We may have the largest concentration of Caribou Coffees in the state, but Bloomington also takes pride in its independent coffee and tea shops. Nestled among the large chains are several small coffeehouses offering personalized service and locally brewed joe. If you’re on a mission to find some seriously tasty coffee in the Twin Cities, consider this your Bloomington checklist.
Backstory Coffee Roasters
Recently opened in Bloomington’s South Loop neighborhood, Backstory is a welcome addition to the Mall of America area. Sip on hand-crafted items like the Maple Standard (cold brew with maple syrup) or the Matcha Latte, all made from Backstory’s own coffee beans.
Mugshots Coffee Company
Probably because it’s located just south of Normandale Community College, Mugshots Coffee Company has the vibe of a trendy Gen Z coffee shop. The clean and modern design paired with the nitro cold brew on tap give this place an instant cool factor. A foodie must-try are the stuffed Nordic waffles, which come in varieties like cinnamon sugar, turkey/pesto/swiss, and cheese/egg/bacon.
NikoNiko Boba
Founded in 2023, Niko Niko Boba offers bubble tea and other delights at multiple locations in Minnesota This hidden gem creates seriously unique beverages at 3 different locations in Mall of America. Choose a tasty milk tea, fruit tea, smoothie, or latte, then pick your desired amount of sweetness and fun toppings.
West Side Perk
West Side Perk sits in an unassuming strip mall in West Bloomington, flanked by Scoops Ice Cream and sports bar Zeke’s Place. “The Perk” provides a cozy, calming atmosphere to curl up with a cappuccino. An ideal spot for a small group meeting or a catch-up with a friend, this coffeehouse offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with items such as wraps, salads, and pastries.
Pink Tea
The newest addition to Bloomington’s collection of independent coffee and tea shops is Pink Tea, a brightly-colored boba tea spot that also serves decadent waffle creations. Come for a tasty drink, stay for the Instagrammable pink decor.
Uni Uni
Try out the bubble tea craze at Mall of America’s Uni Uni, located at Level 1, East. The shop’s yummy offerings include flavored fresh tea and milk, milk tea, yakult, and more, all made with high-quality ingredients.
Treats Cereal Bar & Boba
With a location in Mall of America, Treats Cereal Bar & Boba offers a mix of boba teas and ice cream treats. Enjoy a fusion of your favorite cereals and ice cream, creating the ultimate dessert experience or indulge in a variety of milk and fruit teas. Treats Cereal Bar & Boba even offers brown sugar boba ice cream, a must-try!
Waffle Bar
If you’re looking to satisfy your bubble tea craving at a spot that also serves made-to-order bubble waffles with ice cream and a variety of toppings, Waffle Bar in Bloomington is your place. Featuring a variety of teas, waffles, smoothies, and ice cream, Waffle Bar will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
