The bustling Skyway shopping center in downtown Minneapolis has a new beacon of Australian-inspired coffee culture with the opening of Barra, a multiroaster cafe aiming to transport patrons to the laid-back shores of the Sunshine Coast. This fresh addition to the urban landscape, located at 950 Nicollet Mall UNIT 205, officially opened its doors on March 2, marking a significant step for co-founders Eric and Mallory Nordberg. Barra’s debut introduces a carefully curated coffee program and a distinct coastal ambiance, setting it apart in the competitive Minneapolis cafe scene.
A Taste of Australia in the Heart of the Midwest
Barra’s core offering is its intentionally concise drinks menu, featuring espresso, drip coffee, a latte, and the quintessential Australian flat white. Going beyond the standard coffee fare, the cafe also highlights a Lemon, Lime and Bitters (LLB), a classic citrusy and subtly spicy non-alcoholic beverage deeply ingrained in Australian social gatherings. This deliberate simplicity reflects a commitment to quality and a focused approach to the coffee experience, reminiscent of the streamlined yet sophisticated cafe culture prevalent in Australian cities.
A key differentiator for Barra is its dedication to replicating the water profiles found in Melbourne’s renowned coffee shops. By customizing their water, the Nordbergs aim to optimize the extraction and flavor profiles of their carefully selected beans, a practice that underscores their commitment to authenticity and a high-caliber coffee product. This attention to detail, often overlooked, speaks volumes about Barra’s ambition to deliver an authentic Australian coffee experience.
Vision and Inspiration: From Queensland Beaches to Minneapolis Streets
The genesis of Barra can be traced back to a pivotal 2024 trip to Queensland, Australia. While staying at an Airbnb on a street named Barra Crescent in Coolum Beach, the Nordbergs found themselves drawn to the local coffee shops, describing them as "vibey." These daily morning walks along the boardwalk and the immersive experience of Australian cafe culture ignited the desire to create a similar haven in their own city. "We walked the boardwalk every morning to a few vibey coffee shops, which started the urge to open a brick and mortar," Eric Nordberg shared with Daily Coffee News.
The interior design of Barra further reinforces this coastal inspiration. Lime-washed walls, natural wood finishes, and strategically placed potted plants evoke an oceanside atmosphere. This aesthetic is juxtaposed with high-performance coffee equipment, including a Slayer espresso machine and a Mahlkönig EK43 grinder outfitted with SSP burrs, signaling a serious dedication to the craft of coffee preparation. A clean white stone bar and a complementary white tile backsplash ensure that the focus remains squarely on the quality of the coffee being served.
A Curated Multiroaster Program: Quality and Exploration
Barra’s multiroaster program is built on a foundation of stringent quality selection. Currently, the cafe features drip roasts from Prodigal Coffee, based in Boulder, Colorado, and espresso roasts from Makeworth Coffee, hailing from Bellingham, Washington. This strategic partnership with established, quality-focused roasters allows Barra to offer a diverse yet consistent coffee experience.
Eric Nordberg’s commitment to quality is paramount. "Quality was my number one priority when selecting roasters," he stated. "There are a few other roasters whose lineups I am tasting through." While the current selection focuses on domestic roasters, the aspiration to feature Australian roasters remains, though logistical and economic challenges present significant hurdles. "No Australian roasters yet, though that would be amazing. The tariff situation and shipping costs have put a hamper on any desire to start that," Nordberg explained, highlighting the complex realities of international sourcing in the specialty coffee industry.
Prodigal Coffee holds a special place in Barra’s history, having supplied the beans for Nordberg’s previous retail pop-ups in Denver. This prior relationship fostered a deep understanding and trust in Prodigal’s offerings, making them a natural choice for Barra’s drip coffee program.
The Journey to Coffee Entrepreneurship: A Passion Rekindled
The path to opening Barra was not a direct one for Eric Nordberg. Formerly a middle school science teacher, he was pursuing a nursing degree when the undeniable pull of the coffee industry became too strong to ignore. The realization that his academic focus was shifting from textbooks to brewing methods was a clear sign. "I found myself spending more time reading about coffee than studying for school, so it became obvious that maybe I would give up going back to school," Nordberg confessed. This personal journey underscores the passion and dedication that fuels Barra’s operations.
Mallory Nordberg, an attorney by profession, plays a crucial role in the business, managing Barra’s social media presence, branding, and administrative tasks. Her connection to Australia is deeply personal; born in the United States to an Australian immigrant father, she holds dual citizenship and lived in Brisbane from 2001 to 2007, maintaining frequent visits to the country. This intrinsic link to Australian culture provides a genuine foundation for Barra’s authentic representation.
Growth and Future Aspirations: Building a Community Hub
Since its March 2 opening, Barra has primarily focused on grab-and-go service, catering to the fast-paced nature of downtown Minneapolis. However, the Nordbergs have ambitious plans for the future. "As we grow, we hope to incorporate more Aussie foods, and create more seating and space for people to gather over morning tea," Eric Nordberg articulated. The overarching goal is to cultivate the complete Australian coffee culture experience, infused with a welcoming, coastal vibe.
The immediate focus for 2026 is on solidifying and expanding the current cafe. "We are focusing on building out and growing this cafe this year," Nordberg affirmed. Looking further ahead, the Nordbergs envision extending their reach into neighboring St. Paul. "Eventually I would like to open a sit-down specialty coffee shop in St. Paul," Eric Nordberg revealed, indicating a long-term strategy to establish a broader presence within the Twin Cities’ coffee landscape.
The opening of Barra represents more than just another coffee shop; it signifies the transplantation of a unique cultural experience to a new environment. By meticulously crafting their menu, sourcing quality beans, and curating a transportive atmosphere, the Nordbergs are poised to make Barra a cherished destination for both coffee aficionados and those seeking a slice of Australian warmth and hospitality in the heart of Minneapolis. The cafe’s presence in the Skyway also strategically positions it to capture a significant portion of the downtown workforce, offering a refreshing escape and a high-quality coffee ritual amidst the urban hustle.
The success of Barra will likely be measured not only by its sales figures but also by its ability to foster a sense of community and replicate the relaxed yet sophisticated social fabric that defines Australian coffee culture. The deliberate choices in design, menu, and operational philosophy all point towards a commitment to creating an authentic and enduring experience for its patrons. As Barra continues to evolve, its journey will undoubtedly be one to watch within the dynamic specialty coffee sector.