Eat The Menu: Fireroast Cafe
Fireroast’s Seasonal Spinach Salad is a refreshing summer treat. Photo by Mike Hnida
If you live in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis, you’re pretty lucky. There’s a neighborhood cafe at the corner of 37th Avenue and 38th Street that wants to be friends. Bonus, they’re willing to bribe you with great food and drink in return. Everyone needs a neighborhood hangout. A place to grab coffee on the way to work or a well-earned cocktail after a hard day.
Let’s be honest, there are Saturday mornings you just want someone else to make breakfast. And Fireroast Cafe makes a wonderful breakfast.
Even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, Fireroast is worth the trip, a fact I discovered myself a few weeks back with a couple friends. One relaxed Friday afternoon, we fell into comfy chairs, ready to nosh and tipple our way across their eclectic, relaxed menu. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff are as attractive as the menu offerings.
Try to turn down this amazing Belgian Waffle. Just try it. We know we can’t. Photo by Mike Hnida
Fireroast bills itself as a coffee and wine bar, specializing in “direct-trade organic coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, all local beer and an approachable wine list.” Translation: there’s a little something for everyone and every mood.
You’ll be hard-pressed to not want to chow down
on Fireroast’s BBQ flatbread pizza. Photo by Mike Hnida
Owner Jeff Fisher is keen to offer customers a warm, comfortable and inviting ambiance. As a GLBT business owner, he wants all of his customers to feel welcome, and at home.
From my first bite, I was impressed by Fireroast’s unpretentiousness. The scratch-made sandwiches, salads and soups are straightforward and satisfying. Whether you just need a quick snack or something substantial, you’ve got options.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Fireroast’s delectable Espresso Brownie. Photo by Mike Hnida
We started with the seasonal spinach salad. It was a vibrant tribute to the arrival of summer, topped with fresh sliced mango and goat cheese, dressed with a tart sherry vinaigrette.
Sandwiches and paninis are par for the course, but you’ll not want to miss the flatbread at Fireroast. The crisp crust was topped with ample mounds of succulent pulled pork, blanketed by a hearty layer of melted cheese. It’s an ideal appetizer, but paired with a salad, you’ve got the perfect lunch or early dinner.
Fireroast Cafe is located at the corner of 37th Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis. Photo by Mike Hnida
If you’re in a breakfast or brunch state of mind, try the breakfast sammy, full of eggs, cheese and veggies, along with your favorite protein. Whatever you order, make sure to add on a Belgian waffle. This giant crispy pillow of breakfast pastry goodness comes topped with a heaping helping of whipped cream and fresh berries or maple bacon.
When it comes to quenching your thirst, Fireroast offers an array of bevvy fun. I’m a big fan of simple, black coffee, and the standard cup of joe was dark, rich and full of flavor. They’ve partnered with local Up Coffee Roasters to ensure you’re getting the highest quality from right in their own backyard. The espresso bar makes a wonderful macchiato and latte. Don’t miss the cold press and tea selection as well.
Fireroast offers locally-roasted organic coffee, as well as baked goods made in-house. Photo by Mike Hnida
Over in cocktail town, the champagne cocktail was a particular table favorite.
If you’re looking for a comfy place to curl up with a good book, cup of coffee and a muffin, maybe a quick stop for lunch in between errands, or you want to catch up with an old friend over cocktails, Fireroast Cafe’ hopes you’ll take them up on their hospitality. And take them up you should. You’ve earned it.
Fireroast Cafe
3800 37th Ave S.
Minneapolis
612-724-9895
www.fireroastcafe.com
