The French Hen Café

Good Breakfast. Friendly, if forgetful staff. The coffee is good, a great way to start. The atmosphere is relaxed and homey. I ordered Bahn Mi Benedict. My friend ordered the Poutine. The Bahn Mi Benedict was supposed to have glazed pork, a vege relish and siracha hollandaise. Unfortunately, I got regular eggs benedict, with bacon and plain hollandaise. It was delicious. When I ordered, the waiter even said the Bahn Mi Benedict was his favorite. When he brought the plates, he asked if I would like hot sauce, I said «Yes.» He said, «Be right back.» And we never saw him again. The food is delicious. The Poutine was fabulous. Tasted like Canada on a plate. My eggs benedict were perfect. The hollandaise was well made and the eggs oozed perfectly into the toast and bacon. It would have been nice to taste what I actually ordered, but I was lucky to like what I did get.

Plenty of gluten free options, including GF toast so I ordered Banh Mi Benedict and it was fantastic. Will definitely come here next time I am in the Twin Cities.

This place is just wonderful for breakfast! I have never had a bad meal/​experience here. I love their eggs benedict with avocado. And definitely share a piece of their coffee cake with your table. The food and coffee is so perfect and the atmosphere is really amazing. It’s connected to a little gift/​floral shop so you can browse before/​after your meal.

It’s not often I feel like asking to speak with a manager just to tell them how amazing their establishment is. But that’s what I left here thinking.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch last month when I came home from work early after a super crappy day. I’m really glad we did because I left feeling so much better about life in general.
First off I should mention the service was pretty slow but there was only one server on staff and for food like this, I’d have waited twice as long. You could tell they were putting a great deal of care into every little detail.
The gentleman gave amazing friendly and courteous service and handled a full dining room by himself with ease.
As for the food: I don’t remember what my boyfriend had but I had some kind of (Spanish?) spin on an eggs Benedict. It came with a beautifully moist and flavorful spiced roast pork and Sri racha hollandaise. It was literally one of the best things I’ve ever had in a restaurant.
The ambiance was very nice as well, which flowers adorning the walls and tables, you really do feel like you could be in a rustic French bistro.
A+, guys!

I wish there was the possibility of leaving a partial star, because really I’d rate my visit a 4.5. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because I feel that almost no place can really be perfect, which I’ll detail below (very minor complaints, really). All the same, my visit and my food were very, very enjoyable.
I ordered the blueberry pancake with a side of bacon, orange juice, and coffee. The pancake really did look like a layer of a cake when it came to my table. I estimate that it was 1.5″ thick. I was worried that it would be dense and dough-​y, but it was the perfect intersection between fluffy and filling. It was also very tasty. Usually I like to put a lot of butter and syrup on my pancakes, and the portions of each provided were modest (I thought about asking for more), but I found that the pancake itself was so flavorful that I didn’t.
The bacon was *perfect*. I like my bacon thoroughly cooked, but not so crisp that you miss out on the salty, savory, fattiness of it. It’s a hard balance to strike. This bacon was perfect, with the delicious buttery explosion in the mouth that I don’t often find.
The orange juice was fresh-​squeezed and delicious.
I guess I can justify taking off the fifth star because 1.) the coffee was just okay, and I make much better at home, but that’s par for the course. I have only very rarely had coffee in a restaurant that was as good as when I grind my own beans in my own kitchen, and 2.) the pancake was only a little bit smaller than the plate on which it was served, and I would have preferred a little more room to maneuver.
Clean and bright, well-​appointed, comfortable surroundings, too.
I’ll definitely be back.

This is a cute café for a quick breakfast. The entrance to this place is through a small shop selling flowers and small housewares.
The menu is small, but has all of the staples and a nice variety. You can go healthy, not so healthy, or in between. I had the blueberry pancake. Yep, one pancake is all you need. That’s cause it’s a thick pancake, and at the same time, it’s fluffy and light. It’s dusted with powdered sugar. It was good on its own even, and no need for syrup.
If you’re looking for a quaint place with quality food and you’re on a quest for a French inspired place, this is it!

Great French inspired food, the crêpe I had was the perfect mix of sweet and fresh. The atmosphere is charming and the fact that it’s attached to the best little flower shop in town, Fleur de Lis, is a nice bonus as you get to shop around while you wait. I can’t wait to go back and keep trying new things on the menu. The service was fast, friendly and very sweet.

I felt like I was dining in a garden except I forgot my fancy tea party hat and poofy floral dress. Next time…
The restaurant is attached to a floral/​gift shop, which also doubles as a waiting area. I met a friend for Sunday brunch. The restaurant was packed, and stayed that way, so I had a short wait. Naturally, I browsed the shop area.
It’s adorable. They have hand soaps made from scratch. Cool! I fell in love with a lilac soap bar, it reminded me of a lilac festival my father use to take me to back in NY. It was $ 30 for a set of 3 small bars. That’s a bit high for soap in my opinion, I sadly had to pass.
10 minutes later we were seated at a small table for two in the middle of the jam packed restaurant. I could have easily killed the person behind me with a swift head butt. My friend couldn’t back up either or she’d be hit by a door that was marked «do not enter», but was unlocked, so people came in anyway bringing with them a blast of cold air. My favorite was whenever a server passed by their ass was in our faces because the tables were so close they had to come through sideways. Not cool… but I’m sure the tight tables help to keep wait times down.
Our server came fairly quickly to take our orders. She was friendly but seemed slightly stressed. She wasn’t smiling too much. It was okay though, she got the job done.
We started with lattes. They came luke warm. I wanted so badly to love my latte. The flavor was great, but it needed to be piping hot.
I ordered a side of the cheddar chive biscuits. These were very, very dry. My friend choked on hers, neither of us finished our biscuit. Again, I was disappointed.
For breakfast I wanted to try their walleye benedict, but it was no longer on the menu. Instead there was a banh mi benedict. I wasn’t in the adventurous mood, so I went with a creole hash. My plate of food was delicious. The root veggies were crisp, the herbs were fresh, and my egg on top was gooey. Perfect hangover cure.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere as well. It was bright, vibrant, with fresh flowers on the table. They also keep a water carafe on the table, I wish more restaurants did that. Good service, and reasonable prices on the menu. There were a few mishaps with the latte, biscuit, and the space was way too cramped. However, I’d give this place another try if I was in the area.

Had brunch here on a Saturday morning. Found 1 hour street parking which was perfect. The place is really nice with an attached florist. Interesting menu. I had the salmon scramble, and my wife had the coconut lime French toast. Both were delicious. Only criticism is that my dish needed 1 more egg, and the French toast needed a few ore strawberries. Would definitely come back. Highly recommended.

Went to get a haircut at Root and walked over to the French Hen for Saturday brunch. It was packed with a 25 minute wait. It’s attached to a cute flower shop with amazing scented lotions. I got a call back once out table was ready. It’s a tiny area that is jam packed with tables. Nice for a cozy cold morning. The menu is interesting. We had the smoked salmon scramble and lime coconut French toast. The scramble was like 2 or 3 eggs. Way too small a portion for the price of $ 15. But nevertheless delicious and creamy. The French toast was great as well. Don’t get it if you expect a Limey taste. It’s only zest and I didn’t appreciate the lime at all. They were a bit stingy on the fruit (like 10 blueberries and like 4 cut up strawberries). The menu stated real maple syrup but I’m Canadian and I don’t approve. Either it was extremely dilute maple syrup or it was the the fake stuff. Slightly disappointed. Overall cute place with good food. For a French place I would have liked to see some pastries on the menu. I don’t know if it changed my life and I would for sure come back but I do recommend it if you’re in the area and haven’t been here before.

LOVED IT. Attached to a little flower/​gift shop to wander in while you wait. The food was amazing — I had the poutine and it was perfect! Poached eggs perfectly placed on cheese and hash browns smothered with delicious gravy. Great service and cute atmosphere.
*Yelp says they take reservations but they only do for parties or 5 or greater.

Only 60 reviews? this place deserves to be recognized more! It is the sweetest little joint in cathedral hill serving up the best brunch dishes ever. I fell in love when I first tasted the poutine; which consists of hasbrowns, sausage gravy, two poached eggs and gruyère. Then I fell in love again when I had the bacon benedict, they did however run out of avocado but offered to put some of this banhmi inspired relish on it and it was delicious either way. I make sure to always order a bloody orange mimosa with my brunch as well, too good for words. definitely one of those places you wanna go with a smaller party since it is a tight squeeze and crowded especially on the weekends!

After having called and being told that as the crowd is dying down and no reservation would be required to get a table, upon arrival we were told after walking in and seeing a restaurant full of people that they were closing early because they had run out of food and would not serve us.

There is a brunch goddess, and she has seen my soul. I got the Banh Mi Benedict — so fresh and spicy — and split that with my sister who gave me half her coconut lime (!!!) French toast. Sooo rich and sweet, but not at all overpowering. Lucky I was in public or I would have been making embarrassing noises. Mimosas are also good — blood orange is a bit more tart. The hash browns are perfectly crisped. On top of all that, they prominently display a «BLACK LIVES MATTER» sign right in their front window, so passers by and diners can see it, which makes me happy to give them my business. They’re attached to a wee gift shop, but it’s not cheap/​touristy crap; more the place you’d go to get something special. If you only have brunch in St. Paul once, GO HERE.

I have been coming here since they opened. If you have not eaten here, you should! I especially enjoy their coffee and breakfasts … Top on my list of breakfasts are the Biscuits and gravy, Quiche Lorraine and Salmon Scramble. … and waitress Kaitlyn is the best. Her friendly smile and charm will brighten your day.

I’ll be honest: if this place sucked, I’d probably still give them five stars because in the semi-​schnazzy Selby/​Dale neighborhood of St. Paul they were installing a «Black Lives Matter» sign in their window while I was there. You guys get all the points, you get all the stars. THANK YOU.
Besides being on the right side of history, this place actually had a bangin breakfast. Their whipped cream berry crêpe was fantastic– fresh raspberries and blackberries, deliciously light, eggy crepes, and homemade whipped cream. Great coffee, and great service, and the seating area is bright and homey.

Phenomenal service. We waited for a few minutes with our baby to be seated. While the bus boy cleared a table another couple stepped in front of us and asked for the table by the window that was getting cleared for us (which was a more suitable area to situate a car seat). The couple selfishly took our table for four by the window, and the server correctly interpreted our dissatisfaction with he rude couple and graciously provided a slice of cake for our trouble of relocating.
Apart from that incident, the food is wonderful and the baked goods are fresh and delicious. It’s a fantastic hidden local gem.

I’m absolutely smitten with this place! Perfect for a girls day out.
We had Walleye egg Benedict, which was on a fried green tomato instead of English muffin & the coconut lime French toast.
The French toast was beautiful but not the lime coconut flavor was not too present.
Great service, a bit longer wait for food to arrive than average.

Adorable spot for brunch in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. We walked over after mass at St Paul’s Basilica. Entrance is through a flower shop (lovely!) and the tables have fresh flower center pieces.
I ordered the coconut lime French toast per other Unilocalers– indeed, it was delicious! My husband got the chipotle pulled pork benedict; also very tasty. See our photos!
If you can– request a spot in their back patio sunroom. Wish I had seen that before we were seated!

I’m sad it took me so many years to discover this place! I’ve always gone to Highland Grill (Blue Plate) for my favorite breakfast, but after discovering this place on Unilocal,I fell in love and changed my loyalty. Located in the Cathedral Hills area of St. Paul, The French Hen Café is located on Selby Avenue and attached to a beautiful florist. Great hardwood floors, amazing ambience, and INCREDIBLE food. Worth stopping by for best-​brunch-​breakfast-​ever!

Today was my first trip to the French Hen. The consensus is already in, it’s a spectacular brunch place.
When choosing a spot the indoor is fine but if you are able to dine on the patio, do so. There is only one criticism of the patio and fortunately it does not relate to the service of the staff or the quality of le omelette du jour. I was sitting next to the vines and enjoying my meal when a crusty hand reached through the vines and grabbed some of our food and pulled it to the other side. The management really needs to install a fence to keep people from doing this.
Cute staff!
Update: the management has swiftly resolved the rampant food grabbing practice of famished onlookers. There is now a military grade titanium wall with plasma fueled automated machine gun turrets protecting the best brunch patio in Saint Paul.

This started out bad, like a two star bad just because when you enter, its very confusing. No one greeted us. We even went and stood for awhile where the sign was to wait and nothing so we finally sat down. Eventually, someone came and she was very nice. We actually moved tables because the one we were sitting at was very wobbly.
Our server was good. I think they were understaffed which, from reading other reviews, tends to be a trend here. The coffee was horrible– like worse than old people coffee and you all know what I mean. Such a shame that a place like this has terrible coffee. It tasted burnt and old.
The food, however, was amazing!!! What we had–
The coconut lime French toast-​Yummy!!! That’s all I have to say is Yummy and get it!
Biscuits and Gravy-​Incredible gravy but the biscuits were a bit hard. The gravy also could have been hotter but the taste was amazing. It came with eggs and hash browns and the entire entrée was delicious.
Poutine –This dish was similar to mine but with no biscuits and with some kind of cheese. I would get this dish next time instead of mine because who needs biscuits with that delectable gravy.
We had a
certificate which I rarely use because so many of them are not valid but we asked before we ordered and they said yes. What was weird, was they only deducted $ 10 instead of $ 15 with no explanation until I asked. The server, told us that was how the register rang it up and we told her to just leave it on for the tip. I would suggest, in the future, to not just drop the check off with no explanation. Most people are going to notice the wrong amount was deducted.
We chatted with her awhile about
and how they never expire and what they could offer customers instead if they have an older certificate. She seemed to really care that they do honor them in some fashion. They no longer are on the site but there are some old certs still out there like mine!
Even with the crappy coffee and the non existent hostess, I would definitely return because what I ate, was incredible. I think, if they would just work out a few kinks, they could have a real prosperous café. If they don’t, not sure… because there are so many great café options in that part of town.

Had breakfast there with a friend this morning, sitting outside in the beautiful weather.
Service was a bit slow and confused cuz they were understaffed today, but they were super nice and even brought us an «apology muffin» to make up for it.
We had tea and café au lait.
I had the pulled pork eggs Benedict with some salad instead of hash browns. Delicious but a bit spicy. My friend had omelet du jour, which was with onions, tomatoes and they substituted some beef for the pork without a problem. Her meal was a bit oily.
So all in all a great experience! I’d come back

I have loved The French Hen since it opened – so much so that when my daughters asked me where I wanted to go for Mother’s Day – I chose it!
Now I love The French Hen Café even more because of the outside patio– it makes you feel like you are in a café in France – and because of a kind act.
In addition to delicious food, a sweet atmosphere, and lovely service The French Hen went above and beyond the call of duty. My friend and I decided to walk to the Hen, about 8 or 9 blocks from my house. We sat on the newly opened patio under the enclosure and had a delightful brunch and noticed it starting to rain.
The gentle rain turned into a full blown thunderstorm with heavy rain and wind. We did not have an umbrella and were not willing to walk while there was lightning.
We told our waitress our dilemma and in just a few minutes, we were offered a ride home by the owner’s daughter Mattie! We had a lovely conversation on the drive home, and she dropped us off at our front door.
It is small kindnesses like this that let us know there is goodness in the world.
Thank you, French Hen!
Dawn Morningstar
St. Paul, MN

Seriously such a cute little café! I was in awe the first time I came here. The Atmosohere kind of has like a vintage/​garden feel. You’ll see what I mean when once you go there. :)
My friend & I started off with blood orange mimosas. Yum. When my friends and I go out to eat we usually order food to share. Marissa had the salmon scramble which came with sweet potato hash with creamcheese. It was goood. I had the bayou biscuits with gravy. It was bomb.
I actually came back today. I ordered the Quiche Lorraine. I’ve only had it 2 times in my life. The first time is when a friend made it and that’s when my newfound obsession started. I had it the other day from Patricks Café and it was okay. it could have been warmer. So now I’m ordering it again today, here at the French Hen, because im fucking obsessed work quiche Lorraine’s and I’m determined to get a delicious one!!!

I have mixed feelings about this. I’m a breakfast fanatic and love a good breakfast so that’s why I went.
The place was very cold inside. Service was slow. There was one server and he was ultra-​casual. Took a while for him to seat me, took a while to bring me my water and take my order.
I asked about the creole hash, and he said it was his second favorite after the walleye benedict. That’s the other thing I had been eyeing, so I went with that, and subbed the creole hash for the hash browns.
The food was awesome. The benedict was served on a wild rice cakes instead of english muffins, and they were very good. The walleye was very good, and the eggs were perfectly poached. The sauce was bland (I always get it on the side in case). It came with some really good grilled zucchini. The hash was just ok, decent but nothing special.
The prices on the menu were all higher than the prices listed on the website, which is not cool. And I left smelling like food, which can happen at restaurants sometimes, but maybe becasue the grill is right there or the oil they used or something?
Overall it’s overpriced for what it was. My breakfast was nearly $ 20, and I only had a water. My food was good, but I don’t really think I will be coming back.

Who doesn’t want a hot brunch on a blazing hot day? I know I do.
The best thing about The French Hen Café that I experienced was the mimosas (big surprise, right). They had a multiple flavors and the option to have it made with Prosecco or Moscato. I chose a hibiscus mimosa with moscato, my date had a blood orange with moscato. Both were very tasty, mine refreshing while hers was flavorful but very sweet.
The menu was interesting in that it had almost nothing that I really wanted on it. I’m a bitch that way.
Being some-​what intrigued by smoked salmon with my eggs, for no reason other than I’d never had it before, I ordered the Salmon Scramble. Smoked salmon, cream cheese and scrambled eggs with chives. It doesn’t even sound good so I don’t know what my deal was. I choked it down but I was not enjoying it. The cream cheese was too pasty to be paired with soft eggs, the salmon over powered the rest of the scramble which wasn’t hard because it was dying for some sort of seasoning. I dashed some salt, which helped but not enough to make it taste good. I had to imagine what a chive tasted like because these had no flavor and did nothing for the dish. The eggs were perfectly fluffy, but it’s scrambled eggs. If you can’t make fluffy scrambled eggs then you shouldn’t be offering them anyway.
It came with a side of toast, I chose Brioche. It tasted like toast. Win?
It also came with hash browns which were standard.
The orange slice was the most flavorful thing on the plate.
My date ordered the Omlette Florentine. The bite I tried was I guess what an omlette florentine should be, a garden in your mouth with some cheese and egg. That’s basically what it was and it was neither good or bad. She enjoyed it and that’s what counts, I guess.
The service was decent and our setting was pleasant. Next time, and I’m sure there will be a next time, I want to explore the little shop Fleur de flippity flap (Can’t remember what it was called.)