Seemor
The French Hen Cafe & Moonflower PizzaB+Worth Trying
518 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
· Brunch restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Pizza restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1004 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Southern-leaning brunch by day and inventive wood-fired pizzas at night, in a cozy flower-shop setting; great flavors, small space, and real crowding—budget a wait and expect add-on fees.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The French Hen Cafe & Moonflower Pizza delivers strong food quality with creative, generously-portioned brunch and inventive wood-fired pizzas that justify its loyal following. However, inconsistent execution during peak times—including temperature issues and service lapses under crowd pressure—prevents a higher grade, while the tight seating and crowding limit the overall dining experience. Off-peak visits reveal a charming neighborhood gem, but weekend brunch reliability remains the grade's constraint.
Restaurant Summary
Walk through a flower shop into a cozy room that feels warm and bustling when brunch hits peak. Servers are often friendly and attentive, though the tiny space can mean waits and tight tables. One diner summed it up: "Big flavors in a small room." Crowds swell on weekends, but off-peak visits find a calmer, charming neighborhood vibe. The cooking leans creative rather than classic: Cajun accents, a standout Banh Mi Benedict, cheddar-chive biscuits with andouille gravy, and at night, Moonflower turns out inventive wood-fired pizzas like Sgt. Pepp with pickled peppers or seasonal pumpkin cream pies. Portions are generous, flavors punchy, and the menu reads contemporary and produce-forward rather than fussy. Families do well here thanks to crowd-pleasers like the big puffy pancake, BYO cheese pizza, hash browns, fruit, and gelato. The space is compact for strollers during rush, but food is kid-accessible. Expect moderate pricing with a small wellness fee and plan ahead for peak brunch if bringing little ones.
At a Glance
- Bold, creative brunch and inventive dinner pizzas with generous portions
- Charming flower-shop entry and cozy neighborhood feel
- Small space leads to crowding, tight tables, and stretched wait times
- Added health and wellness fee and charges for some add-ons surprise some diners
- Reservations strongly recommended for weekend brunch; quoted waits can slip
What Sets It Apart
- flower_shop_entrance
- fusion_benedicts
- wood_fired_creative_pizzas
- large_signature_pancake
What People Love
- Hearty, craveable Benedicts and biscuits
- Playful flavor mashups that still feel balanced
- That you walk through a flower shop to dine
- Generous pancakes and well-seasoned sides
- Attentive coffee refills when staff can keep pace
Points of Concern
- Tight layout and bench seating can be uncomfortable for groups
- Quoted wait times sometimes run long during peak brunch
- A few reports of temperature inconsistencies or missed modifications
- Review patterns show signs of potential polarization (fee complaints and crowd-stress) which may not reflect off-peak experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegans: Like A Vegan pizza or Herb Salad
- For kids: Cheesy Peasy pizza, hash browns, gelato
- For spice lovers: Cajun Moon pizza, add hot sauce to Creole Hash
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with flavor seekers
- Casual date night over creative pizzas
- Out-of-town friends exploring Cathedral Hill
- Early birds who want a relaxed, cozy meal
Location Insights
Area: Historic, charming avenue with boutiques and cafes; attracts brunch-goers, neighbors, and weekend visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked daylight hours; busy on weekends with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Along Selby Avenue near Cathedral Hill; close to shops, coffee spots, and residential streets.
Snelling-HamlineThis neighborhood offers a casual and eclectic dining scene with a mix of cafes, small restaurants, and bars. It has a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with a blend of historic homes and newer developments, attracting a diverse crowd interested in approachable, locally loved eateries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–14:00
Tuesday08:00–14:00
Wednesday08:00–14:00
Thursday08:00–14:00
Friday08:00–14:00
Saturday08:00–14:00
Sunday08:00–14:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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