Seemor
Diamonds Coffee ShoppeB-Worth Trying
Thorp Building, 1618 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
· Restaurant, Coffee shop, Cafe
· 4.5/5 Google (502 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
A quirky, spacious Northeast cafe with solid drinks, budget-friendly food, and a laid-back vibe; expect occasional slow ticket times and uneven service.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Diamonds Coffee Shoppe delivers a charming, work-friendly cafe experience anchored by exceptional retro-artsy design and strong regular following. However, inconsistent food preparation, notably slow sandwich service, and recent complaints about portion shrinkage prevent a higher grade. Best suited for leisurely visits rather than quick lunches, it excels as a casual workspace and social gathering spot despite operational limitations.
Restaurant Summary
Housed in a historic industrial building, Diamonds feels warm and quirky rather than sleek or sterile. Reviewers rave about the retro, artsy rooms that are perfect for laptops and long chats. One regular put it simply: "Great place to work, just do not come if you have a tight lunch clock." Service is friendly at times but can be uneven, and tickets for sandwiches sometimes run long, so the pace is decidedly unhurried. The cooking leans classic cafe—think burritos, BLTs, soups, and pastries—paired with solid espresso and a bottomless drip mug. Flavor praise clusters around the iced chai and muffins, while a few guests find the coffee or sandwiches less exciting. It is the kind of straightforward menu that favors comfort over flash, ideal for casual meetups and long work sessions. Families tend to do well here. Staff have offered kid-temperature drinks unprompted, and there are simple foods like PB and J, muffins, oatmeal, and quesadillas that many children will recognize. There is no formal kids menu, but the cafe lineup suits a range of ages without pushing adventurous flavors.
At a Glance
- Spacious, artsy rooms great for working or lingering
- Iced chai, muffins, and bottomless brew earn frequent praise
- Food ticket times for sandwiches can be 20–35 minutes
- Portion sizes and consistency have declined per some regulars
- Budget-friendly overall, especially for a full cafe menu
What Sets It Apart
- historic_artsy_space
- bottomless_brew_option
- multiple_cozy_rooms
What People Love
- Relaxed, retro atmosphere with cozy nooks
- Iced chai and sweet muffins
- Plenty of seating for laptops
- Bottomless brewed coffee value
Points of Concern
- Slow prep times for sandwiches and hot items can disrupt short lunch breaks
- Some reports of smaller portions compared with prior years
- Occasional unfriendly interactions and sarcasm during problem handling
- Pricing for specialty drinks and add-ons may feel high to some compared to drip options
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians, try Mediterranean or Spinach Salad and Hummus & Pita
- Value combo: Soup of the day with half sandwich
- Kids: PB and J, oatmeal, muffins, and steamers without espresso
Perfect For
- Remote work with reliable bottomless coffee
- Casual meetups before or after gallery visits
- Laid-back solo time with a book
- Budget-friendly breakfast or light lunch
Location Insights
Area: Creative, industrial-chic district with studios and galleries; draws remote workers, students, and neighborhood regulars.
Safety: Generally safe with steady daytime foot traffic; typical urban vigilance after dark.
Nearby: Inside the Thorp Building near art studios, game store, and independent shops; free parking noted by reviewers.
Northeast MinneapolisThe dining scene in Northeast Minneapolis is diverse and dynamic, featuring everything from casual breweries and gastropubs to innovative farm-to-table restaurants. The area has a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere with a strong emphasis on local businesses and craft food and drink. It attracts diners looking for unique, authentic experiences in a neighborhood that balances industrial heritage with contemporary culture.
Central Avenue CorridorThe Central Avenue Corridor is a key commercial strip within Northeast Minneapolis, known for its walkability and concentration of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It serves as a social hub for the neighborhood, offering a mix of casual and mid-range dining options that cater to a broad demographic, including families and young professionals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–16:00
Tuesday07:00–16:00
Wednesday07:00–16:00
Thursday07:00–16:00
Friday07:00–16:00
Saturday07:00–16:00
Sunday07:00–16:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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