Review: Smith Coffee & Cafe offers historic charm and contemporary delights

Smith Coffee & Cafe opened on May 1, 2018, and has been offering Eden Prairie a historic locale with modern tastes ever since. 

The historic Smith Douglas More House on Eden Prairie Road was previously a Dunn Bros. coffee shop between 2001 and 2004, but it has now become the local favorite it was meant to be. 

Originally built in 1877, the house served as a boarding house for passengers using the nearby Minneapolis-St. Louis Railroad Eden Prairie Station or as an affordable boarding home for local teachers. A small sign at the front of the home provides historical information on the house and the land it is built on, including the fact that the grapevine growing on the arbor is over 100 years old. The sign also reveals compelling information, such as the Smith family’s tragic loss of their first daughter at the age of three in 1861 and the passing of the youngest of three daughters due to tuberculosis at the age of 16 in 1881.

The popularity of Smith is evident from the overflow of cars parked on the side of the road. However, please don’t let this deter you; the parking struggle is well worth it. Locals often refer to it as “Smith’s,” and it offers coffee that exudes both comfort and strength. 

My half-caf caramel latte was delicious, and the breakfast sandwiches were made with top-notch ingredients and flavors. On this visit, my partner, who I will call “B,” ordered his favorite, the Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit, while I tried the Bacon Avocado Egg Sandwich. B enjoys sharing food, so I often get to try multiple items in one visit. Today, his biscuit was a bit dry for my taste, but he said it was just right. My Bacon Avocado Egg Sandwich might not have looked pretty, but it was delicious, and I especially liked the bun’s texture.

Despite a packed backyard on this sunny Saturday in June, I had the pleasure of observing several parties consolidating their drinks/treats to one table or foregoing chairs altogether to stand or chase a little one nearby. Inside, the place is also beautiful, with wood everywhere you look and even original stained-glass artwork.

Smith Coffee & Cafe not only meets your need to refuel with good caffeine and food but also offers a picturesque environment that can refuel your spirit.

Smith Coffee & Cafe
8107 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie
Operating hours:
* Open Daily: 7 a.m.to 4 p.m.
* Pizza Night Thursdays: 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor for Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), will review various aspects of Eden Prairie. Her inaugural review features a coffee shop/cafe, and the column aims to cover books, events, shows, stores, and more! Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.