The651.com

Nestled on West 7th Street just stone’s throw from the peeling facade of the Landmark Brewery, lies the delightfully arty mom n’ pop joint, Mad Hatter Coffee Cafe & Teahouse. After seeing St. Paul Arts and Culture guru, Joe Spencer, post a cute pic of his teacup (which came complete with an hour glass, see image to the right) a couple weeks ago I knew I had to make a stop at Mad Hatter at some point.

Today after a lunch meeting at Babani’s with charming local musician and McNally Smith educator Jeremy Messersmith (who by the way, is putting out a new album this Spring), I figured there was no time like the present to pop into Mad Hatter for a coffee and bit of wi-fi action. Upon entering I was happily greeted by the motherly 60-something proprietress who asked me what I’d like before I even had my jacket off. The tiny cafe has only a few tables, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. The high ceilings, the beat up hardwood floors, the quirky art hung salon-style throughout the place, and even an upright piano displaying hand-written sheet music for “Oh Susannah.” There’s an honor-system book exchange shelf. There are homemade scones, cookies and cakes. It feels homey, it feels like St. Paul.

With light snow swirling outside the floor to ceiling windows and light classical music playing in the background I sip my Mexican Mocha while the owner and her silver-haired friend work over a crossword puzzle and chuckle softly about life. The small adjacent gallery space is a bit askew, and they tell me they are in between shows, though I probably wouldn’t have noticed. The place has a lived-in, cozy atmosphere that almost makes me feel like I’m visiting someone’s home. While I’ve been here, a regular stopped in for a quick cup of soup on the fly, and the owner’s son stepped out onto the doorstep to see him off with a wave and a smile. The place closes at 1pm but I’ve been assured that I mustn’t worry, though I’ll likely leave soon so as not to impose. I certainly wouldn’t want to wear out my welcome at this lovely little spot. I’ll definitely be back.

Mad Hatter Coffee Cafe and Teahouse is open Monday-Friday 8am to 1pm and Saturday 9am-Noon with live Bluegrass music from 6:30-8:30pm every Thursday.

943 7th Street West, St. Paul, (651) 227-2511