"This the place we all wish was within walking distance from our homes. Where you could just stroll over for your morning coffee, or pop in for lunch, or meet up with friends for a cocktail and some lighter food. We were there for dinner, but it is not a dinner place. That being said, we had funky interesting cocktails and a fabulous chicken liver mousse. The more substantial flood is only sandwiches. I got the open face hot chicken sandwich. It was good and very "home cooked". My husband has the zio vecchio - mortadella, burrata, pistachio pesto, and regular on cianatta. Very nice, indeed. Is this like eating at Spoon and Stable? No. Is it a lovely place to sit with your computer, drink nice cocktails or coffee and chill? Yes. Do I wish I lived closer? Yes. The staff is fabulous. Friendly and accommodating. The ambience is quiet and calm. The experience - very relaxing."

"What an amazing surprise! High quality food, progressive vibe, fresh clean environment. Small neighborhood Bistro just a short detour off the highway. Worth the stop! The K'evan Keen had me at the first bite. Flavorful and overwhelmingly fresh to the senses. Perhaps the fresh dill. All was lite (as opposed to heavy in your gut) and a medley of flavors that played well together. The Chowder was like nothing I had tasted before. The olives gave it a salt kick to the otherwise smooth, mild yet flavorful soup. Sandwiches served in unexpected china. The decor was mostly retro with some antique looking odds and ends to modern. I know it seems contradictory but all put together in a way that feels genuinely progressive. Very queer welcoming."

"Stopped in for a quick breakfast on my way to the golf course. I had read a good review of their Pork Cutie breakfast sandwich in the MN Star Tribune, and I was not disappointed! After ordering at the counter, I grabbed a small table and waited for this culinary delight to be delivered. Staff was friendly and my food came out quickly. Will definitely return when I am in NE Mpls!"

"This has become one of my all time favorite neighborhood spots. Their coffee drinks are made with oat milk unless you ask otherwise, and their cocktails are well balanced and delicious. Currently hooked on their meatball soup, which they don't always have but when they do i order at least one. Other must orders: -The chips and dip, the onions are crunchy and have an interesting flavor from the coffee brine -Sancho Panza, an amazing veg sandwich. -Briar chowder is a rich yet light sweet potato soup with olives and giant white beans -Kevan Keene egg salad sandwich is my favorite of their breakfast only sandwiches -waffles are crispy, sweet, tart, and fun to eat. They're not overly sweet thanks to the blackberry puree."

"We had a beautiful evening as we sat outside on the patio visiting over Coffee, and specialty nonalcoholic drinks. We didn’t eat, however, their food looks delicious. When we found that there was no big name, coffee shops available on a Saturday night around 9pm. We were pleased to find The Briar located on the corner of a neighborhood. This place made a special night as we celebrated my birthday."