Chickadee Cottage Cafe, nestled at 317 N Lakeshore Dr in Lake City, MN, offers a unique dining experience that resonates with locals and travelers alike. Customers rave about the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by owners Trent Tingblad and Laure'n Kann. One patron, Jeannie Hill, praised the exceptional menu, calling the Shrimp Scampi "an unusual and exceptional combination," and highlighted the delightful bean chili for its rich flavors.
The cafe’s brunch selections, including the highly praised Johnny Benedict and Wild Rice porridge, keep guests returning for more. Additionally, their special Afternoon Teas, complete with scones and homemade jams, provide a beloved experience for fans of traditional tea time. Christine Canino emphasized the joy of their Halloween Tea, showcasing the cafe's creative flair.
Service here is consistently highlighted, with staff like Deb and Georgia going above and beyond to ensure diners feel cared for. The ambiance, enhanced by beautiful patio seating and cozy dining spaces, makes it an ideal spot for meetings or leisurely outings. With local treasures and tasty treats, Chickadee Cottage Cafe is undeniably a gem in Lake City and a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
No delivery
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Photos
Reviews For Chickadee Cottage Cafe
Lynelle NH
Jun 15,2025
Needed a place to setup shop for a quick meeting in the middle of my road trip. I only ordered the strawberry basil tea but the waitress, Deb, still made sure to check on me from time to time. The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was quiet enough to where it wouldn’t come across in the meeting, and they had a fun selection of local items and sweets for purchase. Would love to visit again.
Katie Gardner-Peterson
May 21,2025
Our first time here, and to Lake City. We will be back. We had the Johnny Benedict, Wild Rice porridge and Blueberry Maple scone (which I ate before taking a picture). All was amazing as was Georgia our server. Lake City is lucky to have this place!!
Jeannie Hill
May 10,2025
We were delighted to stumble upon this fine family-owned cafe in Lake City, MN. Trent Tingblad and Laure'n Kann, owners and long-time Lake City residents certainly know how to provide a stellar dining experience and run a business that genuinely serves the local community and individuals who are traveling through. We traveled six days over seven states between destinations – the welcome was so warm and genuine here, it totally struck us as outstanding. Everything on the menu looked inviting to try. And in the end, everything that we tried exceeded our expectations and tasted fabulous! Rarely can one say that. I had the Shrimp Scampi Shrimp sauteed in butter and garlic, served with a baked potato and coleslaw. An unusual and exceptional combination. I’m not sure of the sauce’s secret but it is very tasty! The bean chili with onion on top also pleased us with exceptional flavors and seasoning. Every bit was savored. Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls, tea cozies (hard to find and highly sought after living in London), books, cards, teacup and saucer sets, and so much more, are available as gifts for the discerning giver. I plan to go back and try the Ginger Lime Tuna and Bloody Mary Grilled Cheese when time permits for traveling again. Also, few places offer Devonshire cream, homemade jam and fruit with your scone. I’m a true scone fanatic (ate them daily on Noting Hill Gate Street), and was not surprised to find the whole plate GONE in the showcase by the checkout counter! I should have ordered one with lunch. From the front when driving by, it’s hard to appreciate the multiple dining spaces they offer and how exceptional the food and service are. Patio table are provided on the lawn as well as in the back garden. It has lovely front porch dining, too. This is the place to go for an English Tea. Handicap access. Large, clean, stylish restrooms. Street-side parking just across from the river.
Kristy Bender
May 9,2025
Very unique place to eat.
Christine Canino
Apr 23,2025
Delicious brunch! Awesome service! I really enjoy their special Afternoon Teas, so fun. Went to the Halloween Tea. It was amazing.
Gina B
Mar 30,2025
What a great place! Food, service, and atmosphere were all top tier. Deb was amazing and even gave us some local recommendations on places to check out while in the area (we loved the National Eagle Center). My husband had the Scottish Tatties, I had the quiche of the day, and we had a side of french toast and a flapjack. Nothing could have prepared us for the size of the flapjack, OMG, that thing could have fed a family of five for a week! Overall, flavors were amazing, dishes were cooked perfectly, and we are sad we don't have our own Chickadee Cottage Cafe back home. Definitely would come here again when we're in the area!
Steven Mosborg
Mar 14,2025
Hard to beat this cozy cafe in the heart of Lake City. Great atmosphere, food and service made for a wonderful Saturday stop in autumn. The meatloaf muffin and quiche were terrific and Georgia was an excellent and fun waitress. Thank you. Until next time!
Philip Ward
Mar 13,2025
One would be hard pressed traveling down Hwy 61 through the rolling hills not to be awed inspired by the postcard picturesque of Lake City. The mighty Mississippi flowing and expanding into the beautiful Lake Pepin with its miles of walking trails, 635 slip Marina and birthplace of waterskiing in 1922. Not to be outdone, the city itself is a treasure trove of shops, stores, restaurants and seasonal rentals and motels. All tastefully done and intermingled with the homes of year-round residents. If Norman Rockwell had painted this town the vibrant color of the Chickadee Cottage Cafe on Lakeshore Drive would have been his focal point. And once inside he would have been delighted to see this decade old home turned eatery/gift shop offering home-cooked meals with simple ingredients. First opening it’s doors in 1991 as the Chickadee Cottage Tearoom and Restaurant and fulfilling the dreams of Donna Hawkins’. Her passion of cooking and traveling would set the tone of the owners that would follow. The latest of longtime employees to take the helm was Laure’n Kann, who worked for over 14 seasons, and her culinary partner Trent Tingblad who purchased the cafe in 2016. The interior is tastefully restored and decorated offering a gift shop and a number of rooms for dining. Menu offers a variety of breakfast classics, flapjacks, french toast, omelets and porridge. Lunch a choice of sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls and daily specials. Baked goods are also available to enjoy or take with you. My Mac Bowl was a delicious entree of Cavatappi in a Cheddar Cheese sauce, topped with pulled pork and Roasted tomatoes. Cheese sauce was not overbearing and simply blended with the hearty slow cooked, saucy layer of pulled pork. Temperature was spot on, presentation appealing and taste rewarding. Service friendly and commendable.
Reviews For Chickadee Cottage Cafe