Hard Times Café

Called the store for a menu since they don’t have one online anywhere. Dude on the phone with deep voice was so rude he hung up on me. You lost a potential customer because of that dick head

I dont understand a place that intentionally appears filthy and neglected. I guess its part of the «hard times» theme?
I was very taken aback when I entered the bathroom. The walls are very dirty, and the «design» is that of a room that’s been vandalized to the fullest extent by someone with complete hate. Or maybe its an abandoned building and they left all the walls «as is»?? Ive been in hipster places where they encourage you to scribble on the bathroom walls, but this is far beyond that. Like, why would you intentionally want to appear nasty!!! I was just confused as hell. But I cant say I wasnt warned, the façade out front matches the inside. Dirty, neglected, hated, uncared for. At the same time, its obviously contrived.
The tofu scramble was decent. The veggies were fresh. I appreciate all the gluten free options.
The guy at the counter was fairly rude. At first I thought it was a joke. Then I thought «oh $h!t he’s racist». But now I can see, thats their thing.
Whatever. I cant eat in a place this damn filthy and unkempt. Just why.

Hard Times cooperative was established way before the hipster… movement (?), so yeah, it’s just regular ppl. I’ve been a patron since 1991. I lived in the area when it was Café Global, then Expatriate. Hey, folks, remember when Hard Times was open all nite? I have fond memories of impassioned late-​night political discussions with awesome strangers as a 16 yr old South high student enrolled in post secondary classes at the U. And the impromptu speed-​chess tourneys! And the mix of humanity! Dirtbags with and without dreadlocks, chain-​smoking East African pentagenarians, and me. To all those who experienced rudeness, I assure you, most there aren’t, so give it another chance. The veggie wrap, homemade salsa, freshly grated hash browns, Vegan Doughnuts, strong coffee! I will always love you, HT.

This review is not about the food, just the service. I could not believe how rude and disrespectful this place was. I tried to ask for a gluten-​free breakfast due to having a gluten allergy and the guy behind the counter was completely annoyed and frustrated. After he grumbled that everything was cooked on the grill top and wouldn’t be safe, I decided not to get anything for myself and just ordered something for my husband. It continued to go downhill as there was some confusion on what I had written down. I never had a chance to clarify but instead was told I didn’t know how to read the menu, I should learn how to read, etc. There was more but bottom line is he was clearly having a rough morning and taking it out on the first person to walk in. This place does NOT CARE about its customers to treat people this way. Had a horrible experience and would never go back.

If you don’t like diversity (cultural) don’t come here. That’s your problem. Otherwise, it’s the best vegetarian restaurant in Minneapolis. What else needs to be said?

If you can handle the attitude of the staff and the graffiti in the bathroom, this place is great. The food is all vegetarian or vegan. It’s delicious and unbelievably affordable, and the portions are huge. I recommend going with someone who has been there before because the staff is not helpful at all. No greetings. No instructions on how to order. If all the menus are taken, you have to consult the one on the wall in tiny print. Also be aware that you buss your own table, so some of the tables are filthy due to patrons not being aware of the rules. The bathroom… It’s clean. But the walls will drive you mad. Also there is no mirror or paper towels.

My new favorite place in the Twin Cities, hands down! A small café, just like I’d like to run soon. LOTS of vegan options. Great service! Everyone made my wife and I, and every other guest feel at home. A place with no judgement, just good food and good vibes. We split blueberry pancakes, vegan hash and a tofu breakfast sandwich (our server’s recommendation). Every item was very different, and very good. Coming from a chef, the best homestyle you’ll find anywhere! I don’t know how we’ve never been here before, but we will definitely be back, the next time we’re in town!

The place has an attitude all its own. It feels like it’s always been there and always will be.
You order at the counter– cash only, all vegetarian/​vegan menu. It’s a fantastic place, the food was fresh and delicious. Don’t let yourself leave without returning your plates and mugs to the kitchen.
I strongly advise checking out the bathroom as well. It’s truly psychotic.

Cash only joint with unique vegetarian/​vegan dishes for an exceptionally great price and huge portion size! It’s a divey joint, but a fun place to visit.

Pretty average. It has a great vegan selection, but it had a strong smell of laquor/​wood stain. The ordering process its crazy if you havent been there (you get the menu and an order sheet from the front counter) which is only more convoluted because the staff doesnt greet customers.
Biscuits and gravy are great, but the tofu scramble isnt scrambled and barely seasoned.
Fine experience for the price, but definitely not referring friends.

As someone who is a fan of vegan and vegetarian food, I’ve been disappointed every time I’ve come here. I do love the quesadilla, however anytime I get anything other than that I’m disappointed. The tea however is delicious. There are many options to chose from. Just a few things to note: it’s cash only and is open till about 4−5AM. Staff are friendly.

Best vegetarian joint in the cities, hands down. I say this because there is so much variety and it’s super affordable. From breakfast to lunch to dinner — and huge portions. I had the hashbrown dish with eggs and vegetables (I forgot the name). I only ordered the half size and it was huge! Along with two sausage patties. My eyes are bigger than my stomach! My other party ordered the rancheros omelette filled with black beans and topped with a delicious red salsa. Both plates were super fulfilling and hit the spot for vegetarian brunch!
Notes:
— cash only
— order your drinks with the barista (right side when you walk in)
— take a peek at the menu, decide what you want, write it down on a slip and return to barista
— they call your order, you pick it up
— you eat, clean up after yourself and put away your dishes
It’s called hard times café so it’s definitely not a fancy place but the staff are super nice and helpful. Also, I’m not even vegetarian and I will be coming back again!

Hard Times Café is best for either individuals or a small group of no more than 2 – 4 people. A group of 6 is too big for this place. This café has a simple, artsy, old internet café feel to it. The staff work quickly, but seemed a bit impatient with orders and simple questions. The café is very well priced and provides a great selection of really tasty, all vegan food. Note: CASH ONLY. Upon walking in, you are to order your food by writing out your own receipt (don’t forget to include your name) and once your name is called, pick it up at the front. Before leaving, make sure to bus your own table as well. Some people don’t do this, and end up leaving a mess for the next customers. They do not have parking, but there is a parking lot available on right-​side of the building that starts at $ 2.50 (the machine was broken.) and meter parking on Riverside Ave.

Hipster heaven! Great food, from top of the menu to the bottom. The fallafels are the best I’ve ever had, you betta’ get yo som’! The cash only polic seems annoying, but there’s an ATM on the corner of the street that the café is on, so no big deal. Amazing place for vegan and vegetarins, but also great for people like me, who just want GREAT food!

Hipster heaven! Great food, from top of the menu to the bottom. The fallafels are the best I’ve ever had, you betta’ get you some! The cash only policy seems annoying, but there’s an ATM on the corner of the street that the café is on, so no big deal. Amazing place for vegan and vegetarins, but also great for people like me, who just want GREAT food!

I am a huge fan of this place. GREAT french press coffee and cheap vegan/​vegetarian eats. Really tasty food! I always get the 3 taco plate and my dad loves the Quesdilla or the Black Bean Tostada. If you want breakfast, get the Huevos Rancheros. It is a collective so depending on which owner is working, you will feel a different music vibe. I have ones that I like more than others. This place is open after the bars close, so you can have a bite if you drank too much before you catch a cab home.

Stopped in for a late breakfast when traveling through on a business trip. I always look for good places to get vegan food and this was a gem. No frills, no credit cards, and write your own order ticket. I ordered a the vegan biscuits and gravy breakfast and it was awesome. 2 huge biscuits, sauage gravy, hashbrowns, tofu scramble and a sausage patty for $ 7.50 plus a $ 5.00 tip :).
Bussed my own table and walked away with enough food to last until dinner.
You need to go. Don’t think twice.

I live nearby and LOVE coming here after my classes.
I’m vegetarian and the food is awesome here.
Not to mention my odd obsession with their mocha.
It has nice music as always and the people there are cool.
Cash only policy doesn’t bother me as I’m already shady like that. Also, it’s not really fair to call it a hipster café and more on. There’s a lot more it offers and doesn’t attract only hipsters. Basically, it’s a nice local place and I enjoy it. Easy 5 stars to give.

I get down on some Vegan food, but I only came in for a cup of coffee. It was tiny but it was also only $ 1, so points for not charging up the ass for a 2oz cup of free range artisan slow drip gluten free BS like some of the other places around town. Extra stars for the Cro Mags reference, John Joseph would be stoked on this place

The food is amazing here! I love that it has vegan and vegetarian food. I had the falafel plate and it was fresh and delicious. I really recommend this place.

This place just blew my mind. It’s open all night. It’s vegan (and vegetarian). It’s live. The atmosphere is comforting (def towards hipster tho which is cool). It’s DELICIOUS! And on top of that its so cheap! If I were a local I’d be a regular

You know what’s awesome? A (nearly) ²⁴⁄₇ restaurant that serves vegetarian dishes using fresh ingredients at an unbeatably cheap price. So convenient for late nights when everything else is closed and you’re looking to eat healthy, quality food.
You know what’s keeping this from being 5 stars? The hideously rude staff. I understand it’s part of the dive restaurant ethos and all, but if I’m giving you business and being polite, there is no need or excuse to employ hostility. Wish management would give a crap.

Never even ate the food. Arrived late at night to find out they take cash only. Walked in the cold to nearby ATM machine to spend $ 6 to get cash to purchase food from Hard Times. When arrive wait in line for about 10 minutes to order. Wrote out order on back of the card because it was difficult to fit on the front. When finally got to front to hand the employee the card he asked to rewrite order on the front of card in a very condescending tone causing an even longer wait. My guest then asked him how big the cup of soup was and he slammed down the glass he had in his hand to stop what he was doing to answer our question. At this point I had enough of his attitude and decided to leave. Thanks for wasting my time and money Hard Times café. I plan on never coming here or saying anything good about this place.

Calling this a hipster joint, is a little out of tune, because these folks been jiving, longer than hipster been a thing…
But they tell me hipsters rather burn than read, so I guess I understand…
You got to be after the food, and I’m not always, but you can’t harsh them for the thing they do, best vegetarian food around, just don’t look around, if it ain’t you…
After all, it’s not called ‘easy times as you take it’, is it…
Order up, cash out and get full, ya dig?

Heh, I like this place. We arrived for a beer release a bit early and were hungry, so I used my faithful Unilocal app to find a place close by to grab some breakfast/​brunch. I noticed the vegetarian and vegan tags in the description but didn’t grace my husband with this information 0:).
First, and it says this right on the front door, cash only. So make sure you have $$. We did, so in we proceeded.
The inside is kind of confusing. And by confusing I mean, delicious smells coming from kitchen, odd miss-​matched chairs and tables. You have to write down your order and give it to the cashier, but don’t dally because there are only 2 menus and we were creating a backlog as we tried to decide what we wanted to eat. Lots of good sounding things, but I went with a spinach and cream cheese omelette. It was amusing to watch hubby flip through the menu and ask «why don’t any of these things come with meat??» before it dawned on him. He gives me a WTF look and orders the bahn mi.
We grabbed a table, and my husband attempted to beat me at backgammon with a set they had there, only to find that they were missing the dice and some of the other pieces. I got up twice to get orders I thought were ours because the guy shouting the names out couldn’t enunciate and some names sounded surprisingly similar.
For the food, my omelette was decent and about what I expected. The bahn mi though, wow that was awesome! I had to double check that there wasn’t meat in it. What do they call it, I have no idea, the meat substitute? Whatever they did to it, it completely fooled me. If I end up there again, I’m definitely getting that next time.

Hard Times is a good breakfast place. I think the atmosphere overtakes the food. The restaurant gives off a punk rock venue vibe with its music and decorative accents.
We liked the fact there were vegan options. The first thing we noticed was how oily the food was when cutting into it. I got a breakfast burrito and my wife got Helter Skelter plate. Both were decent but too oil for us. Hey to each his own, right? I guess we wanted something on the healthier side. I want to like the food here, and there are probably better dishes… But I’d probably try another place before here if you’re looking for vegan options. Two thumbs up for the vibe though.

Been a customer for two years. Always excellent food and staff. Love supporting local businesses. Why a 1 star? Tonight I walked in with a bag that was a to go from another restaurant. I was about to place a to go order and the gal says no outside food allowed. I said I’m just placing a to go order here. Not like I’m going to eat the outside food thst was in a box and in a bag. She shrugged and had a attitude.
Last time I spend money at Hard Times. Plenty of other local businesses in the area.

If you are vegan then you will likely be pleasantly surprised to find that the menu is a lot to take in … Typically vegans don’t have this many options at a single restaurant and it feels like a luxury. We ordered seitan fajitas, vegan juevos rancheros and rice and beans. Even though I didn’t need it, I got a vegan oatmeal cookie because I never had a fresh baked vegan cookie before. All of our food was yummy.
The place feels a little divey but you know that walking in.

I feel very torn with Hard Times Café.
On one hand the food was great, but on the other hand it was an extremely dirty and an unwelcoming restaurant.
The pros: The food is very good (at least the vegan biscuits and gravy is). The staff seemed nice enough. Every thing on the menu is reasonably priced.
The cons: The restaurant is dirty. They play angry sounding music at a volume where you can’t even hear the people you are sitting with. The bathrooms were genuinely unsanitary. The art hanging on the walls could quite possibly destroy your appetite (they are vulgar).
Would I go back? Only to order to-​go.
Would I bring children? Never
My advice to the restaurant: Make the restaurant more presentable and comfortable. Take pride in the fact that you have a tasty interesting menu.

**“Unique” could be the best descriptor for this place!**
Kicking off this review, I have decided to give this place 5 stars. I will list some of my observations here:
— Atmosphere at this place is pretty unique (awkward?) and I haven’t found anything close anywhere yet. I’ll keep you posted if I find one but so far nothing. Everything looks hipster at this place, from customers, to staff, to the way you make your order, and the CASH ONLY policy.
— All vegetation and vegan menu! You can’t find anything meaty here. So if you’re one of those who needs to eat 5 pounds of meat a day, this place might piss you off a little bit.
— Staff are pretty weird and at some points even unfriendly! A friend of mine told me of his experience when he slapped a 20 on the counter and the bartender told him ‘I WILL NOT SERVE YOU”. So he grabbed his money and got out. Strange story?! It’s hard times.
— They have a variety of options on their menu and serve breakfast all day. I can’t say the quality of ingredients they use is perfect here, but it’s decent enough for me to always get back here.
— Open 22 hours a day, only closed from 4 to 6 AM.
— There’s like a note telling you that «YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO TIP», although there’s no service here. Nobody comes to your table to take your order. Instead, you grab a pen and a piece of paper, list your order (s), write the price in front of each item, and then add up the numbers! Next, you get seated and wait until the chef shouts your name in kind of an aggressive way and you get up and go grab your food. Not the end of the story yet! When finished, you’d need to take your dishes, empty the leftover crap on it to a garbage can, and put your fork and knife in a mixture of hot water and soap. I guess the only thing they don’t ask is washing the dishes.
— There’s a sign saying «Your husband abusive? Use poison»! I don’t really know if they provide that stuff, haven’t asked them.
— Make sure you have enough cash. No credit cards accepted!
Wrapup: I could have rated this place 4 stars, but given all the weird things I mentioned above, 5 stars sounds fair to me.

Hard Times is a grungy punk — hippie establishment serving up a solely vegetarian/​vegan menu. If you don’t identify with the counterculture, you’ll definitely be stepping outside of your mainstream comfort zone and won’t be made to feel any more at ease by the no-​nonsense staff. This scene is typically a big turn-​off for me, but there are enough redeeming qualities to earn it 4 stars:
*Wide variety of veg-​friendly options (including all day breakfast) that spans beyond your typical healthy (bland) quinoa and kale-​type offerings
*Late night hours (4a closing time)
*Cheap prices for hearty portions
*Counter-​only service (no wait staff)
*Decent food (falling short of great) that will leave you satisfied, even if you are accustomed to more carnivorous diets
CASH ONLY!

I have been to this place like 5 times in last 6 months.
Pros:
Very laid back and hippie kind of place.
Lots of vegan and vegetarian options.
Very inexpensive.
Huge Variety
Good Quantity
Vegan Cookies are amazing
Cons:
Place is not clean
Food does not taste that great. I had lot of dishes, all of them just taste ok, not bad but not great either.

Hard times is Hard times. The people sitting outside on occasion have clearly gone through Hard Times, or they are very good at dressing in a convincing enough manner.
Inside this place is definitely a little bit hipster, but it doesn’t really matter. Write down your vegetarian dish of choice, pay your bill, and wait for them to call your name. Be prepared for the fact that portions are beyond generous here, and good luck actually finishing your food. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem but they make pretty awesome food. The tables are not grimy, or anything of the sort. Maybe the cushions are a bit ripped but that’s about it.
You’d have to be crazy not to come here with how amazing everything is.