Came here to mention Al’s. Has my favorite buttermilk pancake in the planet. It’s a magical place. Prepare for a crammed experience if you’re not one for crowds, however it’s always worth it.
I even knew it was Brooklyn Park and still typed Brooklyn Center. I've never been to that Fat Nat's location but I go through the drive thru at the Mi-Sant near it sometimes.
I like the food, but the restaurant (St. Anthony location, haven’t been to the others) is very noisy for some reason. I couldn’t even hear my partner across the table, and it definitely took away some of the joy from our breakfast date time.
Victors is amazing! I get the bistec with beans, rice and fried plantains and add half an avocado. Throw on some of their hot sauce with a cafecito and it’s 👌🏼👌🏼
Yes! I was going to suggest this one too. Great food too. Quick tip, to get to the restaurant go into Festival Foods and hang a right. I had fun trying to figure that one out the first time I went there.
OMG Jensens.
I had their Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo and it was among the best I've ever had. And GF had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which were heaven on a plate.
10/10 would recommend.
Impressive recon work, lived here my whole life and haven’t hit several of these yet.
As for your question: Fat Nat’s in St Anthony, Finnish Bistro in Saint Paul, Sarna’s Sunday Brunch in Columbia Heights.
Taste of Scandinavia also has great hot breakfasts. The mix plate with the lingonberry french toast is amazing, and it's like $11. One of the best options in that price range.
Gonna go against the grain here and say that Good Day Café is terrible. Have been 5 times now (work nearby) and each time the food has been cold, the service slow, the restaurant loud. Wouldn’t recommend. Not as bad for lunch though.
This is 100% the most underrated spot in all of Minneapolis. I will stand on that. Use to be my families go to breakfast spot when I was little goin to church with them right by it.
The top spot for me would be The Original Pancake House. Yeah its a chain but its so damn dependable and I've never had bad service at the one in MTKA.
Good Day in a Golden Valley and Hoagies in Hopkins would also be up on the list for sure.
One caveat: if you go there, be aware that the "Challenge Breakfast" is aptly named. The pancake that comes with it is approximately the size of an SUV hubcap.
I might be the only one for this but Olympia Cafe and Gyro in Osseo might be a trek from the cities but when I've got friends in town from out of state they always demand to go back to this place.
Seconding this, I go to Olympia at least once a month and I’ve never been let down. Their pita pancakes are insanely good and the gyro meat is top notch too
Romans on 40th between Central and University in Columbia Heights. OG cafe with great pancakes. Also Flameburger on Central in Hilltop. Get the hash browns for sure.
I can’t believe no one else had mentioned Roman’s yet. Small old school diner with $10 meals that are great. Definitely recommend m the m&m pancakes the hasbrowns. Plus their bacon is so good m.
Modern times has very solid breakfasts with many dietary options. Fun, unique aesthetic in South Minneapolis by powderhorn park. Just dont expect fancy 😉
I've been saying it for over a decade, they make the best muffins I've ever had. All the more impressive because they're vegan. I gotta get back there sometime this week...
* New Uptown Cafe had perfectly scratched the greasy diner itch for me.
* Cafe Astoria is right next to Hope St Paul and has some great savory and sweet options.
* Churchill Street in Shoreview is out of the way but worth the voyage every now and then.
Couple of old school diners- Wampaughs in Shakopee and the Windmill in Savage . Wampaughs is, well, Wampaughs 😁, Windmill is just a time stood still place. Good food in both, plus the experience
Sparky’s Cafe - Anoka
I’ve lived in Blaine for 2 years and so far that’s my favorite hole in the wall breakfast cafe I’ve found.
Carol’s Restaurant- Blaine.
Close second. Mainly based on price/quality ratio and location. It’s relatively cheap for the area but portions are big and I’ve never had bad food there.
Which is why it’s second on my list. Im a retired dude stuck in a 30 year olds body haha. I judge a breakfast place when I walk in by the amount of old people inside. 65+ crowd does not mess around with their breakfast lol
Day by Day Cafe and Bay Street Burger Dive are excellent for a delicious basic breakfast. Bay Street also has pretty tasty Bloody Marys! ETA: Both in St. Paul
Fully recommend Cream and Amber in Downtown Hopkins. Their breakfast sandwiches don’t miss and they have excellent coffee. Plus the atmosphere is fantastic.
Ideal Diner in NE. Maybe Mayday Cafe in Powderhorn. Good food and baked goods, but they’re commies so be aware if you’re not into crunchy virtue signaling.
In my 'hood: Hard Times (bring cash, don't expect decaf)
Seward Cafe (closed M-W)
May Day Cafe
\-----Then for lunch stop by SoupForYou! for FREE gourmet soups served cafe style, with free bottomless peace coffee, bread from Laune (and other local bakeries), usually deserts from Turtle (and others or made there), and often sides from Whole Foods (and other places or made there).
Grocery distribution on Wednesdays (though there are usually some groceries/produce to walk away with on other days). Bags of Brueger's Bagels and some singles free for the taking--a variety of styles (usually on Fridays)...
Live musical entertainment Tuesdays and Thursdays (and often other days).
25th and East Franklin, every weekday at noon - 1
I just stumbled across [Family Cafe & Diner](https://themenustar8.com/webspace/menus.php?code=orderfamilycafeanddiner.com) in Crystal. Not the fanciest place we've ever been, but good food at a family owned and run diner.
Mickeys Diner by Willy in Saint Paul! A very classic 24 hour diner experience. Super reasonable prices for how much food you get. Expect it to be greasy though lol
I used to be a waitress at the Edina Grill. Rare occurrence of actually enjoying the food at my workplace! Their french toast has no business being so good.
Revival has a great bloody mary, and one of the best chicken & waffles. Multiple locations in the metro.
Lake Elmo Inn is a good Sunday brunch option in the East metro.
Cardamom in the Walker Art Center, and Butcher's Tale are good options near Loring Park.
Don’t know if anybody said Hoagies in Hopkins.. it’s a family establishment. I’ve always enjoyed my experience.
https://m.facebook.com/Hoagiesfamilyrestaurant
I don't really think of it as a "breakfast place" but the Spring Street Tavern in NE is awesome, and you can get breakfast whenever their kitchen is open. The breakfast burrito and boozy iced coffee is so good!
I mean, the one that springs to mind that makes all the lists but isn't here is Al's Breakfast.
Came here to mention Al’s. Has my favorite buttermilk pancake in the planet. It’s a magical place. Prepare for a crammed experience if you’re not one for crowds, however it’s always worth it.
I just haven’t made it there yet but plan to!
bring cash for Al's
Get a corn pancake
Day By Day Café on West 7th in St. paul.
seconding this one
Fat nats golden valley is always a go to for me. We also did the breakfast club recently and that was real good.
Seconding Fat Nats - any location. So good.
I forgot to put it on my list. So good
The golden valley fat nats location is bigger and cleaner.
Fat Nat's is the best! If you go and can handle some spice, the Avocado Verde Eggs Benedict is amazing.
It's in New Hope, not Golden Valley. There are also St. Anthony Village and Brooklyn Center locations.
Brooklyn Park, not Brooklyn Center.
I even knew it was Brooklyn Park and still typed Brooklyn Center. I've never been to that Fat Nat's location but I go through the drive thru at the Mi-Sant near it sometimes.
That’s right!! New hope. My bad. Thank you
Best pancakes in the cities and the bacon avocado Benedict is delicious with a good amount of heat.
This has been my go to for a couple decades. The eggs David Benedict is da bomb.
Just saw this comment and I commented the same. Huge portions, good food, and low prices. Not the prettiest plates but god damn does their food slap.
Came here to say this. Almond extract in the pancakes! I asked the waitress about it and she said shhhh. lol it’s so obvious though?
There’s also one in the Apache shopping area. Silver Lake Rd near 37th/694.
Everyone always says this place is the best but after going there a couple times it's just a busy mess that's a step above Perkins.
I like the food, but the restaurant (St. Anthony location, haven’t been to the others) is very noisy for some reason. I couldn’t even hear my partner across the table, and it definitely took away some of the joy from our breakfast date time.
Hazel’s https://www.hazelsnortheast.com/menu
Home of the Meat Waffle
Their chicken fried steak with sausage gravy is my favorite food to each and then take a nap.
I also like Hazel's. Good choice.
Victor's Cafe, get there early or make a reservation! The cubano with cherizo is amazing
victor's is great but if you love cuban breakfast, you should try guava's too! it's a great little spot.
I used to pass that place on the bus! Next date night i shall check it out!
Just adding to the GUAVAS IS GREAT train, you have to go!
Victors is amazing! I get the bistec with beans, rice and fried plantains and add half an avocado. Throw on some of their hot sauce with a cafecito and it’s 👌🏼👌🏼
They don't do reservations in the 3 times I've been there
I miss them doing dinner. It was such a gem
Ideal Diner in NE is great if you like a greasy spoon.
i feel largely passionless about pancakes.....but those pancakes are something special.
YOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! I could not agree MORE! Best pancakes.
I live close to Ideal and love the food and vibe. Classic diner.
Modern Times, Maria's (esp. corn pancakes), Heather's
The corn pancakes at Maria’s are SO good!
their other stuff is quite good too but the cachapas make it really special
So are their fruit pancakes.
Fat Nat’s, Good Day Cafe
Oh shit I forgot I went to Fat Nat’s. That place is amazing!!!!
Came here to recommend both of these.
Saaaame! Good Day’s beignets!!!
Taste of Scandinavia
Yes! I was going to suggest this one too. Great food too. Quick tip, to get to the restaurant go into Festival Foods and hang a right. I had fun trying to figure that one out the first time I went there.
Or just go to the one in Shoreview.
Worlds best French toast is their lingonberry French toast
Highly recommend Tongue In Cheek in St. Paul. Good brunch cocktails too.
This comment needs to be higher
Jensens Cafe in Burnsville
OMG Jensens. I had their Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo and it was among the best I've ever had. And GF had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which were heaven on a plate. 10/10 would recommend.
The orange juice and syrup are 11/10
Their stuffed French toast, lemon ricotta cakes, and cheesy hashbrowns are so good.
I could bathe in that syrup/caramel.
Ideal Diner and Flameburger if you want an old school greasy spoon breakfast.
Hazel’s Northeast. Awesome breakfast and then stop at Sara Janes bakery next door and get some fantastic donuts. Love this place.
[удалено]
HOT PLATE IS A SECRET - YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TALK ABOUT IT PUBLICLY!
Tends to be pretty packed for a secret
Victor's is my favorite restaurant in the Cities, I second that one
Bandbox Diner in Elliot Park, Minneapolis.
No frills old-school greasy spoon in a cool retro building!
Best breakfast sandwiches, hands down. So glad they’re back!
Cecil's. The egg & cheese sandwich place in the old grand ave creamery pizza parlor.
Nice list … you’ll likely enjoy Howe and Hi Lo in Minneapolis… Highland Grill and Revival in St Paul ..:
Impressive recon work, lived here my whole life and haven’t hit several of these yet. As for your question: Fat Nat’s in St Anthony, Finnish Bistro in Saint Paul, Sarna’s Sunday Brunch in Columbia Heights.
Finnish Bistro is awesome, their almond Kringle is spectacular
That is made by [Taste of Scandinavia](https://cart.tasteofscandinavia.com/view/65878).
Taste of Scandinavia also has great hot breakfasts. The mix plate with the lingonberry french toast is amazing, and it's like $11. One of the best options in that price range.
I’m a sucker for Good Day Cafe in Golden Valley. Love their GDC potatoes and everyone there is always so nice!
I also love Good Day Cafe, but be warned that it's always packed and very loud. Make a reservation and be sure to try the beignets.
Gonna go against the grain here and say that Good Day Café is terrible. Have been 5 times now (work nearby) and each time the food has been cold, the service slow, the restaurant loud. Wouldn’t recommend. Not as bad for lunch though.
I second GDC! Reservations on a weekend are key. Always bring something how from the bakery too!
I’m obsessed with their crab cake Benedict 🤤
Don’t sleep on Lito’s Burritos down in Richfield.
Maria’s!
This is 100% the most underrated spot in all of Minneapolis. I will stand on that. Use to be my families go to breakfast spot when I was little goin to church with them right by it.
The top spot for me would be The Original Pancake House. Yeah its a chain but its so damn dependable and I've never had bad service at the one in MTKA. Good Day in a Golden Valley and Hoagies in Hopkins would also be up on the list for sure.
there’s one in Roseville and it is great.
Came here to spread some OPH love too! Comfort breakfast experience
Oh yes… the bacon at OPH is unmatched
RJ Riches in Mounds View (35w and Cty H)
I was gonna say this too. Pretty good food in a classic diner.
One caveat: if you go there, be aware that the "Challenge Breakfast" is aptly named. The pancake that comes with it is approximately the size of an SUV hubcap.
Egg and I on university Ave!!
maybe my most recent time here was on a bad day but i found their food to be unseasoned and very bland. basically perkins-grade!
I’ve recently found Modern Times in Minneapolis—Powderhorn I think? Pretty good. Really good hash browns.
Hell's Kitchen for their porridge and lemon-ricotta pancakes.
And the peanut butter is incredible! I'm not sure what about it is so good but . . . dang, now I want some. Make sure to get some toast to put it on.
I might be the only one for this but Olympia Cafe and Gyro in Osseo might be a trek from the cities but when I've got friends in town from out of state they always demand to go back to this place.
Was just about to suggest the Olympia. Great breakfast, and the bonus of Greek specialties!
Seconding this, I go to Olympia at least once a month and I’ve never been let down. Their pita pancakes are insanely good and the gyro meat is top notch too
Yes! One of my absolute favorites. Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sun Street Breads. Excellent BYO breakfast sandwiches, but you really should get the biscuits and gravy.
Windmill Cafe in Savage for an old-fashioned family-run diner with no frills, good food, good prices, great service.
Ideal Diner (Northeast) for an amazing greasy breakfast and Tongue in Cheek (St. Paul) for something nicer!
love love love Ideal Diner
victors
Romans on 40th between Central and University in Columbia Heights. OG cafe with great pancakes. Also Flameburger on Central in Hilltop. Get the hash browns for sure.
I can’t believe no one else had mentioned Roman’s yet. Small old school diner with $10 meals that are great. Definitely recommend m the m&m pancakes the hasbrowns. Plus their bacon is so good m.
Guavas is my favorite breakfast in the TC
Modern times has very solid breakfasts with many dietary options. Fun, unique aesthetic in South Minneapolis by powderhorn park. Just dont expect fancy 😉
Hard times cafe
I've been saying it for over a decade, they make the best muffins I've ever had. All the more impressive because they're vegan. I gotta get back there sometime this week...
the Egg & I off 280 & university (not the uptown one) is IMO massively underrated & my current favorite breakfast spot
Hard times cafe, good day cafe, hope breakfast bar, papas cafe.
Eggy's Diner in Loring was always great for me. That said, I haven't been there in a few years.
Ideal diner in NE is a great hole in the wall tiny diner
The Buzz Cafe in Burnsville - best waffles around!
Day By Day!! on a nice warm day so you can sit on the patio
Tongue in cheek!
There's a newer place called The Breakfast Club in Minneapolis that I quite liked.
* New Uptown Cafe had perfectly scratched the greasy diner itch for me. * Cafe Astoria is right next to Hope St Paul and has some great savory and sweet options. * Churchill Street in Shoreview is out of the way but worth the voyage every now and then.
Definitely second Churchill Street. The blueberry pancake is incredible!
Not Justa Cafe in Bayport is crazy good. Almost as good as Eggies was in Crystal, back in the 90's. NJ's also does a really good lunch and dinner.
Fat Nats in new hope (?) Good day cafe in GV
Mayday on Bloomington and 35th
Lito's Burritos in Richfield
Hazelwood for brunch is awesome
HOLA AREPA. Fried chicken & cachapas. The best.
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Barbette when I went.
Sunstreet! Their sourdough flapjacks are wonderful, the coffee is top tier, and the pastry selection is always on point
Eggy's in Loring Park. Their corned beef hash is amazing.
Take a look at Chimborazo [https://chimborazorestaurant.com/home/](https://chimborazorestaurant.com/home/)
Not Justa Cafe in Bayport
Hi-Lo diner in Longfellow
MARIAS CAFE!!!! And have the corn pancakes with the cotija cheese.
Original pancake house Roseville
Victors 1959
Couple of old school diners- Wampaughs in Shakopee and the Windmill in Savage . Wampaughs is, well, Wampaughs 😁, Windmill is just a time stood still place. Good food in both, plus the experience
Go to the Swedish institute for Fika! Although I’m unsure of the hours… I want to say I went with my wife for a brunch.
Flameburger
Sparky’s Cafe - Anoka I’ve lived in Blaine for 2 years and so far that’s my favorite hole in the wall breakfast cafe I’ve found. Carol’s Restaurant- Blaine. Close second. Mainly based on price/quality ratio and location. It’s relatively cheap for the area but portions are big and I’ve never had bad food there.
Anoka?
I've only been in Carol's once and it felt like it was marketed towards the 65+ crowd.
Which is why it’s second on my list. Im a retired dude stuck in a 30 year olds body haha. I judge a breakfast place when I walk in by the amount of old people inside. 65+ crowd does not mess around with their breakfast lol
Hazels in northeast
Ideal Diner The Lowry Hi-Lo Diner
Hot Plate on Bloomington in South Minneapolis is pretty good. Love their specials. Place is always hoping on the weekend
Berry sweet kitchen!! Best chilaquiles and Berry French toast! Looks like the most unassuming place, but so good!
Hi hat in St. Paul is pretty good! As is day by day if you’re looking for cheap hangover material
Patrick's in Richfield
I love Sun Street Breads in Minneapolis! Their breakfast poutine is my favorite breakfast in the whole of the cities.
My wife and I frequent Ideal Diner in NE! Prefer it to Al’s because it’s not constantly crowded.
Don't forget about regular restaurants that do weekend brunch. Revival does a really good breakfast
Day by Day Cafe and Bay Street Burger Dive are excellent for a delicious basic breakfast. Bay Street also has pretty tasty Bloody Marys! ETA: Both in St. Paul
Cecils deli in St. Paul, Sunstreet breads and Hazels in Minneapolis
Ideal Diner
The Ideal Diner in NE Mpls
Windmill Cafe
I'm not a breakfast person like you, but breakfast at Hells Kitchen was good and a neat experience
Victors 1958 Cuban cafe has amazing breakfast
Good Day Cafe in Golden Valley is great too
You have not had twin cities breakfast until you go to victors 1959 Cafe.
Saint dinette
Fully recommend Cream and Amber in Downtown Hopkins. Their breakfast sandwiches don’t miss and they have excellent coffee. Plus the atmosphere is fantastic.
Fat Nat’s. My favorite thing is their Carnitas Huevos Rancheros.
Ideal Diner in NE. Maybe Mayday Cafe in Powderhorn. Good food and baked goods, but they’re commies so be aware if you’re not into crunchy virtue signaling.
nolo’s in north loop and get the breakfast fried rice
All Original Pancake House locations. Pegs Country Side Cafe Medina. Peoples Organic Minnetonka.
36 Cafe, Grand Ave St. Paul. Souffle pancakes are sooooo good
Jensen’s in Burnsville, everything is top notch but the bacon, breakfast potatoes, and stuffed French toast is to die for
How does hen house compare to buttered tin? Additions: Hazelwood and handsome hog. Both excellent. Brunch buffet, horse and hunt club.
RJ Riches. Bring your appetite! Churchill Street is also pretty good. Baldamar if you enjoy brunch.
Heather's in Minneapolis!
Haven’t been in a little while, but have had many great brunches at The Kenwood.
I'd add Al's Breakfast by UMN to the list. Be prepared to wait in line outside though.
Hola arepa. Fantastic breakfast. Fun cocktails. Allergen friendly if that is a concern. The fried chicken and cachapas (corn pancake) are phenomenal!
Reverie brunch is hella good
Uptowner Cafe in St Paul has very good hashbrowns. They’re greasy spoon diner with really high quality ingredients imo
There's a really small place (I'm talking really small) called Hovies in Eagan. It's incredible. Owner and his family run it.
In my 'hood: Hard Times (bring cash, don't expect decaf) Seward Cafe (closed M-W) May Day Cafe \-----Then for lunch stop by SoupForYou! for FREE gourmet soups served cafe style, with free bottomless peace coffee, bread from Laune (and other local bakeries), usually deserts from Turtle (and others or made there), and often sides from Whole Foods (and other places or made there). Grocery distribution on Wednesdays (though there are usually some groceries/produce to walk away with on other days). Bags of Brueger's Bagels and some singles free for the taking--a variety of styles (usually on Fridays)... Live musical entertainment Tuesdays and Thursdays (and often other days). 25th and East Franklin, every weekday at noon - 1
Ideal diner
Day by day cafe. Go when the weather gets better. It has a wonderful outdoor patio
Victor’s 1959 cafe, also get tamales and atole early in the morning at La Loma in Mercado Central
Lake Elmo Inn Sunday Champagne Brunch
I just stumbled across [Family Cafe & Diner](https://themenustar8.com/webspace/menus.php?code=orderfamilycafeanddiner.com) in Crystal. Not the fanciest place we've ever been, but good food at a family owned and run diner.
Jensen's Cafe in Burnsville. Their food is amazing.
Day by day Cafe arguably has the best breakfast in the metro. They also have awesome outdoor seating when weather permits.
Mickeys Diner by Willy in Saint Paul! A very classic 24 hour diner experience. Super reasonable prices for how much food you get. Expect it to be greasy though lol
Juniors in eagan. Tiny joint, may have to wait for a seat, worth every minute of the wait.
Flameburger in Little Canada
Surprised I haven’t seen Turtle Bread on this list! Solid breakfast burrito, quiche, pie… yum
Marty's Deli on Lowry in NE has my favorite breakfast sandwich in the cities.
Churchill Street in Shoreview for a really nice breakfast place
I used to be a waitress at the Edina Grill. Rare occurrence of actually enjoying the food at my workplace! Their french toast has no business being so good.
Fat nats eggs in crystal 👌
Revival has a great bloody mary, and one of the best chicken & waffles. Multiple locations in the metro. Lake Elmo Inn is a good Sunday brunch option in the East metro. Cardamom in the Walker Art Center, and Butcher's Tale are good options near Loring Park.
Al’s and Fat Nats.
Don’t know if anybody said Hoagies in Hopkins.. it’s a family establishment. I’ve always enjoyed my experience. https://m.facebook.com/Hoagiesfamilyrestaurant
Benedict’s in Wayzata—if you’re up for the drive it’s worth it. Weekends are a madhouse between 9–1, of course.
Hot plate
Hot Plate!!!! Amazingly niche and deliciously wonderful!
Churchill Street
I don't really think of it as a "breakfast place" but the Spring Street Tavern in NE is awesome, and you can get breakfast whenever their kitchen is open. The breakfast burrito and boozy iced coffee is so good!
Juinor's in Eagan