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).

Related Stories

The Best New Restaurant In The United States Is Right Here In Minnesota And You'll Want To Visit Immediately

The Best New Restaurant In The United States Is Right Here In Minnesota And You'll Want To Visit Immediately

 Open For More Than 90 Years, Dining At Lowell Inn In Minnesota Is Always A Timeless Experience

Open For More Than 90 Years, Dining At Lowell Inn In Minnesota Is Always A Timeless Experience

 The Restaurant In Minnesota Where Every Meal Is A Chef's Surprise

The Restaurant In Minnesota Where Every Meal Is A Chef's Surprise
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.

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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Al's Breakfast, 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA