Colossal Café

So good. Cinnamon roll was HUGE! Breakfast sandwhiches HUGE. we both got biscuit sandwhiches. Could easily split. I left half of mine because we also ate the cinnamon roll. It’s is tiny and cramped. They have outdoor seating so dress for that.

We saw the diners, drive in and dives show and decided to make the trek on an über to try out the flappers. Sadly they were sold out so we had to try some other menu items. I ordered the egg, cheddar and bacon breakfast sandwich on a biscuit. It was awesome but I added mayo, ketchup and the house pineapple habanero sauce which made a massive difference. I personally think the addition of a house made jam would set it off. My wife ordered the same but on gf bread. She said the gf bread was some of the best she has ever had. We also ordered the sausage patty. I personally thought it tasted like someone forgot to add the seasoning and the texture was weird. I wouldn’t order it again, but the breakfast sandwich was awesome and we plan on coming back tomorrow to try the Brie flappers. The servers/​cook staff were super friendly, attentive and helpful. Would highly recommend.

good food bitchy staff. I would only go here for ‘take-​out’ if you must go.

This was the most disturbing breakfast I have ever eaten. I would compare it to a backwoods café located in the middle of nowhere (Arkansas, maybe Mississippi?) It has this false charm that fills the air until you sit down and are in fear of that first bite. The aroma of the pancakes fill the air around you of yeast as they’re set down on your table. Buttermilk pancakes??? Yeast battered??? I couldn’t even take a bite. However, I did and was soon disappointed that I took the plunge to do so. The sausage patties resembled a horribly thrown together mini-​hamburger in which I would never even feed my dog. The only redeeming quality was the hash browns done to a perfect crispness, albeit, the flood of maple syrup I poured on them probably helped the taste itself.

Wow just went there to eat on a sunny afternoon, and it was first time, first experience right when they were close to closing time, and I devoured their sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on a biscuit… gotta say it was very delicious as a whole! The eggs were of a buttery delicate fluffiness, and the juicy savory sausage paired with the cheddar cheese I substituted were perfectly combined, all on a daily-​fresh-​made biscuit! Definitely was a journey in my mouth! Look forward to coming by again!!! (By the way, they actually do give you their day-​olds at the end of their business day, which I did not expect and was happily accepting of the surprise!) ;)

Good food and definitely has neighborhood charm. It’s TINY so be prepared to wait for a while and be crammed to sit. I think it’s part of the experience, but it’s best to know what you’re getting into. I love greasy spoon places and this fits the bill. I marked it lower only because since it’s so tiny I never know if it’ll have space for me and my party so I haven’t ever been back.

We decided on Colossal for Easter breakfast. I absolutely concur with every great thing that has been said about this place! Fantastic food, super nice staff and just a few blocks from home. The Minneapolis location is TINY — I kid you not, my walk-​in closet is larger than the dining room at Colossal Café but that’s part of the character of this place. If cramped dining isn’t your thing (and it’s not ours), call ahead and pick up your order to go but don’t miss out on the best breakfast in town!

Tiny place with huge flavors. We had a great breakfast sharing the signature flappers with apples, cinnamon syrup, walnuts and Brie. Also a bacon egg and cheese biscuit with perhaps the best biscuit I’ve ever tasted. We timed out visit correctly and got the last table available, but beware the seating is only around 15 or so.

This place is worth going to check out. I have been there twice and the pancakes are AWESOME!
I tried to remember to take pictures but both times I started eating as soon as the food hit the table! LOL Sorry!

Soo sad. they used to serve dinner at como location and it was fabulous. Miss it so much. but the brunch is no joke either. Sausage gravy and biscuits as good as the ones i had down south. Spectacular food and owner is a sweetheart!

What a fun café to have brunch in! The space is small but that makes it more fun to interact with the staff and other diners. The two breakfast sandwiches we ate were delicious! Their biscuits are to die for!

What a gem! We just moved here from Philly, and are still getting acquainted with the area. My boyfriend found this place on the fly, and we stopped in for breakfast on a cold Saturday morning around 10 AM. The space is small, and it may be hard to find a place to sit, but that depends on your timing and luck. The place was full, but a table was being cleared as we walked in and we were able to grab it. We ordered the apple, brie, and walnut flappers and the pork and bison sage gravy and biscuits. We had never had yeast-​based pancakes (flappers), and they were quite a treat. They were light, tender, chewy, and flavorful. If you tuck the brie between the flappers, it will get melty and heavenly. The pork and bison gravy was heavenly. Not too salty like other versions of sausage gravy, and the biscuits were homemade, and lightly toasted on the grilltop. We can’t wait to bring family and friends to this spot when they visit. If we can’t get a seat, we’ll just take the food to go. You can even order ahead.

In keeping with our trend of patronizing small businesses, we decided to try Colossal Café. There were definite pluses and minuses.
Minuses first:
Parking is tough at this location. There is a small lot next to the building, but there are No Parking signs everywhere. We sent someone inside to ask, and they said to park on the street.
Next was the size of the restaurant. There are only 10 chairs at tables and 4 bar seats. To say it is tiny is an understatement. But you get to know your seat mates! Get there early or else you will be standing and waiting for a seat. Finally, it is Cash Only.
Pluses:
The food! I had the Biscuits and Gravy (pork and bison). The gravy was full of meat and very, very good. The biscuits, not so much. I’m from the South and these two biscuits just didn’t measure up. They were more like bread, not flakey or buttery. Eggs also come with this. Be sure and try the habenero hot sauce. Not overly hot and tasty.
I also added a Flapper pancake. Yeast raised pancake, very good.
In the end, the food was very good and worth 4 stars, but the physical situation brings the overal stars down.

I’ve been looking for a great place to have breakfast or brunch, here I the cities for about four years. This place is hands down my favorite. Great tasting and products that I have never seen on a breakfast menu. Had the stuffed hashbrown this time. Perfect.

I stopped there this morning with my fiancé on the way to the airport. The staff was courteous and friendly. We ordered breakfast sandwiches with sausage, eggs, and cheese on a biscuit. However they did I have any pork sausage so we got bacon instead. The sandwiches were quite large and very tasty. They were surprisingly good. In addition, we got a scone to go.

I finally ate here for breakfast and was disappointing. The service was good and the counter staff and I talked about the owners who I knew from their Como location. This location is very small, but cozy. My breakfast sandwich was overdone with burnt bacon, and the cheese not melted enough. Thankfully the counter man gave me a new plate of bacon to top my sandwich, but the bacon was not done enough!!! WTH?

Definitely my favorite breakfast place. Love this tiny small cozy café and atmosphere. Great breakfast! Always good! Very good! Love that it’s in my neighborhood!

Stopped by once again while we were in town for a great breakfast. Another great meal :)

CASH ONLY and since I had none on me I could not try it. I have however eaten at their other location on Como Ave in St Paul and it is pretty good (they accept plastic there). I am giving them 4 stars just based on my experience with their sister restaurant.

In town for a visit. Had to leave for the airport in an hour. Saw Colossal was nearby for brunch. Hightailed it. Looked packed. Lines out the door. I don’t know how it happened but my partner and I got a seat outside. We read the newspaper as we waited for our biscuit sammiches. I got the sausage, egg, and provolone and she got the bacon, egg, and cheese.
After about 20 minutes, I started getting nervous. Breakfast sammiches usually don’t take that long. I was starting to get annoyed. I walked inside to get more coffee and they were ready. Once I bit into my sammich all bad feelings went away and I was taken to a transcendental place where all bad feelings go away. Some of the best breakfast sammiches I’v ever tasted. It is also near impossible to get a true biscuit north of the Mason-​Dixon Line, but Colossal does it, and does it well. I would put their biscuits next to any Southern biscuit in a heartbeat.
The place is ever-​so-​popular, which puts a strain on the service, thus the four-​star and not five-​star rating. Perhaps they could go to a larger location with a bigger kitchen and staff and do the same amount of heavenly goodness they already do. I dunno. PS MADE THE FLIGHT.

In town for a visit. Had to leave for the airport in an hour. Saw Colossal was nearby for brunch. Hightailed it. Looked packed. Lines out the door. I don’t know how it happened but my partner and I got a seat outside. We read the newspaper as we waited for our biscuit sammiches. I got the sausage, egg, and provolone and she got the bacon, egg, and cheese.
After about 20 minutes of waiting, I felt nervous. Breakfast sammiches shouldn’t take that long. I started to feel annoyed. I walked inside to get more coffee and LO AND BEHOLD the breakfast sammiches were ready. Once I bit into it, all bad feelings went away, and I was taken to a transcendental place Where All Bad Feelings Go Away. Some of the best breakfast sammiches I’ve ever eaten. It is also near impossible to get a true biscuit north of the Mason-​Dixon Line, but Colossal does it, and boy do they do it well. I would put their biscuits next to any Southern biscuit in a heartbeat. ARE YOU FEELING ME, MISSISSIPPI?
The place is ever-​so-​popular, which puts a strain on the service, thus the four-​star and not five-​star rating. Perhaps they could move to a larger location with a bigger kitchen and staff and do the same amount of heavenly goodness they already do. I dunno. PS MADE THE FLIGHT.

I thought this place was closed– I guess I should have driven in from the other side of Cedar. The sign that says, «café» made me think it was closed until I saw the mural.
Met a friend for breakfast early this am. Let’s just say it’s good to get there bright and early because the place fills up fast along with the «prime real estate» tables. We were fortunate to score one of the ones right outside the door which was pounced on immediately after we left.
Cash only– good thing I had some.
Water comes in the big green cooler outside
One of the best omelets I think I have ever consumed. I got the bacon, green onion and cream cheese omelet. Absolutely wonderful. A really good amount of bacon in there which is hard to come by. Nice thick, chewy bacon. It all just fit together. And the toast was excellent as well even without jam, but I am guessing the jam would have been great.
My friend got the colossal cinnamon roll which looked great and was said to be good.
The space is absolutely tiny, but I can see why people would wait. Excellent food.
Definitely throwing this place into breakfast rotation!

Num Num Num!
Took my friend from Milwaukee to this place before she had to leave for home. I’m pretty sure she drove the 5 hrs fighting a food coma, worth it!
I was unsure about the wait on a Sunday morning at 9:30 and because I saw this place on DD&D’s, I was expecting a line out the door with an 1hr wait. Nope, went right up to the counter ordered our food and grabbed a table just as the couple left.
I had the apple, walnut and brie pancakes with a side of sausage patties. Dang was that combo fantastic. Got the single pancake, but because they’re yeast pancakes they were very filling. I even had some leftover to take home.
Tips! Bring cash, they don’t take card. The place is very small, but I hear there is a second location.
Happy Brunching!

Here on vacation, and thought we’d try this small café. The atmosphere is very home-​like and it feels very welcoming. However because it is very popular it can be hard to find a seat.
As far as the food goes me and my family all got there breakfast sandwiches on there famous (and delicious, might I add) biscuits. Everyone enjoyed there’s, the meat lovers, didn’t shy on the meat with 3 sausage patties, the eggs were cooked average however were the slightly less fluffy than desired. The cheese was pretty average, but all was made up for by the soft inside, and the toasted outside of the homemade biscuits.
Also by looking at the menu you could see plenty of options ranging from scones, to oatmeal, to sandwiches. And the prices were a little high but I would say it was worth it for a large breakfast sandwich with an orange garnish.

Just moved into the neighborhood and was looking for a Saturday morning brunch spot. Ended up at Colossal Café – almost missed it because it anything but Colossal! Very small (4 tables and 4 bar stools inside), but the weather was perfect and we sat outside. Great menu options – I got the bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit with a side of hashbrowns. SO GOOD. Didn’t even eat the hashbrowns I was so full from the sandwich! Coffee was delicious, staff was courteous, I will definitely be checking them out again!
As many others have mentioned – cash or local checks only!

Grab your Sunday newspaper and head here for breakfast. Put your order in, grab a table and patiently wait for a breakfast well worth the wait.
I had the frittata which was awesome. The sourdough bread was so good I should have asked for a loaf so I could make sandwiches all week.
I took home a scone for tomorrow and my hubby took home a cinnamon roll. We obviously didn’t want the pleasure to end.
Next time I have to try the flappers. I almost asked the people next to us for a bite.

Huge disappointment, worst value — they can’t even poach an egg. We saw that this was listed as one of the best breakfasts in the cities and decided to try it out. I got the Colossal breakfast for $ 9.50, it came with two eggs which I ordered poached. My friend ordered the special which was buttermilk pancakes for $ 7.50.
We got the food and it was an immediate let down. Low and behold we paid $ 7.50 for ONE small buttermilk pancake which tasted marginally better than Denny’s. My Colossal breakfast had tasty hashbrowns but the bread was stale and only toasted on one side. The bacon was very crispy — which I enjoyed. But the eggs were as if a 2 year old made them with his feet. The poached eggs were completely hard, and the yokes were broken and scrambled up with the whites. For nine dollars I would think that someone could poach eggs at least half decently. Service was friendly but non-​attentive.
Stay away from this over-​hyped extremely over priced excuse for a Denny’s.

Cute café just off the main street — this would be an amazing go-​to place for brunch on a sunny day… but if it’s not warm outside, then either be prepared to wait for a while (tightly seats only about 15 inside) or bundle up and sit outside. As you would expect from such a small place, the menu isn’t extensive, but it offers solid savory and sweet options. Their sandwiches are delicious and come on either toast, a flapper, or a biscuit — ask the employees for their opinion on which would go best with the sandwich you picked. I appreciate that they aren’t shy about their opinions! Their scones are delicious too, even when they’re a day old. And if you like spicy food, slather your food in their housemade hot sauce — yum!
Cash only.

I’m not sure if there’s much better in life than a walk to a local café where you can sit outside and enjoy some really damn good breakfast for a reasonable price.
I’m going to tell you a horribly kept secret:
Order a breakfast sandwich. Any of them. But get it on a flapper.
Eat.
Ponder what you’ve been doing with your breakfast sandwiches up until this point in your life.
Go back inside.
Get a flip for two dollars and sixty god damned cents.
$ 2.60! It’s so damned good. A pile of thick fresh whipped cream on crumbly yellow cake and some fruit. So simple. So good. I could eat 260 of them.
Bring your dog.
Bring some cash (or a check, but this isn’t 1984, so bring cash).
Go inside and order, find a table, sit. Wait for them to call your name (bonus points for you if using a really stupid fake name like I do — ‘Bieber, party of two!’).
Devour.
Also, try their hot sauce. It’s delightful.

My favorite neighborhood breakfast spot! Their biscuits are seriously to-​die-​for. I always get the egg & cheese breakfast sandwich on a biscuit, and it’s huge. Like it could be enough for two meals, but I’m a piggy and it’s delicious so I somehow always manage to scarf it all down in one sitting. I’ve tried the flappers and personally found them to be a little too heavy to my liking (they’re yeast-​based and very thick & filling), although I must admit I’m intrigued to try the ones topped with apples, walnuts, and brie. Perhaps sometime when I have a few people to split the order with.
Minus one star just because the place is SO cramped that it honestly makes me a little anxious. I don’t love putting my butt in a stranger’s face as I attempt to squeeze past them to get a table, or having to keep my bulky winter coat on and hold my giant purse on my lap as I try to fit my legs under the tiny tables (hanging my coat and purse on the back of my chair would make it impossible for anyone to get past me). BUT there is expanded outdoor seating when the weather permits, and ordering food to-​go is an easy alternative.
Cash or local checks only, so come prepared!

I should kick my own ass for living within walking distance to Colossal Café for two years and only visiting for the first time recently. You always hear about the amazing biscuits, the «Cozy» space and the fame they claim from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Well, all that shit is for real! The space is beyond cozy, it’s more like the size of a small bedroom with a counter, if you can I would highly recommend getting it to go or calling ahead for pickup. Because if you are there alone and one other couple comes in, you’re now crowded. Our first visit we ate in and you see people walking up to the door and wonder, «How the hell is this going to work?». Anyways, whatever you do, do not let the small space prevent you from eating here. If you don’t have a choice consider the added space on the patio during warmer months, might be a better idea to eat in.
As for the food… God damn it’s good, I can’t believe how many times I kept saying, «Wow, this is really good!». I think it’s a requirement to order one of their breakfast sandwiches on a homemade biscuit, if it’s not then it should be because that will keep you coming back. I don’t know why they are so much better than every where else I have been but they are, I think it has to do with a little trick called butter. Honestly though, every breakfast sandwich is great, the cheddar and bacon is sure to please, I mean no matter what is in the middle of that biscuit you won’t really care because all your focus will be on the crusty, moistened goodness that holds it all together. Enjoy!

There was a rumor on the street that this place has some killer pancakes. Nothing like you’ll ever have anywhere else I’m told. Considering I’m always seeking out pancakes, this was a must stop.
As you could imagine, for those unaware, Colossal Café is barely big enough to fit a home appliance setup. A few tables at the most, with the vast majority of the seating outside on a small patio and lot around the corner of the restaurant.
Walk in, and the smell of cinnamon rolls hits you first. Then, a very cheery and bright welcome from the staff behind the counter, maybe 8 feet in front of you when you walk in the door. The menu is on the wall to the right, and the gal behind the counter offers up a couple as well. After a short deliberation, the choices are made… a short stack of the special cakes, an omelet and a breakfast sandwich with hash.
Taking up residence just outside on a cozy little patio table, there’s a water cooler to fill your glass and a nice little view of the intersection. About 8 minutes pass, and the server is out of the door saying my name.
What arrives? See picture, insert drool.
Dissection time.
The sausage, pepperjack cheese and green onions in my omelet were perfect. Great mash of flavor and well proportioned. Toast was killer, made even better by the house made blackberry spread that came with it. I loved everything about the omelet, but it lacked a certain pow that a little Franks took care of. IMO, if you’re going to go with pepperjack cheese, you should throw a little sum-​sum in there to kick the heat up, red pepper flakes, a chili purée or something.
The sausage and cheese breakfast sammy delivered on a biscuit (by choice).
Flavor is just incredible. The biscuit was delicious, meat was amazing and the cheese was a great compliment. However, and I preach this whenever a sandwich is the item of choice, you need to have a bun that is going to hold up to the sandwich. In this case, as good as the flavor was, the biscuit literally fell apart on us about halfway through. Irritating? Yeah. End of the world, no (see later notes for this). The hash was a perfect crispness and REALLY went well with the sandwich after the biscuit gave way.
Now, the pancackes… brie, apples, walnuts and brown sugar/​honey mix pancakes to be precise. These, I will say, may be the best cakes I’ve had in the state. Hazels Hippy Cakes are right there, neck and neck, and I’d be hard pressed to cheer or pick a winner if these two ever got into a death match. But, these are life changing cakes. They’re fluffy, yet firm, and spongy. The PERFECT mix of sweet and savory from the toppings. And while I do put maple syrup on anything, I didn’t even bother with these, not necessary at all. What was even better, the extra honey/​brown sugar on the sides of the plate became the perfect solution on what to do with half a crumbled biscuit. Throw that in with the sweet goo, and BAM! Delicious to the last crumb!
I’d like to give it 5 stars, but the biscuit issue keeps it from being a truly 5 star experience.
Also, not sure if it’s on the menu board, but wasn’t told about the special which was huevos ranchero (which I overheard from the next person behind us ordering while I was heading out). Would have been nice to hear that or see it.
Colossal, a nearly perfect breakfast experience and some of the states best pancakes.