Cafe Agri
The scoop on this overlooked neighborhood favorite
Jenn Barnett
The whole farm-to-fork movement isn’t going away anytime soon, so prepare for more restaurants to lean toward sustainable, local, and organic options. Or just visit South Minneapolis eatery Cafe Agri, which is deeply into the sustainability groove. Decider runs down the need-to-knows.
In the kitchen: Chef Derek Deker walks the talk—not only does he use organic and local ingredients, but he also rails against factory farms on the cafe’s website. Although he’s not vegan, he does strive to incorporate vegan dishes into his own diet, and tries to throw as many non-meat and non-dairy items as he can into the menu as well. Given how often restaurant-created vegan food seems like punishment from a cranky, carnivorous chef, Deker’s creations are a refreshing find.
The name: “Agri” swings with a kind of Euro-flair, but the term is just a nod toward the restaurant’s focus on agricultural delights. And, “Cafe Agricultural” just sounds odd.
Eat this: The yam crisps are a simple appetizer, but quite tasty. They’re just thin strips of yam, baked instead of fried, and served with very fresh guacamole. For an entrée, the ravioli puttanesca is gluten-free, but you’d never suspect it, since the ravioli is as tender as the traditional gluten-filled type. There’s a romano and ricotta filling, with a well-balanced tomato sauce studded with capers.
Drink up: The sustainability vibe extends beyond the food—Cafe Agri features a number of organic, biodynamic, and local wine and beer options, and has a crazy-affordable wine flight at just $10. Also, there are quite a few wines offered at a “unified price” of $5 per glass, or $20 per bottle. More of a beer kind of diner? Not an issue: The cafe has a number of domestic and imported organic beers, and even some that are gluten-free.
Mom, date, or pal?: It’s a sweetly humble little place, and the food isn’t so weird that it will freak your parents out and make them talk about hippies. But where it will likely really shine is on date night; the low lighting, rough-hewn tables, cheap wine, and cozy dining room are perfect for cooing to each other about how you just want to find that special someone who also shops at farmers’ markets.
Fellow gourmands: Since it’s tucked into its South Minneapolis neighborhood, the crowd is eclectic, but mostly youthful. The casual groove paired with the intimate setting throws together both the sweatshirt crowd and the hip kids.
Economic impact: Entrées hover around $15, but if you’re looking to stay under a 20-spot, it’s very doable, either by opting for one of the sandwiches or going for weekend breakfast/brunch instead of dinner.
Vital stats: Open Monday through Friday 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. for dinner, and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 4300 Bryant Ave. S., it’s down near the Kingfield neighborhood, and there’s street parking aplenty.
Contact: cafeagri.com, or 612-822-3101.
In the kitchen: Chef Derek Deker walks the talk—not only does he use organic and local ingredients, but he also rails against factory farms on the cafe’s website. Although he’s not vegan, he does strive to incorporate vegan dishes into his own diet, and tries to throw as many non-meat and non-dairy items as he can into the menu as well. Given how often restaurant-created vegan food seems like punishment from a cranky, carnivorous chef, Deker’s creations are a refreshing find.
The name: “Agri” swings with a kind of Euro-flair, but the term is just a nod toward the restaurant’s focus on agricultural delights. And, “Cafe Agricultural” just sounds odd.Eat this: The yam crisps are a simple appetizer, but quite tasty. They’re just thin strips of yam, baked instead of fried, and served with very fresh guacamole. For an entrée, the ravioli puttanesca is gluten-free, but you’d never suspect it, since the ravioli is as tender as the traditional gluten-filled type. There’s a romano and ricotta filling, with a well-balanced tomato sauce studded with capers.
Drink up: The sustainability vibe extends beyond the food—Cafe Agri features a number of organic, biodynamic, and local wine and beer options, and has a crazy-affordable wine flight at just $10. Also, there are quite a few wines offered at a “unified price” of $5 per glass, or $20 per bottle. More of a beer kind of diner? Not an issue: The cafe has a number of domestic and imported organic beers, and even some that are gluten-free.
Mom, date, or pal?: It’s a sweetly humble little place, and the food isn’t so weird that it will freak your parents out and make them talk about hippies. But where it will likely really shine is on date night; the low lighting, rough-hewn tables, cheap wine, and cozy dining room are perfect for cooing to each other about how you just want to find that special someone who also shops at farmers’ markets.
Fellow gourmands: Since it’s tucked into its South Minneapolis neighborhood, the crowd is eclectic, but mostly youthful. The casual groove paired with the intimate setting throws together both the sweatshirt crowd and the hip kids.Economic impact: Entrées hover around $15, but if you’re looking to stay under a 20-spot, it’s very doable, either by opting for one of the sandwiches or going for weekend breakfast/brunch instead of dinner.
Vital stats: Open Monday through Friday 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. for dinner, and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 4300 Bryant Ave. S., it’s down near the Kingfield neighborhood, and there’s street parking aplenty.
Contact: cafeagri.com, or 612-822-3101.
