The Aster Cafe is located under the trees on the prettiest street in Minneapolis. Overlooking the mighty Mississippi river and the skyline of the city, the Aster is a candle-lit restaurant-bar with a sweet European patio. Live music, great brunches, craft beers and cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list add up to City Pages calling us the "best place to go on a first date".
Our menu is fresh (no deep fryers!) and inventive. We also have lovely spaces for events and weddings, which you can check out by contacting our Event Goddess. So get down here! Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, we may not be able to respond to every request.
Our menu is fresh (no deep fryers!) and inventive. We also have lovely spaces for events and weddings, which you can check out by contacting our Event Goddess. So get down here! Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, we may not be able to respond to every request.
Reviews (27)
Neil S.
Nov 21, 2021
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Sarah M.
Oct 17, 2021
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Always a solid choice for dinner. The bowls are all very good. We got seated around 7 and were told there was music starting at 9 and then there's a cover charge- fine since part of our group had to be home by 9 for the babysitter. But our server was so pushy about it and definitely rushed us out of there. Mentioned the music and needing to leave twice, the last time at 8pm. Yeah that's fine, it's an hour from now! We ended up leaving by 8:30 and heading over to El Jefe for a drink as we were rushed out. Definitely not an enjoyable relaxing dinner due to our server (and the manager
Urvashi Desai
Oct 04, 2021
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Dave M.
Sep 23, 2021
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Christopher Terhark
Sep 20, 2021
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This is the second time I've ever been here. Today, we had the pleasure of eating outside in 80 degree weather on their beautiful patio.
We called ahead of time to confirm they could accommodate a dietary need request for someone in our party. Not only did they happily oblige, but they must have notified the wait staff because our server knew right away. It was really nice because other restaurants have made it a pain or declined altogether for a relatively simple request.
That being said, the food, service, and atmosphere was all a 5 star experience. I highly recommend Aster Cafe.
We called ahead of time to confirm they could accommodate a dietary need request for someone in our party. Not only did they happily oblige, but they must have notified the wait staff because our server knew right away. It was really nice because other restaurants have made it a pain or declined altogether for a relatively simple request.
That being said, the food, service, and atmosphere was all a 5 star experience. I highly recommend Aster Cafe.
Ishmam Ahmed
Sep 15, 2021
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Unbeatable service, food, and location for the price. Everything from the cocktails to the food is well thought out, memorable, and tasty. I highly recommend the Aster club sandwich. All the ingredients are noticeably high quality which lends itself to the whole experience of Aster Cafe too: classy and cozy. The outdoor seating area is magical: European style, colorful, and with a gorgeous view of the skyline. Great for people watching. This place is a must-go if you have friends who are new to the area, and is just as quintessential for us locals. They often have live music as well. No complaints
Carmi Anderson
Sep 14, 2021
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Dropped in on Sat evening around 9p. Seated within 10 minutes. Food and drinks were great. I had a NA mocktail with black cherry I think? and the brisket tacos (GF). Brisket was so good and tender.
Another in our party had Street Noodles and loved. They were spicy delicious. Great server too. Thank you. I'll be back.
Another in our party had Street Noodles and loved. They were spicy delicious. Great server too. Thank you. I'll be back.
Kara D.
Sep 14, 2021
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Update! Aster Cafe is still one of the most scenic patios in the city, and I'm happy to report that their brunch was fantastic. Our patio brunch was one of my favorite meals of the summer (though we have not really been to many places to due COVID but still...). You really can't beat the location on a brick street with a skyline view along the river.
We had a party of 3.5, with our 10-month old in tow. The staff was accommodating with seating us where there was room for his stroller and high chair. Good news: I found my favorite bagel + lox in the cities. Aster's iteration currently
We had a party of 3.5, with our 10-month old in tow. The staff was accommodating with seating us where there was room for his stroller and high chair. Good news: I found my favorite bagel + lox in the cities. Aster's iteration currently
Peg H.
Sep 06, 2021
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This was our first time at the Aster Cafe but we knew from friends that we would like it. A perfect summer afternoon by the Mississippi River, lots of shade from the umbrellas and trees and an attentive wait person all made this a wonderful lunch date. I ordered the Thai Street Noodles and they were perfect! Lots of fresh veggies, plenty of spice and a sauce that was light yet full of flavor. I will definitely order this again!
My husband ordered from the brunch menu, the bagel and lox. While the lox was delicious, it was missing some of the classic additions on this type of sandwich. In particular
My husband ordered from the brunch menu, the bagel and lox. While the lox was delicious, it was missing some of the classic additions on this type of sandwich. In particular
Nian Liu
Sep 01, 2021
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Farrukh Ansari
Aug 27, 2021
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The view is spectacular, but the food has opportunity for improvement. We had the wrap and couldn't taste anything except the sauce they used, which overpowered rest of the ingredients. The pita also felt a bit dry. For drinks it's fine but I wouldn't recommend the wrap, maybe the other items taste better.
Zainab Sajjad
Aug 19, 2021
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The biggest plus of this place is the view hands down. We sat outside and the weather was lovely so that helped a bit. The non-alcoholic cocktail I had tasted good and was super refreshing. The food however was a little disappointing. Maybe it’s an acquired taste or something but the Pita roll tasted a bit bland and the vinaigrette didn’t sit well with the whole thing.
We didn’t have to wait long to be seated and the staff was nice albeit busy with the amount of people.
We didn’t have to wait long to be seated and the staff was nice albeit busy with the amount of people.
Banan A.
Aug 15, 2021
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I have been to Aster many times; it's a solid spot with a patio and a Bloody Mary that's strong and spicy. Most recently I stopped by on a beautiful, busy Saturday afternoon and had to wait about 20 min to be seated in a shaded spot on the patio; we enjoyed diet Coke's from the bar while waiting outside for our table. Our server was attentive but not overly so. The vegan bahn mi was just ok... will try something else next time. Will be back again for the location, atmosphere, and Bloody Mary.
Lily S.
Aug 09, 2021
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Natalie C.
Aug 08, 2021
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Lance Custer
Jun 27, 2021
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Richard S.
Jun 27, 2021
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The establishment and atmosphere very nice, the food and the drink however were not. I ordered a drink called El pepino, honestly I wish I had not, it was not as refreshing as it sounds on the menu and overpriced. The street noodles had some flavor but were a bit dried I was expecting the chicken to be roasted but it was steamed. My friend ordered the Turkey Club sandwich and the only good thing about that were the crispy potato chips that came with it, the bread was cold, the turkey was a bit dried and flavorless, the bacon over cooked., the overall presentation of the food and the drinks were
Michael K.
Jun 13, 2021
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Had a pretty good brunch at Aster Cafe on Sunday morning at 10:00 am. The brunch menu is super tiny but thankfully I was able to find something that I really liked!
I ordered the Brisket Grits and my friends ordered the Veggie Quiche and the Lox. Brisket Grits were super good and the grits were surprisingly thick. Per my friend, the Veggie Quiche was nice and fluffy, eggy, and said she would get it again. My other friend liked the Lox and said it was a step above Bruegger's Bagels. They also have a bunch of great looking cocktails! (Pro tip: order a cocktail called "Old Cuban" which
I ordered the Brisket Grits and my friends ordered the Veggie Quiche and the Lox. Brisket Grits were super good and the grits were surprisingly thick. Per my friend, the Veggie Quiche was nice and fluffy, eggy, and said she would get it again. My other friend liked the Lox and said it was a step above Bruegger's Bagels. They also have a bunch of great looking cocktails! (Pro tip: order a cocktail called "Old Cuban" which
Sabrina Ferrell
Jun 12, 2021
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This is a really fun patio spot in the city by the river! The menu for drinks and food are nice but could have a few more options/variety. The food quality is nice and everything we tried was very good (turkey cesar salad and the turkey sandwich).
This is a casual spot, so keep this in mind for when you plan a visit. The service is fine, and mainly why I give this place a 4-star. I think the attention to detail and overall service could be improved. We visited this restaurant with a group of 6 people total. Putting 2 tables together for a better eating and drinking experience would have been nice
This is a casual spot, so keep this in mind for when you plan a visit. The service is fine, and mainly why I give this place a 4-star. I think the attention to detail and overall service could be improved. We visited this restaurant with a group of 6 people total. Putting 2 tables together for a better eating and drinking experience would have been nice
Candy B.
Nov 10, 2020
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Great spot by the Mississippi River to enjoy Minneapolis' skyline and romantic vibes. The patio seating is socially distanced and decorated with string lights. Their menu featured lighter, bistro-style fares. Don't go there hungry. QR code menus for a contactless ordering.
Good service. Self-serve water. My fiancé and I shared the BBQ Brisket Tacos, Charcuterie Board, and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich that came with a small Tomato Bisque Soup. Hands down, the best dish there was the Grilled Cheese and soup! Hearty, light, and cheesy; toasted to perfection! Plus the soup was so creamy
Good service. Self-serve water. My fiancé and I shared the BBQ Brisket Tacos, Charcuterie Board, and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich that came with a small Tomato Bisque Soup. Hands down, the best dish there was the Grilled Cheese and soup! Hearty, light, and cheesy; toasted to perfection! Plus the soup was so creamy
Sarah N.
Aug 23, 2020
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Aster is great, wonderful patio + view of the river with well spaced tables for social distancing.
Had a great server who recommended the best apps. HIGHLY recommend the crab dip! No imitation crab here! I haven't loved seafood around Minni, but this dip was one of the best summer treats I've had in the cities (if you like seafood).
Walk up reservations only, so don't try and book in advance, but got a table right away.
Had a great server who recommended the best apps. HIGHLY recommend the crab dip! No imitation crab here! I haven't loved seafood around Minni, but this dip was one of the best summer treats I've had in the cities (if you like seafood).
Walk up reservations only, so don't try and book in advance, but got a table right away.
Dale G.
Aug 04, 2020
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Aster is first and foremost about the vibe and location more than the food and drinks. But it is one of the best in its scope. A wonderful European-type patio on St Anthony Main overlooking the river and Minneapolis skyline is tough to beat. And inside is charming as well as an historic space in the city. Not to mention they provide movies in their patio and music in their dining room to constantly bring a new flavor to their spot.
Usually, the food is sub par and disappointing. However, I had a new dish on a recent visit that I enjoyed a lot. I had the Shwarma bowl and would recommend it.
Usually, the food is sub par and disappointing. However, I had a new dish on a recent visit that I enjoyed a lot. I had the Shwarma bowl and would recommend it.
Katy L.
Dec 03, 2019
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Aster cafe is a great social venue for food and drinks alike. I came here as a suggestion from some local friends-- and they love it as well.
My first experience was excellent, we had drinks and lovely conversation. My favorite drink was the Bloody Mary- it had just the right amount of spice and even came with a small side of beer, which I didn't realize was a thing!
Great experience and location for friends and family!
I will be back to try more things in the near future!
My first experience was excellent, we had drinks and lovely conversation. My favorite drink was the Bloody Mary- it had just the right amount of spice and even came with a small side of beer, which I didn't realize was a thing!
Great experience and location for friends and family!
I will be back to try more things in the near future!
Frankie C.
Aug 05, 2019
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Lisa P.
Aug 02, 2019
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I was taken here by some local friends and it was the perfect spot. Huge adorable outdoor patio along the river. I've since returned for lunch as well.
The food and drinks are wonderful. I wasn't sure what drink to get and the waitress was so helpful and even had them change one drink to accommodate my taste preferences. I've tried the flat breads and a few salads and everything was delicious and reasonably priced.
I would note the flatbread is more of a pizza but still just as tasty. Would recommend if you're in the area!
The food and drinks are wonderful. I wasn't sure what drink to get and the waitress was so helpful and even had them change one drink to accommodate my taste preferences. I've tried the flat breads and a few salads and everything was delicious and reasonably priced.
I would note the flatbread is more of a pizza but still just as tasty. Would recommend if you're in the area!
Sarita E.
Jul 12, 2019
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The patio has en European feeling that makes it a great place to spend a summer afternoon.
Me and my husband visited a Thursday night (7 pm) and had to wait 1 hour for the table, the good thing is that the area is great for walking so you can wonder around while you wait ( if you are hungry or in a hurry this might not be a good place). Casual, with a guitar player on the background and excellent service.
I was expecting better food and drinks quality. The menu has a lot of vegetarian options. We ordered avocado toast, tuna poke, chocolate mousse dessert, sangria and a special spritz ( dont remember
Me and my husband visited a Thursday night (7 pm) and had to wait 1 hour for the table, the good thing is that the area is great for walking so you can wonder around while you wait ( if you are hungry or in a hurry this might not be a good place). Casual, with a guitar player on the background and excellent service.
I was expecting better food and drinks quality. The menu has a lot of vegetarian options. We ordered avocado toast, tuna poke, chocolate mousse dessert, sangria and a special spritz ( dont remember
Iris H.
Oct 18, 2018
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Aster Cafe is a lovely spot down by the river for a lazy afternoon or after work drink. They have a decently sized patio which I've never had to wait more than 10-15 min for a table. If you do have a wait you can simply take a stroll down the river walk and enjoy the air.
We ordered the hummus platter and chocolate crepe brûlée for a shared dessert. Both were solid options that went great with our wine. The hummus platter has a good selection of veggies, cheese and crackers. The dessert proved to be a nice counter pairing but was too rich for us to finish.
Pricing isn't bad when
We ordered the hummus platter and chocolate crepe brûlée for a shared dessert. Both were solid options that went great with our wine. The hummus platter has a good selection of veggies, cheese and crackers. The dessert proved to be a nice counter pairing but was too rich for us to finish.
Pricing isn't bad when
