The Bru House & Drive Thru

The coffee was ok. Older crowd, but good place to work and get stuff done. Loved the muffin!

I’ve been here twice now. It’s probably the closest non chain coffee house to me north of the cities, which I always appreciate. And they display local art to boot!
The first visit was just a coffee over a first date. It was too sweet for me and the whip cream was a not so fab and kind of fake tasting-​which I didn’t realize it was going to come with anyway (if I’m going to do dairy– I like it real!)
The 2^nd stop was with my teenager. She loves it. Her white chocolate raspberry mocha was spot on for her (and sickly sweet to me!) My macchiato was just right.
We both had a cute little muffin shaped quiche kind of thingy that was loaded with flavor and just right for starting the day out.

I found this gem while perusing Google Maps — I had no idea they had been open 20 years, let alone open at all! I had never heard of it. People like me out there are shamefully out of the loop and in need of a time-​out. As long as that time-​out is in the corner of the Bru House, with one of their famous raspberry mochas to keep me company! The café was full of locals, although not packed. People came in and out the entire time I was there (and many more I’m sure through the drive-​thru). By the way, where is the drive-​thru? I saw many signs and arrows out front pointing you to the back of the building and around. There was no sight of it from inside the café, so either they have a secret cave or bookshelf that leads them through, or they are just really awesome at separating that annoying drive-​thru noise and experience from the rest of the customers who like to stay and lounge indoors. I really appreciated that — sometimes you feel like an inconvenience to employees whose main objective is to get drinks out fast to the line of cars, while patrons inside end up standing in line for 10 minutes. Not happening here! I was taken care of immediately and was attended to often.
I ordered a half-​sandwich with chips for $ 6 (fresh turkey cucumber tasted like homemade!) and an iced tea, which was huge, for $ 2.50. I noticed a large selection of hot teas and pastries, and 3 ladies always tidying up and taking care of the people inside. It felt more like a trip to my Aunt’s kitchen than to another ol’ coffee shop. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been around for 20 years — you learn to make friends and keep them coming back for more. Looking forward to my next lunch at the Bru House.

Good coffee, but inconsistent hours. I’ve relied on this spot for an evening coffee. The last two attempts (5:45 PM) they closed early. Call ahead to see if they’re open, if you plan to visit past 5 PM.

Not a chain coffee house, so rare these days. Small yet cozy. Free WiFi. Excellent offerings. Need more of these around!

All I can say is wow. What a quaint beautiful spot. I usually don’t like to write reviews after only one trip, but I didn’t want to keep this one to myself.
Extremely friendly, knowledgeable service. The girl at the counter explained various things on the menu and pointed out some favorites. All I ordered today was a cup of chicken gumbo soup. Fantastic. Totally homemade. So tasty. Nice and hot. Well seasoned. I will update soon after trying some of the other food. The sandwiches looked phenomenal.
Drinks are served in real cups and drink ware. Such care was put into making the drinks unlike the chain stores.
This is just what you love to see from a local small business. Great food. Great drinks. Friendly service. Lots of regulars so you know it’s the real deal. Everybody that walked in after me was warmly greeted as if they’d been here a hundred times.
I would like to see more outlets put in for those of us that need to work while plugged in. I only found one that was convenient to use. Otherwise, free wifi.
Such a great find. Another gem tucked away in the ‘burbs.

It was the greatest ever ! I didn’t even have to put pants on. The new drive through window rocks the coffee had me doing the lindy hop in some random parking lot. It should be illegal.

I am surprised I’ve never been here before. Maybe because of the name – it makes me think it’s a beer joint. However, it’s a nice little coffee shop with not-​too-​dark coffee (yay!). I haven’t tried any of the espresso drinks, just the brewed coffee. The baked goods seemed okay, too.
The only real kick I have on the place is that they’re a bit tight on parking and they have zero comfortable chairs – all wooden straight-​backs at tables or a little bar.

Amazing family owned business with high quality coffee and high quality service to match… if your in town don’t miss this local GEM…

This is a great neighborhood coffee shop. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is comfortable, and they use coffee from the Duluth roaster Alakef. I’ve tried the baked goods a few times, and they are fresh and tasty. (Doughtnuts seems to be the crowd favorite.) And one thing that makes this place unique for a coffee shop: they actually wipe down the tables so you don’t stick to someone else’s spill when you sit down.

Place is awesome. Owners are very nice. I fixed their cable once and I stopped in and they gave me a free coffee. Best cold press around. The breakfast sandwiches are tasty too.

This place is awesome. New Brightons a nice community and this is a cool neighborhood café too. Solid sandwich selection but the drinks are top notch. Cool spot with good drinks (and a café bar).

Lattes made by an actual barista, good breakfast sandwiches, great apple fritters and James Taylor music in the background.

Great coffee, pleasant staff, and a cozy setting. When I visit family in the area I always make sure to stop by and grab a pick me up! Much better than a super busy coffee chain. Will keep coming back!

So the coffee and Italians sodas have all been delicious. The sandwiches are all «ok» but nothing special, and could easily be made at home. If the sandwiches were closer to the 5 or 6 dollar mark, I would say it is worth it. But at 9 bucks, I would expect more than regular deli meat on a boring sandwich. It’s close to home so I do come here often, but I can’t say I’ve ever been «wowed» by any of the food.

It’s a chilly fall day and the hot soup sold out at 12pm, they weren’t prepared.
I got a turkey club and cold press coffee. The sandwich came with kettle chips and it was pretty good/​filling. But the sandwich was dry. It needed more mayo, and the tomatoes were very cold/​not ripe enough.
Otherwise the atmosphere was hopping and cozy as always. If you dong normal wear sweaters I’d recommend one. The place is small and the cold are makes it a haur chilly. Still dig this joint, will ask for extra mayo next time ^_^

Best Coffee House by Mpls St. Paul Magazine?!! No way!
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Here’s a tip for the Princess of the House: French Vanilla= ½ shot of vanilla + ½ shot of hazelnut. It is not a bunch of extra vanilla syrup… These people don’t care about your business. Just go there and you will soon discover that. It just happens to be the only spot in a sea of nothingness. Wait until some good competition moves in close…
Soggy croissant microwaved egg sandwich anyone?

I frequent The Bru House when in the area. Their coffee seems to be of good quality and they offer an array of espresso drinks (Depth Charge is my go-​to). I don’t think the place has ever been empty when I’ve come in, but it never seems to be too loud. I’ve never had any of the regular food offerings, but I did try some of the muffins and they were pretty good!
The Bru House is one of the better coffee shops I’ve found outside the city limits of Minneapolis, however it is not nearly the same as the city shops. This score is given based on a comparison to all coffee shops, but if you’re in the area I would definitely use Bru House to get your caffeine fix.
Note: They strongly prefer to only charge orders above $ 5, so if all you want is a coffee, bring cash or feel a little guilted when swiping your CC.

I went here recently to interview a prospective student for my alma mater. It was a nice, cozy coffee shop, a bit out of my way, but about equi-​distant between us, so it worked well for the purpose. The atmosphere was homey and the service was good. We each got the spiced apple cider. It comes with whipped cream and caramel sauce. It’s rather sweet, even for cider, but it was definitely good quality. I would go back if I happened to be in the neighborhood again.

Good coffee, just don’t come here for the baked goods.
For me that’s half the experience!
Scone was dry, crumbly and flavorless.
Other choices are what looked like Cub donuts.
NE Coffee Shop on Johnson Street is so much better and not much farther.