Best Coffee and Tea Shops in Bloomington

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.

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.

Chatime
Although it’s technically a chain, many Minnesotans haven’t heard of the Taiwanese-based bubble tea shop Chatime. This hidden gem slings seriously unique beverages out of its small Level 3, South location at Mall of America. Choose a tasty milk 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.