Cardigan Donuts - IDS Center

For anyone navigating the hustle of downtown Minneapolis—whether you’re a local professional, a daily Skyway user, or a visitor—Cardigan Donuts in the IDS Center stands as a sweet, essential stop. It’s not just another bakery; it has earned a reputation across Minnesota for crafting astonishing, made-from-scratch donuts using premium ingredients, solidifying its place as a premier destination for a coffee and treat.

Cardigan Donuts goes far beyond the basic glazed ring. Its mission is to "sweeten life for all through astonishing donuts, food, and hospitality," a commitment evident in every bite of their dense, crunchy Old-Fashioned donuts and every one of their ever-changing, imaginative "Inspired" creations. This downtown hub has become a reliable, friendly, and deliciously creative corner of the Twin Cities’ culinary landscape, perfect for that quick visit needed to recharge and indulge.

The shop successfully caters to both the morning rush and afternoon slump with a broad selection of handcrafted goods and specialty coffee. Locals frequently rave about the quality, noting how a simple donut here is elevated into a gourmet experience. Their product lineup is carefully segmented into three categories: Classic, Premium, and the highly anticipated Inspired donuts, which rotate constantly to keep the menu exciting for regulars. This attention to variety and quality makes Cardigan Donuts a must-try for any Minnesota resident looking for the best in sweet baked goods.

Furthermore, Cardigan Donuts plays a supportive role in the local event community, as evidenced by their generous and professional catering, helping make local celebrations like the TCWEP Gala "unforgettable" with their "fabulous" displays and "absolutely delicious" donuts that are "fresh, flavorful, and gone in minutes." This dual focus on daily excellence and professional event support makes them a highly valued part of the Minneapolis small business ecosystem.

This article provides local users with all the key details—from its accessible location within the Skyway system to the specific, award-winning reasons why a Cardigan Donut should be your next downtown stop.

Cardigan Donuts is strategically located to serve the core business and commuter clientele of downtown Minneapolis, making it exceptionally convenient via the city’s famed Skyway system.

The full address is: 80 S 8th St #226, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA.

Being situated inside the IDS Center—one of Minneapolis’ most recognizable skyscrapers—and connected to the Skyway provides unparalleled accessibility, especially during the cold Minnesota winters. It is a perfect haven to grab a premium coffee and warm treat without stepping outside.

Accessibility and Planning Features for local users include:

• Skyway Access: Located on the Skyway level of the IDS Center, providing indoor, weather-protected access for downtown workers and visitors.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The location features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring all members of the community can enjoy their treats.
• Service Options: Primarily focuses on efficient service with Takeout and Onsite Services (referring to counter service), perfectly suited for the fast pace of the downtown business district.
• Planning: Categorized for a Quick Visit, ideal for professionals needing a speedy coffee and breakfast or afternoon snack break.
• Payment Methods: Accepts various convenient payment options, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Seating: While the shop itself is focused on quick service, there is a "nice area to sit and enjoy the donuts just down the escalator adjacent to the shop" within the IDS Center common area.

Cardigan Donuts provides a full spectrum of delicious offerings, centering on their core expertise: artisan donuts and high-quality coffee.

• Classic and Premium Donuts: A steady menu of essential favorites, including the legendary Old Fashioned Glazed (known for its crunchy exterior and moist interior made with Greek yogurt), Raised Glazed Rings, various Cake Donuts (like Blueberry Cake, described as a 'blueberry muffin in donut form'), and the fan-favorite Apple Fritters.
• Inspired Rotating Specialty Donuts: Their "Inspired" line features expressive, exciting flavor profiles that change on a rotating schedule (often twice weekly), providing a constant reason for regulars to return. Examples of past creative flavors include the Coffee Cake Donut (made with cold brew coffee and espresso icing), Tiramisu, Caramel Delight, and unique seasonal items.
• Full Coffee Program: Offers a complete menu of hot and iced espresso drinks. This includes classic Coffee, Iced Latte, Iced Mocha (with house-made Guittard chocolate sauce), Iced Americano, Nitro Cold Brew, and other drinks like Matcha Green Tea Lemonade and locally made Northstar Kombucha.
• Healthier Options: Caters to a broader audience with alternatives like Greek Yogurt Bowls, which come with fresh fruit and house granola in varieties like Honey Nut, Berries & Cream, and Banana Caramel.
• Catering and Events: Provides professional corporate catering and wedding/event services throughout the Twin Cities. They offer flexible ordering, delivery options, and even specialty services like custom mini-donuts, custom icing and sprinkles for branding, and assistance with donut walls for a delightful and elegant display.

The following distinct features highlight why Cardigan Donuts has earned its high esteem among Minneapolis locals and food critics alike:

• The Best Old-Fashioned Donuts in Minnesota: The dense, crunchy, and moist Old Fashioned donut is consistently cited by customers and food experts as "the best in the city" and among the best in the state. This classic donut, made with Greek yogurt, is a must-try.
• Creative, Rotating "Inspired" Menu: The commitment to innovation means there are always new and unique options to try, preventing "donut fatigue." The constantly rotating 'Inspired' donuts, which can range from a Maple Bacon Bar to a Gingerbread Cake Donut, keep the experience fresh and exciting for frequent visitors.
• Premium Coffee Integration: The coffee is not an afterthought; the shop’s dedication to quality includes high-end roasts and integrated flavors, such as the praised Coffee Cake Donut, which features coffee mixed directly into the batter and espresso in the frosting—a genuinely unique and highly recommended offering.
• Event and Corporate Excellence: The business’s professional catering service is a major highlight, known for high-quality product, beautiful presentation, and reliable support for local corporate functions, galas, and special events across the Twin Cities.
• Skyway Convenience: The location's integration into the Minneapolis Skyway System is a major selling point for local users, offering a fast, comfortable, and weather-protected option for daily indulgence, especially for the downtown workforce.

For a quick visit, a dozen box, or to inquire about their acclaimed catering services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 80 S 8th St #226, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA

Phone: (612) 259-7473

Contacting their Event Coordinator is recommended for large orders or corporate catering consultations to ensure a perfectly tailored selection for your event.

Choosing Cardigan Donuts in the IDS Center is a commitment to quality, convenience, and creativity—three things that Minneapolis locals value highly. It’s worth the stop because you are getting much more than a standard bakery offering; you are getting a donut that has been dubbed the best of its kind in the entire state.

For downtown professionals, the speed and accessibility via the Skyway make it an unmatched location for that essential morning coffee and quick breakfast. The friendly service, as noted by happy customers, coupled with the efficiency of their takeout service, ensures your "quick visit" is pleasant and seamless.

For those who appreciate culinary innovation, the constantly rotating menu of "Inspired" donuts means there is always something new to discover, turning a routine coffee stop into a mini-adventure. Unlike many chain operations, Cardigan Donuts is truly "made-from-scratch," a difference in freshness and flavor that you can taste immediately. From their perfectly textured Old Fashioned to their unique, coffee-infused Coffee Cake Donut, every item on the menu is crafted to elevate the everyday experience. Supporting Cardigan Donuts means supporting a local Minneapolis business that is dedicated to astonishing the community, one delicious, fresh donut at a time.

Cardigan Donuts - IDS Center

80 S 8th St #226, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA