The Aster Cafe is located under the trees on the prettiest street in Minneapolis. Overlooking the mighty Mississippi river and the skyline of the city, the Aster is a candle-lit restaurant-bar with a sweet European patio. Live music, great brunches, craft beers and cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list add up to City Pages calling us the “best place to go on a first date”. Our menu is fresh (no deep fryers!) and inventive. We also have lovely spaces for events and weddings, which you can check out by contacting our Event Goddess. So get down here!
Customers consistently praised the cozy and inviting atmosphere, especially the outdoor patio and river views.
Service
While many reviews highlighted excellent and attentive service, there were notable complaints about slow service and disorganization during busy times.
Food Quality
Feedback on food quality was mixed; while some dishes were highly praised, others, particularly the pot pie, received significant criticism.
Pricing
Several customers noted that the prices were on the higher side, with some feeling that the food did not justify the cost.
Live Music
The presence of live music was appreciated by many, enhancing the overall dining experience.
RP
Rachel Peterson
5 days ago
4.0
Very romantic little bar and restaurant
IF
Ian Flam
Jan 3, 2026
4.0
Awesome place and great vibe. Only issue is last call at 9:15pm on a Saturday night when people were just starting to come in. Tough to see businesses turning business away to people who are willing to spend money. My suggestion would be to be open till 11pm and I’m sure it would be worth it.
KF
Kayla F
Jan 3, 2026
5.0
I visited Aster Cafe for New Year's Eve diner with a friend and had a wonderful time! The menu was short and concise with a little something for anyone. The staff was kind and attentive, always checking in even with a completely packed floor. The mood lighting, live music, and overall decor of the place really wrapped the experience together as a thoughtful, meticulously crafted experience.
HH
HotCheese5
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
Amazing and best service around! From MJ greeting us to the waiter and team, we had a great time, food was ALL delicious and the atmosphere was relaxing and enjoyable. We had 15 people last minute and haven't that type of service in a long time - highly recommend!
AP
Allegheny Prepper
Dec 20, 2025
5.0
I traveled to Minneapolis for work and came out for dinner.
I don't know the name of the gentleman who was the front end person but he was very pleasant and helpful.
He was able to get me to a table and the waitress got my order in. In probably 10 minutes or less my pot pie came out and it was delicious. I would definitely come back.
I really liked the building and the waitress said it used to be a old carriage house which is cool.
What are the Aster Cafe's hours of operation throughout the week?
Aster Cafe is closed on Mondays. On Tuesday to Thursday, it is open from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Friday, it's open from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Saturday hours are 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday, it operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Is there outdoor seating available at Aster Cafe?
Yes, Aster Cafe offers outdoor dining with a charming European patio under the trees.
Does Aster Cafe offer pickup or delivery services?
No, Aster Cafe does not offer pickup or delivery services.
What types of meals does Aster Cafe serve?
Aster Cafe serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour meals.
What is the dress code for dining at Aster Cafe?
The dress code at Aster Cafe is casual.
What payment options are accepted at Aster Cafe?
Aster Cafe accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Where can I park when visiting Aster Cafe?
Ramp parking is recommended as it is convenient and inexpensive, accessible off 2nd Street SE and 2nd Avenue SE. Street parking is also available nearby.
What nearby attractions can I visit when going to Aster Cafe?
Nearby attractions include Saint Anthony Main, a shopping center and historical area, and the Saint Anthony Heritage Trail, which offers park and museum experiences. These spots provide great options for sightseeing before or after dining at Aster Cafe.
Are there any live music venues near Aster Cafe?
Yes, MSP Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre is a nearby theatre that hosts arts and entertainment events, and Human On a Stick Segway Tours offers fun tours around the area, enhancing the local cultural experience.
What services do nearby businesses like Crawford Capital and Minneapolis Property Finder offer to visitors?
Crawford Capital provides financial services and event planning, while Minneapolis Property Finder offers real estate services. Visitors to Aster Cafe might find these resources helpful for business or personal needs in the area.