Peoples Organic in Eden Prairie, open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., offers a variety of dining options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. According to its website, the restaurant offers organic coffee, sustainable wines, and local beers on tap. Photos by Rachel Engstrom
I had eagerly anticipated visiting Peoples Organic for years. Known as a successful chain with a stellar reputation, it came highly recommended by a friend as her favorite lunch spot. My expectations were high. After perusing the menu online and being enticed by the promise of fresh ingredients and a decaf latte, I was ready to dive into the experience.
Peoples Organic in Eden Prairie features a variety of bakery items.
Meeting my friend on a picturesque September morning at 11 a.m., the location was easy to find, with a spacious and mostly empty parking lot. To my surprise, there was a drive-thru option, a feature I had yet to learn about but appreciated, especially in the age of COVID-19.
Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately noticed the contrast between the dark lighting and the vibrant rainbow flag on the chalkboard. The latter advertised a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, featuring starters, flatbread, beer, wine, and the price of their coffee beans ($11 a pound at the time).
The glass counter showcased an array of mouth-watering options, from cinnamon rolls to vegan brownie bars and blueberry scones. Even the vegan and gluten-free choices looked delectable. This was slightly overshadowed by signs announcing the need for a barista, cashier, and front-of-house supervisor — a detail that would become more significant later.
Opting for a decaf caramel latte and the rosemary potato flatbread, my initial experience was positive, warranting a 5 out of 5 rating.
Peoples Organic offers a variety of organic coffees.
However, my enthusiasm dwindled when I received my latte. As a seasoned consumer of specialty coffees for over 20 years, I can confidently say this drink was not made correctly. Despite ordering a caramel latte, it tasted overly chocolatey — a deviation from the norm. Additionally, serving it in a glass instead of a mug or cup that retains heat was a letdown.
Peoples Organic offers three flatbread varieties on its menu, including rosemary potato.
Sitting outside on the patio with my friend, the neat and clean environment couldn’t salvage the fact that my coffee cooled too quickly as I awaited my flatbread. Though the food was average, featuring fresh ingredients, the flavor profile erred on the side of bland — far from deserving a raving review.
In conclusion, Peoples Organic left me with mixed impressions. While the atmosphere and menu presented promise, the disappointing latte and mediocre flatbread brought the overall experience down a notch. It’s a spot with potential, but improvements in both beverage preparation and flavor infusion are necessary for a more satisfying visit.
Peoples Organic in Eden Prairie is located at the corner of Valley View Road and Prairie Center Drive. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Do you have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.