Hello dear
Welcome To Snelling Cafe
Nestled in the heart of St. Paul, Snelling Cafe serves up a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by East African cuisine. With dishes like the flavorful Awaze Tibsi—cubed beef simmered in a rich ginger and garlic sauce—and the popular Embetito Dnish, a warming potato sandwich, this cozy spot is a local treasure. Patrons rave about the generous portions and friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect neighborhood hangout. Don't miss the vibrant vegetarian options, like the veggie sandwich and spaghetti, all skillfully crafted with fresh ingredients. Snelling Cafe radiates warmth and hospitality, enticing all who visit with its unique culinary experience.
About
Snelling Cafe
Welcome to Snelling Cafe, a hidden gem nestled on 638 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN. If you find yourself expecting the usual bacon and eggs diner, think again. This little corner of St. Paul is a culinary journey into East African cuisine, offering flavors that tantalize your taste buds while creating a cozy neighborhood vibe.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere where community feels palpable. The owner, affectionately known as Ah Fork, brings an engaging personality that makes every visit feel special. The menu is a delightful mix of hearty options that reflect the essence of East African cooking. The dishes range from the simple yet satisfying Embetito Dnish, a potato sandwich that brings warmth and freshness together, to the robust Awaze Tibsi, featuring marinated cubed beef packed with bold flavors.
One of the standout offerings for vegetarians is the Veggie Sandwich, boasting dark leafy greens, sliced tomatoes, boiled potatoes—encased in perfectly toasted bread. For pasta lovers, the Vegetarian Spaghetti served with an Italian-style tomato sauce is sure to delight. And who could resist the Gyros Wrap, with its tender sliced lamb complemented by crisp veggies and a tangy cucumber sauce? The prices are refreshingly reasonable, making it easy to indulge without a second thought.
But it’s not just the food that draws diners in. The community feel resonates, as noted by customers who rave about Snelling Cafe's spacious dining area and even a backroom featuring billiardettes—where you can bond with friends over food and games. The friendly staff ensures your experience is warm and welcoming. As one reviewer aptly put it, the cafe feels like a “very cozy neighborhood IYKYK kinda place.”
As I savored the dishes, I was struck by how each bite tells a story—from the warmth of the potatoes and the crunch of fresh romaine to the subtle hints of spices that awaken the palate. The added touch of tea spiced with Aforki’s signature blend provides a comforting finish to a memorable meal.
In conclusion, Snelling Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it's a vibrant gathering spot filled with rich flavors and a diverse community spirit. Whether you are a longtime local or just moved to the neighborhood, a visit to Snelling Cafe promises an experience that delights the senses and builds connections.
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“ Had no idea what the place was. Expected a bacon n eggs diner. It’s an East African joint and quite good. The owner (Ah Fork? Is how he pronounced it) was a good dude. Got a chicken wrap sandwich thing. Super good. With fries it was 10!! I’ll be back. ”
“ Embetito Dnish at Snelling Cafe I keep coming back for this. They call it Embetito Dnish—potato sandwich. Nothing fancy. Just warm sliced potatoes, fresh tomato, romaine, green senstro peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, all wrapped in toasted bread. What makes it hit? The contrast. The warmth of the potatoes and bread. The cool bite from the romaine and tomato. The salty edge mixed with olive oil. A slight heat from the green pepper. And that twist of lemon—it wakes everything up. Then there’s the tea. Hot, simple, spiced with Aforki’s touch. You feel it in your chest. No menu can explain this. You just know when it’s right. ”
“ The food here is delicious and reasonably priced, very generous portions. It feels like a very cozy neighborhood IYKYK kinda place. I highly recommend it. ”
“ I very much love the food here especially the Miser Wat(spicy red lentils) the workers have always been kind to me ”
“ Just moved to the neighborhood and this place is incredible. The folks are super friendly and everything has been delicious. The first time we went, we sat in the dining room and they have a back room with a table of billardettes. It was super cool to see folks playing and learn how it works. My partner is Eritrean and the Awaze Tibbs and a veggie platter were a smash hit. Since then, we've had cheese steaks and espresso drinks. Both were delicious. They roast their own coffee beans and even sold us some. We are also looking forward to the upcoming Eritrean community events they have advertised. Only critique is the bathroom could use some love. It doubles as a storage closet/shower full of cleaning supplies. ”
“ I really enjoyed the wraps at Snelling Cafe. Chicken and steak wraps were both great with juicy bits of meat. I also ordered the tibs with injera. Good flavor and spicy. This place also has coffee and dessert options. Friendly staff on top of that means I will stop in again. There is a good mix of East African and Mediterranean food on the menu. ”
“ One of the only places around open late on a Friday night. The food was AMAZING! ”
“ One of my Eritrean friends told me to go to this restaurant when we were talking about Eritrean culture. I’m glad that I listened to his advice because Snelling Cafe is the best African Restaurant that I’ve been too. The service is fast and the food portions are large. I love how the atmosphere feels extremely authentic and people are very kind. The first time I came here I ordered shiro and foule. On my second visit I ordered Fatta and Eritrean Tea. I was very impressed both of the times that I came. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to try Eritrean cuisine. ”