Mim's Cafe/Lori's Coffee House

Where can you go to eat on the Saint Paul campus, anyway? Let’s face it, the options are pretty limited. Luckily this little Middle Eastern restaurant/coffee shop combo has long been a mainstay for Saint Paul’s students, and rightfully so, as their food is both delicious and affordable. You won’t find anything fancy here, but they definitely know what they’re doing. Falafel isn’t meant to be upscale, anyway; it’s like vegan comfort food. The coffee shop half of the building, while a little odd and unpolished, has great prices, a large tea selection, and offers an alternative to the student center for taking a break or studying.

There's not a lot of info there, but they do have a website.

Mim's side

Lori's side

Top 5's:
1. Vegetarian/vegan options
2. Best for: grabbing lunch, studying, meeting a friend
3. Patio, weather permitting
4. Wifi!
5. Real cheap

Publika Tea & Coffee Union

One of the many coffeehouses in Dinkytown—check it out if you haven’t been there yet! They’re half local, half global serving products from Tea Source, Uptown-based Dogwood Coffee, and Poor Boy Candies made in Saint Paul.




The other side of their operation is Chatime, specializing in a well-loved international treat: bubble tea. They also have a selection of baked goods so you can satisfy your sweet tooth while you study or chat. Another plus: They have a couple of nice big tables, making for a good group meeting spot if you’re sick of the library.





Website: Publika Tea & Coffee Union

Top 5 tips

1. Offers coffee/tea, baked goods

2. Best for: studying, meeting a friend, meeting a group

3. Wifi access

4. Walking distance from campus

5. Bubble tea!

Bordertown

Tucked between frat row and 4th street this is the coffee place for you when you need to get away and study on a week night.  The couches are comfy and the rooms are cozy, kick back and break out the biology flashcards.  Bordertown serves coffee from independent farmers around the globe and yummy local bakery goods.  If you want a break from the studying, peak into one of the rooms and you may find the photo album of the transformation from abandoned frat shop to successful coffee shop.  It you want a sugar and caffeine high try the Aztec Mocha, it will mess you up.

Top Five Tips
- In a old frat house
- Fresh muffins
- Good for study groups
- Excellent music (If you don't mind acoustic guitar)
- Not open on the weekends!

Bordertown

Hard Times Cafe

If I had to think of one word to encompass the aurora that makes Hard Times Cafe a staple in the restaurant scene it would be: comfort.  This coop restaurant has closed, remodeled, and opened multiple times this cafe truly earned it's name.   This biscuits and gravy eatery is perfect for when a Minnesota winter is just too much.  The atmosphere is a combination of grunge and charming.  Because this is a revolutionary establishment so OF COURSE they only take cash so don't expect to pay with credit card for your Helter Skelter or Greek Salad.  If you want to try a vegan meal just for a change of pace this is where you will want to go.  After your meal here maybe that tofu option won't look to bad to you in the future.

Top Five Tips
- Hipster, Hippie, Revolutionaries welcome
- CASH ONLY
- Internet ALWAYS works-Study Spot!
- Breakfast all day
- Vegan and vegetarian affair

Wally's Falafel

Shawirma, gyros, falafel, hummus and so much more, Wally's will indubitably fulfill all of your Middle
Eastern and Mediterranean hankerings.  The spicy falafel is punchy and the salads are crisp there is literally nothing on this menu that won't make your taste buds go ga-ga.  The friendly prices welcome you in but if you have time to spare to study or want something in your stomach before a night of partying this is the place to be.  So grab a hot tea and cold hummus and start the party in your stomach.

Top Five Tips
- Agreeable hours: 11am to 11pm EVERYDAY
- Come here before you go out
- They treat student's nicely (the owners son goes to the U)
- Carry out some food and bring it to a party
- The bathrooms are clean

Wally's Falafel

Afro Deli

A West Bank gem, where this site lacks in square footage for seating makes up in leaps and bounds in quality and thrifty food.  Serving African, Mediterranean, and American food you can get a mix of cuisines like a terrific Afro Asian Chicken Suqarr (tasty chicken breast with rice) with a side of fries!  The delicacies are easy on the wallet and the menu hits the mark on those days you crave something different from your turkey sandwich or hummus platter (why are you carrying around a platter of humus?).  My favorite is the veggie or chicken fantastic.  It is a huge portion of rice and veggies and chicken with a crazy great sauce.  Don't forget the baklava!

Top Five Tips
- close to West Bank
- for when you are in a rush (to-go options)
- Afro, Mediterranean, American cuisine
- outdoor seating
- colorful atmosphere and food

Afro Deli Website

Joe's Market & Lebanese Deli

Live in the Como neighborhood? Then Joe’s Market is your super-convenient corner store to shop for groceries or grab a quick bite for lunch. The Lebanese deli is certainly a highlight of the market, serving delicious sandwiches, gyros, falafels, omelets, veggie platters and the like. Joe’s offers a small dining area, but you can order your lunch to-go if you’re in a hurry. The menu items are pretty inexpensive, and dishes such as the colossal veggie platter are great for sharing. Overall, you get a pretty substantial meal for what you pay for, so you won’t be left hungry.

The market itself, albeit a little pricey, is fairly well stocked with last minute, college-y essentials. It also sells local foods such as Holy Land products and yummy house-made items from their own deli and bakery. So if you’re in Como and need to pick up some bananas, OJ, or baba ghanouj, be sure stop by on your way to or from the U!

Top Five Tips

-#3 bus stops right in front of the entrance

-Vegan-friendly Lebanese Deli

-Local and house-made items

-Great place to grab a quick lunch

-In-store dining area