The most surprising thing about my relationship with Cafe Steam is that we've actually reached a stage of mutual understanding where the staff knows exactly which level of 'morning zombie' I am based on how loudly I trip over the doorframe. I have a bit of a love affair with this place. Now, I'm a certified early bird, and by that, I mean I'm usually awake and craving caffeine while the rest of the world is still debating if they actually need to attend that 9:00 AM Zoom call. There is something genuinely therapeutic about being there right as they flip the sign to 'Open,' when the air still smells like freshly ground beans and the sunlight is hitting the dust motes in that perfect, cinematic way. It's the quietest the place ever gets, and I get to witness the staff transitioning from 'sleepy' to 'caffeinated chaos' in real-time. However, I'm also a fan of the 'closing time' vibe. There's a completely different magic to sliding into a booth around 7:00 PM. By then, the energy has shifted from a productive buzz to a sort of cozy, exhausted collective sigh. I'll just camp out for a while, pretending to be very focused on my laptop while actually just people-watching the evening rush. The ambiance is wonderfully casual--think 'industrial chic meets a living room that's slightly too small for its furniture.' Most of the time it's just a pleasant hum, but every so often it hits a tipping point and becomes absolutely hectic. You've got the frantic students cramming for finals, the first-date nerves radiating off a couple in the corner, and a line of people stretching toward the door. It's a beautiful kind of mayhem, really. But let's talk about the real star of the show: the drinks. While I usually rotate through the classics, I am currently in a committed relationship with their seasonal 'Miss Sunshine' creamy lemonade. It sounds like something a toddler would order at a fancy tea party, but trust me, it's a game-changer. It's got this bright, zesty punch of citrus that wakes up your entire soul, but then it's smoothed over with this velvety, creamy finish that makes it feel like a dessert. It's basically a hug in a plastic cup, and I'm fully prepared to be devastated when it leaves the seasonal menu. I will add photo's *later* : ) read more

Always amazing:) Cafe Steam was an essential spot growing up in Rochester. They tie together community with amazing coffees and goodies! I'm so happy to see them expanding and opening new locations as well. I grabbed a summer special drink, and quite enjoyed it! I wish I added a touch more simple syrup, otherwise this was a delightful and bright summer drink! The interior is always cozy, and consistently one of the best spots in Rochester. The baristas are always kind, and make drinks SUPER quick! read more

The cafe is cozy and spacious and bathrooms are super clean! Lots of students studying there so def a good place if you wanna lock in! However, my matcha was VERY watery with little to no taste of matcha powder! It was essentially a green steamed milk. My boyfriend got apple cider and he loved it. read more

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Quick pitstop on our way home from La Crosse. Highly recommend the stop. My husband grabbed a hot mocha and I tried the seasonal cookie butter latte. Both were super yummy. They were busy, with what appeared to be several loyal customers. Cool place! read more

Cafe Steam - Cookie butter art - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Thoroughly enjoyed the coffee that was served. Had a flat white that was done well. Beans are light-medium roast and roasted by their sister company Colorway. I'd say even their regular brewed coffee is so good--they used an Ethiopia the day I was there. I got it for my friend who discarded her other (ahem) coffee immediately. Although not particularly picky, she could taste the difference. read more

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Need a place to work so popped into Cafe Steam. Nothing special but a cute little coffee shop.

Wonderful coffees, pleasant staff and thank goodness for backup espresso machines! When I visited, their main espresso machine was offline, but they soldiered on with their small backup machine while remaining calm and attentive. read more

Cafe Steam - The main board and counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Cafe Steam is such a cool vibe. This is the type of place I'd spend hours, people watching, reading, working, or writing Yelp reviews. Except, shortly after I had to fly home. There are so many beautiful plants right when you walk in. There's a whole wall of Polaroids, I'm imagining they must be of the people who love Steam. I got a Tumeric Ginger iced tea. This was exactly as it should be, invigorating, cool, tangy and a bit spicy! I really enjoyed! It was an hour later when I returned to Steam and I picked up a hot mocha. This tastes just like the best coffee in all of Connecticut, Giv coffee. It's rich, flavorful, foamy, and it arrived beautifully presented. Cafe Steam makes delicious coffee and tea. Please stop by when in the area. read more

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My husband and I were just visiting Rochester for a few days and we went to cafe steam every morning, their bacon ciabatta breakfast sandwich was so good and definitely better than the similar Starbucks version. Couldn't beat any of their coffees either, it will definitely be a repeat stop every time we're in town. read more

Loved visiting this coffee shop! Absolutely warm and welcoming vibe from the doorway! I love espresso but don't enjoy the sour or bitter ones. The baristas informed me that they use a light roast to ensure it would be enjoyable, not bitter. The espresso was pleasant from start to finish. No sour or bitter notes whatsoever. Absolutely delicious! The cold brew was also smooth and would highly recommend! The apricot scone was also moist, delicious, and not overly sweet! The barista mentioned they come from a local bakery and they revamp the recipe regularly, ensuring high quality with taste and texture. I highly recommend this coffee shop! I am glad I had some time to explore around the Mayo Clinic and find gems like this shop! read more

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Amazing! Cafe Steam checks all the boxes. My friend suggested we bike here and I'm so glad we did. There are bike racks in the back alley complimented by a backyard patio that was serene and peaceful. Inside, there are large vaulted ceilings, giant windows allowing for natural lightning, a Polaroid wall with images from staff and visitors, light local reading material such as newspapers, board games, exposed brick walls displaying art from the shop and other local artists, free stickers (yay) by the cashier and a plentiful menu including varying pastries, pop tarts, breakfast sandwiches and croissants. There are a handful of house made syrups which is always fun to see. I opted for an Americano with a shot of the house vanilla and it was perfect. Cafe Steam is the type of coffeehouse one goes to sit for hours to do computer work, read, people watch and enjoy the atmosphere. If I was local, I'd be a frequent visitor. Bravo, Cafe Steam! read more

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Staff were SUPER friendly. Simple but elegant menu. I got an Americano and it was delicious.

Double check the opening times because google was not accurate. Thankfully I was running late and got there 2mins before opening. This place is busting! I was the first person to walk in and after I placed my order, there was already a line out the door! They offer for here mugs (16oz - medium is the biggest they can offer). Make sure to specifically ask for the mug if you want it or else it's assumed you're doing a to-go. The baristas are great about clarifying. The menu has a diagram describing the different types of coffee which makes ordering more approachable for people curious to try new options. The decor is very cute. Plenty of seating. A lovely, pleasant vibe overall. read more

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A charming coffee shop, easy walk from all main buildings. Creat coffee and tea, some nice breakfast pastries and a lot of areas to lounge and decompress between stressful appointments. Appreciate Cafe Steam for being a little island of sanity. read more

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Excellent Latte and wonderful area to sit enjoy the latte and strike up a conversation with a young couple who shared some tips for our upcoming trip to Bergen, Norway. What are the chances that Jessica who we sat next to had spent a year studying aboard in Bergen. read more

I got a flat white double. Thoughtful art on top was a nice touch. Customer service was average, but quick. Very cute inside! read more

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Our favorite shop to visit Rochester for coffee, pastries, teas, and breakfast sandwiches. Scone from prescots, pastries from sweet house and sandwiches made in-house! Milk is local. The beans are roasted in Rochester too. read more

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Cafe steam is the best coffee in town. Parking is a little tricky would be the only negative aspect.

Vegan reviewer! I've come here twice now. The first time I came here, I ordered a basic latte. Service was good but my drink came out really sour . The second time, I had a matcha drink that was very low grade/poor quality matcha. Overall, I really don't like the drinks here but the vibes are immaculate!Very pretty place with all the plants, stickers supporting queer community and businesses cards of local businesses. Loved the Polaroid picture wall as well! My friends enjoyed their drinks so maybe I just got a bit unlucky. Will try again at another time. read more

Cafe Steam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

I was planning to go to the main location but accidentally stumbled upon the one in the skyway on my way. The barista was super nice and helpful, and ultimately recommended their PSL with their house made pumpkin spice seasoning. I got it with oat milk and it's delicious. Great location and convenient, and a really well-balanced espresso drink. If I lived here and worked on Mayo's campus, I would be here multiple times per week. I may have to try the on-ground location, too, before I leave town. read more

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Great location, beautiful and spacious interior, pleasant music that's not played too loudly. Ordered the cookie butter latte half sweet which was perfect. Great place to get some work done! read more

Cafe Steam is a cool and enjoyable place to both visit and hang out in :-) Over and above the fun atmosphere, they brew some completely Legit coffees and teas, so how can you go wrong? Tip: Cafe Steam is only a short walk from the Mayo Clinic, and totally worth the excursion. read more

Cafe Steam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Such a cool vibe. Walked in with a group and was greeted by staff. We all ordered drinks and they were pretty speedy. Love the variety of tea option and cute merch! read more

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Stopped by before our apartment tours near by. Such a nice and calm cafe. I hope we will live nearby so I can come in to work :) The elderberry croissant was so good! The strawberry cream cheese turnover was good too. Definitely will come back :) read more

Cafe Steam - Decaf Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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People were pleasant and welcoming. Skip the cinnamon pop tart and the cold brew coffee ...meh read more

Cafe Steam - Cold brew...yes this is coffee. Maple sweetener and a SPLASH of oat milk. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

Tasty coffee and scones! Friendly staff. Always people hanging out socializing. They have a punch card system for frequent shoppers.

Cookie butter latte. Yum. Old school coffee shop. Nice ambiance. Also has a nice tea selection if you'd rather do that. read more

Cafe Steam - Cookie butter latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

Great combination of friendly service, great coffee options and a small local atmosphere. You won't be disappointed. Also artwork by locals

Love this atmosphere!!! So laid back and relaxing and ehe staff are awesome! They have lounging areas and the cafe is low-lit, which makes it super inviting. I got a sugar free hot latte and it was delicious! Definitely recommend! read more

Cafe Steam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

dropped into Cafe Steam while in rochester for a couple days and so glad that i did. their beyond breakfast sandwich is fantastic. i could eat these all day. first time here i had a hot dirty chai which was delicious and today i had an iced dirty chai which disappeared in four sips. this is my problem with yummy iced drinks, they're gone too fast. great atmosphere. super friendly staff. i love this place and will return whenever im in rochester. read more

Cafe Steam - iced dirty chai and beyond breakfast sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

If you live in Rochester, or are just visiting, you have to try this coffee shop! It's located downtown close to Mayo Clinic. The only downside is that there is no parking around the coffee shop. There are plenty of seating areas and vibe was so chill. The staff was also super kind and helpful. I got the Spiced Thai Coffee and I HIGHLY recommend it! I've never tried anything like it. Definitely worth your time. read more

Cafe Steam - Waiting area and gift shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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The coffee was outstanding, very hip vibe, and they allowed us to sit there and do our work.

Cafe Steam is great! They've been my go-to coffee place for at least a week! The service is friendly, the coffee is excellent, and the scones are tasty! The atmosphere is also a plus with both in and outdoor seating. If you're looking for my opinion, the cinnamon butterscotch scones are the definite food win! Additionally, I've been spending time at Mayo for a family member's surgery along with probably 80% of the visitors in this city. The Broadway location is less then a 10 minute walk. It's the perfect distance to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and enjoy a tasty beverage without being too far from recovering family. There are a few chain coffee shops closer but they can have a lengthy line early morning/during break times. Not to mention, I'm a sucker for local :) Check it out! read more

Cafe Steam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Rochester, Minnesota

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Very good expresso this morning, it nice to get there early and avoid the lines weekedays.

One of the best coffee shops in town. Lots of options and is consistently fresh and full of flavor. They also have great bakery items and a breakfast sandwhich! read more

We are here from California visiting the Mayo Clinic and we're so happy to find this place. We've been here three times so far. Emily is a delight and the other baristas are nice also. We've gotten the Kenyan pour over twice and the Costa Rican pour over one time. Both were excellent coffees. Emily "talked coffee" with my husband for a bit which he loved. They provide real cream which is a treat along with different kinds of sweateners (simple syrup and raw sugar). We also enjoy the pastries, but would love it if they offered to heat them up for 7 seconds. It's a nice atmosphere. We loved how the pour overs are served. Very classy. read more

Cute and cozy coffee shop with tasty drinks // great pit stop in Rochester! Would recommend The Mayan // Ghirardelli chocolate with drip coffee and steamed milk topped with cayenne pepper. read more

Cute little coffee shop downtown Rochester-kind of a hipster vibe. I'm a standard black iced coffee gal but looked like they had some unique drinks too. read more

Best coffee in Rochester! The vibes in the coffee shop are excellent, and they have nice outdoor seating for when it's warm.

Loved my breakfast sandwich. I love how the beans are so fresh roasted locally. The location is the best from mayo.