I first went to Al's in the mid-80's, was a regular in the early 90's and early 00's. Hadn't gone back until recently. Still love this place and am becoming a regular again. I miss the crusty humor of Doug but believe Allison has done a great job (I was actually there on her first day of work!) of keeping the true spirit of Al's alive. They are one of my favorite places for hollandaise sauce! read more

Not for the claustrophobic! Also they only take cash or check. Also lots of other things. This place is so narrow it's barely three-dimensional. It is the breakfast-diner equivalent of a crowded subway train at rush hour. This place is basically a counter with about a dozen stools, and they serve breakfast staples every morning. There is no room behind the stools, and yet because people think this is a fun experience they wait in a line behind the stools. They sometimes move the stool people to different stools mid-meal to strategically fill stools with the stool-waitbehinders. It is a challenging experience. The food is not good enough to make up for the effort it takes to be here. In the past I've gotten normal, acceptable eggs/bacon meals. This time I got Eggs Benedict with nice, tart sauce. The eggs were a bit overdone, which is fine if you're not someone who likes a runny yolk situation. I also got hash browns which, on their own, tasted like they were steamed in bilge water. Most people probably put lots of ketchup or hot sauce on them. But you're kind of there for the experience. And it is an experience of cramming yourself in with hipsters and tolerating surly cooks who urgently shout to each other - right next to you - about needed ingredients while occasionally shaming you for not waiting in line correctly. The ambiance is not the slightest bit boring. If this review doesn't scare you away you will probably love it. read more

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Al's Breakfast is an old fashioned diner experience in a modern world. If you are expecting any elegance at all, go elsewhere. It is tiny and efficient. 14 seats and you are elbow to elbow with the person next to you. The whole restaurant is maybe 15 feet wide. If you have been to Ideal Diner, that place is spacious compared to Al's Breakfast. When you arrive you wait in line, standing right behind the 14 people who are eating. When a seat opens up they will clear it, then whoever is next in line gets to sit. If the open seat is at the other end of the bar you really have to suck it in to let them pass. The servers may not be what you are used to. They are not there to ask about your day, be friends, and make you feel better about yourself. They are there to take your order and serve your food. We did not experience the rudeness others have reported. In fact we were seated next to some regulars and the server stopped to talk to them a bit. There was one waitress who was a bit crabby, but even she wasn't rude, just busy. The food was really good. I had blueberry pancakes. They had a lot of blueberries in them, and were really good. Next time I will order them without butter on top because they do come with a large slab of butter on top. If you like butter it is great, but it was too much for me. My partner had buttermilk pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Everything was really good. The bacon was crispy and delicious. He didn't think it was too much butter. During our meal we had to scoot down a seat to allow room for another diner. Again, not elegant, but it is what you have to do to feed people in this space. It is important to note that they only take cash or checks - no credit cards. Also, if you think you can skip the wait by ordering takeout you are wrong. You are not allowed to order takeout until it is your turn and you are seated at the counter. In the space they have they can only cook for 14 people at a time and special treatment for takeout would mess up the flow of the place. They know exactly how to run a restaurant of their size, so go with the flow and don't expect special treatment in any way. Once you are done eating pay your bill and get out. There are people waiting for your seat and it is rude to linger. Parking is street parking, and it is not handicapped accessible. If you need any sort of accommodation I would not recommend this place. They simply don't have the time or space to do anything but serve food. read more

Long before we moved to the Twin Cities, I saw a segment about Al's on the Food Network. I don't know why but it really stuck with me over the years. Being a breakfast aficionado, I have no idea why it took me so long to get to Al's. My husband, who is out of the house a lot more than me, has been there several times. He has been trying to get me to go there for months. And finally we made it in February. At the time, with all the political things going on in Minneapolis, Yelp actually told me I could not write a review at the time. So I am glad now that I can come back and leave this five-star for them. So as many have said, Al's is about as old school diner as you can get. One line of stools, 14 seats or something like that. Just like Matt's Bar, there's an impossibly tiny grill and the chef makes the most amazing things on it! My husband adores the wally blues pancakes. I do think they are super tasty. They have nuts and berries and are just about the most tasty pancake you've ever had. Get one to share even if you order something else. He got the corned beef hash, which looked like basically everything you would ever want that dish to be. I got the classic benedict (the dish by which I judge all breakfast places). It was SO GOOD. It's an english muffin and a big thick slice of ham, plus the perfectly poached eggs. But the real true thing that makes this dish just baller is the generous helping of hollandaise sauce. Thick and luscious and seriously the most lemony hollandaise I have ever ever tasted. It was so good. I tried to be a lady but eventually was just sticking my finger in the leftover sauce and licking it like a toddler. I would have seriously licked the plate. The guy behind the counter smiled and said, "Yeah, our hollandaise sauce will ruin you." And he was right. Can't wait to go back for another helping. Cash only, no bathroom, street parking. Come prepared. We happened to go close to the 1 p.m. closing time and didn't have to wait at all. Pro tip. read more

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We haven't been since moving to Mpls in 2017 so figured spring break was a good time to brave Dinkytown and revisit a city staple. Went right at open, 6am, and the place (10 seats) was already mostly full. It's about as old-timey diner as you can get. Wood paneling, cash only, watching the line cooks work, and a-la-carte menu. Everyone was friendly and I love the inclusive, anti-ice vibe. Unfortunately that's kind of where the highlights end and mediocrity begins. I would describe everything as "fine" but that may be partially due to my pancake preferences. They were definitely the dense and, well, slightly gummy pancakes I don't really like. That's opposite the crispy, lacy ones at Al's and fluffy buttermilk ones at Our Kitchen. Not to mention it's like $3/oz for actual maple syrup. My partner got an egg, sausage, toast meal and it is what says on the tin. I think it's good, and I love the community support from management, but definitely riding the "institutional" status for business. I think I'd prefer Al's if in the area and Our Kitchen if South. read more

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Great food and fun service. They keep you coming back for more. Small town cafe feel to the place.

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.... read more

Al's Breakfast - Cash or CHECK ONLY! it super cute and SMALL. ONLY 14 seats. - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

Al's Breakfast - Huevos ala Minnesota - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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! read more

Al's Breakfast - The Jose - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ambiance on point. Playlist slaps! Staff are chill and welcoming Came here on a Friday morning with 3 coworkers and we were all sat within about half hour. (There are only 13 seats in the restaurant) Impressed by the cook, their ability to remember all of the orders! read more

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! read more

Al's Breakfast - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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This place served up the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. The walnut/blueberry pancakes were amazing. Even the bacon was especially tasty. The servers and other patrons were SUPER friendly. I recommended this restaurant to everyone in a large group I was traveling with. read more

A Dinkytown staple! If you don't know the magic of Al's, you're missing out. (Literally) nestled in between larger spaces, it's a skinny buiding with 14 stools (two of them have to be folded down on the end). Nearly no matter the time of day you go, you will likely have someone standing behind you waiting to snag your stool when you're done. Standard diner fare here. I got an egg scramble with peppers and onions the last time I was in. They have some fun combos of things you likely wouldn't think about putting together. You gotta go at least once in your life! read more

Best corned beef hash I've ever had. My kids love it, too! During one trip, a cook tossed a plate of food to our server, who then set it in front of the diner. We still talk about that years later. read more

Real breakfast food with the hometown cafeteria taste ! The service was excellent and very friendly people. I loved the decor as well .

If you want a real diner experience, come to Al's. It's tiny, narrow, and full of personality. The breakfast was outstanding--best pancakes in town! It feels like stepping back in time with all the notes and photos on the walls. Highly recommend this local institution! read more

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. read more

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A classic in Dinkytown. Cash only, only 14 seats but totally a place you need to go to at least once. Breakfast is great, and its a true true diner old school place. Service is great and the food is as well. read more

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. read more

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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... read more

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Still going strong after all these years.....SSWB....short stack wally blues....need I say more!?!!!! Just order, add a side of hash browns extra crispy, close your eyes and dive into heaven!!!! I have been eating this for over 40 years. It is still the best breakfast in the US!!!!! read more

I've been to Al's before and enjoyed it, but this past visit missed the mark slightly. The staff were excellent and the inside is so cute. Lots of character. However the food was not great. I got blueberry pancakes, and the pancakes were undercooked/raw in the middle. I also got hashbrowns and they were burnt. The only flavor I could taste was...burnt. The coffee likewise shared a burnt flavor. My partner got the waffles and those were yummy, but nothing extraordinary. I was hoping for more. However, a positive is that the pricing is very affordable. read more

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 read more

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omg the food here is insane we ordered tacos and some drinks and everything was 10/10. staff is super chill and nice. New favorite spot for sure read more

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. read more

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I've heard a friend talk of this place for years, and he kindly invited me to breakfast here. It was a Monday morning, so not as busy as I hear it can get, so was able to find seating right away. It is a row of about 14 or so stools, and that is it. So, real tiny. Guy behind the counter was friendly and helpful. I ordered the Minnesota huevos rancheros, which were good, but eyeing what my companion got had me in some envy. It is important to know it is a cash-only establishment, been operating for 75 years, and there is a code. Meaning, there is a way things are done, but don't worry, folks will help and its easy to catch onto. It was a unique experience - given that breakfast food is my least favorite food the fact that I would eagerly go back should say something. Recommend. read more

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" read more

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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! read more

Al's Breakfast - menu - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

NOTE: Cash-only and no restrooms and it gets hot in there during the summer. Don't let that scare you. Al's Breakfast has been an institution in Dinkytown for decades. And for good reason. My general rule of eating out is don't order food you can easily make at home, but their pancakes are an exception. These pancakes are everything good that a pancake can be and why I make sure that all my friends have had a chance to try them. Service: amazing, friendly, and welcoming. Doesn't matter if there's a language barrier, or you get lost in the menu/need recommendations, they're happy to help. Note for groups over 2 people: get ready to wait because this place only has 14 seats. Note for those with mobility issues: it's a tight squeeze to get in and out. There's also a step to get into the restaurant. Note for hearing impaired: the kitchen is right in front of you, a wall to your back, and it can get loud if the seats are full. Parking: metered street parking read more

Al's Breakfast - My recommendation: short stack of blueberry pancakes, an order of hash browns, and coffee (of course) - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Could smell the grease from 2 blocks away at around 6:30 AM. I remembered the place from diners drive-ins and dives. Decided to stop in and get my fill of food. I walked in and things were tight,shoulder to shoulder eating their breakfast. I wanted an omelette and some potatoes and it was pretty good and fresh.A little fresh without sal, but nothing a little salt couldn't fix. I like that because you can add salt easily.The servers and cooks all worked behind the tight counter and worked their magic.It was good to try something different.Service was fast and efficient. read more

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Ambiance: The restaurant is easy to miss. I did the first pass. The sign is along lower portion of the window. Also, the restaurant is very narrow. Once inside, to the left there is an aisle, with walking space about one person wide. To the right, there is a narrow counter and single row of closely spaced barstools. Behind the counter, there are LOTS of things (too many, but then again, the place is small), including seemingly hundreds of pieces of paper currency from multiple countries. Kinda kitschy. Food: I ordered the (3 egg) "Leonard" scramble. It included scrambled eggs (obviously), with (lots of) cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and sausage link pieces (could have added more). Toast was included. It was a very savory meal. Service: There were only 4 other customers when I ate there (the day after Labor Day). It was also the first day of school for U of Minnesota. The food - once ordered - came quickly. The server was cordial. Spacious and contentious - this place is not. A simple, honest place to get a hearty breakfast of eggs - this place is. read more

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!

Brave a little cold for this experience! We go there at about 8:30 and were first in line for Al's. One counter, 14 stools, and an amazing waitstaff. Nothing was wrong and the breakfast world rejoiced. We ordered scrambled eggs with smoked cheddar, a short stack blueberry buttermilk pancake, bacon, and their eggs benny. Readers, I don't have pictures because I was lost in the heavenly symphony of griddles, small diner banter, and tastebud euphoria. When I tell you that for a split second I wondered if I ordered incorrectly, I shall carry that shame with me, always. You can't go wrong. The classic Benny may have been served up with the most divine hollandaise sauce this yelper has EVER had. I didn't even mind the prying eyes behind me as people waited for our stools to become free. read more

Amazing fluffy omelette. Home made hot sauce was perfect compliment.. even the wheat toast was excellent. Cash only, so be prepared and limited seating. read more

Al's Breakfast - Check out the fluffy eggs - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

This is a local staple! I used to go here more often when I was at the U of M, and it is the most quintessential college diner you'll find. SEATING: Yes, it's true: there are 14 seats total in the joint. All bar seating, like a true diner. THE LINE: Expect a line! Come early if you want to beat the rush. And once you get a spot, don't dilly dally! Best for solo diners or groups of two for this reason. FOOD: Your classic greasy spoon - get pancakes and hash browns, obviously! You can also take some of their maple syrup and pancake mix home - but it's always more fun onsite. SERVICE: In true diner fashion, friendly but speedy. And, this spot is woman-owned! read more

As much as I wanted to love the food here...I didn't. But maybe that was my mistake for ordering the Hawaiian omelette, which sounded good in theory. There was WAY too much sour cream and the pineapple was so cold. It would have been better with warmed or grilled pineapple and less, way less sour cream. But even then, the eggs were over cooked. The bacon was perfectly cooked, crispy but not burnt. I also got a chocolate chip pancake. The pancakes are thin but really good, and the syrup is good too. The service was decent. It looked like our server was new so I gave him a break for not being more attentive. It's still worth the trip just for the aesthetic of the place. It feels like your eating at home, just choose a wisely, don't make my mistake. read more

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OMG we were so lucky to walk right in and find a seat - this is counter-only seating for 14 . A welcoming, efficient and entertaining (due to close proximity to grill top, all counter staff and back room). We had the Benedict and one of the egg breakfasts and were so very happy. We also have new best friends in the people seated in either side of us. Go there. Expect a line. It's worth it. read more

Al's Breakfast - So much to see from the 14 stools - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The food was amazing and the wait was not too bad. The staff is really friendly and talkative as well. The restraunt itself is really welcoming and home like. read more

Absolute must. Stopped here on our way back to Madison. Very cozy diner. Estelle and Eric were warm, welcoming, and made great conversation. The food was incredible. My partner and I got The Leonard and The Jose. Can't wait to come back! read more

Al's Breakfast - Outside of the restaurant - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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