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Al's Breakfast

4.2 (636 reviews)
Closed 6:00 am - 1:00 pm

Al's Breakfast Photos

Business Info

AL'S BREAKFAST ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Casual
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Al's Breakfast

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Reviews With Photos

Cash or CHECK ONLY! it super cute and SMALL. ONLY 14 seats.
Lisa N.

So cute. 14 stools and great diner smells. Unfortunately we couldn't eat here because they are CASH/check only. And none of us had CASH. BOOOO....

Huevos ala Minnesota
Adam A.

This place is famous and I can see why. Very small - only 13 stools. We went when they opened so no issues with a line. Very friendly server told us all the history. The Eggs Minnesota with sweet peppers green peppers, and onions on top were awesome. Loved the pancake too.

The Jose
Sean P.

Fast, friendly, and tasty diner breakfast. You could easily miss Al's passing by, and don't expect much room for seating or comfort inside, but do expect a ton of character! There are just 14 seats total, standing room only waiting area (which there tends to be) hovering right behind in some real tight quarters. They're accommodating and run a very efficient ship! For food, The Jose was solid but not quite outstanding. A little heat, but felt like it needed something to balance it out a bit more to really bring it home. Their blueberry walnut pancake was fantastic! Would definitely recommend, a bit sweet, a bit savory - really hits all the buckets! A must try, just don't do so with large groups expecting to get in easily, don't show up without cash or check, and might not be the most kid-friendly stop (due to size/space) if you're looking for that sort of thing!

Tammi W.

This was in our Triple D tour. This is the cutest little place ever with one little row of bar seats. Got hash and it was delicious!

French Toast
Sunhari J.

You know we had to try the one and only, the ultimate Minnesota landmark - Al's Diner. An unassuming spot squeezed in by big restaurant chains in the heart of Dinkytown, this diner can take you back in time for the classic American dining experience. With up to 8 seats in the entire restaurant, you are promised a personal service sitting right at the bar, with chefs flipping crispy flap-jacks on the right and scrambling buttery eggs on the left. Our Saturday breakfast included: 1. Scrambled Eggs: These may have been the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted - creamy and cheesy with a well-toasted, simple slice of rye. For such a simple dish, we were taken aback by how well-executed it was, and it was definitely one of the best things we have tried in February. 2. French Toast: The picture alone shows that Al's Diner isn't stingy when it comes to butter. This rich French Toast was created well, but we would recommend going for the flapjacks. 3. Eggs Benedict: The dish at Al's was a great example of classic Eggs Benedict. The poached eggs were perfectly soft boiled, and the English muffin was soft and buttery. We loved the hollandaise sauce for how creamy and decadent it was, although we would recommend to go for scrambled eggs if you like a lighter breakfast. What struck out to us from this diner was the connection we were able to make with all the elements of a dining experience - in the conversations with our servers, jokes with the six other customers sitting right by us, and the food that brought joy to all our faces. In its simplicity, Al's made us feel right at home, even if we came from a thousand miles away. Loved universally, you can find notes from numerous currencies from around the world - including the Omani rial and the Russian ruble we added to their collection. This place is cash-only, and is open daily until 1pm. We recommend going early on weekends, as lines can get long.

Menu
Dave O.

This little place has made many lists and won many awards, including a James Beard Award. So does it live up to the hype? You betcha. I ended up coming here twice during my last visit to Minneapolis, it was just that good. I normally don't do breakfast but I had to try it and try it again. I was lucky, both times I came here there were seats available about 9:30 and 11:30 on a weekday but filled up quickly afterwards. The staff is wonderful and very welcoming, accommodating, and friendly. But hey this is Minnesota so what would you expect? The first time I was suggested to try the José (Poached eggs on Hashed Browns with Salsa and Cheddar Cheese) and that along with a side of sausage and some solid coffee made for a good breakfast. Add to that some good conversation and getting some local recommendations, especially for a good burger and everything was A-OK. I decided to stop by once more before I left town and got the Jose again (which is great with the large selection of hot sauces that they have) and this time added a short stack of buttermilk flapjacks with blackberries and chocolate chip, OMG soo good! A must visit and worth the wait.

Pancakes and bacon
Peter P.

A classic old school hole in the wall spot. its small and cash only. Very old school vibes. you come in and sit where ever there is counter space. Menu is just breakfast basics nothing fancy but what they make here are solid. The prices are super great value. The pancakes and bacon i got were solid and hit the spot. Not the spot id go to all the time due to the size but if youre in the area and hungry its a cute sport to check out.

Outside. Wait here...
Bob K.

Perfect little breakfast spot in Dinkytown... 70 years and counting, so it must be good. Had an amazing crispy (?) omelet and bacon... nice coffee and super great service. There are like 10 seats in this place, so be prepared to wait outside in the MN cold...

menu
Matthew H.

The best breakfast (in this style) hands down! I have been coming to Al's for about 15 years and I have never been disappointed. Be aware it is an adventure breakfast. You will most likely be waiting in line directly behind other diners so you need to be ok with close encounters with humans. Even though the owners have changed the ambiance and food quality remain. Amazing pancakes, and my favorite the 1 egg jose! Have cash, be ready to wait and be patient but it's worth the wait!

Hash browns and bacon - perfectly executed
Luke F.

Imagine an alleyway, a narrow space between buildings where the cats tread. Then picture the best fry cook in the whole Midwest cleaned that out, put a bar lengthwise - bisecting the already narrow alley - and built a little restaurant around it. A bar, a low roof, and a floor *squeezed* between two buildings, that's Al's Breakfast. You walk inside this intimate, elongated space and immediately to the right, on the other side of the bar, there's a sizzling hot flat top and he's cooking eggs, hash browns, and delicious pancakes! And it smells good!! The seats at the bar are all full, so you stand in line just behind someone as they eat their breakfast. Then you'll take their spot when they're finished and someone fills the spot behind you (well that was 1950s-2020. Now if you're not at one of the bars 14 stools you're lined up outside... regardless of weather!) I know Al's for their distinctive Eggs Benedict, with the real lemony, sour hollandaise. I select precisely this from the menu and the server YELLS IT OUT to the lady at the flap top (nowadays it's a she) , who somehow keeps all the orders straight. I'm served a hot cup of not-great-but-perfect diner-style coffee, and then stare at all the photos, ball caps, and paper currency that spatters the facing wall. Currency... I would suddenly remember to check my wallet, they're CASH ONLY!! Al's is a very analog, human experience. When the food is ready, they'll grab your ketchup,and whichever hot sauce you subscribe to, from behind the counter and you eat your meal with someone at your right and left, with the conversation and banter of strangers in stereo sound. But if you're me, that's just ambiance while I'm devouring the very well-made, classic breakfast. Al's Facts - the pancakes are famous and can be found at the MN State Fair - You can't squeeze an ATM in that space. They're cash only, a small Target has one next block down - I would suspect any UofM grad knows about Al's. - There is something in your Minnesotan heart that has always longed for this place and always will. - They open at 6am! Wake up early and beat the line. Hot coffee will be ready

Eggs, Bacon, and toast
Anthony M.

Two downsides to this place: Cash Only and very limited seating With that out of the way, I have to say this might be one of my best diner breakfasts I have ever had. Its pretty "no frills" and the staff and regulars are a bit of characters. However, the food was outstanding. I went with 2 scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon. Kept it simple, but the eggs might be the best I have ever had. It seems like the best tip is to get there before 7am. Afterwards, it turns into a bit of a puzzle and the staff seems to have slightly shorter fuses. Either way, its a great UMN find and I will be back since I now know this "secret"

My recommendation: short stack of blueberry pancakes, an order of hash browns, and coffee (of course)

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4 months ago

The best blueberry pancakes I've ever had in my life. It's a really small spot but totally worth the wait. CASH ONLY

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Great breakfast. We got there at the right time so no wait! Food was tasty and coffee was hot! A "hole in the wall" that you need to visit!

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1 year ago

Delicious fresh food, atmosphere fun, quick service. Great history and food ! Bob Dylan ate here. The place is a legend in Minneapolis!

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Ask the Community - Al's Breakfast

Is it wheelchair friendly?

No - it is counter seating only and quite small.

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Hi-Lo Diner - Their signature done... may be hard to see but the plate is covered in warm glaze!

Hi-Lo Diner

(670 reviews)

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Longfellow

Stopped into Hi-Lo Diner while visiting Minneapolis because my girlfriend said it was her favorite…read morerestaurant and wow this place gets it. I ordered the Nashville Hot chicken and it was incredible. It was crispy, oversized, extremely hot, I was crying after eating it. My girlfriend got the eggs Benedict, which she loved, and I stole some of. The real star of this restaurant is the donuts and spicy cheese curds though. I would literally travel back to Minneapolis just for those. I think I dream about them in my sleep. The vibe is great inside, it's retro, but not in a try-hard way. Solid service as well they're just so sweet and local. Must try spot if you're visiting Minneapolis.

We sat outside and the service was great. Unfortunately the price is way too high for what they…read moreserve. I ordered a Denver omelette. The veg was a very not cut correctly: chunks of green bell peppers and over chunky sliced onions that were not cooked through. Please stop being lazy and chop your veg and cook the onion . Green salad was hot Not impressed. And the Bloody Mary mix is sub par. However, the diner is cute and service is good. Second visit: had to sit at counter which is fine. They were busy. The bad: Bloody Mary's were flat and expensive $13 each. No depth of flavor, thought we would give them a second chance. . Ordered croquette madame. Egg was severely undercooked - the egg white was gelatatinous and the bread way too thick, ham fatty and subpar, where were you Béchamel? I took a bite of my breakfast and he hands me a box at the end when I asked for the check--not asking if anything is wrong. Two bites out of the spring mix salad and sandwich. Bloody Mary full. $70 for a salad, madame croquette, slow service which is no problem. It's a tiny diner and around lunch time. No worries there. But uncomfortable dining service because we could feel the tension between the server and bartender. Again for me? NBD but my daughter did not appreciate this. The good: the Mediterranean salad was delicious according to my daughter. She had the same thoughts about the Bloody Marys. Super cute beer backs- pony miller high life. I brought the croque madame home and my son loved it. Went on and on about how amazing it was. In all fairness my adult kids loved their food. He did microwave it to cook the egg through. Yes I know I am picky because I worked in the restaurant industry for over 22 years. And I can make better food at home. I just expect a bit more if I am going to drop $70 for two lunch entrees and two drinks. Not including the tip. Bottom line: I would not go back for this very expensive diner that doesn't know how to properly cook simple things. Or chop veg. Or make a drink.

Hen House Eatery - Avocado coffee

Hen House Eatery

(1.5k reviews)

$$

Downtown Minneapolis

We were visiting Minneapolis to attend a concert and wanted to find a nearby breakfast spot. Hen…read moreHouse was a five minute walk from our hotel, so we gave it a try. The restaurant is quite large and super cute. We were greeted and seated right away. The walls have fun little things written in chalk and it is very bright and cheery inside. We received the menu and waited a bit before our order was taken. We did not need to wait long for our food to arrive. My daughter and I ordered the same thing with slight variations--Two Eggs, Potatoes, and Toast. I chose the Hen Potatoes which were amazing! Tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside--not greasy at all. My daughter had the hash browns, which were just as good--not greasy, but perfectly crisp and flavorful. The seven grain toast and jam were great and our scrambled eggs were cooked just how we like. My daughter also ordered a fruit cup, which was filled with a bigger variety of fruit than she expected and she loved it. I ordered a side of bacon and it was delicious. While the food wowed us, our service was just okay. She was polite enough, but did not check on us until we were well into our meal. Thankfully, we didn't need anything. Our check and my payment were dealt with promptly, which we appreciated. We also ordered a caramel roll to go and were very glad we did. Super tasty and not overly sweet. If you are in the area, stop in. You will not regret it. The prices are higher, but it is worth every penny. We will definitely be returning when we are in the area.

Friendly, popular place with good food…read more Herbie Sandwich The basil in the pesto comes through strong, in a soft croissant, not sure what the non meat pattie is, it's ok. Sandwich as a whole was yummy. Crispy hashbrowns on the outside, the inside were tender Farmer's Wife Omlette fluffy but the bacon is too thick, so it's not crispy, i ended up not eating it the toast was burnt, i passed on that as well Staff are very friendly but note it gets busy

Al's Breakfast - diners - Updated May 2026

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