Hard Times Cafe

Smaller Dive of a cafe with good hot chocolate. A good place to wait out a rain storm.

I love HardTimes Cafe.They have amazing food,The best coffee ever.I have been coming here to the West Bank and this Cafe for 28 years now and its one of my favorite places and will always be where I go when i want some Great food and some Super yummy and strong fresh Coffee.I have always been treated respectfully and i have no complaints.5 stars all around.HARDTIMES FOREVER

This is my favorite place to go for vegan food downtown. I ve ended up here multiple times in one day with friends who are visiting because they have so many different options.

The food is good however, customer service could use an improvement. Twice I've been there and the individual who takes the orders comes of short/rude.
Get the Chai Tea Latte - the best!

Our favorite cafe! Such great food and service. We love the collective ownership and especially love how welcoming the atmosphere is. All vegetarian menu, pay cash at the counter. Cash (and trash) rule everything around me. Highly recommend!

The baked goods are always good but the other food varies based on who is making it. The staff is normally pissy but is at least helpful. The price and the baked goods are the best part.

Haven't been here much but wen I gave, the food n drink I did have was great! Staff is usually pretty friendly n the environment is usually totally chillax.

Went to Hard Times at midnight for an espresso and a quick bite. The vegan biscuits and gravy is incredible with prices that can't be beat (a heaping plate of food for $6.50)! The atmosphere was sort of creepily awkward.

Poor food and service. The staff was very unprofessional and they do not like to serve Americans. Funny though, we are in America. Won t be back as there are so many better choices.

Small water cups. Muffins bad bad. Staff is big meanie. I should DEFINITELY have gone to the chocolate eclair conference center than this place.

Good food and good vibe. An institution with reasonable prices and satisfying portion sizes. This is not white table cloth dining but down-to-earth good food. Definitely not for those who think that they can talk down to people because they are providing you a service. If you are that kind of person, try going elsewhere.

Their vegan rancheros are amazing.
I crave them always but they are 5 hours away so it s a rare treat!
Fair prices and large portions.
The muffins are also excellent and I love the atmosphere!

the atmosphere is not as described waiters are very rude and waited for hours for food. will not go again.

I appreciate the fact that this place offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian items on the menu, but I felt the quality of the food was lacking compared to other places with vegan entree or side items in the Twin Cities. The atmosphere would be perfect for most high school or college students looking to study or wind down but I don t feel I d go out of my way to come back.

This place sucks. I'm sorry to say that. I was only there because The Wienery was closed and I wish I wouldn't have walked in that door. The decor is cool I guess. I usually trust the food at places that look like that. Usually no frills just good food. Unfortunately that wasn't the case here. I felt like I was annoying the staff by ordering food. I was barely acknowledged. No thank you or anything. It's probably a good thing that you tip before you get your food because they probably wouldn't receive many tips otherwise.

The food was ok. French toast was good but I didni't get the real maple maple syrup I ordered (and paid extra for) but I didn't want to get scoffed at by the staff again. My eggs were not prepared how I ordered them but I again didn't want to say anything so I could avoid the pretentious staff as much as possible. I swear it's like its cool to be rude if you work there. At least the prices are reasonable. I would have rated the food as good had my eggs not been cooked so poorly.

Long story short: I won't be going back. Mostly because of the staff that seems like they're trying to prove something and put no effort at all into customer serice but also food was not that great.

Very good vegan. Who would have thought who would have guess

The place doesn't look clean, I got a soup hoping to get a hot one but I was wrong, I ate it fast but it was cold when I had half of the bowl empty. The soup itself was ok. BTW ,the prices for sandwiches and soup are cheap

The best vegan food in the cities! I am guessing the non vegan food is good too! An all around relaxing place to uwind and socialize. Great smooth coffee. A place to just roll with.

Well, yelp shut down reviews, so here I am. For 15 years Hard Times has always been a must stop everytime I'm in Minneapolis. Their Helter Skelter has been a must have at 11pm after a show at the Cabooze. Their coffee has fueled me through all. I have so many fond memories of this establishment. Hard Times has always, and will continue to rock.

This is a vegetarian diner with vegan options. It is a co op so that is really nice in my opinion. I ve been coming here over 20 years and the food is always consistent with a great price and you can even get half orders of most items! Another aspect I love are the late night hours open til 4am! There is a great variety here for almost any diet. The portions are huge you will not leave this place hungry! Love it!

A very distinctive coffee shop. How about this descriptor, eclectic. Very good coffee. I had a blackeye. The banana coconut cookie was delightful.

It wasn t busy and we had to wait too long to get our food. Once we did, the order was incorrect and I usually take that as maybe it was meant to be, but the scrambler or whatever they called it was pretty burnt. I m not sure that I would give this place another shot. It was pretty dirty inside.

If you happen to be there during a theme week get what ever they have on the menue! I have never been dissapointed yet! They serve great food! Yummy late night after bar goodies for the vegan and vegitarian palate!

Been coming here since I was 16 when I used to come up for shows. Little did I know I d end up working in the neighborhood and it would basically become my home. Love the Hard Times.

Always my first stop when I visit Minneapolis. And then I end up eating there at least once a day when I m in town. Great people, great food.

Great food! Great service! And they definitely know how to keep the red hat bigots out!

This place has tons of character! Just remember to bring cash, since they don't accept credit cards.

A little rough around the edges, but the huge helpings of great food practically make up for it. I hear this place gets shut down for sanitary reasons a lot.. *shrugs* it's a hippie hideout, and it's cool that way. If you're feeling lucky, take a stroll down the sticky tables of Hard Times.

Extraordinarily rude staff, unsanitary dining area, sketchy customers, and a ridiculous cash-only policy. One of the worst places to eat or drink in the Twin Cities.

After all these years SOOO good:)
Try the nachos you'll thank yourself.

A comfortable place to be safe and served hot coffee, delicious pastries, and vegetarian fare. They protect our community by being present and involved.

I love this place, the food is amazing, it's always a lot of food and very low prices. You can only pay with cash though.

Vegan/Veggie diner open 22 hours a day. Full menu available all day, wonderful food, amazing breakfast.

Best vegan baked goods I've had in the twin cities. Don't miss the donuts (when they have them). I also like the biscuit with gravy and the burrito. I wouldn't get the vegan pancake here, go to Seward instead, it's kind of tough and often overdone at Hard Times.

All the food ive had is delicious.. from simple rice & beans to veg bahn mi or the Greek platter.. vegan baked goods and coffees are perfect. I appreciate the hard working staff. They are totally boss.

I grew up going here,so this place holds a special place in my heart. The food and coffee are super fresh and delicious.

This place hasn't changed from way back when I was a little kid and my dad used to bring me here to meet his buddies. I've seen it go from a cozy place to a rough place and to a friendly place... but it's always there! I wish they would make it into a museum of cedar riverside and protect it as a historical center, along with KFAI radio across the street.

The muffins and breakfast burritos are incred. It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall no-frills vibe, but that's what keeps it so great (and affordable! Just remember to bring cash). The employees give you attitude to go with the food, and I think it's all in good fun.

All of the MAGAt fake reviews are comical, especially the ones that mention ordering from a server when everyone orders at the counter here. Obviously some people haven't been here and are just writing reviews for no reason... how curious.

I gave it one star because I just get such a chill from people behind the counter--they don't seem to know how to smile or be friendly on any level.

Really good. Only have cow milk and soy milk though (of which I, at least, am both allergic to)

This has been my favorite place to grab food in Minneapolis for over a decade. I wish every restaurant were like this.

Hard Times has quite the vibe. It's extremely vegan-friendly. The good ranges from okay to good and the service ranges from abysmal to fine, which I think must be intentional.... Cash only!

The food is flame! If you're looking for a casual spot with awesome service and awesome people check them out! Highly recommend!!

I have been coming here since I was a kid. There is no place like it. I buy some delicious vegan food, I play some chess, I drink some tea at any hour of the day. I once went to a play and the playwright was in town for a discussion of his work and after I convinced him to go to hard times for a tempeh Reuben and more conversation and I will remember it forever. Come. Eat good food. It s a local treasure.

Though cash is required but the price is Reasonable. The atmosphere is peaceful. Very college friendly

Classic. Real deal. Grungy, punky, and funky. Wish we could go back to the 90's here... Without the armpit-hair sandwich

First time there, but the cashier was very impatient and rude, made my experience very unpleasant.

I just love this place!! It looks so ghetto and unclean on the outside but it is actually super clean and well taken care of. The grunge is part of their anti-establishment decor. They don't even take anything but cash probably to go with the theme! That was so funny but we enjoyed it. Barista and cook were welcoming and friendly! I loved that the cook yelled your name when your food was ready. So authentic! And they have board games!!!
If you're vegetarian /vegan this is an awesome place where you will eat confidently because you won't have questions about traces of animal products or products people use but don't talk about! But that's not the best part!
The best part is that the food is to-die-for delicious! This is hands down the best vegan food I've had. Normally vegan food is so bland and bean-y, not at hard times, it is so filling and fresh and delicious! I absolutely love this place!

I truly enjoy the atmosphere of your cafe. Everyone is so nice and the food is great!

Love this place, great food, all vegetarian and vegan - thanks for keeping it affordable.
Maybe not your mother s average cafe but damn good, giant baked goods too.

Review Summary by google (presumably mined from the web from another source) is incorrect!

This place is delicious and diggable. I love the unpretentious delicious vegetarian food! After all these years Hard Times is still bringing it! You too, can have your mouth taste like garlic for hours after eating the flavorful salsa!

Delicious food at a great price. One of my favorite places to go for getting work done on my computer. They serve delicious diner-style food. I really like their biscuits and gravy, seitan banh mi, and TLT. Their baked goods are also amazing and their internet is always fast and consistent. Music can be loud at times so if that bothers you, bring headphones. Overall, highly recommended!

Very cool vibe, great food. I had the burrito grande, which was indeed quite grande. Lots of coffee and tea options, too! If lived in Minneapolis, I would certainly be a regular.

Doesn't accept cards and had few vegans options. It should not show when I search vegan food near me!

One of Minnesota s best! Friendly, clean and safe.

One of my favorite vegan spots in the cities!

I ve been a patron of the cafe for many years. Love the hard times always the place to be for the strongest press pot coffee and a giant plate of hash browns

Fantastic array of people with super great coffee options. Ignore all the bad reviews, their just mad we don't like Trump.

Got a Almond Milk Capp, and a Soy Mocha. Both excellent! Quick, genuine, service. Try the Zebra Cookie and the Chocolate Espresso cupcake. Crazy hours, 4AM?! "Little Gem"

OK food, place looks better on the inside than from the street. When your meal is ready, they shout your name in a way that sounds like you'll get punished :-)

Great vegan options, affordable prices!! Love the baked goods. Most of the staff are friendly but a few could be friendlier. The vibe is very grungy so beware if you're not into that.

I love this place like it was in my family. Thank you, Hard Times!

Always amazing food, cheap and huge portions. Couldnt reccomend a better place.

Absolutely delicious, open super late and had really unique options. A true representation of Minneapolis and love the owner

Don't go to this place, not welcoming at all. They have ordering instructions that are confusing. The staff is rude and you get you food about an hour later. Overall the place is a dump and not friendly. Not sure how it gets all the 5 star reviews.

Punk vegan and vegetarian foods. Last time I had the Vegan Chilaquiles. It was Spicey and filling and delicious. The coffee is strong. One thing I love about this place is that it draws all different kinds of people in different age ranges, and they are all served the same. Been one of my fave neighborhood eateries for 10years.

Great place. Great food. Know that if you go really late at night the music may be very loud. Or there may be a story in the player. Last time I went had the Shepard's harvest or something named along those lines. Eggs, veggies, cheese, all on hash browns. Also closes between 4am and 6am otherwise open...

Amazing place for good vegan food! Fairly priced as well. Everything I ve tried has been amazing

Great priced coffee with a hip vibe and interesting people.

This place is delicious and affordable. Get the satanic hashbrowns or whatever suits ya, it's well worth the price. It's cozy and very welcoming.

The vibe is hipster-y, prices are good, and they have good/many vegan options.

Prices were similar to other basic breakfast places. We paid $20 for 2 meals, an extra side, and a coffee.

On their menus they have some easy-to-find vegan options, as many of their usual items can be made vegan.

My favorite lunch joint, hands down. It's so great to have a veg*n restaurant so close to work! Good, simple diner food with some decent tex mex stuff. Good coffee and kombucha, too! Love the lived in feel, and the funny tea names. Not super accessible, unfortunately, between steps to access and music playing. Also, cash only! (But there's an ATM on the corner)

SOOOO laid back!! casual employees and casual environment. They are there for you when you need coffee at 2am. What more could you ask for? The treats are great and they have vegan options. The coffee was served in glass root-beer style mugs. It was great.

Good music. Great veggie food. The workers are legit.

Cool atmosphere good vegetarian options and vegan options.

Great Cafe! I appreciate the things that this business stands for!

One of the best locally run, vegan friendly, open (almost) all night, been around forever coffee and food joints in town!

Chill atmosphere and awesome Quesadilla. Coffee and baked goods are fantastic.
And its all served 22 hours a day.

Don't expect great service, but the food is good and provides lots of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. Pretty reasonable prices as well. Music can be a little loud.

Amazing place!
I'm a vegan and I loved it. It's also relatively cheap if you're on a budget! So worth it

I m pleased with their many vegan food options! They also have a lot of board games that you can play.

Of note, they only take cash.