The Underground Music Cafe
| Address: | 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-644-9959 |
| Site: | undergroundmusiccafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–8PM 6:30AM–9PM 6:30AM–9PM 6:30AM–9PM 6:30AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
JO
John David Crouch
Looks like theyve gotten a lot of other good reviews. So perhaps Im way off base... ..Given that this cafe is in my neighborhood I would like it to be great - in effect Im pulling for it. But I just had an espresso and its just bad. Whats more the pastries are dry and clearly not as fresh as they could be. I can drive 10 minutes south or west of here and find two local places that have excellent espressos and fresh made pastries. Or go though the Mudslingers drive thru and get a very good espresso. For last couple of years this place has tried to find its footing and I appreciate and revere anyone who tries to start a new business or revamp an existing one. And of course the "support local" music credo is something anyone would get behind. But first thing is first: get the coffee and pastries right. Here are somemore tips/thoughts: - Can you be a coffee, wine bar with a focus on music at place which also sells ice-cream to appeal to neighborhood kids and parents? Thats a lot of different things which makes for a disjointed experience. - Can you really serve quality food from a menu that is decidedly big for a kitchen that is decidely small and not set up to really serve food - good food that would make you wanna come back? Artisinal cheese board, waffles? Can you really do this well if you cant get an espresso right? Kind of related to point number one. - Everyone wants to support local coffee shops. Nevertheless the one thing that the chains do well...quick service. Underground lacks in this department as well which compounds the other issues. Also the few times Ive been here it seems like the manager and/or employees and/or people hanging out are much more interested in chatting with each other than engaging the customer. Not good. Again, would love for this place to be great. But it doesnt seem to know what it is or rather it seems to want to be many things without the horses to pull it there. And I hate to sound so awful and really apologize in advance - its tough to run any business. But in MSP there are a lot of choices and notwithstanding some local music to be hear, I cant say this would be in my top 5 coffee shops. Free advice: pick one thing to be, do that really well and then go from there.
DA
Darren Cox
Underground Music Cafe is one of those places that musicians look back at as the place they got their start. It used to just be a quaint little place where you could go to get some ice cream in the summertime or a cup of coffee, but was pretty non-descript otherwise. Since the new owner took over, the place has upgraded their food selection (though it still takes forever for it to come out of the kitchen), it has a nice little mix of wine and craft beers and you can still get a good cup of coffee or some ice cream. However, that isnt why folks come to the underground. We come for the music. Whether you like new pop or old country, professional musicians or kids just getting their start, blues or bluegrass, show up to the Underground on any given night and youre likely to get your wish. Our 15 year old daughter played her first gig here and continues to play here occasionally. Weve seen incredible musicians at open mic night and we are never disappointed at the passion with which people play on this small stage. If you are a fan of local music and local businesses, this coffee shop is your spirit animal.
CH
chris christoforides
I love this place. I have been coming here since it first opened in the early 90s. This place has had several owners over the years, and has just recently been resold. Despite the seemingly frequent change of hands, this place has maintained its family friendly neighborhood appeal throughout the years. I bring my son to the Coffee Grounds almost weekly. It is a great place for kids. He loves playing with the toys on the stage and listening to the family friendly bands. Hopefully the new ownership will improve this venue without altering it too much and changing its vibe.
TJ
TJ Clark
Well weve been here for about fourty minutes now, and my positive first impression is being worn say by the incredibly slow service. My food and my moms came out of the kitchen in about half an hour, but were still waiting on my nieces. All we ordered were a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and an egg sandwich and, by the looks of it, were the only food order being worked on. The food was good, but you dont get a lot for the price and hopefully the service is not always this slow. The server did offer to make it right and get us a free ice cream for my niece.
KA
Karina Taylor
I was slow to stop in for the first time, but now I absolutely love this place. Good coffee, good people, and a good atmosphere. Their pastries are brought in fresh daily and they even have day old pastry for a $1 if youre looking for a bargain. I also love that I can grab a sandwich, ice cream or a glass of wine while Im here. After discovering this place you certainly wont find me in any of the chains, and even some of the other local shops dont compare. The staff is very friendly and there is a just a good vibe here. Stop by!
A
A Private User
besides a large selection of unique teas, which I love, this coffee house is community-friendly in every sense: theres a play area for kids, handmade gifts created by locals are displayed everywhere (for sale), and the music/performance line-up (local, again) is plentiful and diverse. not only that, but the coffee grounds exhibits fabulous art from community artists, switching it up about every month. the place never looks the same from month to month! I value a coffee house that values its community.
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Heather Lucy
This place is great. Really cozy and interesting! Love to bring my son after soccer on Saturdays to share a soup and sandwich plate and sodas. Coffee is also good and they even have a variety of ice cream flavors. I also LOVE the toum sauce which we get on grilled cheese for lunch. They have a variety of family fun board games, cards, and books and we love the live music and the beautiful childrens art work that adorns the wall! :)
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Jessica Lambert
UMC has great coffee, delicious macchiatos and other fancy coffee-based blends. Friendly staff and great music. The stage is always occupied and can be a little unpredictable, but its a great mixing of the community and appeals to a bunch of demographics. Wonderful wine and beer list as well, to pair with a tasty American menu bringing you breakfast at any hour. Definitely a great spot to take people new to the area!
NE
Nemo Sundry
They have the best coffee and tea! Decent prices, get a meal for under $10. Homemade tastes, classic American food. I played their upright piano - its high quality and in tune compared to most cafes. They welcomed me to play any time unless there was an event. They sell local music, and have a comfortable environment.
DI
Dirk Dixon
I went here with my wife and thought the place was clean and inviting. I had a Moca and she had a coffee. The prices were reasonable and the service was pleasant. The only negative thing I could say is that the parking was limited. It is such a cool and unique place. I would recommend it and I do often.
