You walk into Modern Times Cafe Minneapolis and the first thing you notice isn't the menu. It's the vibe. It is thick. It’s that specific Southside energy—a mix of radical politics, punk rock history, and the smell of really good hash browns hitting a hot flat-top. This isn't one of those sterile, minimalist coffee shops where everyone is staring at a MacBook in silence. It’s loud. It’s colorful. The walls are covered in art that actually means something to the neighborhood. Honestly, if you want to understand what makes the 32nd and Chicago area tick, you just have to sit here for an hour with a cup of coffee.
Modern Times has been a staple for years. It survived the pandemic, it stood through the massive civil unrest of 2020, and it remains a place where "community" isn't just a buzzword used for marketing. It’s a literal lifeline.
The Food is Actually Good (No, Really)
Let’s get one thing straight. A lot of "community hubs" have terrible food. They rely on the mission to keep people coming back. Modern Times doesn’t do that. The food is legitimate. Whether you’re a die-hard carnivore or someone who hasn't touched meat since the Clinton administration, you’re going to find something here that hits.
They’re famous for the Southside Hash. It’s basically a mountain of potatoes, veggies, and optional proteins that can sustain a human being for roughly 48 hours of manual labor.
What’s interesting is how they handle the vegan/vegetarian divide. Usually, a restaurant picks a lane. Here, the lanes are blurred in the best way possible. You can get a massive plate of eggs and bacon, or you can get the Tofu Scramble which, frankly, has no business being that flavorful. Most places treat tofu like an afterthought—a wet sponge they toss some turmeric on. Modern Times treats it with respect. They get that sear on it. They season it deeply.
Why the Menu Works
The kitchen operates with a sort of chaotic precision. You might wait a bit when it’s slammed on a Saturday morning, but that’s part of the deal. You’re not at a fast-food joint. You’re in a living room that happens to have a professional kitchen attached to it. They use high-quality ingredients, often sourced with an eye toward local sustainability, but they don't charge "boutique" prices. It’s accessible. That matters in a city that is rapidly gentrifying.
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A Living Museum of South Minneapolis
If you look at the decor, it tells a story. It’s a collage. There are posters for local shows, activist flyers, and art that leans into the psychedelic and the political. It feels like a time capsule of the 90s DIY scene, but it’s functioning in 2026.
People talk about "third places"—spaces that aren't home and aren't work. Modern Times is the ultimate third place. You see elders who have lived in the neighborhood for forty years sitting next to twenty-somethings with facial tattoos and anarchist zines. It works because there’s an unspoken rule of mutual respect. You’re here for the food and the atmosphere, and as long as you’re cool, everyone else is cool.
"Modern Times is one of the few places left that feels like the old Southside—unfiltered, unapologetic, and incredibly welcoming if you're there for the right reasons." — Local neighborhood regular.
Navigating the Modern Times Experience
If you’ve never been, there are some things you should know. It’s not a "wait to be seated" kind of place in the traditional, stiff sense. You usually find a spot, or you’re directed to one. It’s cozy. Sometimes "cozy" is code for "cramped," and yeah, it can get tight in there. But that’s how you meet people. You might end up striking up a conversation with the person at the next table about the state of the Minneapolis Park Board or the best record store in the Twin Cities.
- Check the Specials: They change. They’re usually experimental. They’re almost always worth the risk.
- Coffee is Essential: It’s strong. It’s hot. They keep it coming.
- The Staff: They are real people. They aren't corporate drones forced to read a script. If they’re busy, they’re busy. Treat them like humans.
The Ethics of the Plate
One thing people often overlook about Modern Times Cafe Minneapolis is the underlying philosophy of the business. This isn't a place owned by a massive hospitality group that owns twelve other "concepts" across the metro. It’s independent. That independence allows them to stay weird.
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They’ve been vocal about social justice issues long before it was trendy for brands to post black squares on Instagram. During the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd—which happened just blocks away at 38th and Chicago—Modern Times became a space for literal nourishment for those on the ground. They don't just exist in the community; they are part of its nervous system.
What Most People Get Wrong
Newcomers sometimes think the "edge" of the cafe means it's exclusive or "too cool." That’s a mistake. The punk aesthetic is just the wrapper. Inside, it’s actually one of the more inclusive spots in the city. You’ll see families with toddlers sharing pancakes. You’ll see students cramming for exams. You’ll see workers grabbing a quick bite before a shift.
The "Modern Times" name itself is a nod to the Charlie Chaplin film, which was a satire on the industrial world and the struggle of the individual. It’s a fitting name. In a world that feels increasingly automated and detached, this cafe feels hand-built.
Common Misconceptions
- "It's only for vegans." Absolutely not. The chorizo and eggs will change your life.
- "It's too loud to work." It depends on the hour. Early mornings are actually quite peaceful.
- "Parking is impossible." It’s South Minneapolis. It’s fine. Just walk a block.
The Verdict on Modern Times
Is it the "best" breakfast in Minneapolis? That’s subjective. But is it the most authentic breakfast experience in the city? Probably. There is a soul here that you can't manufacture. You can spend millions of dollars on interior designers to try and create "vibes," but you can't buy the kind of history and community trust that Modern Times has built over the decades.
If you want a side of radical history with your rye toast, this is the spot. If you want to see what Minneapolis looks like when it isn't trying to impress tourists, come here.
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to Modern Times, do it right. Go on a weekday morning if you want a seat immediately and a quieter atmosphere for reading or writing. If you go on a weekend, prepare for a wait—bring a book or be ready to people-watch on the sidewalk.
Order the Hash. Whether it’s the meat-heavy version or the vegan option, it’s the quintessential Modern Times dish. It represents the kitchen's ability to take simple ingredients and make them feel substantial.
Bring Cash. While they’ve modernized their systems, having cash for a tip is always a class act in a place like this.
Explore the Area Afterward. Don't just eat and leave. Walk down to 38th and Chicago. Visit the local shops nearby like Moon Palace Books. The cafe is a gateway to the rest of the neighborhood's culture. Support the ecosystem that allows places like Modern Times to exist in the first place.
Staying informed about their hours is also key, as they sometimes shift based on staffing or community events. Check their social media or the handwritten signs in the window—sometimes the most accurate information is the stuff written in Sharpie on a piece of cardboard.
Ultimately, Modern Times Cafe Minneapolis isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to remind yourself that the city still has a heart. It’s gritty, it’s seasoned, and it’s exactly what the Southside needs.