Turtle Bread Company

For nearly three decades, Turtle Bread Company has stood as an indispensable local fixture in South Minneapolis, a true neighborhood institution that effortlessly blends the warmth of a traditional bakery with the comprehensive offerings of a full-service café, deli, and brunch spot. Situated right on Chicago Avenue, this beloved establishment is more than just a place to grab a quick coffee; it is a culinary anchor for the community, providing Minnesotans with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread and a menu filled with made-from-scratch goodness.

This is the kind of local business that defines its neighborhood. Established in 1994, Turtle Bread Company has built a dedicated following based on a commitment to quality ingredients, generous portions, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The name itself hints at their philosophy—taking the time necessary to craft exceptional, hand-made artisan bread. Whether you are looking for a satisfying breakfast to start your busy day, a homemade soup and sandwich for a midday recharge, or a full loaf of their signature bread to take home, this location is a single-stop destination that consistently delivers on all fronts. As a central hub for everything from casual coffee breaks to a weekend brunch with family, Turtle Bread Company captures the essence of Minnesota’s commitment to excellent local food culture.

Introduction / Overview

Turtle Bread Company on Chicago Avenue proudly operates under a multi-faceted identity, successfully serving as a Bakery, Breakfast Restaurant, Brunch Restaurant, Cafe, Coffee Shop, and Deli. This unique combination ensures there is something to satisfy virtually every craving at any time of day, from morning till mid-afternoon. The cornerstone of the operation is its on-site bakery, where a variety of breads, pastries, and desserts are made daily. This dedication is evident in the moment you walk through the door, as customers rave about the "fresh smells of their food and breads that have been freshly baked," making the experience "a feast for the nostrils as well as the palate," as one delighted patron noted.

The core menu is robust, with service times tailored to Minnesotans' busy schedules: Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and Lunch is served from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM daily. This generous window makes it an ideal spot for everyone, from early risers to those seeking a late brunch. The company’s consistent quality and friendly service have cemented its status as an indispensable South Minneapolis neighborhood establishment, making it a reliable spot for a quick visit or a comfortable, leisurely dine-in meal.

Location and Accessibility

The main location of Turtle Bread Company is nestled conveniently in the South Minneapolis neighborhood, easily accessible from various points across the metro area.

Address: 4762 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA

Its positioning on Chicago Avenue is advantageous for local commuters and residents. Recognizing the needs of the modern customer, the company prioritizes accessibility. Visitors will appreciate the following:

• Parking: The location provides the highly sought-after convenience of a Free parking lot, alongside available Free street parking, simplifying the logistics of a visit in this dense urban area.
• Physical Accessibility: The premises are designed to be welcoming to all members of the Minnesota community, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a Wheelchair accessible restroom.

This commitment to ease of access ensures that Turtle Bread Company truly functions as a resource for the entire neighborhood and beyond, allowing everyone to enjoy their offerings without unnecessary hassle.

Services Offered

Turtle Bread Company offers a wide array of services designed for flexibility and customer convenience, reflecting a dedication to both quick grab-and-go options and a pleasant, relaxed dining experience.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides comfortable seating, including spacious common tables, making it perfect for solo dining, a coffee meeting, or a group brunch. The dining space has a cozy, communal feel.
• Takeout and In-Store Pickup: Customers can easily place orders for Takeout or In-store pickup, ensuring quick access to fresh bread, pastries, and deli items for meals at home or on the run.
• Full Breakfast and Brunch Service: Offering an extensive morning menu that includes hearty dishes like the signature Turtle Omelette ($12.00), Mushroom Frittata ($12.00), Chorizo Burrito ($11.00), and Buttermilk Pancakes ($10.00).
• Deli and Lunch Service: The lunch menu (11:00 AM–2:30 PM) features an impressive selection of sandwiches and wraps served on their fresh-baked bread, including classics like the Rueben ($11.00), Turkey, Bacon Avocado ($12.00), and the simple but delicious Three Cheese Grilled Cheese ($9.50).
• Coffee and Café Offerings: Operating as a fully equipped Coffee Shop, they serve a variety of hot and cold beverages, with a focus on quality coffee, as confirmed by the "Offerings: Coffee" feature.
• Modern Payment Options: The convenience of payment is assured through acceptance of Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Turtle Bread Company's reputation is built on several standout features that resonate deeply with its Minnesota customer base:

• On-Site Artisan Baking: The biggest highlight is their status as a true, operational bakery where all bread is baked on-site. The sheer variety of breads offered is a major draw, providing fresh, authentic loaves for both sandwiches and home consumption.
• Famous Homemade Soups: The Homemade Soups are a local legend, with staples like Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (a Minnesota classic!) and the famous Tomato Basil soup being customer favorites. These substantial soups, served with their fresh bread, often become a full meal.
• Exceptional Breakfast/Brunch Menu: Beyond the bread, the kitchen excels at brunch. Reviewers praise the high quality and made-from-scratch nature of items like the Mushroom Frittata and fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.
• Comfortable and Communal Seating: The dining area is well-regarded for its Good seating options, including common tables that are longer that multiple parties can sit at. This design fosters a cozy, communal, and truly neighborhood-friendly atmosphere, though it can get lively ("Pretty loud inside," as one review noted).
• Convenient Amenities: Free customer access to Wi-Fi and clean Restrooms makes it an ideal spot for remote work, casual meetings, or extended coffee breaks.

Contact Information

Connecting with Turtle Bread Company is straightforward, whether you need to check on a large order, inquire about the daily soup special, or verify hours.

• Address: 4762 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA
• Phone: (612) 823-7333
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-823-7333

What is Worth Choosing

For Minnesotans seeking a quality dining experience, choosing Turtle Bread Company is a vote for supporting a local institution known for its unwavering quality and community presence. The single most compelling reason to choose this establishment is the unparalleled combination of a high-quality, on-site artisan bakery and a full-service café menu. Most bakeries only sell bread; Turtle Bread Company uses their fresh-baked bread as the foundation for an entire restaurant menu.

It is worth choosing for the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie alone, a seasonal delight that speaks to the bakery’s commitment to fresh ingredients. It is worth choosing for the daily ritual of pairing an outstanding coffee with an oven-fresh pastry, or indulging in a hearty Ham Cheese Omelette. It's a place where the fresh, intoxicating aromas contribute as much to the dining experience as the food itself. This is a rare quality in the fast-paced food world—the feeling that "you almost feel as if you're eating at home."

In an increasingly crowded market, Turtle Bread Company distinguishes itself by being both a fantastic bakery and a destination for breakfast and lunch. When you need a reliable, delicious, and community-focused meal in South Minneapolis, Turtle Bread Company offers a "feast for the nostrils as well as the palate" and remains the gold standard for neighborhood comfort. Their longevity since 1994 is proof that their formula of quality, authenticity, and friendly service is exactly what the people of Minnesota value most. You will most definitely visit there again for a wonderful meal.

Turtle Bread Company

4762 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA