Nathan's Cafe

‘‘Lovely," my friend sighed when she tasted the light, tangy broccoli slaw at Nathan's Pastries and Café in Hopkins. She proceeded to bestow similar genteel adjectives upon the chicken salad, a tortilla soup, and a bright Key lime tart. It's a fitting description. The counter-service spot, located within Pieces of April antiques store, is reminiscent of an old-fashioned general store, where folks came to exchange news and get a lime rickey and tuna salad, which is also fabulous here. Egg salad is served with capers and watercress. A ham and Swiss panini on ciabatta Dijon dressing. A rounded pastry case holds everything from eye-catching tarts and pastries—as delicious as they are pretty—to the pedestrian but tasty PB&J bar. There’s no dinner, and prices top out at $8. 

922 Main St., Hopkins, 952-935-0100