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 beautiful outdoor patio and charming interior, highlighting the scenic views and lively ambiance.
Service
While many reviews noted excellent and attentive service, there were several complaints about slow service and disorganization during busy times.
Food Quality
Feedback on food quality was mixed; some dishes received high praise while others were criticized for being mediocre or disappointing.
Live Music
Live music was a highlight for many patrons, enhancing the overall experience, although some noted issues with timing and service during these events.
Customer Experience
Overall experiences varied, with some customers expressing delight and others frustration due to service lapses or food quality issues.
RA
Robert Alberti
1 day ago
5.0
A very special place on the Mississippi River
ON
Okwudili Nebeolisa
Nov 16, 2025
4.0
It's a cosy little space for intimate conversations with friends
MW
Morgan Walker
Nov 12, 2025
1.0
I can't leave any kind of review at all! I was hoping to get dinner, but the front door was locked at 6.30PM. There were customers inside so clearly they were in fact serving dinner at dinner time. Nothing was posted indicating a private event. Very annoying.
ZJ
Zachary Johnson
Nov 6, 2025
5.0
What a lovely place. The food was great. The service was great and the atmosphere there was top notch with a rustic somewhat old English pub. Feel to it. Highly recommend if you can get down here and are in the area doing the walk along the river.
SK
Sharon King
Oct 30, 2025
4.0
We are here before the Paul McCartney concert n a Friday night. We had the mushroom flatbread, a bottle of wine and the barbecue pork sliders.
Sliders were great. The flatbread was basically a pizza. It was just okay. It was a beautiful fall day and we sat outside. WARNING - there were hornets everywhere and I got stung badly as I went to pick up our wine bottle and put a refill and did not realize a hornet was sitting on the bottle. Ouch!!
Not a place to go if you are allergic to bees!
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.