Here’s what you need to know: A new coffee shop in central Minneapolis is rewriting the rules of café culture by transplanting the laid-back, sun-soaked vibes of Australia’s Sunshine Coast into the heart of the Midwest. Barra, a multiroaster café with a distinctly Aussie flair, is doing more than just serving coffee—it’s curating an experience that feels like a coastal escape, complete with citrusy refreshments, mineral-rich water, and a menu that’s as concise as it is bold.
The café’s signature Lemon, Lime and Bitters (LLB) drink—a citrusy, slightly spicy sipper—hints at its roots in Australia, where it’s as common as a flat white. But Barra’s ambitions go beyond the menu. The water served here is custom-tuned to mimic the mineral profile of Melbourne’s coffee shops, a detail that underscores its dedication to authenticity. “We’re not just selling coffee; we’re building an experience,” says co-founder Eric Nordberg, who spent years balancing a nursing degree with a passion for coffee that eventually eclipsed both.
Barra’s design is a visual ode to its inspiration: lime-washed walls, natural wood, and potted plants that evoke a beachside retreat. The space is intentionally minimalist, with a Slayer espresso machine and Mahlkönig EK43 grinder taking center stage. Yet the real story lies in its roasters. While the café currently partners with Prodigal Coffee (Boulder) for drip brews and Makeworth Coffee (Bellingham) for espresso, Nordberg admits he’s still tasting through other options—though Australian roasters remain a dream, hindered by shipping costs and tariffs.
The founders’ dual backgrounds add depth to the project. Mallory Nordberg, an attorney with Australian roots, grew up in Brisbane and brings a personal connection to the café’s ethos. Their 2024 trip to Queensland, where they stayed on Barra Crescent in Coolum Beach, crystallized the vision. “We walked the boardwalk every morning to coffee shops that felt like a second home,” Eric recalls. Now, Barra is a testament to that longing, offering a taste of Australia without leaving Minnesota.
Key points: Barra’s multiroaster program blends global expertise with local Minnesota flair, its coastal design evokes Australia’s beach culture, and the founders’ personal ties to the region deepen its authenticity.
Key points: Barra’s multiroaster program blends global expertise with local Minnesota flair, its coastal design evokes Australia’s beach culture, and the founders’ personal ties to the region deepen its authenticity.
What’s your favorite Aussie coffee drink—and how would you want to see Barra evolve?
Questions & Answers
What’s Barra’s signature drink?
Barra’s signature drink is the Lemon, Lime and Bitters (LLB), a citrusy, slightly spicy beverage inspired by Australia’s coffee culture.
What makes Barra’s water unique?
Barra serves water custom-tuned to mimic the mineral profile of Melbourne’s coffee shops, enhancing the overall café experience.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
