The Best Local Coffee Shops in Rochester, According to Locals

If you've spent any extended amount of time in Rochester, Minnesota there's one thing that you've probably noticed: There's a crazy amount of banks and coffee shops.

It's become a joke amongst locals at this point. When a business closes, someone always says 'Gosh, I hope a bank replaces them!'

ALSO READ: Are There More Banks or Coffee Shops in Rochester, MN?

But all jokes aside, even though we do have a lot of coffee shops, I love it.

Local coffee shops, specifically, are exactly my thing! Coffee, cozy vibes, and a nice spot to sit and enjoy that coffee.

We have quite a few local coffee shops in town. Ideally, you'll try them all! But which ones are the best of the best?

No better people to ask than us locals!

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The Best Coffee in Rochester, MN

Someone on the Rochester, MN Reddit page had asked about which local coffee shop is the best. There was a variety of answers, but a few stood out that were very consistent.

Bravo Espresso was mentioned a couple of times.

You can find Bravo Espresso on the second floor of The Galleria in downtown Rochester.

Also mentioned a couple of times was Cafe Aqui.

Cafe Aqui is inside the garden shop Sargent's on 2nd. You can grab a coffee and go sit in the greenhouse if you'd like. It's an especially amazing spot in the winter.

Old Abe was mentioned quite a few times as well.

Old Abe is in a cute little house. It feels very homey in there. Plus, they serve delicious Drift Dough donuts and vegan food.

And finally, the local coffee shop that was easily mentioned the most was Cafe Steam.

Cafe Steam has three locations. Their first location is the one on Broadway. They also have a skyway location above Mill Valley Kitchen and another in the Discovery Two building. All three locations are in downtown Rochester.

Also, Cafe Steam just announced that they're adding another location on 2nd Street in 2026. Super exciting!