If the idea of sipping a latte while a furry friend curls up in your lap sounds like heaven, then The Cafe Meow in Minnesota is your dream destination. This cat café experience combines the cozy charm of a neighborhood coffee shop with the heart-warming joy of interacting with adoptable rescue cats, making it a destination that’s both delightful and purposeful. Originating as Minnesota’s first cat café in Minneapolis, The Cafe Meow has since expanded to locations in Roseville and New Hope, each bustling with energy, whiskers, and warm drinks.
Designed to be more than just a coffee stop, The Cafe Meow offers visitors a chance to relax in a space where feline personalities roam free and coffee culture meets animal advocacy. Whether you’re a serious cat lover or just looking for a quirky local hotspot, this café’s blend of comfort and critter companionship gives it a unique place on the Twin Cities’ list of attractions.
Best Things to Do and Try
The heart of The Cafe Meow experience lies in its delightful mash-up of two worlds: the café and the cat lounge. In the café area, you’ll find expertly brewed specialty drinks — think hazelnut breves with cinnamon and expertly foamed lattes — paired with a selection of locally sourced baked goods like macarons, cupcakes, and scones that are as adorable as they are delicious.
Once you’ve got your beverage in hand, the real magic begins in the cat lounge — a separate, reservation-based room where dozens of rescue cats lounge, play, nap, and sometimes decide whether you get affection. The cats come from local no-kill rescues and are all available for adoption, so your visit can have a lasting impact beyond just a cute photo.
The lounge operates on a timed entry system, which helps keep the environment calm and stress-free for the cats. Some visitors opt for shorter sessions if they’re pressed for time, while others happily settle in for a full hour of feline companionship.
Cozy Café Corner
The café itself feels warm and welcoming, with comfortable seating that works just as well for casual meetups as it does for solo coffee breaks. The drink menu stretches beyond standard coffee to include hot cocoa, teas, and playful Italian sodas, while treats like giant brownies and colorful macarons add a fun, indulgent touch.
One nice perk is that the café side allows walk-ins, meaning you can still enjoy the atmosphere even if cat lounge reservations are fully booked. It’s a great option if you’re in the area and want to check things out without committing to a full visit with the cats.
Cat Lounge Ambience
Inside the cat lounge, everything is designed with feline comfort in mind. You’ll see cats sprawled across soft beds, climbing shelves, or perched in sunny corners, surveying their surroundings with mild curiosity. Some cats are instantly affectionate, while others prefer to observe quietly from afar, creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
Even during busier times, the space tends to feel calm rather than chaotic. Watching the cats interact with each other — or simply nap through your visit — can be surprisingly soothing, making this a great spot to unwind.
Other Things You Might Wonder
So what’s the cost like? Coffee and treats are priced similarly to other local cafés, while the cat lounge requires a separate entry fee. Many visitors feel the experience justifies the cost, especially knowing that proceeds support cat care and rescue efforts.
Best times to visit? Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter and more relaxed. Weekends are popular and can book up quickly, so reserving your cat lounge spot in advance is a smart move.
What about parking? Both locations sit in commercial areas with nearby parking, though spots can be harder to find during peak hours. Arriving a little early helps keep things stress-free.
The Cafe Meow
📍 1718A Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Website: https://thecafemeow.com/
