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Al's Breakfast: Restaurant Reviews

413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414-2005 (University/Dinkytown)
612-331-9991
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Ranked #8 of 1,012 restaurants in Minneapolis
Price range: $0 - $20
Cuisines: American, Coffee Shop, Diner
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Restaurant details
Good for: Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch
Neighborhood: University/Dinkytown
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117 reviews from our community

89% Recommend
    74
    31
    10
    2
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Al's Breakfast
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Vancouver Island, Canada
Top Contributor
82 reviews 82 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
“You saw it on 3 D's”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2013

This classic diner is just as seen on "Diners Drive-ins and Dives". Excellent breakfasts (amazing pancakes and Corned beef hash). Only 13 seats at the counter so we went on a Monday morning and only waited about 20 minutes

Visited January 2013
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See 3 more reviews by Harry J for Minneapolis
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
minneapolis
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“An Institution”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2013

It's like being in the front row of a theatrical production, with the cast just begging for you to interact with them. Insult the cook about the hash browns and let the fun begin. Truly a great place to eat. As a bonus the food is quite good.

Visited April 2012
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See 4 more reviews by gjbeau for Minneapolis
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Minnesota
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“I cannot believe I am saying this.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 16, 2013

Okay, so it is hard to even find this place. It is one of the dingiest, dirtiest places. Broken windows, worn out dirty little hole in the wall. The people were waiting outside - and it was very cold. So I was determined to try it. We waited outside for 30 minutes until we got inside the door. If you are claustrophobic (which I am) it is a lesson in perserverence. So we get inside the tiny door (very tiny) and then finally into the tiny, tiny, tiny space behind the stools which are full of patrons .
We are almost on top of them. If you put your head back you whack your head on the coat hooks.

So I am angry, hungry, feeling penned in, but determined....
The staff - well, how can I put it ... crazy, tattooed, foolery, devil may care, screaming, jumping. I am carried away. The food looked good and everyone was enjoying, as fast as they could as they were getting drooled on by patrons hovering over them.

So we sit, and get coffee, then a space opens up and we are told to scoot down, dishes and all. I order the blueberry pancakes as I have heard about them. I cannot believe they could be THAT good. My husband orders an egg dish.

Okay, I am aghast that I am going to say this. They are heaven and I now understand - the wait, the overcoming of close proximity and the dirt. Loved them and am still thinking about them to this minute. Darn it. What an experience.

PS. Don't take a date there unless she is a college student on your first date. Unless you blindfold her and let her get a taste of pancakes first.

Visited January 2013
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See 6 more reviews by Sidney74Minnesota for Minneapolis
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Montreal, Canada
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Good choice”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 17, 2012

Small place that I would not choose myself from its looks if I had not read the reviews on Tripadvisor. I didn’t have to wait long although I read this is usually the case. I loved the food bust most of all the walnut pancakes and the plenty coffee offered again and again. I also liked the atmosphere of this place which made me relax and enjoy my food.

Visited November 2012
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Ask David W about Al's Breakfast
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“A part of history but nothing spectacular”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed November 26, 2012

I was hoping to be blown away by the food since reviews on Als are all excellent, but sadly I was not.
Cute, extremely personable diner but my eggs benedict was easily something I could have thrown together.
I'm not saying this place isn't worth experiencing & I'm sure some food on their menu is great... I'd just rather eat somewhere else for breakfast...A place where noone is breathing on my food behind me and a place that has a restroom

    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 2 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask spartyharty about Al's Breakfast
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

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