Anodyne is a hip, funky coffee house that serves food throughout the day. The place is popular with Minneapolis's trendy folks, but you'll also see business folks stopping in at lunch, munching gourmet sandwiches, or putting away a delectable pastry or two. The beverage selection runs from espressos to teas and cocoas. Entertainments include open-mic events and various bands and performers. Local artwork is displayed too.

SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings have a strong vegetarian slant and are prepared using fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. Menu items range from pizzas and sandwiches to Tofu Creole and a quiche of the day. Birchwood also serves non-vegetarian items, including salmon cakes and turkey burgers. Breakfast and Sunday brunch are popular with locals too.

DOWNTOWN. Set in the lobby of a literary arts center, this coffee house is a city favorite. Its owner refers to it as the "living room of the neighborhood," and he plays the perfect host. Furnished with unmatched sofas, chairs, and tables, the place invites patrons to order a fragrant coffee or tea, soup, sandwich, cookie, or snack, and settle in with a book or magazine. Beer and wine increase the appeal. Plus, eight flavors of gourmet ice cream provide a smooth, sweet treat.

UPTOWN. This old-style bakery serves gigantic cinnamon and caramel rolls that you can frost yourself! Take home one of their delicious pecan sticky buns, a coffee cake, a loaf of bread, or a dozen savory rolls for a warm welcome. A sunken floor, high ceilings and windows, and a counter lined with stools lend a light, airy feeling to the place.

LONGFELLOW. This neighborhood coffee shop offers organic, fair-trade coffees, tasty pizzas and sandwiches, and a separate, kid-safe area for little ones to romp in while parents relax with a cup of joe. Patrons in need of a sugar fix can find a decent selection of pastries, priced kindly. Sidewalk seating, Tuesday morning children's story hour, and free WiFi are additional attractions. The cafe adjoins Riverview Wine Bar ­ an alternative for a post-theater drink and a great place to unwind.