Why Locals Love Highland Cafe & Bakery
Located in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, Highland Cafe & Bakery is a beloved American restaurant and cozy breakfast spot that masterfully blends classic comfort food with a welcoming, small-town vibe. Whether you're craving hearty eggs and toast, savory corned beef hash, or a vegetarian-friendly veggie hash, this café offers a menu filled with home-style favorites made from fresh, quality ingredients.
Start your day with “The Basics” like Two Eggs & Toast at an inviting $6.00, or indulge in more substantial plates such as the Cajun Breakfast & Toast, which layers sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers, and Cajun-seasoned hash browns topped with two eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce—comfort food with a spicy twist that awakens your palate. Those seeking classic deli flavors can’t miss the Grilled Reuben or Rachel sandwiches—corned beef or turkey nestled on grilled pumpernickel with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy Thousand Island dressing—a nostalgic trip for your taste buds.
For families, the kids’ menu shines with fun and flavorful options like the Mickey Cake, Mac & Cheese with fries or fruit, and mini corn dogs, ensuring even the youngest diners leave happy and satisfied. The café’s baked goods, including a delightfully light and fluffy chocolate silk pie and house-made apple fritters, provide the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
What truly sets Highland Cafe & Bakery apart is the warm, inviting atmosphere described by patrons as a “cozy, casual family cafe” with “charming” service that balances friendliness with a bit of playful sass. Guests regularly praise the genuine hospitality and the feeling of stepping into a home-away-from-home. The portions are generous, making it a great value for those seeking satisfying comfort food. It's the kind of place where local charm meets hearty, soul-satisfying dishes, whether you’re starting a busy day or winding down with a sweet treat.
Whether you're seated in this classic greasy spoon diner or bustling café, you’re in for a meal that’s as delicious as it is comforting. Highland Cafe & Bakery invites you to savor each bite while enjoying a warm smile and the relaxed ambiance of a quintessential hometown dining gem in St. Paul.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- No-contact delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 22, 2026
Cozy, casual family cafe with hearty classic food. The breakfast food is very good, I enjoyed the country fried steak and eggs with a side of hash browns. They also have coffee and tea lattes, desserts and sweet buns. I had chocolate silk pie and it was very light, fluffy and tasty. Overall, very satisfying food with cozy atmosphere.
- Feb 21, 2026
This is a classic greasy spoon diner. The atmosphere is perfect, service is charming and not afraid to serve a side of sass. Nothing is cheap these days, so still expect to pay more than you would like. Portions are decent, about what I would expect for the price.
- Feb 17, 2026
We walked in and sat ourselves, not shortly, we were greeted. Our order was taken. Our food was amazing. Our server, Amy, was amazing. The atmosphere was amazing. We went for breakfast, there was so much to choose from, we will most definitely be back again and again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Feb 13, 2026
Stopped in for breakfast - we love local cafes. We were in the area overnight and wanted a "hometown" breakfast cafe. This hit the mark! It has the hometown small cafe feel. Very friendly waitresses and other staff. You may have to wait for a seat, but it is well worth it! I'm glad we stopped in.. It was delicious! We would definitely go back! Oh, the portions are pretty big, so chances are you will be bringing home leftovers :)
- Jan 27, 2026
I got a cinnamon French toast with sausage, & scrambled eggs. My family shared the cinnamon roll. I had a glass of milk. Apple fritter made here that I ate later in the day after dinner. Ice cream is not from here. Tasty & good service. I will come back with my family. I came here in August 2024.
- Jan 21, 2026
Hands down the best breakfast place in St Paul. I have been going consistently for several years now and the food is always amazing. All the staff are welcoming and kind. The food is fantastic and the service is quick. Anytime I go to another breakfast place I always regret it because Highland Cafe is undoubtedly the best breakfast restaurant within the Twin Cities metro area.
- Jan 15, 2026
Cute, place. It's very reminiscent of the past. The bakery items look very nice. I ordered the jerk sandwich, chicken. Didn't really taste anything like Jamaican jerk. LOL but it was good.
- Nov 29, 2025
I usually have the breakfast burrito (which is amazing) but this time I tried the taco salad. With or without the taco shell its wonderful! The sauce they put on it is not too hot and not too mild, it’s perfect! You can also choose chips on the side instead! I also can’t go here without having the bacon!! The bacon is a must!
