Butter Bakery Cafe

Introduction / Overview

For nearly two decades, Butter Bakery Cafe has been a beloved fixture in the South Minneapolis community, cultivating a reputation that extends far beyond its delicious, scratch-made baked goods. Rooted deeply in the Kingfield neighborhood, this isn't just a place to grab a morning coffee and a pastry; it’s a vibrant, mission-driven community hub—a Social Benefit Corporation committed to social equity, sustainability, and quality. Since opening in 2006 and moving to its current Nicollet Avenue location in 2012, Butter Bakery Cafe has integrated its business goals with profound social impact, notably by serving as a worksite and mentor for youth who have been homeless or are at risk of being homeless, in partnership with local non-profits.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is bright, relaxed, and welcoming—a perfect escape from the hustle of the city. As one satisfied customer notes, it's a "low-key place to hang out and enjoy a treat." This friendly environment is coupled with an innovative operational model: in 2017, the cafe transitioned to a transparent, no-tipping model for pricing and compensation. This means the menu price you see is the full price you pay, reflecting their commitment to fair wages and professionalizing the food service industry, a policy highly appreciated by locals who value equity.

The menu itself is a celebration of comfort and creativity, offering a blend of a bakery, coffee shop, and full-service restaurant. From award-winning buttermilk biscuits and hearty brunch standards to unique specialty coffees like the 'Buttered Ice' and 'Northern Exposure,' Butter Bakery Cafe promises a quality dining experience. Whether you’re stopping for a quick visit, settling in for a long chat, or pre-ordering a whole pie for a gathering, this LGBTQ+ friendly spot is a Minneapolis favorite for those who appreciate good food served with a side of genuine community commitment.

Location and Accessibility

Butter Bakery Cafe is ideally situated in a prime South Minneapolis location, making it highly accessible for residents of the Kingfield and surrounding neighborhoods.

The address is: 3700 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA.

Its placement on Nicollet Avenue ensures it is easy to find, whether traveling by car, bike, or on foot. The cafe is deliberately designed to be welcoming and convenient for all members of the community, prioritizing physical accessibility and ease of service:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures smooth entry for all patrons.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: A major convenience, offering dedicated parking immediately near the entrance.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Prioritizing comfort and accessibility for all dine-in guests.
• Parking: Customers benefit from both a Free Parking Lot and Free Street Parking, easing the stress of urban parking and making both quick visits and longer stays simple.

In terms of service, Butter Bakery Cafe offers maximum flexibility to match the busy schedules of Minnesotans:

• Dine-in: Enjoy the relaxed, bright atmosphere and Wi-Fi access.
• Curbside Pickup / In-store Pickup / Takeout: Convenient options for customers on the go.
• Delivery: Bringing their delicious offerings right to your door.
• Onsite Services: Beyond standard dining, offering specialized options for events or community needs.

The cafe accepts all common methods of payment for ease of transaction, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Services Offered

As a combined Bakery, Coffee Shop, and Restaurant, the service offerings at Butter Bakery Cafe are extensive and emphasize house-made, high-quality ingredients.

• Full-Service Bakery Case: A rotating selection of daily-baked goods including their celebrated Buttermilk Biscuits, Cinnamon Biscuits, Muffins, Scones, Sweet Breads, and a variety of Coffee/Crumb Cakes.
• Dessert Specialties: An impressive dessert case featuring treats like the phenomenal Carrot Cake Sandwich, various Cheesecakes (including seasonal flavors like Eggnog), Éclairs, Cookies, Brownies, and seasonal pies or hand-pies.
• All-Day Brunch and Breakfast: Traditional standards such as Pancakes, French Toast, House-Made Granola, and Steel Cut Oats, alongside a robust egg menu including Two Eggs and a Side, Omelets/Scrambles, Quiche, and Breakfast Burritos. Vegan options like the Tofu Scramble and Tofu Burrito are also available.
• Signature Biscuit Menu: Featuring the award-winning Buttermilk Biscuits used in savory Biscuit Sandwiches, the comforting Biscuit & Gravy, and the simple Grilled Biscuit.
• Lunch and Savory Items: Offering from-scratch Soups (including the must-try Chicken Wild Rice), fresh Salads (like Mixed Greens and Kale Salad), and a selection of Sandwiches and Burgers, including a house-made, unique Beet/Carrot Burger, Hamburger, and the Turkey-Not-So-Sloppy-Jo.
• Full Espresso and Coffee Bar: Featuring locally sourced, fair-trade organic coffee from independent roasters. The menu includes classics (Latte, Mocha, Americano) and unique Butter Classics like the 'Buttered Ice' and 'Northern Exposure' (special iced coffee drinks), Cold Press, and a Depth Charge (coffee with a shot of espresso).
• Specialty & Retail: Offering retail loaves of house-made bread, bagged granola, Doggie Biscuits (Pb & Bacon), and special order treats for events, such as Whole Pies, Cakes, Dozens of Cookies/Bars, and the Sampler Box of morning items.

Features / Highlights

Butter Bakery Cafe stands out in the competitive Twin Cities food scene due to its unique combination of quality, innovation, and community focus:

• Fair Wage / No-Tipping Policy: Since 2017, the cafe has operated with transparent pricing, incorporating staff compensation—including a base wage above industry standard—directly into the menu prices. This policy is highly valued by community members who prioritize fair business practices.
• Social Benefit Corporation (SBC) Mission: The cafe's official designation as an SBC means its mission to promote positive social change—including workforce mentoring for youth experiencing homelessness and advocating for worker rights—is central to its business model. This deeply resonates with the socially conscious Minneapolis community.
• Scratch-Made and Locally Focused Ingredients: The majority of the menu, from the award-winning biscuits to the unique Beet/Carrot Burger, is made from scratch in-house. The business also actively focuses on sourcing from small, independent, local suppliers and farms, embodying sustainable practices.
• Exceptional and Award-Winning Pastries: Beyond the standard fare, the bakery case offers must-try items like the phenomenal Éclair and the unique Carrot Cake Sandwich, which have earned a devoted following for their quality and flavor.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: The café explicitly promotes a warm, relaxed, bright, and low-key environment. It is openly LGBTQ+ friendly and designed to be a safe, comfortable gathering space for all members of the surrounding diverse neighborhoods.

Contact Information

Whether you need to place a special order or plan your next visit, you can reach Butter Bakery Cafe using the following information:

Address: 3700 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA

Phone: (612) 521-7401 or +1 612-521-7401

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Butter Bakery Cafe is a decision to support a local business that perfectly balances exceptional food quality with strong ethical and community values. For residents in the Minneapolis area, this place is worth choosing for several key reasons.

First, the transparency and ethics of the business model—the no-tipping policy—allows you to enjoy your meal knowing that you are directly supporting a sustainable, fair-wage environment for the staff, a major draw for the socially aware consumer base in the Twin Cities.

Second, the signature baked goods are unparalleled. You must try one of the Classics: the Buttermilk Biscuit—a true Minnesota staple—or any of the acclaimed dessert items like the Éclair or the unique Carrot Cake Sandwich. For a savory, comforting meal, the legendary Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a Minnesotan classic and a must-order when available.

Finally, Butter Bakery Cafe offers a wonderfully relaxed and inclusive "vibe" that makes it an ideal neighborhood gathering spot. It's a low-pressure environment where you can truly hang out, meet with friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a quality cup of local espresso and a freshly baked treat. When you dine here, you are not just getting a meal; you are contributing to a business that is actively working to make the community a better, more equitable place.

Butter Bakery Cafe

3700 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA