Bob’s Java Hut

I moved to The Whittier Neighborhood in May of 2015 and stumbled upon this awesome corner nook coffee shop on Lyndale Ave and 27^th in Uptown. Ordered some coffee on the way to work, not only was the price right on, but the customer service which I have been provided there has been exceptional. Micky always greets with a smile, she knows my regular drink and often times has it done by the time I reach the register. Oh and not-​to-​mention, I can always count on a selection of classic tunes which bring back the nostalgia of what it is like to listen to good and real music!
A big shout out to Micky for your awesome wit, greetings and wit, your great vibe and awesome taste in music. See you at Bob’s Java Hut.

I was a little hesitant based on the exterior– thought I might be walking in to a 60s space machine– but you know what they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.
I’m glad I didn’t!
Bob’s is a great local coffee house. The staff is really nice and friendly, and the few times that I have been there, it seems that the other patrons are great to be around as well. Also– it is pet friendly.
Good selection of food and drinks. Highly recommend.

Great little place, good coffee, good bagels, nice friendly service, cute. Great place for a mid-​morning casual business meeting.

I am always on the search for a fun coffee spot so I decided to check out Bob’s Java Hut. I love the open garage door and outdoor seating; it really opened up the place and allowed us to enjoy the nice weather. The décor is really cool too and feels very welcoming and warm. I ordered an iced americano and the prices were very reasonable. The baristas were very friendly and chatty. My friend and I ended up sitting outside for a few hours and my only complaint would be that a lot of people outside were smoking cigarettes and cigars for almost the whole time we were out there (~3 hours). After a while I had to leave because the constant smell and smoke was giving me a headache. I love the spot but probably wouldn’t go back if I just want to read my book or have a calm/​chill time.

Bob’s Java Hut is open when I get up and when I go to sleep and I think it only closes on Christmas and Thanksgiving. There were days that I spent the whole day because I needed a space where no one would bother me and I could get my work done. This is probably why I don’t go to a library. I can refuel with coffee, step outside for a break and go right back to whatever it is I am working on. Something about this place, with it’s hard wooden chairs, safety lights hanging overhead, just allows for me to get focused and creative and I honestly feel that the diverse nature just flowing in this place. If you remember what the Uptown McDonald’s used to mean to the neighborhood in the 1980s, well, Bob’s is a place where I hear people talk about coming to just because they feel good coming here. There are GO games, AA sponsorship meetings, artists and writers that come here for inspiration, and the coffee, well, to be honest, it’s kind of an afterthought. It’s not the best or worst coffee, but people have a relationship with the business and are very loyal. Those who haven’t been here before walk in and wonder what the fuss is all about when they see this once was a garage and the floors are unfinished and there is a solitary bathroom for patrons to use. Bob attracts bikers, tattoo artists, the young set, the old and retired set, the yuppies, and the puppies. No one is turned away for a dress code. They have stayed in business because there is heart here. They don’t have to be perfect, but they don’t abuse their customers and make you feel right at home.

This review should be a 4.5 but alas, they don’t have half star options. The shop has a very nice real feeling to it rather than the corporate/​generic ikea purchased setups with artifical staff, no, the staff here are the real deal with quirky personalities. The coffee itself is phenomenal. You practically get a head rush from all of the aromatics in the coffee. Its strong and delicious. The coffee is about on par with Hard Times Café which is a hard thing to do. Why 4.5 and not 5? It is a bit on the expensive side for what you get. Otherwise, its awesome.

This is a review taking into consideration what Bob’s IS: an authentic local neighborhood coffee shop with strong coffee, unique biker-​ish vibes, plenty of tables, lots of light and open air in the summer, cute dogs, mix of oldie/​contemporary/​90s jams to keep your morale up, great location near other stuff but not too crazy busy, nice enough staff.
And ignoring what it is NOT: a place to have brunch and feel cutting-​edge hipster, have complete silence to conduct important business and phone calls etc.
Bob’s gets 5 stars because it is GREAT at certain things and really stands out as a unique coffee shop offering in the Uptown-​ish area. I love love Bob’s.

Three years ago, I basically signed my life away to grad school. Since then, coffeeshops around uptown been my daytime home, and I take simple joys eating out given I don’t have time to cook. Until my defense in the coming week, I have been a hermit hiding behind my laptop writing painfully long papers. #sociallifedead
With that said, I try to seek places with some personality to keep me sane if I have to sit in a spot for several hours long. Bob’s Java Hut just fills that void. I love the atmosphere in here. Coffee and chai are decent. But what makes it are the people (bikers), the open space (windows all around with plenty of lighting), and consistent wifi. I recall a year ago when we had a power outage that the barista at the shop was nice enough to let me stay nearly all day so I can get my phone and laptop charged. They are also dog friendly which i absolutely love. Many customers walk in to get their daily dose of caffeine with a furry companion trailing behind. (they also have dog treats on the counter, which i think is sort of adorbs). The biker, harley davidson feel to this place somehow appeals to me. it brings back memories of me in high school when I had colored hair with streaks; wore black leather jacket, cropped tops, black jeans and black boots (see a theme?); and dated older dudes with motorcycles. #sorrynotsorry #oksorryparents #teenrebel #demonchild
The only reason I gave a 4 out of 5 stars is because they have such a limited food selection (only daily made sandwiches, muffins, scones, bagel, and cookies). If i want a real meal i literally walk over down the block to get food at WSK, eat, and come back which can be somewhat annoying. Also they take credit cards, but set the minimum at $ 5.
Sorry for the overdue Unilocal review BJH, but I promise I will be back. You can swoon the inner teen Rowena anyday.

What’s the general rule about the internet? Don’t read the comments. What’s the cardinal rule of Unilocal?Read the reviews.
I broke the #1 Unilocal rule before coming to Bob’s Java Hut.
Had I read the reviews, I probably would have gone elsewhere. I don’t hate Bob’s, it’s just not my jam.
I go to coffee shops with a book in hand. I’m looking for a quiet-​ish place to enjoy my coffee, book and to not be bothered. Bob’s is not this place…
What Bob’s is though, is a biker coffee bar. Motorcycles outside, motorcycle stuff inside, bikers everywhere. The windows open to the outside were fantastic, with the exception of the exhaust noise every few minutes.
I got a phone call and had to leave shortly after I got there and I was fine to head out so soon. I did enjoy the coconut cookie, though! And my iced coffee was super strong (in a good way).

Well-​priced, convenient, good selection.
Do yourself a favor and get the oolong rhubarb iced tea and one of those peanut butter rice crispie treats. I swear by it as a well-​deserved treat after a long day.

I’m writing this from Bob’s because I really love it that much.
If someone in the metro area asks me what my favorite place is for coffee, I always quickly reply with «Bob’s Java Hut — no question.»
Tip: If you check in on Unilocal,and show it to the barista, you get a free sticker! Very cool Unilocal deal.
I’m devoted to the Mexican mocha. Not too choclatey, not too coffee-​ish, but with plenty of delicious spices (maybe cayenne? Red pepper?) to kick it up a notch. Culinary schools teach us that pairing chocolate with spice brings out the sweetness of the cocoa, and this drink is delicious proof of that idea.
This morning, I had a peanut butter cookie, too, which was large and moist. KIT HATES DRY COOKIES.
The atmosphere here is pretty cool — a really diverse crowd. As many have said, Bob’s is heavily frequented by bikers, but it’s definitely not something to be afraid of. The crowd here is friendly, very open-​minded, and will likely hold the door open for you if you’re nearby.
Strong, free Wi-​Fi, and although outlets are a bit sparse, they’re still easily found.
I’ve yet to have a surly barista here — they are all exceptionally friendly.
Love the industrial feel here — the large garage doors that open in the front of the shop are really spectacular in the spring, but also nice in the winter for the view and natural light. Distressed paint, scuffed hardwood floors, and motorcycle wall art are abundant here. It is a really cool, low-​key place to while away an afternoon.

First of all, I should note that this review is completely biased. I’ve fallen in love so hard with this place after going there for four years, that they could probably spill scalding hot coffee all over me and I would STILL give it five stars. It’s also in my neighborhood so it’s inordinately convenient for me
But why! Why else do I love it so much? Let me count the ways. (And let me count them in bullet point form since I’m too lazy in those moment to compose paragraphs that make sense).
— It’s colorful and charming, but feels authentic, real and imperfect.
— There are always adorable pups coming in all eager to be scratched and fawned over, since they are a dog-​friendly establishment.
— It’s independently owned, so you can feel good about supporting local business owners instead of the evil warlords of Starbucks. I kid!
— It’s easy to sit down and work for hours on end. Good WiFi. Really solid jams. My husband and I will come here and work independently for hours; him programming on his laptop while I write or read some Donna Tartt.
— Their coffee drinks are solid. I love their Café Miel in the winter, and their assortment of iced teas in the summer, which leads me to…
— The opening garage door in the summer is my favorite thing… sitting at the bar and looking out at Lyndale is soothing and interesting and relaxing all at once.
So you see? It’s really a curious, creative and quirky space for those who love good coffee, good people watching and good music.

Big fan of Bobs. What is not to love about a biker coffee bar. I ride my mountain bike there and feel cool, even though it is not a motorcycle. Haha. Awesome service, quick, friendly, and very-​un uptown. Fast wi-​fi, strong coffee, fair prices. The dog-​friendly aspect is great as well. Love to sit out front or on the side in the summer and drink a tasty cold press and check out the bikes. Customers seem pretty friendly as well.

2 pm: Enter Bob’s Java Hut to do some work. Order a latte.
2:03 pm: Get latte, unpack laptop, and start working.
2:05 pm: Several people bring their puppies into Bob’s.
2:06 pm: Puppies start playing with each other. Cuteness overload begins. Distracted.
2:35 pm: People and puppies leave. I «replace» them with videos of dogs greeting their owners who have returned home from war. Coffee is now gone.
3:30 pm: Leave coffee shop without doing any work and wanting a puppy.
Coolest biker coffee shop ever.

great little place to stop and get yourself a cup’o’joe. I enjoy that it is a tad open-​air when the weather is nice. Very chill crowd not uptight like starbucks… Nobody cares if your there or not…

Want to restore your faith in humanity?
Pay a visit to Bob’s Java Hut.
The clientele consists of leather jacket wearing guys talking or reading about philosophy, drawing or enjoying the company of another regular.
People observing here alone is worth the stop. The internet is fast and reliable too.
The drinks are always what you’re hoping for and the baristas are always approachable and understanding.
I heart you, Bob, and your java hut.

Bob’s Java Hut is the kind of place where leather is ubiquitous, cigarettes dangle from mouths and the java-​slinging barista casually says «Well that fu*$kin’ sucks because it’s YOUR deal, not mine,» to a customer known by name.
In other words, I love it here.
The coffee’s good, the chai’s good and they have hummus & pita, a coffee house must for this incessantly hungry girl. (Has Bethenny bought the rights to that book title yet?) Anyhow, the absolute best thing Bob’s has to offer is the combination of fresh air and WiFi in the summertime. The front window opens like a garage door (or is it a garage door? You’d think I’d know by now…) meaning you get a breeze while you browse. It’s the greatest.

Stumbled upon this place the other day to meet a colleague — — and LOVED the fact that you can bring your pooch here. I will definitely be bringing my girls (canine girls, that is…) this summer when they move up.
Oh yeah, the coffee was good too.
Complimentary WiFi.

Love the garage doors! Even when you sit inside, you feel like you are outside. Coffee was great, the Mexican Mocha and Cold Press Coffee were some of the best I have had, They allow dogs inside and out, service is super friendly, and the crowd is diverse.
The only downside is the bathroom. I totally get that the bathroom is not a big deal as many of the regulars are Harley driving bikers who probably don’t care but for me, the picky bathroom person, I didn’t like it. I will try to not use it next time. Cookies were yummy, Internet was a little slow but all in all, this is going to be a new fave coffee shop of mine.
Pack up your pooch, go potty before you leave home, and go enjoy some coffee at Bob’s.

I’ve lived in a number of different neighborhoods in Minneapolis, and I must say that Uptown is the worst for coffee shops. It isn’t that there aren’t a metric shitload of them, it is that they are usually staffed and patronized by pretentious hipsters.
Bob’s is far more laid back, and much like the strange books from the 80’s, you can choose your own adventure. Get a drink and lurk in the back on your laptop, or wander out front to converse with the folks that are lingering around the place. Do whatever you like, you’ll get nary a sideways glance or disgusted sigh.
I spend a lot of time on my motorcycle, and having a welcoming place to warm up on a cool evening just a few blocks from home is a fantastic way to end a ride. Good selection of teas and most coffee drinks I’ve had there are nicely prepared. I have no idea if they make the cookies in-​house or buy them in, but I’ve had a few and they are consistently good.
Bonus point for making lamps out of vintage motorcycle headlights.