What a great breakfast spot! Yes, it is tiny, but it's very nice, very clean, very well organized, and yet very homey at the same time. I ordered just the basic breakfast with toasts, egg, ham and hashbrown, but i felt that everything tasted so fresh. Well, I guess I know why. Everything was made to order. They dont premade or pre-fried anything. There are often times when I tasted only lukewarm and mushy potatoes at some other breakfast places, but not here. While waiting and eating my yummy food, I got the watch the cook did his magic for me and the neighboring diners. It was like watching your uncle making food for you .. the golden fried hashbrown, the buttered -toasts on the griddle, the HUGE pancake rising, those thick slabs of bacon being fried to crispy, and oh that nice looking omelette. The breakfast menu is limited though, so dont come here and expect to order fancy schmancy breakfast. :) read more

Ideal Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I give you this place 5 stars!! Great atmosphere, good food and great customer service. Three man operation and boy do they have it down! It's busy but they can handle it! Fun and cheap! read more

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I'm gonna say something that I don't often say about restaurant brunch: four perfectly poached eggs! I had the chorizo Benedict. If you want your eggs Benedict to be bumped up to the next level, get the chorizo. The depth of flavor was just outstanding. My husband got the regular Benedict, which was also pretty amazing. We also opted for the O'Brien hashbrowns, fried with onions and green peppers. That was the right decision. There is absolutely nothing to complain about this place.The icing on the cake is the exceptional customer service. Everyone here was delightful. The inside of the restaurant is still closed, presumably for Covid measures. They have a very nice patio set up outside that is covered. read more

There are hole in the wall places, and then there are really hole in the wall places. Ideal fits the "really" aspect perfectly. It's a lot like Al's in Dinkytown, walk past and blink, and you've missed it. It's also about the same size, so keep that in mind. Much like Al's, this isn't fancy dining. This is "I need something greasy to soak up a hangover, or create a bowel movement" kind of breakfast. Lower your standards a bit. However, on a Sunday afternoon, we decided some greasy spoon was needed, and ventured to Ideal. There is a parking lot, and street side parking, so fret not. All counter seating here, so, hopefully you're not sat down next to someone too big, or smelly. Service was solid the entire time. Coffee cup was refilled, waters refilled, and the requested condiments were supplied without having to ask a second time (even before ordering). I opted for the Buddy breakfast sandwich, think egg McMuffin but not toxic to your guts, and a plate of french toast. She ordered a short stack and a "working man" breakfast - two eggs, hash, bacon and toast. Food is cooked right in front of you on a flat top, so it comes out quick. Everything was tasty. The buddy was a great little bastard I devoured with no remorse.... and in fact, didn't even let the woman have a bite of it. Hash was fried up nicely, given some solid crispiness. Bacon was thick and well done. Eggs were done well and over easy as requested. French toast was powdered and cooked perfectly. Cakes were tasty, but, not cooked long enough and a bit on the doughy side. That is the only gripe. All of that food was under $25, and for solid, good sized proportions. As you're sitting there, look to the far upper left and notice a cooler. Ask what pies they have for the day. You'll thank me later. All in all, a solid hole in the wall that doesn't offer and thrills, just a solid breakfast. read more

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Decent service. Below average food. Not worth the long wait time. It's very cheap at least.

My favorite breakfast spot pretty much anywhere. Small locally owned place with the same friendly staff every time I visit (which is weekly). All-around awesome food at the best prices in the area, and they cook their hash browns perfectly crispy. read more

Ideal Diner - Ideal Diner in Northeast Minneapolis - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Was just driving by and saw this cute little place. Such a cool vintage vibe and fantastic food.

I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. If you have never been here, drop what you are doing and GO NOW!! My man and I go once a week and have tried many things on their menu (we have only gone for breakfast). Kim is AMAZING! She is always so friendly and remembers our order now that we have picked our faves off the menu an rarely stray away. Guaranteed goodness: veggie omelet, bacon cheddar omelet, breakfast buddy, pancakes (we have tried pancakes EVERYWHERE within a 30 mile radius and this place has THE BEST!!!). The coffee is great as well. Plus THE PRICES! Can't go wrong when two people can get a delicious and filling breakfast plus top and beverages for under $20! Overall, this place is amazing. The employees are friendly, the customers are awesome, this is definately the best spot for breakfast in the NE area and maybe wen in Minneapolis! read more

Ideal Diner - Poached eggs, toast, sausage, and Pancakes the SIZE OF YOUR FACE! - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Had a simple breakfast this morning at Ideal Diner. It was good! Small, quaint little space. It wasn't too busy and it wouldn't take much to make it busy being that small. I ordered a corned beef hash with a couple of eggs and it hit the spot. Check this mom and pop place. You'll like it. read more

Ideal Diner - Corned Beef Hash - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love this place! The crispy hash browns, affordable price and great service is what keeps calling me back. read more

Ideal Diner - Crispy hash browns and bacon! What's not to love? - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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So glad Ideal Diner reopened. I'd meant to try it for years before it closed, but I'm glad to get the chance now. The 13 seats are still there. The set-up is still classic. The place has all the staples. We went for breakfast on Sunday and had a great time. The regulars was friendly and accommodating. The waitress and cook were rock stars. We had a great experience! The Veggie Eggs Benedict was delicious. And the hash browns were fresh and crispy. I loved everything! I will also be back for dinner. Their reuben looks like it could be a favorite of mine. read more

Ideal Diner - Half order of veggie eggs benedict - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Impressed after one visit. Probably the only hole-in-the-wall place I've ever been to that had more parking than seats. From the web site: "14 stools. 1 Counter. No bathroom." Or tables or, really much of anything else except the diner. I had that day's special: Chorizo Benedict. Which was very good. Comes ala carte. so can't speak to hash browns or other sides. The coffee was okay. The cook is almost arm's length from you, smiling as he works the griddle. Kim, still the owner after opening the restaurant in 1949, was my waitress. A breakfast place that opens at 6am but is open until 4pm every day except Friday, when it's open until 8. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be a regular. read more

Ideal Diner - Chris (the cook), Kim (the owner) and me (the satisfied customer). Ideal Diner 6/23/16 - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

In town for the super bowl and stumbled upon Ideal Diner this morning for breakfast. From the initial phone call I should have picked somewhere else for my team to eat. The woman who answered was very rude so I even asked her if she was having a good day to acknowledge how rude she was being. Shortly after we placed our large order for 7 people another person on our team called to add on a small quick order. Again the woman was extremely rude to her. Once I got into the "diner" it was downhill from there. I asked if she wanted to double check that we had everything since it was an order for 8 people and she again rudely said "Not really." So at this point I had it and said to her she was extremely rude during the whole process, I was called a "snowflake" and told not to melt outside.... it's -7 today. All in all the food was average, the service sucked and if I had to choose between going here for my meal or not I'd sooner die. read more

In my opinion one of the best little diners in Minnesota. There's 21 stools in the place, you can see the grill, and the staff is very attentive. Staff knows regular's orders and their names. I've worked in breakfast restaurants my whole life and the food here is so good. Exactly the comforting diner food you would expect. The look is very old school, loved, and they've got great music playing every time I come in. You've gotta come try this place out. read more

Had breakfast here on 9-29-2017. Delicious food and excellent prices. We were a party of two and when we walked in at 9 am there was only one stool at the counter (you can only eat at a counter). It was just minutes then the person next to the empty chair finished and left. So very short wait. You can't move the stools around so if you were a larger party it may be difficult to be seated together. There were many "regulars" in here, all conversing with each other and the cook. Server was quick and good was brought hot, but not real chatty. All in all an excellent place to have a hot served breakfast at a reasonable price and minimal fuss. Wish it was in my neighborhood. Update: went back again the next day. Place was packed but mostly carry outs on a Saturday morning. Got two seats together in like 10 minutes. Amazing pancakes- to die for! read more

Ideal Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

A hidden mom and pop gem. Food was delicious and speedy. Had a great ambiance and I will be back soon. read more

Ideal Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Best. Pancakes. Ever. Seriously people, check it out. Totally affordable and delicious, good coffee, and friendly staff. This is my go-to joint for when I feel like spoiling myself. If you're coming on a weekend you can expect a decent brunch crowd (like anyplace worth going) but it's worth the wait for those cakes. Original Pancake House doesn't hold a candle to this place read more

The hubby & I ate here for the first time last Sunday, their reviews are accurate! They do NOT disappoint here! The food was great! The service was great! We'll most definitely be back! read more

This is our absolute favorite place to go for breakfast. The chef is an absolute magician and a pleasure to watch preparing all the food. He makes everything perfectly every time, and makes it look easy. The staff is exceptionally genuine. They are who they are, and if you don't like it, feel free to go somewhere else and make the wait time shorter for us. ;) You guys rock! Never change! Side note--The pancakes, and the corned beef hash are our favorites. The biscuits and gravy are phenomenal also. Can't go wrong with any selection. read more

Loved it! Being from Texas we don't find many places like this. Friendly staff and customers. A must go to! read more

Ideal Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Food is good, service is even better! It's a small place so you may have to wait but stick around bc it's worth it. We'll be back! read more

Ideal Diner - Chorizo Benedict - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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The best diner experience experience in NE. Fascinating to watch the chef and the waitstaff is a super efficient! We went for breakfast and left completely satisfied. read more

It's the only place I keep going back to for breakfast, this small cozy diner serves American classic breakfast and burgers. Nice and friendly servers will check on the customers sitting by the counter often and will move people from waiting stools to the counter as soon as there is a spot available. The cook will always make the eggs as you ask and I have always been served with the best quality of meat and bread. I have almost tried all of their breakfast menu and every time we can pick which one is my favorite. If you are looking for a nice different place with good food I absolutely recommend this tiny cute diner. read more

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True type of diner setup - all stools along countertops. The most delicious and locally flavored food - exactly where all the locals frequent. Seek this place out when you are hungry and want home cooked meals. read more

Cozy yet comfortable, filled with character; you can assume where the name came from. Ventured to this historic NE gem with four friends, pulled up some stools, and enjoyed brunch. Friends enjoyed the affordable Breakfast Buddy sandwich while I enjoyed one of the breakfast combos. The pancake was huge (one is plenty) and oh, so delicious. This place had great breakfast options but also has great rotating daily lunch deals (ie: burger + soup + apple pie = $6.75). Watching your pancake flatten, listening to your bacon sizzle and call your name (tsss.. Randy.. tsss..), and chatting it up with a friendly owner is all I needed for my return visit RSVP. read more

BLT craving. What to do? Make it myself (nah), head to a safe restaurant and hope their BLTs are good (hm), or make way to a diner that if they can't make a great BLT they shouldn't exist (okay). The Ideal Diner rocked the BLT. White bread and super crispy THICK bacon really made me happy. Happier still that I watched it being made about 5 feet in front of me on that old flat top, it was just entertaining. Side of fries (frozen, but prepared well) and a pickle. Dear Husband's ham sandwich made him happy, too (thick slab of ham fried up on the flattop). You have to come here realizing that this is a diner. There will be nothing gourmet, nothing new, but it really fits a niche that needed filling. The only improvement might be better fries, because it would've been really easy for them to make fresh fries. Also, there was no bathroom that I could see. I'm assuming there was one, but maybe it was "outside, around the corner, knock on the pink door 3 times," and I have a thing about bathrooms. read more

This place is great. I almost don't want to write about it because then it won't be just MY little cheapo greasy spoon cutie pie spot. The breakfast sandwich? Three dollars and twenty five cents. Yes, I am writing this in 2011. UNREAL. I stopped into this place right after signing a lease in the area. Actually, that's a lie. First I headed over to Moose and Sadie's. Cute spot, but I wasn't looking for hip coffeestuffs. I was looking for cheapo eggy french toast with a little character. Let's just say: if I regularly made decisions this good I might own half of Apple right now. I should disclaim, however. I wasn't prepared for how teeny tiny this place is. It looks small from the outside - but just so you know, IT'S EVEN SMALLER. Also, if you're eating here, you're eating at a counter. No bigs, just don't think you're going to show up with 8 of your closest friends and sit at a corner booth. No such thing. I had the denver omelette and a hypnotic half hour of watching the cook make everything short order. It was like a car accident, except that it was fun and delicious. First greasy spoon experience in NE? Nord-tastic! read more

Yikes. I ate here recently and saw innumerable food safety violations from the cook. He had a scraggly band-aid on his finger, which he was using, without a glove, to handle our food. A lot. I watched him wipe his hands on his jeans and go right back to cooking more than once. I never saw him wash his hand, and you can bet I was watching. The cutting board is swollen in some parts, sanded down in others, and once glance told me it's not food-safe. This is just what I caught from the counter; I shudder to think what a full inspection would show. Eat here if you can manage to think of other things while eating the bacteria that has dripped of someone's soggy band-aid. I don't mind a dive, but basic sanitation shouldn't be left behind. read more

Husband and I were dying to try this cute little place and alas we finally did. We saddled up to the cute little bar where we were able watch our cook making our breakfast and it all went to hell from there. I choked down my food after witnessing it being manhandled by hands that I never saw washed. I mean, this guy was scratching his head, digging in his wallet and then would touch various other filthy things before he touched my food on the grill. It's kind of amazing that the cook doesn't seem to know any better. Or better yet, doesn't care. What I thought would be a charming diner experience became an episode of me sitting at the counter sweating and praying I would not come down with food poisoning. read more

I love eating food that is made on a grill that is close to 50 years old. I am not being sarcastic with that statement. When you bite into your food it is like you can taste all the deliciously prepared meals from the decades that proceeded yours. This is one of the best authentic diners I have been to in a long time. Where to begin... There is just a counter row of seats, a communal news paper that every patron shares, and the specials are written in poor handwriting on a chalkboard. I got the "Breakfast Buddy". First, best name for a breakfast sandwich, ever. Since you are facing the grill you get to watch your food being prepared, so I was able to see that the butter to food ratio was perfect. The bacon was crispy, the eggs were perfectly fried, and you better bet that the cheese had to be individually unwrapped before making it to my sandwich. The place was reasonable, and the service familiar and friendly. So if you are looking for a great breakfast that is greasy, warm, and delicious stroll over to the Ideal diner. read more

I went here one Sunday after church very excited since I usually love unique places, and especially love diners. I went in to this one with high expectations, but ultimately was disappointed. Right when I walked in was the main pro of the establishment, the atmosphere. Small classic diner with great logo. One look at the menu and I saw a con, the price. I ordered the hash browns, eggs, and toast for about $7.25. In my opinion, this is just too expensive. I could have added meat and paid around $9.25. I'm a purist, and a diner should have average to inexpensive breakfast for working class and at most diners you pay about $5-6 for eggs, browns AND meat. Anyways, I ordered a cup of coffee and it was served in a hard plastic mug instead of a ceramic one, another con for me (and somewhat blasphemous). Then the food arrived and it was decent food, so that was a plus. The service was average. After the meal I found out they didn't take credit cards. I had to leave and run to the ATM and come back to pay. A negative that I understand, but wish it would have been posted someplace so I would have known beforehand. To sum up, I really, really hope this place improves because it is a fantastic atmosphere with decent food and I could become legendary...but in the end I was disappointed. read more

I was here for the first time around noon. I got the nordeast omelet. It's loaded with the most tender steak, onions, and a couple of cheeses. I got some hash browns too. There is a lot of construction going on that is closing off the street. I like this privacy aspect. I noticed the solitary house next door, lucky them they don't have to fix breakfast or lunch. This place is fabulous. The burger next to me looked good but I didn't want my first time to be a simple burger. read more

Exactly what a diner should be. I don't even like pancakes and I get the pancakes there every single time I go. Great prices, great food, great service, you'd be a fool to go anywhere else. read more

This place isn't bad. Total greasy spoon. It's pretty retro and the sign alone makes it worth a stop. I had some yummy breakfast here one morning. I went with some pancakes. I was full halfway through my second one! The waitress working was wonderful and great to talk to. I seriously contemplated buying a shirt, because I'm so stoked on the logo. But, I couldn't. . . I'm sorry Ideal Diner. . .but my heart belongs to Mickey's. :) read more

I was really hoping for more. This cute little diner is just blocks from my house, but every time I go there they have this way of making it just suck. My first time there a year ago was just awful. Marred by a waitress who sat in the corner looking at her nails while a 90 year old woman made everyone's foods, handled the bills....everything! I couldn't get a refill on my water for an hour while our server did nothing, and by the time my food actually came 30 minutes later, it was totally the wrong order. My second visit was much different. A gentleman was cooking, and the waitress was actually working. I was excited that the service had improved. I was given many refills of my water, but once again the food was totally messed up. My friend had gone specifically to get a pancake, and it never arrived. My meal was cooked with fried eggs instead of scrambled....just like the last time. I'm not sure if they don't even know how to make scrambled eggs. They never realized they gave me the wrong food, but they did notice giving my friend a coffee refill on his cocoa...and eventually my friend spoke up and said he never received the pancake. They took the money off, but at this point I was really bummed at the lack of quality. On top of it all, my meal cost almost $10 which is nearly double what I would pay for a killer meal at Al's Breakfast. For so much money, and so poor quality, I doubt I'll be going back. Too bad because its really close and not nearly as busy as Al's. read more

I don't know what it is about a greasy American breakfast, but it is my ultimate comfort food. When I start my day with a plate of toast, hashbrowns, bacon, and two eggs sunny side up, that day is going to be great. There aren't too many diners that offer a cheap, fulfilling breakfast like this in Minneapolis but by happenstance I live close enough to Ideal Diner to consider it a local institution. I was here once a month or so before they closed. My memory of eating there was tinged with mild bitterness since my dining partner was a nice but humdrum fellow with no taste for a greasy breakfast. Or greasy food ever. If there ever was a red flag, that was it. Fortunately dear readers, I've learned for the better. To my great relief, Ideal Diner reopened late last summer. However, I wasn't able to return until recently. My new dining companion - who seemed open enough to such establishments - and I had a relatively surly waitress who only bestowed one container of creamer each for our coffees, but the food was inexpensive, satisfying, and most importantly, greasy. The cook - a lovely young woman - was friendly too, which evened our waitress out. I knew it was love when, this past Sunday, Sam suggested we go back to Ideal Diner for brunch. After a leisure morning of reading, I bundled up the New York Times and off we went. This time we had a different waitress (two creamers each!) and the cook was an older fellow. Not having eaten in at least 14 hours, our stomachs were keening but this was quickly quashed by an order of eggs benedict (mine) and a short stack of pancakes, sausages, and eggs (his). I have no pretense that this hollandaise is homemade, but it was good as a mildly lemony and rich gravy over a generous slice of ham and English muffins. The poached egg's yolk was too set for my preference - who doesn't love a runny yolk? - but it worked since there was enough hollandaise to compensate. Though my taste runs savory in the morning, the pancakes were very nice; huge and surprisingly light and fluffy. We arrived round 1pm, so really a late lunch, but the odd hour meant that we had plenty of time to eat and to read the paper at our leisure without worrying about hogging up the place. We walked out a little after 2, our appetites sated and our bodies ready for the day. A fancier brunch, complete with mimosas would have the same effect but Ideal Diner has a pretty permanent place in my heart. read more

Love this place. I've been here a few times and I've tried the working man, steak and eggs, and the veggie benedict. I've also tried the biscuits and gravy, pancakes, French toast, country fried steak and nordeast omelette. The food: So good. It's cooked to order, simple, standard and well executed. I love the working man: eggs and bacon and toast and hash browns - and theirs is nice and crispy, fried in a generous little pool of oil. You can also get cheese melted on top of your hash browns... drool. I also really like the French toast, and it's reminiscent of Al's diner, where you can order 1, 2 or 3 pieces depending on your appetite. I would like to explore the lunch/dinner options, but realistically, I will probably order the working man again and again. The service: Really good. They constantly refresh your coffee, which I appreciate from the depths of my caffeine-addicted heart. Occasionally, they might forget to bring your something, but I find myself very forgiving as you can see how busy they are. The ambiance: This is probably my favorite thing about this place. Ideal diner literally oozes charm with a super laid back, old fashioned, casual feel. It's also a completely open kitchen, so you can see everything being made to order. It's mesmerizing to watch. There are only 12 stools, so expect a wait, on both weekends and weekdays. The lady behind the counter, who does 100 things at once, keeps a sharp eye on who comes in when, and will seat you when it's your turn. My first time there, I kept asking questions and changed my mind a few times on if I wanted to eat there vs getting a to go (after eyeing the wait), but then decided to stay as seats finally starting opening up, and tried to order extra things after seeing the pancakes come out, then tried to switch my mind after seeing the French toast. Basically, I was a pain in the ass. After careful observation, I started to see the beautiful flow to the actually carefully organized chaos. First, you wait until the lady makes eye contact with you. Then she will ask if you want coffee, and pass you a menu. After a little bit, she will take your order. When seats start to open up, don't hover anxiously. Trust in the process and wait until the lady directs you to your seat(s). read more

Ideal Diner - Nordeast omelette - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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The Ideal Diner is a classic old counter only diner. The same cook is always there, and you can tell they have a regular following. The pancakes, are HUGE, and the omelets are amazing. All this and the prices are cheaper than your typical Perkins or what have you. It's only open till 2 or 3pm and their closed on Mondays, and they only accept cash. Highly Recommended. read more

Ideal Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Take a step back in time and visit the Ideal. Great food and the price is right. it's cooked right in front of you (literally since the restaurant is the size of a train box car) As far as people complaining about the price....look at the size of the business. they need competitive prices to be open and honestly folks, the prices are the same as any other breakfast joints give or take a dollar. If you're looking for fast breakfast food in a chain market type place go to bakers square or Perkins. If you want a GREAT breakfast to nurse a hangover try the Ideal. There's very few genuine places like this left in the united states, in fact this little joint has been on the food network's diners, drive ins and dives- you know it's good. read more

Great food and quick!! Was so high quality for the price! Don't come expecting fancy stuff as it's typical diner food and vibe. Overall friendly staff and great food! Highly recommend! read more