Seemor
Colossal CafeB+Worth Trying
1340 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, United States
· American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Central American restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1370 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A beloved St. Paul brunch spot for hearty biscuits, unique flappers, and friendly service, with some inconsistency on pancakes and occasional service lapses.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Colossal Cafe delivers reliable weekend brunch with strong food quality highlighted by excellent biscuits, omelets, and house-smoked trout items, supported by friendly, efficient service and generous portions at fair prices. However, inconsistent execution on signature flappers and occasional service lapses during rushes prevent it from reaching higher-tier status. The warm, well-lit cafe setting appeals to families and regulars but lacks the distinction of destination-level brunch spots.
Restaurant Summary
Weekend mornings here feel warm and bustling, with the smell of biscuits and coffee drifting through the room. Servers are often friendly and efficient, and plates land fast even when it is busy. One diner raved, "We left full and happy," while another noted a curt host on a hectic day. The cooking leans classic American brunch with thoughtful twists: house-smoked trout shows up in sandwiches and salads, and a bulgogi-inspired bowl adds gentle heat. Most plates are hearty and satisfying, though the signature yeasted flappers divide opinions—some love the chew and depth, others find them underdone. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and fresh fruit cups. Portions are generous, gluten-free bread holds up nicely, and staff are used to navigating substitutions, making it an easy pick for mixed appetites.
At a Glance
- Big portions and fair prices for a popular brunch corridor
- Excellent biscuits, jams, omelets, and house-smoked trout items
- Flappers can be inconsistent, with several reports of undercooked texture
- Occasional service lapses at host/manager level during rushes
- Expect waits at peak brunch; join the list and plan ahead
What Sets It Apart
- yeasted_flapper_pancakes
- house_smoked_trout_specialties
- scratch_biscuits_with_house_jam
What People Love
- Hearty scratch-made biscuits with jam
- Surprisingly good gluten-free bread options
- House-smoked trout in salads and sandwiches
- Korean beef bowl for a flavorful twist
- Friendly, quick service even when busy
Points of Concern
- Pancake consistency varies; multiple diners describe gummy or underdone flappers
- Occasional dismissive responses when sending back pancakes
- Barista/cappuccino execution and order accuracy can slip during peak times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$24-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean on omelets, biscuits, and smoked trout items for consistency
- Choose the Korean beef bowl for a bolder option
- Kids: grilled cheese or mac and cheese with fruit cup
Perfect For
- Saturday brunch with friends
- Family breakfast after errands on Grand Ave
- Casual date over comfort classics
- Out-of-town guests who love hearty American breakfasts
Location Insights
Area: Walkable Grand Avenue corridor with boutiques and cafes; draws locals, families, and weekend brunch crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled daytime corridor with steady foot traffic and good visibility.
Nearby: Near shops and residential blocks; convenient for meetups, errands, and family brunches.
FrogtownFrogtown is a culturally rich and evolving neighborhood with a growing food scene that reflects its diverse population. The dining environment is eclectic, featuring a mix of traditional ethnic eateries, casual dining spots, and innovative new restaurants, attracting locals and visitors interested in authentic and affordable cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–14:00
Tuesday07:00–14:00
Wednesday07:00–14:00
Thursday07:00–14:00
Friday07:00–14:00
Saturday07:00–14:00
Sunday07:00–14:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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