Minnesota Spotlight: Aster Cafe

The Aster Cafe is a beloved spot in Minneapolis, rich with charm, history, and a fantastic atmosphere.¹

✨ What Makes Aster Cafe Unique?

The Aster Cafe stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Location and Ambiance: It’s nestled on a charming, cobblestone street in the historic St. Anthony Main neighborhood, with views of the Mississippi River and the Downtown Minneapolis skyline.² This picturesque setting, especially the European courtyard patio under a canopy of trees, gives it a unique, romantic, and cozy feel. It’s often been called the “best place to go on a first date.”

   

• Live Music: The cafe is a celebrated music haven and a dedicated “listening room,” hosting live acoustic acts, local artists, jazz, and blues almost every night. The intimate setting, with copper-topped tables, is designed to focus attention on the musicians.³

   

• Historic Venue: The cafe is situated in one of the oldest masonry buildings in Minneapolis, dating back to 1855, adding an incredible layer of historical character to the dining experience.⁴

   

📜 History and Significant Events

The building that houses the Aster Cafe has deep historical roots:

• Original Building: The core location is within a building that dates to 1855.⁵ A neighboring event space, the River Room, is in the same structure.⁶ Other event spaces, like the Hall of Kings, are in the nearby 1877 Prince Building.⁷

   

• Early Years (1995-2010): The space operated as a quieter, unassuming coffee shop, opened by John Rimarcik in 1995 and named after the old Aster Theatre (a 1916 neoclassical movie house).⁸

   

• The Rebirth (2010): The cafe closed briefly in April 2010 but was reopened in May by new owners Matty O’Reilly and Tom Peterson (who also owned the successful 318 Cafe in Excelsior), along with partners Jeff Arundel and Amy Spartz.⁹ They transformed it into the music-focused cafe/bar it is known as today, introducing a sophisticated bar and new food menu. This relaunch is considered the start of its life as a primary live music venue.

   

• Expansion (2024): Owner Jeff Arundel debuted an extension, Aster House, a block down Main Street.¹⁰ This 200-seat supper club and music venue occupies the historic Brown-Ryan Livery Stable building (1880).

   

Significant events often revolve around its role as an event space, particularly for weddings, which are frequently hosted in its historic spaces like the River Room and under the Shasta Tent.¹¹

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items and Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews frequently praise:

• Ambiance: Described as “cozy and warm,” “romantic,” and having “old-world charm.”¹² The dog-friendly patio and riverside views are huge draws.

   

• Service: Generally rated as “friendly and attentive,” with a special shout-out to the event staff for wedding coordination.

• Food: While some note the menu as “New American,” it is appreciated for being fresh and inventive with no deep fryers. The cafe caters well to dietary needs, offering numerous vegetarian and vegan options.¹³

   

Highlight Menu Items (Based on Reviews)

Popular and well-received dishes include:

• Appetizers: Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Tacos: Unique Brisket Tacos

• Entrees/Plates: Curry Bowl, Braised Short Ribs, Moroccan Chicken (especially for events)¹⁴

   

• Brunch: Quiche, Biscuits and Gravy with homemade fennel sausage (highly praised)¹⁵

   

• Drinks: Craft beers, custom cocktails (like the Bahama Baby), and house wines (especially during their happy hour).¹⁶

   

📞 Contact Information and Online Presence