A Resident's Walking Guide

Where To Get Coffee Between Here And Campus

Starting Point: 609 SE Huron Blvd
The Short Version
The closest coffee shop to University Commons is Dunn Brothers Coffee in Stadium Village, an easy walk down Washington Avenue. For more variety and a study friendly seat, Dinkytown's cluster around 14th Avenue and 4th Street SE, home to Two for Tripping, Gray's, and Bordertown Coffee, is a longer walk or a quick Green Line ride farther northwest.
The Route

From Your Door To Your Order

Walk times are approximate and measured from University Commons. Stops are listed in order, closest first.

Closest Pick
Dunn Brothers Coffee
The longtime Minnesota roaster just refreshed its Stadium Village shop with a two floor layout built for campus energy. Expect house roasted beans, breakfast sandwiches, and enough table space to settle in between classes.
808 Washington Ave SEMon-Fri 6a-8p, Sat-Sun 6:30a-7p
~5min
~20min
New & Buzzy
Two for Tripping
A hockey themed espresso bar and breakfast spot that opened in March 2026 inside the historic former Annie's Parlour building. Brick walls, big windows, and generous seating have made it a fast favorite for laptop sessions.
313 SE 14th AveCoffee, espresso, breakfast
Local Landmark
Gray's
Housed in a building with more than a century of Dinkytown history, including a stint as Bob Dylan's home while he attended the U, Gray's is staff owned and pours locally roasted coffee on one of the neighborhood's most recognizable corners.
4th St SE & 14th Ave SELocal roasts, open air seating
~20min
~22min
Quiet & Cozy
Bordertown Coffee
A nonprofit coffeehouse tucked inside a restored former fraternity house. Bordertown bakes its own muffins and breads, serves panini at lunch, and lights a wood fire in the dining room on winter mornings.
315 16th Ave SEMon-Fri 8a-4p, closed weekends

Prefer not to walk the whole way? The Green Line's East Bank and Stadium Village stations sit right along this route and cut the Dinkytown stretch down to a few minutes.

Quick Pick

If You Want / Go To

The shortest walk from University Commons
Dunn Brothers
Stadium Village, on Washington Ave
A long study session with room to spread out
Two for Tripping
New space, ample seating
A quieter, cozier corner
Bordertown Coffee
Nonprofit coffeehouse, wood fire
Local history with your latte
Gray's
A Dinkytown landmark
* * *
FAQ

Coffee Near Campus, Answered

What is the closest coffee shop to University Commons?
Dunn Brothers Coffee's Stadium Village location at 808 Washington Ave SE is the closest coffee shop to University Commons, a short walk down Washington Avenue. Dinkytown's coffee shops (Two for Tripping, Gray's, Bordertown Coffee) sit farther northwest, roughly a 20 minute walk or a short ride on the Green Line to the East Bank station plus a few blocks on foot.
Is there a coffee shop within walking distance of University Commons?
Yes. Dunn Brothers Coffee in Stadium Village is the nearest walkable option from University Commons. For more variety, Dinkytown's coffee shop cluster around 14th Avenue SE and 4th Street SE is a longer walk or a quick light rail ride farther northwest.
What is the newest coffee shop in Dinkytown?
Two for Tripping is the newest addition, opening in March 2026 inside the historic former Annie's Parlour building on 14th Avenue SE. The hockey themed espresso bar and breakfast spot has quickly become a popular study space thanks to its natural light and generous seating.
Which coffee shops near the University of Minnesota are good for studying?
Two for Tripping and Bordertown Coffee are both known for ample seating and a calmer pace suited to long study sessions. Gray's and Dunn Brothers Coffee are solid picks too, though they tend to be busier between classes.
Do these coffee shops near University Commons take cards or cash only?
Most coffee shops near campus, including the ones on this list, accept credit and debit cards along with mobile payment. Hours and payment options can change, so it's worth checking a shop's website or Google Business listing the day of your visit.

Your Next Cup Is Closer Than You Think

Live steps from Stadium Village and a walk from Dinkytown. Come see what a University Commons apartment looks like.

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609 SE Huron Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55414  |  (651) 386-2775
University Commons is committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Walk times are approximate. Coffee shop hours, menus, and hours of operation are independently owned and operated and subject to change without notice.