Hard Times Cafe Reviews

First, this is a wonderful place. And now I hear Hard Times refused service to MAGA hat and t-shirt wearers. Hard Times attracts a certain segment of society, mostly very liberal. I do not believe Hard Times refused service to MAGA people because of who they were, rather, they were only trying to head off any foreseen problems. Just as you would not serve trouble walking in your bar, Hard Times did the right thing in not serving this group of people. There would have been trouble.

A wonderful vegetarian/vegan place with a chill atmosphere. The barista was super friendly and there were plenty of signs explaining how to order and pay. The food, of course, was lovely. I'll definitely be back the next time I have a moment of time between classes

Good food. Some staff can be rude but usually pretty good.
I think this place deserve more of a praise than it has now. It has good priced vegan food.

Good vegetarian and vegan options, trendy and low key

Service was nice in that you simply walk up to a window to order/pick up your order.

Payment was through Venmo so there wasn t any contact that way. Entire process was contactless.

Food was good but nothing special. Sauces were a little bland. Serving size and price was reasonable.

To-go containers were compostable however!

Overall, nice place but maybe just not for me!

Very funky old school vegetarian restaurant. Dive decor. You place your order at the counter with your name on the ticket. Your name is called when your order is up and you go pick it up. Nothing wrong with that.
The food is very good. Reminds me of early vege-days before we learned to really cook vegetarian, but that's why I like to go there.
Prices are reasonable for what you pay and very generous sometimes. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

First, the environment: there are booths and chairs, obscure punk rock/ metal, and soundscapes music playing. You order at a counter and wait for the cook to make your food and call your name. There are all different kinds of wonderful people coming in and out of this place- all of the labels. The unisex bathrooms are covered in insightful graffiti. They have some old board games on a wall for people to use. You do have to pay to park ($3.00) and there is a big parking lot for convenience. This place is not wheelchair accessible. They sell cigarettes and rolling papers but no alcohol.

The food: my favorite is the philly cheese steak. They have a vegan name for it and it is delicious. I have also tried the tempeh Rueben (excellent), biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and egg breakfast platter. Every single thing I have eaten here is delicious. Their Rose tea is the best tea I have ever had in my life.

THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CARD. CASH ONLY!

The staff: everyone is very friendly. I have interacted with several staff members and they all seem to work well together- nice friendly vibes all around.

Cash only strictly (ATM in store). Full menu of entirely vegetarian offerings. Also Vegan if desired. Funky atmosphere, but I like it. Especially good for take out, since music is so loud you won't be able to hear yourself thinking. Always open 22 hours a day, from 6 am - 4 am. Typically eclectic crowd, with folks from the U usually there.

As a MN native I truly appreciate the HTC and have never been anywhere else quite like it. The veggie burgers and biscuits & gravy (and more!) are worth taking the flight back!
Remember to bring ca$h.

I've been coming here for years and for me it's still one of my favorites....

I love this eatery!! It is all vegetarian and vegan, and it is fantastic!! I will definitely go back to try more of the menu items. It's slightly divey which adds to the appeal in my opinion :)

This place has great coffee, and delicious vegan muffins. I like the atmosphere, only cash is used for purchases.

Vegan food at incredibly affordable rates.

Hard times has great food, lots of vegan options and is such an important part of our Minneapolis community

Yhe Hard Times is a community gem. Great vegetarian food and a wonderful place to hang out and meet people.

Good food, and I really like the atmosphere. The music can be pretty loud sometimes, though.

Kind of overpriced and cash only, but a good hipster student spot.

Absolutely delicious food and a place we always stop when we're in the cities. Hard Times is a vegetarian heaven with a great and unique atmosphere, amazing menu, and fantastic workers. We always feel welcomed here.

Bahn mi was fantastic. Great coffee and atmosphere.

I've been going to the Hard Times since 1998. That's a long time. Good gluten-free muffins; the migas are usually good too and have long been my go-to order. Basically I always get breakfast food. I like the spiced coffee too -- strong. It's worth noting they offended a political group on 10/16 and now you've got people from Florida and Delano, MN, posting one-star reviews about how terrible the servers are. These people have never been there. There are no servers, my friends. You write your order on a piece of paper at the counter, pick up your food when they call your name, and bus your own dishes. The music is great. The bathroom is indeed a bit of a horror show sometimes, primarily because it's not well-ventilated. Bring cash. Eat a cardamom cookie if they've got one. Relax.

Great atmosphere! You will never be disappointed with your meal or the size of it. Everything is vegan or vegetarian but even a carnivore would enjoy this place! Just remember CASH ONLY!

A great little punk cafe that serves vegetarian and vegan food. Typically crabby staff adds to the atmosphere. Plentybof outlets and places to sit. Try the seitan philly sandwhich!

Lots of vegan options , affordable prices and open til 2am

Hung out here with a few friends late one Tuesday night. The name says it all. The place felt old, run-down, and worn out. Not to say that those are bad attributes, just something to note. Perhaps not the place for everyone. The guy at the counter I recognized as the same bouncer from UpDown arcade/bar. Friendly enough. My friends all drunkenly ordered food and seemed to enjoy their meals very much, as they eat every bite within moments. Dispite the strange decor, questionable customers, and dim lighting, I felt myself quite at home. It might be because I grew up in the city. Never the less, I will return again another late night, for some seemingly delicious hashbrowns.

Place was super cool years ago then went lousy, then became complete garbage and people who had been coming for many years stopped, but every time I go past these days I see zero nonsense, so something has changed, but the place looks pretty empty on the token. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially considering what had happened to the old Minneapolis institution. It isn't a Minneapolis institution anymore. It was a place of CounterCulture many years ago, but it seems that a LOT of the bad element is gone. I hope it gets it's identity back like the rest of this city needs to. Step one is definitely kicking all the nasty things out.

This place consistently has really good food. If you're a vegan you're in luck, with a lot of options here, and if you're not, you'll be surprised at how good those dishes are. Chill cafe atmosphere that has a definite college town feel to it. Location isn't great, but if you're nearby, this place is worth it.

Very friendly place with good vegan food that non-vegans can appreciate.

Hard Times is the greatest! get yourself some huevos rancheros and play some uno or battleship or somethin with your buds

Long time fan here. One of my favorite people watching destinations in the whole city. Tofu scramble is EVERYTHING.

Want to give 5 stars for food quality, taste and value. Atmosphere is very unique and kind offputting, but I was here for the food. 3 stars because the cook was picking his nose while making the food.

Warning: CASH ONLY. Food is delicious and very reasonably priced with good sized portions. Self service style was very laid back. Order directly up front, wait for your name to be called, eat, and clean up your own plates. Services wasn't very friendly during the following interactions: asking for a receipt and asking for the rest of the order that wasn't ready for pick up when name was called. I understand now that the atmosphere is made to be unapologetically alternative/grunge, so just go in for the food. Parking limited.

As a long time hardtimes fan, I gotta say I have never been disappointed by their food or service. They have a wide selection of teas to chose from, their baked goods are excellent, their coffee is strong af, and their food tastes better than most high end diners.

I've loved this place since the day it was born & always will. Best coffee ever, great food, amazing people.

I met up with a friend here. The bulletin board is great for info. The food was excellent, and the staff are down to earth. :)

Great food and atmosphere. Don't expect exceptional customer service, but this is a punk restaurant after all

Great food and service. Fajitas especially on point

I used to come here almost every day and absolutely loved it... until one time a man came in threatening to stab another man who was hiding behind me... out of fear for my life I called the police and was later told by a barista that people that call 911 in Hard Times will not be welcome. This was after a man exposed himself to me and was not kicked out of the cafe. Guess the grunge atmosphere also comes with the possibility of being assaulted... would not recommend for people seeking a safe place, you will not find that here.

The barista was awesome
A 24 hour place with vegan and gluten free options. If you are looking for fancy...not the place but perfect after night out for coffee and grub.

This is a place my family and I visit frequently, together and sometimes on my own. I enjoy the frequently changing artwork and not knowing what music will be playing (sometimes rap, metal, frank sinatra, punk, all different on different days) I like the 60's underground vibe. All the bakery items are delicious, and I LOVE the biscuits & gravy, the veggie burger, their hash browns, the strength of their coffee and the variety in tea choices. It's cash only but I think the portions are great for the price you pay. You may not get recognized as a regular or a warm smile when you walk in but contrary to what others have written I don't think the workers are hostile. I appreciate the "what can I get you" more than the disingenuous, overly enthusiastic "how are YOU?" only to be forgotten 2 minutes later by chain coffee shops and cafes. As for those who complain about the other customers being homeless or train hoppers - I've never had a problem with another customer, plenty of "normal" looking people are there, other families, lots of students because it's cheap and right by a few different universities, and for those people who don't look like you or what you think people should be wearing that's just classist and narrow minded. If you want a vanilla, faux friendly place go somewhere else.

One of my all time favorite places. Has a great punk vibe (lots of cool art and original brick siding--but this can make it kind of cold and drafty in the winter), and delicious vegetarian comfort food. I always recommend the biscuits and mushroom gravy...with a generous helping of hashbrowns. The amount of food you get for the price is amazing. Definitely go to this place, great for college students and anyone wanting some great quick food.

Great cafe. The food is awesome and the atmosphere inside is nice as well. The cafe is open really late which is nice if you're coming back from a later event or show. Their tea is really good. Only downside is they only use cash which can be annoying if you're like me and only carry cards. They do have an atm machine but depending on bank you may have to pay a service fee.

different to say the least but got to try the muffins

An employee behind the counter (burly man with a beard) got into a fight with a customer while I was there with my partner, and ended up tossing something across the restaurant. We would have left had we not already ordered food. On the bright side, the food was decent, portions were huge, and it was CHEAP.

Very hipstery. Plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and other various dietary restrictions.

A true beacon. Tried and true. The best. One of my favorites of the last 15 years, as a Minnesotan.

I have eaten here many times over the past 20+ years. May of the early dates with my Now wife were there die to their late hours and our mismatched working schedules. The workers take their jobs seriously and I have keep up with lines of customers using only their small single grill. Whole good food made from scratch. I've seen other reviewers mention attitude, here like many other places, you get what you give, and being a decent person goes a long way

I love Hard Times because the scene is uber liberal & did I mention the food is Fantastic?
Well it is!

Best vegan food near umn. Long open hours are great for finals or late night munchies. Cash only, but great prices, and great food.

Great place to eat if you're vegan or just want to try something different

You either hate this place or consider it a second home. I assume this place is run by straight edge punks, and you'll know it the second you walk in. If you don't appreciate their way of life, you will want to turn around and leave. For those of us who can get down with cheap, clean food with friends while listening to black metal at a reasonably low volume, you probably already know about Hard Times, so why are you reading this? To everyone else, now you know.

One of the best places in the world, not to mention Minneapolis. Excellent prepared food, amazing muffins, and coffee like the black, roasted blood of a bean demon.

The staff are all friendly and ready to serve kind people who need a hot meal and a warm place to be for a while.

Long live HardTimes Cafe!

Decent meal for a decent price. One of my favorite places in the cities for reliable vegetarian food. Good coffee.

Great food. Salad and blueberry muffin were amazing.

Fantastic vegan food. Place is rough around the edges but that's kind of part of the charm.

Hardtimes cafe is like fight club, there are rules. 1 dont write drinks on your ticket. 2 dont expect a pretentious vegetarian restaurant with bamboo furniture. This is a punk rock diner. Greasy food with generous portions, amazing flavor and loud music. Unapologetic service, and the most eclectic mix of plant based eaters you'll ever find. This is easily one of my favorite places in Minneapolis just be prepared....and bring cash.

I had their vegan biscuit breakfast and about died and went to heaven. The authenticity of their vegan breakfast sausage, tofu scramble, and the gravy... oh man. Also had a mint mocha with soy milk and was highly impressed with that as well. Very good prices and portions. Love the musical choices and laid back vibes of the place as well. Highly recommended for any vegan or vegetarian.

I really do think this is the best vegan/vegetarian food in the Midwest.

But be warned, your order might take awhile. It's worth it though.

The cashier had an attitude against everything I was suggesting. The food tastes like the smell of cardboard. When I asked them to take it back; the chef instantly got an attitude too. I mean I've eaten at vegan/vegetarian places but this one takes the cake. Literally everything I ordered was tasteless. But the presentation was very intriguing.

Absolutely love the vibe of this place! Everybody mind their own business and the food is quick and delicious. When you arrive go to the front counter and grab a menu and write down what you want to order on the little pieces of paper that they have available for you. You will then give that to the cook behind the counter and he will make it for you. I ordered $30 worth of food and it ended up being enough for breakfast lunch and dinner for the day. The pancakes are thicker and the biscuits and gravy half order was enough to feed me and a friend. I would definitely be back

The world would be a better place with more Hard Times Cafes

We were in Minneapolis for just under a week and came here twice for breakfast. Tasted great and the portions were massive. Vegan food was great and the coffee refills worked well.

Great affordable food. Booch on tap. If a hipster cafe was cool before it was cool. Great music

A true blue, non fashionably vegetarian vegetarian place where locals love to come eat. I was introduced to it by my friend who lives in the Twin Cities.
Wide menu with vegetarian and vegan options that come in big portions. So there ll be plenty of stuff to takeaway after your meal. I got the Philly cheesesteak sandwich (seitan) and it was delicious. I also got a half portion of biscuits and mushroom gravy that were super filling. Plus $1.50 or $2 for a small or medium iced coffee and your meal is complete!

The decor is great: old timey diner-y but more like a dive bar. Loved the experience overall!

Attention: cash only!

All the dishes were awesome tasty. They open very late in the nights which is convenient for late night diners. As we went first time with family felt bit scary because the restaurant looked like night bar and grill as if with big tattooed guys though no one were there. In the rest room they had a painting of Goddess Kaali (Durga - a fury Hindu goddess). Highly recommend this place for vegetarians and vegans.

People either love it or hate it. It really is a punk cafe that only offers vegan and vegetarian food and coffee and only accepts cash. It's self serve, bus your own dishes. They compost scraps. Murals and artist of the month bedeck the walls. The music is just noise and blares loudly. But it's awesome!

Awesome biscuits and gravy. Very original and never repeated

Hard Times is a West Bank staple for vegan and vegetarian gourmet food with a kick! Every time time I go there is a different eating experience, depending on who's on the grill. Overall, they use mostly organic and local fresh ingredients, and provide large portions--again, depending who's on the grill. And, as always-- great conversation with other patrons, never a dull moment!

One of my favorite places for a filling vegan meal, or just to grab a latte and work for a bit. Lots of seating and table space. It's cash only, but there is an ATM nearby.

Open late and the perfect fix for biscuits and gravy whether you are vegan or vegetarian or neither. But always order off the breakfast menu. And bring cash!

Highly recommend for late night. Lovely atmosphere and community who eat and hang here. Very relaxed feel and very non-judgmental. Cheap food and strong coffee make this a place to stay a while if you need it (I wrote a paper here). The music they play is interesting and drones on in the background which helps the aesthetic. Cool place, 10/10 will come again! P.s. try the depth charge and Helter skelter :)

Sunday April 3,2016.. Approximately 9:40pm I get in lane to order a coffee I was skipped twice by service person before I finally walked away ..he refused to listen to my order ignored me purposely. This hardtimes cafe caters to white and assume everyone else who is there is a beggar beggars..the most obvious racist place of business I ever runs into I will not recommended to any conscious mind people...stay away from this place . Very very bad place.

Great place to chill and catch up with friends, play a few games, work on some hobbies. Good food for fairly cheap and great coffee, cider, and other drinks.

The food was very delicious. I must come back again.

They kicked me out before I the chance to order. I sat down for a second and a waitress told me to I d have to leave soon.

Hard Times has the best veg options in the twin cities! Yummy food, muffins are literally out of this world, and the biscuits & gravy have a cult following at this point. Friendly staff & always speedy service. Reasonable prices & a great atmosphere! Just remember to bring cash!

There is no better vegetarian breakfast sandwich in town. Hands down.

Foods good prices are good and staff are jerks (which is exactly what one would expect from a place like this)

We are so fortunate to have the Hard Times! I love this place. The people that work and own are wonderful.The vegan food is fantastic and the hours are excellent. They cater to a vast array of people and do it well.
To all of you that have anything less than praise need to stop crying in your soup and realize you are a spoiled lot and need to practice being grateful for what you have.

I've been eating vegan for the last three months was happy to find Hard Times. Depending on the cook for the day, the portions vary from appropriate to huge, but the flavor is always there. In addition to their Mexican inspired entrees, the vegan breakfast items are terrific. The biscuits and gravy are hearty and sagey with a good mushroom base. The vegan rancheros have a red sauce with a great spicy bite. Additionally, you can always pick up a delicious vegan muffin at the counter. The baked goods are worth the trip since I couldn't make egg - free cookies or muffins as well, much less find vegan items at any co-op or cafe for these prices.
The decor and the music may not be entirely to my taste, but the food makes up for it in spades.