9 Exceptional Minnesota Restaurants To Try When You're Dining Out On A Budget

There’s no shortage of excellent eateries in Minnesota. No matter what style of cuisine you’re looking for, you’ll find it here! But trying them all can add up quickly. That’s why we made this list of awesome, affordable restaurants where you can get great food on a budget. Next time you’re looking for a new place to eat, stop into one of these tried-and-true spots for an affordable meal that will fill you up and become one of your new favorites. Read on below to see the list:

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Matt’s Bar is an iconic Minnesota restaurant that any burger lover should try at least once. This spot offers up one version of the famous Jucy Lucy, a gooey cheese-stuffed burger that will quickly rise to the top of your favorites list. The restaurant is a no-frills spot with a small, simple menu. That adds up to an affordable place to grab a delicious meal!

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Another well-known Minneapolis spot, Uncle Franky’s is known for its hot dogs. There are more than a dozen dogs on the menu, each with unique toppings that turn a basic hot dog into an outstanding meal. Most dogs clock in at less than $7. Add a small side of fries for $2, and you have a solid meal for less than ten bucks!

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Next time you’re in St. Cloud, pop on into Brigitte’s Cafe to get a taste of a favorite local flavor. This simple cafe serves up homestyle food that will keep you going all day. The breakfast menu is served all day, so order pancakes, omelettes, or bacon and eggs to your heart’s content. Other choices include burgers, soup and salad, and a wide variety of sandwiches. Most meals are in the $10 range, making this an affordable spot to have a filling meal.

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Duluth Grill is a famous Minnesota spot that has been featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Once you visit, it’s easy to see why. The place has a homey atmosphere and friendly service that’ll make you feel welcome. This, combined with the outstanding food, makes it a shoo-in eatery for your trip to Duluth. They have a wide menu, with great breakfasts, tasty burgers, fresh salads, and even some unique items such as bibimbap or chorizo mac and cheese. Most meals are around $15, not including tips. But for around $20, you can get a great meal that’ll fill you up all day.

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Val’s Rapid Serv is another classic St. Cloud restaurant that everyone should visit at least once. Its iconic sign has drawn visitors since the late 1950s, and the spot still serves up great food today. The limited menu is made up of burgers, fries, and over 20 flavors of shakes. You can get this entire meal for around $10, making it one of the best bargains in town!

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For those in the know, Rock Creek Cafe is a go-to spot for a hearty breakfast that will fill you up all day. That’s why you’ll often find the parking lot - which it shares with an adjacent gas station - full of cars. The choices include a variety of omelettes, bacon or sausage and egg breakfast platters, pancakes, hashbrowns, and more. Almost everything is $10 or less! Next time you’re traveling along I-35, pop off the freeway in Rock Creek for a tasty, filling, and affordable meal at Rock Creek Cafe.

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If you’ve ever driven along Highway 61 in eastern Minnesota, you’ve likely passed by Kaffe Stuga. This old-school spot has been around for years, and it’s remained a popular place to eat for locals and travelers alike. No matter when you stop in, you’ll find delicious and affordable meals that taste just like home. Whether you want breakfast, a sandwich, or a hearty helping of roast beef, you’ll find it here - and for a great price!

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With "cheap" in the name, you can bet that Cheap Charlie’s is an affordable place to eat! This hole-in-the-wall establishment is a popular spot for Rochester diners. Breakfast is a popular choice, as are burgers, pork chops, BLTs, and more. Most entrees clock in at less than $10. Between the casual atmosphere, welcoming staff, and great, affordable food, you can’t go wrong with this budget eatery!

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Those in the know love RJ Richest for its homestyle food served up in a casual, no-frills setting. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel at home. You can’t go wrong with breakfast, whether you choose a skillet meal or a plate of pancakes. Many love the omelettes here as well. There are more than a dozen types! Other great choices include burgers, salads, gyros, pork chops, and more. There’s something for everyone at this affordable spot!

Have you ever been to any of the spots on this list? Do you have any others to recommend? Let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form. And if you’re looking for other great places to eat, check out our Minnesota restaurant bucket list.