A customer enjoys a latte and an almond croissant. Pastries at The Lobby Coffee & Leisure are made by Patisserie 46. Photos: Chris Emeott
A new spot for coffee, community and conversation opens near Pentagon Park.
Nestled under The Finch apartment building in Edina, the green landscape around the entrance and friendly sign leading up to The Lobby Coffee & Leisure’s door sets the tone for the earthy, cozy feel inside.
Opening in July, this is The Lobby’s second location; the original being on Water Street in Excelsior. Owners Catherine and Tyler Nelson chose the new spot for its proximity to Fred Richards Park and the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, tucked just behind the building. “The park was the biggest thing,” says Latif Kamara, director of operations. “But also, there is a built-in clientele. We would be considered an amenity to The Finch.”
In front of the coffee bar sits a long wood booth built into the wall with several tables for ample seating. Natural light streams through the windows, bringing a warm feel to the space, perfect for chatting, studying or working. As a company, Kamara says The Lobby focuses on being a welcoming place to sit and sip. It places a special emphasis on the for-here cup, using ceramic mugs for lattes and glass cups for iced beverages over the usual paper cup. When people ask for a for-here cup, Kamara says it allows them to enjoy their drink and the atmosphere.
The interior of The Lobby was designed by Gomez Whitney.
“We have smoothies, teas, chai, matcha, and then we have sandwiches,” Kamara says. The shop prides itself on its seasonal menu. In the fall, it was known for its Brown Butter Banana Bread Latte, far more popular than its Pumpkin Spice Latte, Kamara says. In the spring, past drinks included the popular Cereal Milk Latte. This past winter, The Lobby partnered with a local honey provider to create a Hot Honey Latte.
Each sandwich at the shop is handcrafted and made to order, something the shop prides itself on. Try a Sausage Breakfast Sandwich on a brioche bun, or try a panini, available after 11 a.m., served with kettle chips or a kale salad. “We make everything to order. So I would say that sets us apart from other places. Doesn’t make us better or worse, just sets us apart,” Kamara says.
In addition to made to order sandwiches, The Lobby partners with Patisserie 46 in Minneapolis. Try a scone infused with Earl Grey tea and black currants, or a delicious gluten-free brownie.
According to Kamara, The Lobby has three values: hospitality, education and information. Along with the for-here cup format, it leans into the aesthetics of both the Edina and Excelsior spaces. At the Edina location, the coffee bar’s woodsy warmth—defined by paneled wood and blue accents—offers a striking contrast to the shop’s gray doors and white concrete walls, creating an inviting spot for a midday pick-me-up.
“We have a lot of remote workers,” Kamara says. “So we offer a space that is affordable and very aesthetically pleasing.”
The Lobby Coffee & Leisure
Instagram: @thelobbycoffee_and_leisure
