Hope Breakfast Bar - Blaine — Restaurant in Blaine

TLDR: Our first time, good service, good food, good coffee. We recommend a reservation. Ate there just fine with a gluten sensitivity.

Our first time visiting & the place is super cute. We made a reservation for 4 for 10:30, but I probably wouldn't do a walk-in, personally.

Some of the reviews aren't wrong, the front entrance can get a little backed up and I can see where it could get a bit awkward by the host stand when it's busy. And it does get a bit loud, the restaurant was maybe half full when we went and it sounded like a full restaurant.

Our sever Dan (I believe) welcomed us and answered all my Gluten Free questions because while I'm not celiac, I have had a mild gluten intolerance. I enjoyed all the specialty coffees I tried, they were only a little bit sweet, with out tasting like a sugar bomb. And my sister liked her lemonade, & that was a very sweet lemonade.

We ordered, collectively, the fried chicken & waffle, the stuffed poblano, gyro bowl, banana bread pancakes, & I got the sunrise chili crunch bowl (GF) with the carnitas add on, and they even offered the "baby cakes" with the gluten free pancake option even though I don't believe the baby cakes had gluten free listed on the menu. The gluten free pancakes are just that, gluten free pancakes. It's very nice to have the option, but they're just naturally not very light or fluffy. The chili crunch on my entrée was good, it had a little heat, but nothing overly spicy if you like spicy. I was also pleased with the amount of meat that came with the carnitas side. I think because their portions are generous, the prices are very comprable.

Everyone liked their food, and server was right, the portions are pretty substantial. You could probably split some of them between 2 people, or feed a really hungry person. The manger (who told us his name, but it was so loud I missed it) was walking around and checking on tables, and checked in with us as well. We all walked away very full, with some food to take home. We will definitely be back to try more options.

I think the only thing I would like to see for those will dietary restrictions, is some sort of visual confirmation that the food being served to you, is indeed adhering to your restrictions. Some restaurants use little flags, or different colored plates, so you don't have to confirm multiple times with the server/food runner, that your plate was in fact "gluten free, dairy free,...

We arrived on a rainy Saturday mid-morning around 10:30 AM to find the parking lot completely full — a promising sign. Inside, the place was buzzing, every table full, and the host quoted a 90-minute wait. Not wanting to miss out, we opted for the patio despite the drizzle. Even when the rain picked up enough to get our backs a little wet, it felt more like part of the adventure than an inconvenience. The staff was quick and attentive from the start, and the atmosphere stayed upbeat.

The menu is one of the most unique and fun we’ve seen for breakfast — creative spins on classics and thoughtful options for dietary needs. From a gluten-free perspective, it was impressive to see both waffle and pancake choices. The gluten-free waffle looked beautiful, topped with large blueberries and fresh strawberry slices, with whipped cream, syrup, and butter on the side. While it leaned a bit dry in texture, the toppings helped, and the effort to offer gluten-free options was appreciated.

The biscuits and gravy were rich and savory, with a moist biscuit well-covered in flavorful gravy. Adding bacon and cheese to the hash browns was the right move for extra indulgence. The dish comes with two eggs, though the third egg we ordered never arrived. Even so, the portion size was ample and satisfying.

The Sunrise Chili Crunch Bowl with carnitas — a $5 upgrade — was the highlight. Tender, moist pork paired perfectly with crunchy pickles and a balanced mix of flavors that kept each bite interesting. The savory notes were complemented by bright, fresh elements, making it the kind of dish you’d happily order again.

Overall, Hope Breakfast Bar in Blaine delivers a bustling, energetic brunch scene with friendly service and a menu that goes beyond the usual breakfast fare. On busy days, be prepared for a wait — and maybe a little weather if you brave the patio — but the experience and creativity make...

I am writing this review to share a concerning pattern of unequal treatment at Hope in Blaine, MN — one that raises serious questions about discrimination.

I visited the restaurant on a Saturday morning with my two children and my sister. Upon arrival, I approached the hostess and was told there would be a 20–30 minute wait. I agreed, received a confirmation text at 11:09 AM placing me on the waitlist, and returned to my car, which was parked directly in front of the restaurant.

We waited patiently for 45 minutes with no follow-up text or update. During that time, I watched numerous guests — many of whom had arrived after me — being greeted and seated without issue. It became increasingly clear that our presence was being ignored. To this day, I have not received a text notifying me that our table was ready.

This is not an isolated incident. On a prior visit, I was told the restaurant was fully booked. Out of curiosity, I called a few minutes later — this time without being physically seen — and was told seating was available. The contrast between the in-person and phone responses was stark and revealing.

As a minority woman and a mother, I cannot ignore the pattern of treatment I’ve experienced here. While I am cautious about using the term “racism,” in this case, it is difficult to view the repeated disregard and inconsistent responses as anything else. The message was clear: certain people are prioritized here, and others are quietly dismissed.

Restaurants are meant to be places of hospitality and inclusion — Hope failed on both counts. I will not be returning, and I strongly encourage others, particularly those from marginalized communities, to consider whether their presence will be truly welcomed...