a very crispy croissant. I came in on what looked like a slow day. It's not very big in there, so I'm wondering how crowded it gets during peak hours. Regardless, it's a hidden catty corner to a car repair shop.
(5)Amy L.
Thought we were picking a local place for lunch. Unfortunately they must close the kitchen between 2-3pm. This is a heads up for anyone else looking for a mid day lunch.
(3)Lorena W.
The green chicken tamale was alright, but their rosemary mint lemonade was quite tasty and refreshing! Also, they have yummy Sebastian Joe's ice cream! The staff are super friendly and seemed knowledgable when I asked them questions about their coffee from Mexico. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Tom B.
Great selection! More than you can get at the big chains, plus it's all better quality! If it's coffee and pastries or good and lemonade. This is a great spot.
(4)Kathleen M.
Not a place to go if you want to mellowly read your paper and drink tea. Lots of busy to-ings and fro-ings and loud commentary by the owner (?) which I found distracting.
(3)Sara G.
I like this place, but it's small and I feel like people who go there to do homework/study are unwelcome. Love the coffee, cookies are amazing and for the most part, it's a great little spot. However on a couple occasions I've felt forced out because they want to turn over tables/seats. I get it...but I'm a paying customer too.
(3)Sara M.
Food is a little overpriced, but tasty! Quaint little neighborhood spot, great place to catch up on a book or get some work done!
(4)Aubrie E.
I absolutely love this place and I've only been here twice so far! The employees are so friendly, which everyone knows can make or break a place. On top of that they have super tasty food! I just had a cup of cauliflower and gruyere cheese soup and it was so flavorful and creamy. I'm kicking myself that I didn't order a bowl. The atmosphere is also great. Soft music playing that doesn't distract you from working or studying and cute little two-person booths lined along the windows are just two nice features of the place. I might become a regular.
(5)Byron T.
Exactly the small family owned restaurant I look for when I'm out and about. So glad I drove a little further and took the chance at this unknown hidden gem. Ditch the big brand coffee shops and see what you should feel like while enjoying your coffee and meal.
(5)Zachary F.
My coffee shop. I enjoy visiting it's relaxing cheerful and friendly space. A great meeting place for the whole neighborhood. The baked goods, breakfast sandwich, tea and coffee are great. I really like the Red Sombrero coffee, it's exceptional. The warm friendly greetings this place provides make this place stand out as my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis.
(5)Wendy J.
Comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and great food and beverages.
(5)Mel S.
Fireroast Mountain Cafe had been on my to-do list or awhile and since a friend mentioned it last week I decided it should be my first stop for my Winter Sunday Coffee Shop Hop season. The cafe is quaint and residential, because of this there was plenty of street parking. (It looked like they also had a little lot for about 4 cars, but I didn't bother.) There's a decent sized food menu that I didn't dig into, but I was momentarily tempted by tamales. I was feeling fairly indecisive, so I just ordered my standard Americano. The prices are really good here, I got a medium for $2.16--although I overheard the manager training a new employee that all Americanos are the same size in volume; that confused me. My best guess is that it was a double shot (1, 2, 3 shots in the same size glass). The Americano was not particularly good; although I'm no expert judge of coffee--I can only speak to my personal tastes. It tasted a little burnt, a little too much like mediocre coffee. Perhaps I should have gotten the Tanzania Peaberry Pourover that I was debating instead. On the other hand, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. I snuggled up in a big armchair in a back room, which allowed me to get away from the training session going on at the counter. The customers in the front had an average age of about 65, it had a definite neighborhood after-church feel. Later two young kids came in to have burritos. As did a women's knitting group. I loved listening to this community of people (my community of people!) chatter away from my snug little near-private space in the back, which was also occupied by two girls working on their laptops, one of whom was discussing the novel she was working on. The music was also excellent. Lots of bluegrass country, and I even got to hear Down To The River to Pray at one point. This is such a quintessential neighborhood cafe. Next time I go here, I'm going to make sure to go with friends, and share some wonderful conversation about books, or knitting, or Yelping. I think that's what Fireroast was made for.
(3)Abbie F.
Went on Easter and it was packed! I loved their ginger green tea...mmm so delicious! It is a great spot with a wide diversity of people who were there. I liked how there were two different rooms so that if you wanted a quieter space you could go on the other side. If I lived closer I would be there more often!
(5)Meghann F.
Love it. Super cute little place. The iced chai was amazing on a hot day - it was like heaven in your mouth. Also tried the green chile and chicken tamale - yummy! I like that they have a seperate area for garbage, plastic, plates, compostable etc.
(5)Andrea S.
Excellent find!! We were looking for a cozy cafe for lunch and Fireroast fit the bill. Great menu for lunch. I had a coconut curry pumpkin soup with a pesto chicken sandwich. My boyfriend had the Baja wrap. Both of our lunches had excellent flavor and were made to order. Jeff, the owner was extremely welcoming and friendly! We will definitely come back!!
(5)Amy D.
I love working here when the mojo is good. The food is fresh and tasty. Their gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookie is deelish and they have a good selection of teas and decent drip coffee. If you do dairy, they have Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Nice little booths are cute and cozy. They have some outside seating good for the extendo-summer we are experiencing. The owner is a sweet guy, who obviously really cares. My only complaints are that the AC was way too cold; and on perfect days when the door could just be propped open I was covering the AC vent with a folder and donning a sweatshirt. And today the music is an epic fail, making it near impossible to stay. First cloying show tunes and now something that sounds like Cookie Monster doing heavy metal. I asked for a change after one too many Wicked numbers--I just couldn't take it. And now I can't bear having to ask again, so I will either try to block it out or leave. Late afternoon update: the evening crew is here and with them MUCH improved music, hooray! Extra star for improvement. I can keep working and enjoy the breeze coming in the open door. Get another tea and pound out a few hundred more words. Grateful for the portable office.
(4)Kedar D.
This is a beautiful, cozy, hippie cafe. The inside is a part diner (with small booths), part coffee shop and part gift store; the outside is a lovely place to sip some tea and catch the summer breeze. The first time I went, a group of older people had a sing-along session, replete with a guitar and lyric books. It was folk music and pretty cool that five or six people could just hang out and sing in the middle of a small coffee shop. It didn't feel intrusive at all. Both times I went to Fireroast I had a cup of tea ($1.80); Fireroast has a small, but good, selection of loose-leaf blacks, greens and herbals. I also had a vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookie ($1.75) which was their only vegan baked good available. It was a great cookie: sweet, moist and nicely peanut-buttery. If Fireroast had more vegan baked goods (why no cakes or cupcakes or brownies?), and more vegan food options (how about tofu/seitan burritos and tacos, since you already offer tamales?), I'd be back often.
(4)Doran S.
This place is down the street from my house and has become our second living room. The new owner has completely revamped the place while keeping what was great about it (ie tamales). This is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop: friendly, comfortable, family friendly, delicious, ice cream, great baked goods and wonderful atmosphere. And it's going to get better and better! Stop by!
(5)Mara S.
Fireroast is consistently wonderful- always welcoming, always good drinks, always good food, always a good atmosphere. I've never had a bad experience here! I find myself trying out other cafes and in the end I miss Fireroast. Whether it's to meet a friend, sit and drink a coffee while my son plays, grab lunch or dinner, or get work done I know that my money will be well spent and they will always follow through with good service. While I don't live in the neighborhood, I find myself willing to go out of my way to come to this great little cafe where everyone is treated well and the experience is worthwhile!
(5)Jacquie D.
I have been to a lot of coffee shops in the Twin Cities, and I can't help but keep coming back here. Here are my top ten reasons: 1. I can hear myself think. I can also hear a conversation with another person. Jeff never blasts the music in the background. 2. Lots of electrical outlets for the laptop and phone. And the free Wi-Fi ALWAYS WORKS. 3. Big, sunny windows. It feels happy in here. 4. Comfy booths. 5. Pots of loose tea. Yay!!! I can't handle too much coffee, so this makes it for me. 6. Friendliness. This owner loves his business, his customers and his neighbors. Every day, he asks what he could be doing better, and he means it. He always has a smile for me, and doesn't seem to mind how many hours I sit here working on finding a new job. 7. The bakery. Seriously, those are some damn fine herb-and-fruit scones, people. And raise your hand if you are sick and tired of the same old bakery products that Starbucks and Caribou have been carrying for years. 8. The location. Easy shot off of Hiawatha in South Minne. And there is plenty of street parking. 9. Dog-friendliness. I don't have a dog, but think it is sweet that there is a tie-out for the dog, a dog water dish and free dog biscuits here. I wonder if I could bring my cat? 10. Originality. Yeah, I feel a little more urban hipster here, because the decor, the gifts, the art and the food are all unique to this place. It's a good vibe.
(5)Lauren H.
One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong. I am the thing that doesn't belong btw, at least that's what it felt like at Fireroast. I stopped in on a Saturday morning after reading about their especially delicious pumpkin spice chai latte. I waited while the girl behind the counter was chatting with what was obviously a regular customer - no probs, as I was awaiting the arrival of a friend and wasn't in the slightest rush. Then I got up to order my drink and asked (politely I might add) for a pumpkin spice chai latte. I wasn't asked if I wanted a specific kind of milk or if I wanted a specific size. Instead, I was asked, "anything else?" Uhmmm . . . the granola with yogurt. That sounds good, I'll have that. I paid, I tipped, and I kind of stood near where I wanted to sit because I wasn't sure about the protocol - sit and they bring it out? Stand and go up to the counter? Linger awkwardly? I did the third thing of course. My granola came out first with a guy meeting me halfway - he wasn't at the counter so he probably didn't know who ordered it. When my latte was done, the girl yelled it out, despite having later seen her bring drinks out to other customers and despite the fact that there was no one else in line. Well alright then. I should add that the 3 stars come from the fact that I really loved both the latte and the granola. The granola was just the right amount of sweet, nice and crunchy with a bit of dried fruit, and served with plain yogurt, which a girl who is attempting not to shovel sugar into her mouth certainly appreciates. The latte was perfectly spiced, maybe not as "pumpkin-y" as I was expecting, but delicious none the less and hit the spot on a cool fall day! Maybe I'll head back again, but I think I'd probably order my stuff to go so I don't feel like the very obvious outsider again!
(3)Glenn P.
Great eclectic coffee shop. Whenever I travel, I try to search for eclectic coffee shops. Most places seem to have the same "Starbucks fast, I want your money" feel but Fireroast was different and enjoyable. They actually care about their coffee and customers. One of the employees informed me they plan on roasting their own in the future. I wish I had a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood. I strongly recommend trying it out if you have the opportunity.
(5)Joe L.
A very calm atmosphere. The music is not too loud, and the Internet speed is excellent.
(5)Conor C.
They make one hell of a tasty iced americano! I haven't had a chance to grab any of their food as of yet but the menu looks awesome.
(4)Deb R.
I go here just to hear music or as a place to have an intimate meeting when there is not live music being played. High points are the many sort of Mexican entrees, the baked goods and the ice cream. There are also excellent soups and sandwiches and salads. It seems like it would be a great place just to hang, too, but I never get a chance to hang.
(4)Clare O.
I liked this place with the old owners but now I LOVE this place. Their tea lattes are ah-mazing! Tea Source teas, Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Best way to keep your money local and your neighbors happy. Good food, good drinks, friendly, welcoming, a variety of food for all food types (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, ethnic, sweet-tooths (sweetteeth?), snackers, etc), neighborhood gathering spot and supportive of local businesses and causes. The new owner has reduced some (most?) of the visual clutter and is definitely making this place welcoming, clean and high quality. My fave items include fancy coffees, superior teas, a tart-sweet lavender lemonade, gluten-free espresso brownie (that I have not been able to replicate at home, dammit), a great pesto sandwich. Unlike the coffee shop down the street (RVC&WB), this place actually makes you feel welcome if you happen to be a breeder. RVC&WB takes my money, and even though they have a hug kid play area, I always feel like they are mad I've come in with my children. With Fireroast Cafe, I feel welcome and appreciated. Instead of a dirty messy play area, you can check toy bins out. They have moved some of the big chairs to where the kid play area used to be, so there's no designated kid area, which can be good or bad, depending on your brood & mood. Cons: The bathroom is super small and not sound-proofed. One afternoon, my daughter and I were enjoying a lovely hot chocolate and latte, and we heard all the bodily noises that one man made during his time in this airplane-sized bathroom. I hope he sees a gastro-intestinal specialist at the U real soon, because that sounded problematic. Then my daughter pipes up, "Mom, I can smell his poop from out here! He forgot to flush!" Yipes. The only other con is that you can't push a stroller thru the front door because it's 4 steps up. In the summer, I parked the baby outside, but I can't do that in winter. Yes, soon, she'll be able to walk, but until then, I totally have my hands full. Other than that, if you like coffee, tea & treats, if you want a cozy place to spend this winter, if you like friendly servers, this is your place.
(4)Deanna D.
My experience today was MUCH better and the updates in the place make it a very comfortable place to: grab a cup of coffee, have lunch, get some studying done, play a game, read a book. The wrap my husband enjoyed was tasty and the muffin I had was deliciouso. Service was great and the owner out and about chatting with everyone. I am in the middle of a proposal so I anticipate that I will be a regular here for the next couple of weeks.
(4)Lauren D.
I first discovered Fireroast through the weekly Thursday night trivia games. I have sampled their food and have nothing, but good experiences. The staff is so sweet and kind. I love that they even join in on the trivia! They offer a large selection of teas and will make customized drinks. I love their veggie tamales, but just remind the staff if it seems to be taking too long (a certain staff member will sometimes forget to bring it out!). Overall, a great little cafe with a fun vibe, entertaining art, and friendly staff.
(4)Lon J.
Very nice little spot with great food, great coffee, and a great atmosphere...owner was an incredibly nice guy. Highly recommend.
(5)Linda H.
This place is in the middle of a residential area, in a place you would not expect to see a coffee shop. The place is laid back, hippie friendly, and a comfy hideout but the food is not good at all. It might have been what we ordered (tuna sandwich and nachos) but I most definitely would not order food here again. I do think their baked goods are probably good. I heard one person talk about how she felt "buzzed" from eating the espresso muffin. ( I am assuming from all the caffeine in it) The staff, although friendly, seemed really out of it. So out of it that I had to find my tuna sandwich. They put it in a booth and did not tell me. After waiting a while after getting the nachos and remembering seeing a lonely sandwich in a booth near the back, I went and got it. I really do hope it was mine! I really did not mind that at all, it just added humor to our visit on such a beautiful day! I really doubt I will return to Fireroast unless I happen to be in that area and need some caffeine. I can not speak to the coffee because I did not have any. I was caffeined up for the day already. I am giving this place a three stars only because the staff seemed really nice and friendly, even after playing hide and seek with my sandwich. The food alone, I would give it a one.
(3)Alyssa Y.
My favorite place to get work done! I discovered this gem of a coffee shop a few months ago, and now it is my go to place. I work from home, and am always looking for a nice environment when I feel claustrophobic at home. Fireroast Café is the perfect balance of a calm environment, friendly people, and cool south Minneapolis vibe. I much prefer to frequent this small local business over the Caribous and Starbucks. There are plenty of tables and even a back room with cushy chairs that you can angle facing the window or artwork on the wall. Jeff, the owner, always greets everyone and really makes you feel welcome here. I can tell that he knows all of the regulars and works hard to keep this café running to a very high standard. Also, the food here is delicious! Try the rosemary chicken salad sandwich and the chicken wild rice soup. It's so good, I keep going back to it. I will try the other menu items soon! I also have not been here for trivia night yet, but I intend to come back for that also!
(5)Annie H.
Best chai latte I've had in this town -- it's mellow, with more tea than sugar, Yay! Awesome booths for working, studying, eating, chatting. Filtered water with cold and hot water for tea top-ups; brilliant idea, why don't more cafes do this?! Fewer kids and squeals than Riverview so Fireroast offers a calmer (and cleaner) atmosphere, especially after 3pm. Might be my new fave cafe in Minneapolis.
(5)C B.
I'm in town visiting family and my grandma took my 2 year old son and myself here for lunch. The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. The waitstaff was REALLY nice and helpful. And to top it all off, I ordered the nachos with chicken for my son and I to split (yum!) and the man who made them thought to put jalapeños on just one side so my son would have some he could eat without me saying anything. So nice and so thoughtful. I hope they're looking to franchise in CA ;-)
(5)Paul C.
This little gem reveals itself slowly. When you first walk in, there's no "wow" factor -- just a nice, cozy, artsy little neighborhood joint. Then you try one of the chocolate chip cookies. It's good. Another bite. Wow, it's *really* good. Still warm and soft ...did they just bake this? Probably: they do the cookies on site, in batches of like 4-6. Then you try the soup. Whoa! Made from scratch, great ingredients, like what you cook at home when you really have some time. And you paid how much for that much inferior soup in a fancy restaurant last week? Then you get hooked on the tamales. Then the salads. And the next thing you know, you're eating lunch here all the time, and the entire staff remembers your name and your eating habits. Or at least that's how it all happened for me. This place has become my absolute go-to favorite for an affordable lunch and a nice spot to park with my laptop. It's a gem among gems, Longfellow's best secret. Downsides? Few and small. The burritos & quesadillas are fine, but a bit boring. The coffee is good, but not the same knock-your-socks-off great as the soups and pastries. There are a few ill-placed air vents in the floor. Minor complaints. If this place doesn't deserve 5 stars, no little cafe does.
(5)Annie D.
Beefing up the stars on this one! I headed back to Fireroast today for a meeting and it just didn't feel right to leave this one at three stars when it felt like a four star experience today. The gentleman at the counter was so kind as he got me a simple cup of coffee. As he poured that stuff into the mug, he told me if I ended up leaving before I finished it that he would get me a to-go cup. Why, thank you sir! Twenty minutes later, the then-lone barista who took the order of the person I was meeting was just as amicable and cheerful as she poured some freshly brewed iced tea. I still think some of the food is slightly overpriced, but there is a great sense of community here. I noted that in my previous review but didn't feel it as warmly until today. And that's something to rave about. Maybe it was the sunshine that put me in a good mood this afternoon, but I'd like to think that Fireroast had something to do with it.
(4)Jesse G.
Came here for breakfast with my wife and kid and was very disappointed. We ordered two coffees, two muffins and a breakfast burrito. The coffee was decent, but nothing special. Peace Coffee is 10x better. The muffins were so-so, but nothing compared to the muffins at The Birchwood. The breakfast burritos are just awful. You can tell that it's a bunch of frozen ingredients thrown into a tortilla and zapped for 1 min in the microwave. They taste terrible. I wouldn't feed them to my dog. Also, they charge you for coffee refills. Who does that? The art is also an eyesore. The only redeeming qualities were: - The service. The cashier girl was very nice and efficient. - They also had some kids toys in a back room. My kid had fun playing. I am never coming back. There are so many other good coffee shops in this neighborhood and the Fireroast Mountain obviously doesn't care about how they measure up. Take your business somewhere else. Turtle bread, co. The Birchwood, Peace Coffee, etc.
(2)Dan W.
Good coffee, good food, great ice cream!
(5)Greta H.
This place is adorable and the owner is awesome. Such a wonderful neighborhood joint with great coffee, tea and food!
(5)Ralph M.
Let me just cut to the chase and drop all these at once: granola hippie incense birkenstock Tibet save the whales vegan soy dreadlocks free trade organic local Green party composting lentils peace tofu. There. Now that I have those out of my system, I can write this review without falling into a 100 hippie cliches. Fireroast is nice little cafe (with a rather strong hippie vibe). Coming home from a leisurely afternoon movie at the Riverview on a gorgeous afternoon, an outdoor table and a cool beverage were too much to pass up. So was the honey lemon bread pudding, apparently, and as the little sign recommended, I did try it with ice cream. Delicious! My chai was not particularly impressive, but at least he didn't pull out a carton of Oregon Chai mix out in front of me to make it (I'm looking at you, Spyhouse). The dude (I've never liked the title "Barista") was very friendly. He asked us what we were up to, and at first it confused me. He was actually talking with us, not just engaging in the usual conversation-lite platitudes usually exchanged during ritualized commercial transactions. It took a moment to adjust to. Sad, isn't it? They had several cozy tables out front, and that is where we enjoyed our beverages (and bread pudding!) and the lovely day. It was exactly what I had hoped for stopping in.
(4)Melanie D.
LOVE this place. It's a local cafe that I plan coming back to again and again. I ordered the veggie wrap for lunch, which was less than $5! I also ordered an iced Americano, which gave me a caffeine buzz like I've never experienced before (in a good way). The atmosphere is artsy and homey. Unlike a visit to Starbucks or Caribou, you don't feel rushed and in a hurry to leave. It's a great place to visit if you want peace to read a good book or to chat with a friend. Very nice and friendly staff. They are also Vegetarian/vegan friendly ;)
(4)Fresh E.
Great place for people watching. The coffee, coffee and tea drinks and pastries are great. The staff were very friendly, the wireless works great and. This is a great place for gathering with friends for a chat and/or to do a reading. The menu looked great and folks who were eating there really seemed to enjoy the food.
(5)Nate S.
As many others have said, Fireroast is a great place for a cup of coffee or a meal. The staff is always friendly and the food and drink are excellent.
(4)Dana H.
Organic, fair trade and super nice. Enjoy
(5)Marguerite S.
First thing that I gotta say about this place is that I love the booths. And the cute painted walls in the back room. Anyways... I usually stick around for a while, because they make their drinks in huuge mugs. They have a pretty good menu, usual lunch items, soups, sandwiches; but also have tamales, quesadillas, etc. My faves are their black bean hummus, and chocolate chip cookies. All of their bakery items are worth trying as well.
(3)CJ M.
I love the new Fireroast! **Readers of Yelp reviews should note that the cafe changed owners in January 2012, so reviews from before that time don't apply to the current business.** I am in school and come here frequently to escape the kids while I do homework, and I have had a front row view of all the changes over the last 12 months. The new owner (Jeff) has worked very hard to improve the coffee, food, and ambience, while preserving the community-oriented values (meeting place for local community or activist groups, free book exchange, charming live music, neighborhood sing-a-long, art by local artists on the walls) that have always defined the Fireroast. The coffee is locally roasted and beans are fresh. They have drip, espresso, and the pour-over options that are becoming popular. They have ice cream from Sebastian-Joe's, and they make all their food from scratch on site (I highly recommend the cardamom-pistachio scones). The one exception is the tamales, which are made off-site but still local. The baristas are mostly a bunch of nice college kids and Jeff must keep them happy because they don't have high turnover. As another reviewer noted, occasionally I have to remind them about my order but that is usually when they are in the middle of a rush of customers. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have never had anything but cheerful customer service. Jeff bends over backwards to make sure his customers are satisfied and will always remake a beverage or an entree if there is a problem. Winter hours close at 8:00 pm but they are flexible and let customers stick around while they clean up. Things some people might object to (I obviously don't since I gave the place 5 stars) include the ongoing renovations of the space, although the big things are mostly done and now it's smaller projects that aren't very distracting, the teeny tiny bathroom, and perhaps the noisy nature of some of the community events such as the sing-a-long. Also if you're looking for a "kid pit" with a bunch of toys then you will be disappointed. There are some *clean* toys available for children to play with on the shelves in the back room. In my opinion the Fireroast is just what a neighborhood coffee shop ought to be, and it's only getting better.
(5)Kari L.
I needed a change of scenery and was looking for a place to work for a couple hours and this coffee shop hit the spot! Very reasonably priced drinks and homemade goodies, and a very casual, comfortable and laid back environment. Staff is super friendly. Excellent mocha, and for $1 less than caribou, I might add!
(5)Rosalind C.
I have been going out for coffee with my father every Sunday morning since I was 12 years old. I am now 21, and I can easily say Fireroast is the best place to have a cup of coffee. The coffee is strong, it will really get you going! But the best part about this place are the scones!! They are made in the store daily. The walnut date scone is soft and flaky and never disappoints. However, their other selections are equally as enticing. On a recent studying trip to the coffee shop I was able to experience the community environment that took over. Every patron in the entire place (10 or so people) was chit chatting in one large conversation. It was amazing! I am never one to join in on conversations with strangers but I found myself adding my two cents as well.
(5)Michael G.
Great neighborhood cafe, cheap prices, tasty food. Nice, chill atmosphere. Nice place to stop by before going to a movie at Riverview movie theater.
(4)Jennifer K.
We saw this place on the way back from the Riverview theater on Saturday, and Tim wanted to stop after the movie and a stop at the comic book store. Really cute. The lady in the back was making an apple pie-which seemed quaint, somehow. We hung out here for a couple of hours, and it soon got packed because the first Saturday of the month is a open-mic poetry reading. We had to leave before it started however, which made some people without chairs very happy to get our booth. The table by the door was kind of cold, but we gave some money to the economy by ordering chips with guac and salsa (the chips were from a bag, the salsa from a jar) a huge chicken burrito with rice, black beans and lots of chicken, not much cheese-not as good as Chipotle, I'm sorry to report. We also had a chicken mole tamale that I was excited about. When I think coffee place, tamale isn't what I think, but it was great! That was stage one. After a couple of hours, we decided to go for stage two, which was a piece of this ginormous guiness chocolate cake, which looked and tasted like regular chocolate cake but had a funny smell to me, and got a cappachino and some kind of icy chocolate drink for Tim. He didn't like the drink, which I saw her make by adding tap water to powder, which wasn't so great. He thought it was watered down, and asked her to put more chocolate in it. The food wasn't fantastic, but I wanted it to be. We'll be back. It's always fun to find a new place to go.
(3)Joel L.
I'm not a fan of the brewed coffee here but the espresso is outstanding. I don't really eat here, just drink the espresso. It's a friendly, locally-owned, place that I like coming back to.
(4)Michelle J.
I love this place, usually lunch time during the week to treat myself to the green salsa tamales, love love love these!! The ginger bars are fantastic and their soups are always interesting and unique, its nice to go somewhere so friendly too, the staff is wonderful and the owners are cool, hippie vibe for sure and it makes me love it more. I also recommend the chicken sandwich with fresh vegtables and served with carrots, the food tastes fresh and homemade. The ambiance is comfy and relaxed with booths and regular tables. They could do some updating but its not really a big deal. Love the art that is always changing on the walls (by local artists from what I can tell), its so cool to see something unique and interesting in this starbucks saturated world.
(5)Tim S.
The other day I received an invite from Jeff F. to stop by the Fireroast Cafe. I have to give him an extra star for some 'gorilla marketing'. Good for him to promote his business! Since I was on the road on business trips yesterday and was in the area, I took him up on his offer. Nestled in the Longfellow area and just a few blocks off the Lightrail, the Fireroast Cafe is a neighborhood gem. As luck would have it, it was Jeff who helped me with my order. The herbal iced tea he recommended was so flavorful, if I didn't have another appointment, I would have turned the car around and ordered another. He also recommended the orange and cranberry scone I had for breakfast today. I like my scones hard and not cakey like a doughnut, so this was perfect. Jeff apologized for the mess as they were adding onto the Cafe, but that shows he's really trying to make it work for the area. And at around 4:00 PM on a Thursday, almost every seat in the place was taken, so that tells you it's good. So thanks again for the invite, Jeff, and to you readers, go support a local business that's doing some good for the community!
(4)Jasper B.
Pretty good Chicken Quesadilla. Try the Rosemary Mint Lemonade!
(4)Giancarlo R.
Original and delicious menu. Excellent escape for something light and healthy. Ordered 4 different items for the family and they were all freshly cooked and hit the spot for lunch.
(4)Tad P.
My fiancé and I thought the food was ok, but our experience was soured, because the barista told a postal worker who came in to use the restroom that it was for customers only. I was really bothered by that dismissal of community.
(2)Taryn C.
Great coffee! The rosemary chicken salad sandwich was to die for and the breakfast sandwich was great, too. We were some of the few in there (mid-Thursday morning, not a peak time) and the people working in there were very friendly and asked how everything was. Very comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely go back and also recommend it to friends!
(5)Terry M.
Fireroast is the best coffee shop in the neighborhood, one of the best in the cities. The reason is Jeff, the owner. The coffee is consistently very good because he really cares about what he does. Jeff knows every regulars name and always greets them with warmth and welcoming. The food is always fresh, the scones some of the best. The wifi is fast and the staff friendly. I love this place.
(5)Pamela Q.
Stopped by on my way from airport to downtown for some lunch. Had the most AMAZING salad. Mango, chicken, glazed pecans -- it was really good. Highly recommend.
(5)Maggie H.
Great homemade food. The owner of Fireroast is often serving and greeting patrons. Very nice local coffee shop.
(4)Jody-Beth M.
A coffee shop with a conscience leaving a smaller footprint on the planet and serving up world class customer service and excellent Java. You will feel welcome and be remembered.
(5)Lee D.
Truly a hidden city GEM :) I've stopped in mid-morning, 6 pm-ish and staff have always been incredible nice, cheery, and knowledgeable of what is to serve. Quality eats at a reasonable price. My only wish is they'd stay open later on Fri, Sat as it would be a great alternative place to meet after a movie at the nearby Riverview Movie Theater, about 5 blocks east. They also have a small side room where more private conversations are possible. Also have nice outdoor seating in nice weather. Kid and pet friendly :
(4)Faith C.
****WARNING: Not child/stroller-friendly**** This review is about the general vibe of this place, not the food or the coffee, which is decent. I believe the owner's disquieting/nervous/unwelcoming vibe may be based on his desire to provide the best customer experience possible, but I have to say that he managed to create quite the opposite experience for this (former) patron. I have been to this neighborhood cafe numerous times and there are a few things that have spoiled the atmosphere enough to warrant never going back: - Audible micromanagement of staff in the background on the part of the owner, as well as what appears to be high staff turnover. Although I have been here several times with friends, I have not once had the same barista and it is hard not to notice the stiff, uncomfortable atmosphere in which they work. - It appears only certain customers are welcome. It seems obvious that the owner strives to recognize and know the names of some regular patrons but not others, as indicated by other reviews. He has never asked my name in all the times I have been there since moving into the neighborhood but judging from some of the reviews, certainly goes out of his way to know others. - Incident #1: My friend and I were tying up my dog outside when the owner nervously approached me, stood above me (invading my personal space), and asked me to do what I was already in the process of doing: leaving my dog outside. Why would the owner ask me to do what I was already doing while muttering something about serving food/losing his license under his breath? I found this situation uncomfortable, nonsensical, and odd. - Incident #2: We had been on a walk and my infant was asleep in her stroller. We chose not to disturb her from her sleep by removing her from the stroller and brought it into the cafe, pushing it off to the side. It was not busy - I saw a total of three other patrons during the time we were there. I was stunned when the owner again unnecessarily INVADED MY PERSONAL SPACE by approaching my infant in her stroller. She had been asleep the entire time we had been there UNTIL the owner put his face up to the stroller and told me, "Her eyes are open. She's crying." What the...? She had been asleep the entire time we were there and had NOT been crying until he approached us. He seemed to be indicating that the stroller was in the way or that the baby was unwelcome by his behavior and it came across in a very unpleasant, passive-aggressive tone. Talk about bizarre! Stunned by his odd behavior and the unwelcoming atmosphere he was creating, we chose to leave, never to return. I fail to see why a neighborhood like Longfellow, with its many young children and general neighborly, family-friendly vibe, tolerates a place like this where apparently, not everyone is welcome. I will definitely be sharing my negative experience here with my neighborhood play date group, as well as every neighbor with dogs and young children.
(2)Cody B.
Excellent coffee and great sandwiches. I had a Cubano panini today and it was fire. Likely the best I've had. Their soups are also equally on fleek. I don't stop in too frequently but I've always noticed how friendly the staff is as well. It's jus an overall great neighborhood cafe.
(5)Frank N.
Staying with friends and happened upon this place yesterday when looking for a place within walking distance for some coffee. Such a great treat and find, enjoyed a cappuccino and a ginger cardamon blonde brownie. Cute location with a few tables inside and out. Decided to come back today for lunch. Enjoyed the soup of the day, a cold spicy gazpacho loaded with chunks of fresh veggies. Also had the mozzarella tomato panini and my partner had the basil tomato goat cheese sandwich. Both were fresh and tasty. To drink, we tried the refreshing mint rosemary lemonade. Wanted to take home the whole pitcher!Seems like a popular place in the neighborhood for a bite to eat. Heard a few patrons commenting on the bakery items, which seem to sell out fast as they are available on a first come first serve basis--which is a good sign of quality! Not a vegetarian or gluten-free but seems like they have options for those preferences as well. Staff also was turn friendly and attentive. If we lived here, definitely would make it a regular spot, and will try the Sebastian Joe's ice cream next time.
(5)Andrew W.
Lemonade is was great. Food is great. It's just that the price is a bit too high for the space and amount of food they give you. Otherwise, it's a nice area, good place to study.
(3)Amber D.
I would have taken a picture of my Rosemary Chicken Salad and cup of Curried Lentil Soup, but I took one delicious bite and finished it before I even thought of looking at my phone. It was SO good. Flavorful, unique, fresh, and all made from scratch. I always have such a positive experience here; the owner Jeff is very friendly and is so hospitable - it almost feels like I'm being welcomed into his home for dinner. Plus, every time I've been here he personally asks how I enjoyed the food (and I can always say it was fabulous). Fire Roast Cafe is great! I promise to take a picture of my food next time ;)
(5)Chelsea R.
Best lunch I've had in a long time. I had the half Rosemary chicken salad sandwich and cup of chicken and wild rice soup. Both were absolutely amazing. Everything is so fresh and tastes so healthy. I want to come back for lunch tomorrow!
(5)Zoe D.
My favorite coffee shop. Ever! Great service. Incredible coffee. The best muffins I have ever eaten. The staff is awesome here. My workout buddies and i frequent Fire Roast, and all the baristas know all our orders and are friendly and engaging. It's such a welcoming environment. The cold press is some of my favorite in all of Minneapolis, and the lattes are always perfectly foamy. Their cranberry orange and blueberry lemon muffins are out of this world, sweet and moist and dense all at once. Also, even the bananas are better here. I don't know how they do it!
(5)Adam T.
Really delightful spot. Excellent breakfast burrito, selection of teas, service and atmosphere. Looking forward to returning soon.
(4)Jessica S.
Simple, laid-back cafe with some decent breakfast/lunch and beverage offerings to suit all tastes. Baked goods for nibbling and Sebastian Joe's ice cream for indulging are also available. After my rec footy game in brutal summer heat, I sought a light yet quick lunch, preferably outdoors where it would potentially be more socially acceptable to be mud-covered from head (well, technically, arms) to toe. This fit the bill. Order at the counter, grab your number and seating, and hold tight (maybe a little longer than seemingly necessary) till your grub arrives. [Full disclosure: I am admittedly biased towards wait staff-free eateries.] Homemade granola + yogurt. Well done... sweet, crunchy (but not tooth-shatteringly so) , chunky with freshly soft almonds. Snagged a bite(s) of my bf's chicken burrito. Well-stuffed and pressed with yummy ingredients, but standard and could easily be replicated at home with basic ingredients even by culinary dunces such as moi. Service was very pleasant (particularly from the man who I assumed owner) as was the space. Two rooms indoors, one more restaurant style-seating (booths and tables/chairs), the other a serene java-sipping lounge with art-adorned sky blue (or some equally calming hue) walls*. Plus, a number of umbrella-clad bistro tables outdoors. I'd happily return next time I'm in the Longfellow vicinity. *Upon skimming through photos, the wall is more of a jarring red-orange, yet this backroom still embodied a calming vibe.
(4)Scottie S.
Hidden gem. Wonderful food and service. Their breakfast sandwich and breakfast quesadilla are to die for. A cute and quaint spot to sip coffee and get work done or meet up with friends.
(5)Nicole N.
Great neighborhood cafe, nice people, good food
(4)Sergio R.
Medium late is big! And well priced. The chicken rosemary sandwich was also amazing. It's served on a very crispy croissant. I came in on what looked like a slow day. It's not very big in there, so I'm wondering how crowded it gets during peak hours. Regardless, it's a hidden catty corner to a car repair shop.
(5)Amy L.
Thought we were picking a local place for lunch. Unfortunately they must close the kitchen between 2-3pm. This is a heads up for anyone else looking for a mid day lunch.
(3)Lorena W.
The green chicken tamale was alright, but their rosemary mint lemonade was quite tasty and refreshing! Also, they have yummy Sebastian Joe's ice cream! The staff are super friendly and seemed knowledgable when I asked them questions about their coffee from Mexico. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Tom B.
Great selection! More than you can get at the big chains, plus it's all better quality! If it's coffee and pastries or good and lemonade. This is a great spot.
(4)Kathleen M.
Not a place to go if you want to mellowly read your paper and drink tea. Lots of busy to-ings and fro-ings and loud commentary by the owner (?) which I found distracting.
(3)Grace H.
The pumkin chai latte had just the right mixture of spice and pumkin flavor. We paired it with the soup of the day which happened to be vegetarian gumbo. Perfect for a chilly day after a walk in minnehaha falls park. My boyfriend thought it could be a tad more spicy but I thought it was just right. Ambiance was comfortable and music was soothing. I'd come back again.
(5)Rubal K.
I loved this spot. The staff was helpful and nicely packed my to-go order which was a turkey and brie whole-wheat quesadilla with cranberry chutney. The quesadilla was delicious and I wish I had time to grab some coffee here too. The establishment itself is really cute with a small separated area towards the back also. Thanks for the awesome lunch!
(5)Sara G.
I like this place, but it's small and I feel like people who go there to do homework/study are unwelcome. Love the coffee, cookies are amazing and for the most part, it's a great little spot. However on a couple occasions I've felt forced out because they want to turn over tables/seats. I get it...but I'm a paying customer too.
(3)Sara M.
Food is a little overpriced, but tasty! Quaint little neighborhood spot, great place to catch up on a book or get some work done!
(4)Aubrie E.
I absolutely love this place and I've only been here twice so far! The employees are so friendly, which everyone knows can make or break a place. On top of that they have super tasty food! I just had a cup of cauliflower and gruyere cheese soup and it was so flavorful and creamy. I'm kicking myself that I didn't order a bowl. The atmosphere is also great. Soft music playing that doesn't distract you from working or studying and cute little two-person booths lined along the windows are just two nice features of the place. I might become a regular.
(5)Byron T.
Exactly the small family owned restaurant I look for when I'm out and about. So glad I drove a little further and took the chance at this unknown hidden gem. Ditch the big brand coffee shops and see what you should feel like while enjoying your coffee and meal.
(5)Zachary F.
My coffee shop. I enjoy visiting it's relaxing cheerful and friendly space. A great meeting place for the whole neighborhood. The baked goods, breakfast sandwich, tea and coffee are great. I really like the Red Sombrero coffee, it's exceptional. The warm friendly greetings this place provides make this place stand out as my favorite coffee shop in Minneapolis.
(5)Abbie F.
Went on Easter and it was packed! I loved their ginger green tea...mmm so delicious! It is a great spot with a wide diversity of people who were there. I liked how there were two different rooms so that if you wanted a quieter space you could go on the other side. If I lived closer I would be there more often!
(5)Tim S.
The other day I received an invite from Jeff F. to stop by the Fireroast Cafe. I have to give him an extra star for some 'gorilla marketing'. Good for him to promote his business! Since I was on the road on business trips yesterday and was in the area, I took him up on his offer. Nestled in the Longfellow area and just a few blocks off the Lightrail, the Fireroast Cafe is a neighborhood gem. As luck would have it, it was Jeff who helped me with my order. The herbal iced tea he recommended was so flavorful, if I didn't have another appointment, I would have turned the car around and ordered another. He also recommended the orange and cranberry scone I had for breakfast today. I like my scones hard and not cakey like a doughnut, so this was perfect. Jeff apologized for the mess as they were adding onto the Cafe, but that shows he's really trying to make it work for the area. And at around 4:00 PM on a Thursday, almost every seat in the place was taken, so that tells you it's good. So thanks again for the invite, Jeff, and to you readers, go support a local business that's doing some good for the community!
(4)Jasper B.
Pretty good Chicken Quesadilla. Try the Rosemary Mint Lemonade!
(4)Giancarlo R.
Original and delicious menu. Excellent escape for something light and healthy. Ordered 4 different items for the family and they were all freshly cooked and hit the spot for lunch.
(4)Tad P.
My fiancé and I thought the food was ok, but our experience was soured, because the barista told a postal worker who came in to use the restroom that it was for customers only. I was really bothered by that dismissal of community.
(2)Taryn C.
Great coffee! The rosemary chicken salad sandwich was to die for and the breakfast sandwich was great, too. We were some of the few in there (mid-Thursday morning, not a peak time) and the people working in there were very friendly and asked how everything was. Very comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely go back and also recommend it to friends!
(5)Terry M.
Fireroast is the best coffee shop in the neighborhood, one of the best in the cities. The reason is Jeff, the owner. The coffee is consistently very good because he really cares about what he does. Jeff knows every regulars name and always greets them with warmth and welcoming. The food is always fresh, the scones some of the best. The wifi is fast and the staff friendly. I love this place.
(5)Pamela Q.
Stopped by on my way from airport to downtown for some lunch. Had the most AMAZING salad. Mango, chicken, glazed pecans -- it was really good. Highly recommend.
(5)Maggie H.
Great homemade food. The owner of Fireroast is often serving and greeting patrons. Very nice local coffee shop.
(4)Jacquie D.
I have been to a lot of coffee shops in the Twin Cities, and I can't help but keep coming back here. Here are my top ten reasons: 1. I can hear myself think. I can also hear a conversation with another person. Jeff never blasts the music in the background. 2. Lots of electrical outlets for the laptop and phone. And the free Wi-Fi ALWAYS WORKS. 3. Big, sunny windows. It feels happy in here. 4. Comfy booths. 5. Pots of loose tea. Yay!!! I can't handle too much coffee, so this makes it for me. 6. Friendliness. This owner loves his business, his customers and his neighbors. Every day, he asks what he could be doing better, and he means it. He always has a smile for me, and doesn't seem to mind how many hours I sit here working on finding a new job. 7. The bakery. Seriously, those are some damn fine herb-and-fruit scones, people. And raise your hand if you are sick and tired of the same old bakery products that Starbucks and Caribou have been carrying for years. 8. The location. Easy shot off of Hiawatha in South Minne. And there is plenty of street parking. 9. Dog-friendliness. I don't have a dog, but think it is sweet that there is a tie-out for the dog, a dog water dish and free dog biscuits here. I wonder if I could bring my cat? 10. Originality. Yeah, I feel a little more urban hipster here, because the decor, the gifts, the art and the food are all unique to this place. It's a good vibe.
(5)Wendy J.
Comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and great food and beverages.
(5)Mel S.
Fireroast Mountain Cafe had been on my to-do list or awhile and since a friend mentioned it last week I decided it should be my first stop for my Winter Sunday Coffee Shop Hop season. The cafe is quaint and residential, because of this there was plenty of street parking. (It looked like they also had a little lot for about 4 cars, but I didn't bother.) There's a decent sized food menu that I didn't dig into, but I was momentarily tempted by tamales. I was feeling fairly indecisive, so I just ordered my standard Americano. The prices are really good here, I got a medium for $2.16--although I overheard the manager training a new employee that all Americanos are the same size in volume; that confused me. My best guess is that it was a double shot (1, 2, 3 shots in the same size glass). The Americano was not particularly good; although I'm no expert judge of coffee--I can only speak to my personal tastes. It tasted a little burnt, a little too much like mediocre coffee. Perhaps I should have gotten the Tanzania Peaberry Pourover that I was debating instead. On the other hand, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. I snuggled up in a big armchair in a back room, which allowed me to get away from the training session going on at the counter. The customers in the front had an average age of about 65, it had a definite neighborhood after-church feel. Later two young kids came in to have burritos. As did a women's knitting group. I loved listening to this community of people (my community of people!) chatter away from my snug little near-private space in the back, which was also occupied by two girls working on their laptops, one of whom was discussing the novel she was working on. The music was also excellent. Lots of bluegrass country, and I even got to hear Down To The River to Pray at one point. This is such a quintessential neighborhood cafe. Next time I go here, I'm going to make sure to go with friends, and share some wonderful conversation about books, or knitting, or Yelping. I think that's what Fireroast was made for.
(3)Lauren H.
One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong. I am the thing that doesn't belong btw, at least that's what it felt like at Fireroast. I stopped in on a Saturday morning after reading about their especially delicious pumpkin spice chai latte. I waited while the girl behind the counter was chatting with what was obviously a regular customer - no probs, as I was awaiting the arrival of a friend and wasn't in the slightest rush. Then I got up to order my drink and asked (politely I might add) for a pumpkin spice chai latte. I wasn't asked if I wanted a specific kind of milk or if I wanted a specific size. Instead, I was asked, "anything else?" Uhmmm . . . the granola with yogurt. That sounds good, I'll have that. I paid, I tipped, and I kind of stood near where I wanted to sit because I wasn't sure about the protocol - sit and they bring it out? Stand and go up to the counter? Linger awkwardly? I did the third thing of course. My granola came out first with a guy meeting me halfway - he wasn't at the counter so he probably didn't know who ordered it. When my latte was done, the girl yelled it out, despite having later seen her bring drinks out to other customers and despite the fact that there was no one else in line. Well alright then. I should add that the 3 stars come from the fact that I really loved both the latte and the granola. The granola was just the right amount of sweet, nice and crunchy with a bit of dried fruit, and served with plain yogurt, which a girl who is attempting not to shovel sugar into her mouth certainly appreciates. The latte was perfectly spiced, maybe not as "pumpkin-y" as I was expecting, but delicious none the less and hit the spot on a cool fall day! Maybe I'll head back again, but I think I'd probably order my stuff to go so I don't feel like the very obvious outsider again!
(3)Glenn P.
Great eclectic coffee shop. Whenever I travel, I try to search for eclectic coffee shops. Most places seem to have the same "Starbucks fast, I want your money" feel but Fireroast was different and enjoyable. They actually care about their coffee and customers. One of the employees informed me they plan on roasting their own in the future. I wish I had a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood. I strongly recommend trying it out if you have the opportunity.
(5)Joe L.
A very calm atmosphere. The music is not too loud, and the Internet speed is excellent.
(5)Meghann F.
Love it. Super cute little place. The iced chai was amazing on a hot day - it was like heaven in your mouth. Also tried the green chile and chicken tamale - yummy! I like that they have a seperate area for garbage, plastic, plates, compostable etc.
(5)Andrea S.
Excellent find!! We were looking for a cozy cafe for lunch and Fireroast fit the bill. Great menu for lunch. I had a coconut curry pumpkin soup with a pesto chicken sandwich. My boyfriend had the Baja wrap. Both of our lunches had excellent flavor and were made to order. Jeff, the owner was extremely welcoming and friendly! We will definitely come back!!
(5)Clare O.
I liked this place with the old owners but now I LOVE this place. Their tea lattes are ah-mazing! Tea Source teas, Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Best way to keep your money local and your neighbors happy. Good food, good drinks, friendly, welcoming, a variety of food for all food types (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, ethnic, sweet-tooths (sweetteeth?), snackers, etc), neighborhood gathering spot and supportive of local businesses and causes. The new owner has reduced some (most?) of the visual clutter and is definitely making this place welcoming, clean and high quality. My fave items include fancy coffees, superior teas, a tart-sweet lavender lemonade, gluten-free espresso brownie (that I have not been able to replicate at home, dammit), a great pesto sandwich. Unlike the coffee shop down the street (RVC&WB), this place actually makes you feel welcome if you happen to be a breeder. RVC&WB takes my money, and even though they have a hug kid play area, I always feel like they are mad I've come in with my children. With Fireroast Cafe, I feel welcome and appreciated. Instead of a dirty messy play area, you can check toy bins out. They have moved some of the big chairs to where the kid play area used to be, so there's no designated kid area, which can be good or bad, depending on your brood & mood. Cons: The bathroom is super small and not sound-proofed. One afternoon, my daughter and I were enjoying a lovely hot chocolate and latte, and we heard all the bodily noises that one man made during his time in this airplane-sized bathroom. I hope he sees a gastro-intestinal specialist at the U real soon, because that sounded problematic. Then my daughter pipes up, "Mom, I can smell his poop from out here! He forgot to flush!" Yipes. The only other con is that you can't push a stroller thru the front door because it's 4 steps up. In the summer, I parked the baby outside, but I can't do that in winter. Yes, soon, she'll be able to walk, but until then, I totally have my hands full. Other than that, if you like coffee, tea & treats, if you want a cozy place to spend this winter, if you like friendly servers, this is your place.
(4)Deanna D.
My experience today was MUCH better and the updates in the place make it a very comfortable place to: grab a cup of coffee, have lunch, get some studying done, play a game, read a book. The wrap my husband enjoyed was tasty and the muffin I had was deliciouso. Service was great and the owner out and about chatting with everyone. I am in the middle of a proposal so I anticipate that I will be a regular here for the next couple of weeks.
(4)Lauren D.
I first discovered Fireroast through the weekly Thursday night trivia games. I have sampled their food and have nothing, but good experiences. The staff is so sweet and kind. I love that they even join in on the trivia! They offer a large selection of teas and will make customized drinks. I love their veggie tamales, but just remind the staff if it seems to be taking too long (a certain staff member will sometimes forget to bring it out!). Overall, a great little cafe with a fun vibe, entertaining art, and friendly staff.
(4)Lon J.
Very nice little spot with great food, great coffee, and a great atmosphere...owner was an incredibly nice guy. Highly recommend.
(5)Linda H.
This place is in the middle of a residential area, in a place you would not expect to see a coffee shop. The place is laid back, hippie friendly, and a comfy hideout but the food is not good at all. It might have been what we ordered (tuna sandwich and nachos) but I most definitely would not order food here again. I do think their baked goods are probably good. I heard one person talk about how she felt "buzzed" from eating the espresso muffin. ( I am assuming from all the caffeine in it) The staff, although friendly, seemed really out of it. So out of it that I had to find my tuna sandwich. They put it in a booth and did not tell me. After waiting a while after getting the nachos and remembering seeing a lonely sandwich in a booth near the back, I went and got it. I really do hope it was mine! I really did not mind that at all, it just added humor to our visit on such a beautiful day! I really doubt I will return to Fireroast unless I happen to be in that area and need some caffeine. I can not speak to the coffee because I did not have any. I was caffeined up for the day already. I am giving this place a three stars only because the staff seemed really nice and friendly, even after playing hide and seek with my sandwich. The food alone, I would give it a one.
(3)Alyssa Y.
My favorite place to get work done! I discovered this gem of a coffee shop a few months ago, and now it is my go to place. I work from home, and am always looking for a nice environment when I feel claustrophobic at home. Fireroast Café is the perfect balance of a calm environment, friendly people, and cool south Minneapolis vibe. I much prefer to frequent this small local business over the Caribous and Starbucks. There are plenty of tables and even a back room with cushy chairs that you can angle facing the window or artwork on the wall. Jeff, the owner, always greets everyone and really makes you feel welcome here. I can tell that he knows all of the regulars and works hard to keep this café running to a very high standard. Also, the food here is delicious! Try the rosemary chicken salad sandwich and the chicken wild rice soup. It's so good, I keep going back to it. I will try the other menu items soon! I also have not been here for trivia night yet, but I intend to come back for that also!
(5)Annie H.
Best chai latte I've had in this town -- it's mellow, with more tea than sugar, Yay! Awesome booths for working, studying, eating, chatting. Filtered water with cold and hot water for tea top-ups; brilliant idea, why don't more cafes do this?! Fewer kids and squeals than Riverview so Fireroast offers a calmer (and cleaner) atmosphere, especially after 3pm. Might be my new fave cafe in Minneapolis.
(5)C B.
I'm in town visiting family and my grandma took my 2 year old son and myself here for lunch. The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. The waitstaff was REALLY nice and helpful. And to top it all off, I ordered the nachos with chicken for my son and I to split (yum!) and the man who made them thought to put jalapeños on just one side so my son would have some he could eat without me saying anything. So nice and so thoughtful. I hope they're looking to franchise in CA ;-)
(5)Amy D.
I love working here when the mojo is good. The food is fresh and tasty. Their gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookie is deelish and they have a good selection of teas and decent drip coffee. If you do dairy, they have Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Nice little booths are cute and cozy. They have some outside seating good for the extendo-summer we are experiencing. The owner is a sweet guy, who obviously really cares. My only complaints are that the AC was way too cold; and on perfect days when the door could just be propped open I was covering the AC vent with a folder and donning a sweatshirt. And today the music is an epic fail, making it near impossible to stay. First cloying show tunes and now something that sounds like Cookie Monster doing heavy metal. I asked for a change after one too many Wicked numbers--I just couldn't take it. And now I can't bear having to ask again, so I will either try to block it out or leave. Late afternoon update: the evening crew is here and with them MUCH improved music, hooray! Extra star for improvement. I can keep working and enjoy the breeze coming in the open door. Get another tea and pound out a few hundred more words. Grateful for the portable office.
(4)Kedar D.
This is a beautiful, cozy, hippie cafe. The inside is a part diner (with small booths), part coffee shop and part gift store; the outside is a lovely place to sip some tea and catch the summer breeze. The first time I went, a group of older people had a sing-along session, replete with a guitar and lyric books. It was folk music and pretty cool that five or six people could just hang out and sing in the middle of a small coffee shop. It didn't feel intrusive at all. Both times I went to Fireroast I had a cup of tea ($1.80); Fireroast has a small, but good, selection of loose-leaf blacks, greens and herbals. I also had a vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookie ($1.75) which was their only vegan baked good available. It was a great cookie: sweet, moist and nicely peanut-buttery. If Fireroast had more vegan baked goods (why no cakes or cupcakes or brownies?), and more vegan food options (how about tofu/seitan burritos and tacos, since you already offer tamales?), I'd be back often.
(4)Doran S.
This place is down the street from my house and has become our second living room. The new owner has completely revamped the place while keeping what was great about it (ie tamales). This is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop: friendly, comfortable, family friendly, delicious, ice cream, great baked goods and wonderful atmosphere. And it's going to get better and better! Stop by!
(5)Mara S.
Fireroast is consistently wonderful- always welcoming, always good drinks, always good food, always a good atmosphere. I've never had a bad experience here! I find myself trying out other cafes and in the end I miss Fireroast. Whether it's to meet a friend, sit and drink a coffee while my son plays, grab lunch or dinner, or get work done I know that my money will be well spent and they will always follow through with good service. While I don't live in the neighborhood, I find myself willing to go out of my way to come to this great little cafe where everyone is treated well and the experience is worthwhile!
(5)Paul C.
This little gem reveals itself slowly. When you first walk in, there's no "wow" factor -- just a nice, cozy, artsy little neighborhood joint. Then you try one of the chocolate chip cookies. It's good. Another bite. Wow, it's *really* good. Still warm and soft ...did they just bake this? Probably: they do the cookies on site, in batches of like 4-6. Then you try the soup. Whoa! Made from scratch, great ingredients, like what you cook at home when you really have some time. And you paid how much for that much inferior soup in a fancy restaurant last week? Then you get hooked on the tamales. Then the salads. And the next thing you know, you're eating lunch here all the time, and the entire staff remembers your name and your eating habits. Or at least that's how it all happened for me. This place has become my absolute go-to favorite for an affordable lunch and a nice spot to park with my laptop. It's a gem among gems, Longfellow's best secret. Downsides? Few and small. The burritos & quesadillas are fine, but a bit boring. The coffee is good, but not the same knock-your-socks-off great as the soups and pastries. There are a few ill-placed air vents in the floor. Minor complaints. If this place doesn't deserve 5 stars, no little cafe does.
(5)Annie D.
Beefing up the stars on this one! I headed back to Fireroast today for a meeting and it just didn't feel right to leave this one at three stars when it felt like a four star experience today. The gentleman at the counter was so kind as he got me a simple cup of coffee. As he poured that stuff into the mug, he told me if I ended up leaving before I finished it that he would get me a to-go cup. Why, thank you sir! Twenty minutes later, the then-lone barista who took the order of the person I was meeting was just as amicable and cheerful as she poured some freshly brewed iced tea. I still think some of the food is slightly overpriced, but there is a great sense of community here. I noted that in my previous review but didn't feel it as warmly until today. And that's something to rave about. Maybe it was the sunshine that put me in a good mood this afternoon, but I'd like to think that Fireroast had something to do with it.
(4)Jesse G.
Came here for breakfast with my wife and kid and was very disappointed. We ordered two coffees, two muffins and a breakfast burrito. The coffee was decent, but nothing special. Peace Coffee is 10x better. The muffins were so-so, but nothing compared to the muffins at The Birchwood. The breakfast burritos are just awful. You can tell that it's a bunch of frozen ingredients thrown into a tortilla and zapped for 1 min in the microwave. They taste terrible. I wouldn't feed them to my dog. Also, they charge you for coffee refills. Who does that? The art is also an eyesore. The only redeeming qualities were: - The service. The cashier girl was very nice and efficient. - They also had some kids toys in a back room. My kid had fun playing. I am never coming back. There are so many other good coffee shops in this neighborhood and the Fireroast Mountain obviously doesn't care about how they measure up. Take your business somewhere else. Turtle bread, co. The Birchwood, Peace Coffee, etc.
(2)Dan W.
Good coffee, good food, great ice cream!
(5)Greta H.
This place is adorable and the owner is awesome. Such a wonderful neighborhood joint with great coffee, tea and food!
(5)Conor C.
They make one hell of a tasty iced americano! I haven't had a chance to grab any of their food as of yet but the menu looks awesome.
(4)Deb R.
I go here just to hear music or as a place to have an intimate meeting when there is not live music being played. High points are the many sort of Mexican entrees, the baked goods and the ice cream. There are also excellent soups and sandwiches and salads. It seems like it would be a great place just to hang, too, but I never get a chance to hang.
(4)Ralph M.
Let me just cut to the chase and drop all these at once: granola hippie incense birkenstock Tibet save the whales vegan soy dreadlocks free trade organic local Green party composting lentils peace tofu. There. Now that I have those out of my system, I can write this review without falling into a 100 hippie cliches. Fireroast is nice little cafe (with a rather strong hippie vibe). Coming home from a leisurely afternoon movie at the Riverview on a gorgeous afternoon, an outdoor table and a cool beverage were too much to pass up. So was the honey lemon bread pudding, apparently, and as the little sign recommended, I did try it with ice cream. Delicious! My chai was not particularly impressive, but at least he didn't pull out a carton of Oregon Chai mix out in front of me to make it (I'm looking at you, Spyhouse). The dude (I've never liked the title "Barista") was very friendly. He asked us what we were up to, and at first it confused me. He was actually talking with us, not just engaging in the usual conversation-lite platitudes usually exchanged during ritualized commercial transactions. It took a moment to adjust to. Sad, isn't it? They had several cozy tables out front, and that is where we enjoyed our beverages (and bread pudding!) and the lovely day. It was exactly what I had hoped for stopping in.
(4)Melanie D.
LOVE this place. It's a local cafe that I plan coming back to again and again. I ordered the veggie wrap for lunch, which was less than $5! I also ordered an iced Americano, which gave me a caffeine buzz like I've never experienced before (in a good way). The atmosphere is artsy and homey. Unlike a visit to Starbucks or Caribou, you don't feel rushed and in a hurry to leave. It's a great place to visit if you want peace to read a good book or to chat with a friend. Very nice and friendly staff. They are also Vegetarian/vegan friendly ;)
(4)Fresh E.
Great place for people watching. The coffee, coffee and tea drinks and pastries are great. The staff were very friendly, the wireless works great and. This is a great place for gathering with friends for a chat and/or to do a reading. The menu looked great and folks who were eating there really seemed to enjoy the food.
(5)Nate S.
As many others have said, Fireroast is a great place for a cup of coffee or a meal. The staff is always friendly and the food and drink are excellent.
(4)Dana H.
Organic, fair trade and super nice. Enjoy
(5)CJ M.
I love the new Fireroast! **Readers of Yelp reviews should note that the cafe changed owners in January 2012, so reviews from before that time don't apply to the current business.** I am in school and come here frequently to escape the kids while I do homework, and I have had a front row view of all the changes over the last 12 months. The new owner (Jeff) has worked very hard to improve the coffee, food, and ambience, while preserving the community-oriented values (meeting place for local community or activist groups, free book exchange, charming live music, neighborhood sing-a-long, art by local artists on the walls) that have always defined the Fireroast. The coffee is locally roasted and beans are fresh. They have drip, espresso, and the pour-over options that are becoming popular. They have ice cream from Sebastian-Joe's, and they make all their food from scratch on site (I highly recommend the cardamom-pistachio scones). The one exception is the tamales, which are made off-site but still local. The baristas are mostly a bunch of nice college kids and Jeff must keep them happy because they don't have high turnover. As another reviewer noted, occasionally I have to remind them about my order but that is usually when they are in the middle of a rush of customers. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have never had anything but cheerful customer service. Jeff bends over backwards to make sure his customers are satisfied and will always remake a beverage or an entree if there is a problem. Winter hours close at 8:00 pm but they are flexible and let customers stick around while they clean up. Things some people might object to (I obviously don't since I gave the place 5 stars) include the ongoing renovations of the space, although the big things are mostly done and now it's smaller projects that aren't very distracting, the teeny tiny bathroom, and perhaps the noisy nature of some of the community events such as the sing-a-long. Also if you're looking for a "kid pit" with a bunch of toys then you will be disappointed. There are some *clean* toys available for children to play with on the shelves in the back room. In my opinion the Fireroast is just what a neighborhood coffee shop ought to be, and it's only getting better.
(5)Kari L.
I needed a change of scenery and was looking for a place to work for a couple hours and this coffee shop hit the spot! Very reasonably priced drinks and homemade goodies, and a very casual, comfortable and laid back environment. Staff is super friendly. Excellent mocha, and for $1 less than caribou, I might add!
(5)Rosalind C.
I have been going out for coffee with my father every Sunday morning since I was 12 years old. I am now 21, and I can easily say Fireroast is the best place to have a cup of coffee. The coffee is strong, it will really get you going! But the best part about this place are the scones!! They are made in the store daily. The walnut date scone is soft and flaky and never disappoints. However, their other selections are equally as enticing. On a recent studying trip to the coffee shop I was able to experience the community environment that took over. Every patron in the entire place (10 or so people) was chit chatting in one large conversation. It was amazing! I am never one to join in on conversations with strangers but I found myself adding my two cents as well.
(5)Michael G.
Great neighborhood cafe, cheap prices, tasty food. Nice, chill atmosphere. Nice place to stop by before going to a movie at Riverview movie theater.
(4)Marguerite S.
First thing that I gotta say about this place is that I love the booths. And the cute painted walls in the back room. Anyways... I usually stick around for a while, because they make their drinks in huuge mugs. They have a pretty good menu, usual lunch items, soups, sandwiches; but also have tamales, quesadillas, etc. My faves are their black bean hummus, and chocolate chip cookies. All of their bakery items are worth trying as well.
(3)Jennifer K.
We saw this place on the way back from the Riverview theater on Saturday, and Tim wanted to stop after the movie and a stop at the comic book store. Really cute. The lady in the back was making an apple pie-which seemed quaint, somehow. We hung out here for a couple of hours, and it soon got packed because the first Saturday of the month is a open-mic poetry reading. We had to leave before it started however, which made some people without chairs very happy to get our booth. The table by the door was kind of cold, but we gave some money to the economy by ordering chips with guac and salsa (the chips were from a bag, the salsa from a jar) a huge chicken burrito with rice, black beans and lots of chicken, not much cheese-not as good as Chipotle, I'm sorry to report. We also had a chicken mole tamale that I was excited about. When I think coffee place, tamale isn't what I think, but it was great! That was stage one. After a couple of hours, we decided to go for stage two, which was a piece of this ginormous guiness chocolate cake, which looked and tasted like regular chocolate cake but had a funny smell to me, and got a cappachino and some kind of icy chocolate drink for Tim. He didn't like the drink, which I saw her make by adding tap water to powder, which wasn't so great. He thought it was watered down, and asked her to put more chocolate in it. The food wasn't fantastic, but I wanted it to be. We'll be back. It's always fun to find a new place to go.
(3)Joel L.
I'm not a fan of the brewed coffee here but the espresso is outstanding. I don't really eat here, just drink the espresso. It's a friendly, locally-owned, place that I like coming back to.
(4)Michelle J.
I love this place, usually lunch time during the week to treat myself to the green salsa tamales, love love love these!! The ginger bars are fantastic and their soups are always interesting and unique, its nice to go somewhere so friendly too, the staff is wonderful and the owners are cool, hippie vibe for sure and it makes me love it more. I also recommend the chicken sandwich with fresh vegtables and served with carrots, the food tastes fresh and homemade. The ambiance is comfy and relaxed with booths and regular tables. They could do some updating but its not really a big deal. Love the art that is always changing on the walls (by local artists from what I can tell), its so cool to see something unique and interesting in this starbucks saturated world.
(5)