This Tiny Minnesota Restaurant Is Worth The Wait

From the outside, Al’s Breakfast, in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis, looks less like a stand-alone structure than a roofed-over alley between two buildings, but this tiny Minnesota restaurant’s food is so good that there’s almost always a line out the door.

For more than 70 years, Al’s Breakfast has been serving up comfort food to hungry University of Minnesota students, Dinkytown denizens, and breakfast pilgrims.

mike s/TripAdvisor Incoming students used to be told that Bob Dylan once lived above the narrow, single-story restaurant.

The restaurant only has 15 seats at its counter, so there’s often a line to get in.

Joep K/TripAdvisor And people are willing to wait a long time for their chance to belly up.

And the line isn’t always just what you see outside.

Trent Jonas/Google In colder weather, especially, folks line up against the wall, hovering hungrily over those eating at the counter. (Whatever you do, don’t hold open the door while you wait, or you risk public excoriation from the staff).

As the name of the establishment implies, breakfast classics - like eggs Benedict - comfort food, and playful specials are the house specialties.

Helena Guerra/TripAdvisor

The portions are large, as anyone who’s ordered an omelet at Al’s will attest.

Joe Villegas/Google

Pancakes and French toast are among the restaurant’s most popular items.

Krzysztof Szafranski/Google

But, of course, you can never go wrong with a crispy, topped waffle fresh from a seasoned iron.

Sophie Jiang/Google

There’s really nothing quite like breakfast at Al’s, cozied up to a dozen new friends that you’ve just met. Check out Al’s Facebook page for hours and specials. While you’re in Minneapolis, do some exploring and learn why it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

mike s/TripAdvisor

Incoming students used to be told that Bob Dylan once lived above the narrow, single-story restaurant.

Joep K/TripAdvisor

And people are willing to wait a long time for their chance to belly up.

Trent Jonas/Google

In colder weather, especially, folks line up against the wall, hovering hungrily over those eating at the counter. (Whatever you do, don’t hold open the door while you wait, or you risk public excoriation from the staff).

Helena Guerra/TripAdvisor

Joe Villegas/Google

Krzysztof Szafranski/Google

Sophie Jiang/Google

Have you eaten at Al’s Breakfast? What other tiny restaurants in Minnesota are so popular there’s usually a line to get in?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Al’s Breakfast, 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA