Backstory Coffee Roasters - North Loop

It has a really cool vibe as a coffee shop, but it's not the place to be if you bring a baby with you. The barista didn't seem too happy and gave us the look knowing we brought our calm baby, while they adored the husky that wouldn't stop barking :"") I'm a dog mom myself, but that was pretty disappointing. Not to mention the coffee we ordered wasn't like we expected.
If you want to snap some cool picts, this is the place to be. Just don't bring a baby with you if you don't want to be stared at.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 2

I rarely write reviews unless the service and overall experience are either exceptionally commendable or noticeably poor and unprofessional.

This coffee shop features an inviting atmosphere with a spacious open layout and high ceilings that lend a welcoming air to the space.

Regrettably, the service did not match the appeal of the venue. We waited 32 minutes just to place an order for two lattes, and after a total wait of 40 minutes, the beverages were served, albeit cold.

During the wait, I observed a staff member meticulously crafting latte art, though the final design remained ambiguous, while another team member supervised. I approached them to mention that with such a long line and extended wait, it might not be the ideal time for latte art training. Their dismissive response, "we want to have fun”, only amplified their apparent disconnect and lack of understanding of the situation. This reply struck me as dismissive and unprofessional, especially considering the obvious need for more efficient service in a busy setting.

Overall, despite the attractive ambiance, the significant delays and unsatisfactory handling of customer concerns greatly diminished the overall experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Asked the cashier how their day was going and they stared at me for five seconds like I
was a creature. Then said “fine”. Ok. The barista who made my latte made it so hot and so foamy to the point I asked if I could possibly get it remade less hot and with less foam and the barista gave a ‘look’ to their coworker beside them, then said “well lattes have foam”. ??? I never said they didn’t but great, thank you so much for informing me. No, I didn’t get it remade. So i guess it doesn’t matter who you hire when people will still come in droves for the beautiful space. It’s just sad to see such an awesome space wasted on a coffee shop that hires staff with the personality (and skillset) of a wet napkin.

There are so many other coffee shops in North Loop and Minneapolis in general that are wonderful, with baristas who are actually warm, friendly and skilled. And who deserve your business way more, I assure you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 1

Staff is really and the design is very pretty but the coffee was awful. Last time I went was in the fall and I thought it was a fluke, but when I returned last week for a latte it was just as bad. Its like they need to clean their espresso machine because the coffee tastes so stale and rotten. The counter top was very clutter and dirty. Staff was really nice but I heard them complaining about a food safety concern. I really loved this place when it first opened but won't be going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Iced Latte

Cute vibe, slow service, took forever to take one order, average food and coffee

Absolutely one of the best coffee shops in town with one of the absolutely worst parking options.

Parking: Expensive rates during the day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Backstory is set in an amazing spot, very trendy! Coffee is great but I find the service to be mediocre, it seems as though it’s managed by someone that has customer experience on the back burner, not super welcoming.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 2

Beautiful atmosphere! Lots of seating. Lines can be long on weekends. Chai tea was good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Update: the manager of this location reached out to my social media to try and solicit a better response. This is very unprofessional and I’ve revised my review from 2/5 to 1/5.

Extremely slow service, terrible coffee, they are out of ingredients half the time you visit. They really don’t deserve to be in such a beautiful space. Go to corner coffee or frgmnt instead, don’t waste your money here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 1

I have been waiting to try this place for a very long time and I thought middle of winter, early on a Saturday morning after the holidays, it couldn’t be that busy. The line was 30 people deep without an empty chair in the whole place. 😒 I decided to walk down a few blocks to FRGMNT. Maybe one day I’ll get to enjoy the vibes and flavors of Backstory!

Fell in love with this coffee! We order twice a month now, no other coffee will do!

Their coffee is top 10 in the Twin Cities.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Decent coffee. I wish I could take my tip back - the guy at the front w blonde curly hair was a rude. Just another place that “closes” before they actually close.

We walked in 5 minutes to close and ordered two drinks. Hardly an inconvenience for someone still clocked in, and working the register…😑. He said “bye thanks we’re closed” once we picked up the drinks and didn’t say anything.

Would not come back from customer service alone. 👍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

Coffee is great. Well, the beans themselves are great. The coffee drinks are a bit lacking. The atmosphere and location are wonderful, it’s just the baristas that need a little personality. Yesterday the woman working the counter was amazing; pleasant and friendly. Today, it felt like I was bothering the two gals to get a pour over. So, hit or miss I guess.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

This place is so cute and the drinks are good but the employees are so rude