These 11 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Minnesota Are Actually Amazing
By Betsy Rathburn|Published December 10, 2016
×
Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Here in Minnesota, we have a lot of very big stuff. We have America’s largest mall, shoreline on the largest freshwater lake in North America, and even a famous giant twine ball. But what about all the smaller things that get forgotten? Today, we’ll put some of them front and center. These 11 tiny restaurants in Minnesota may be small, but you have to try them.
Tiny Diner lives up to its name. Inside this cute restaurant with a classic diner look are just a few tables and a long row of stools. But don't let the size fool you. This diner packs big flavor into its meals, which focus on using local produce. Address: 1024 East 38th Street, Minneapolis.
This little restaurant in Austin is as famous as it is small. With a classic diner feel - complete with a counter where you can enjoy your meal - you won't even notice the small size. That is, until the crowd of people eager to get a delicious sandwich pushes in. Address: 217 4th Avenue Northeast, Austin.
The inviting exterior of this cute Duluth restaurant gives way to an equally charming - if small - interior. When you're done ordering your delicious gourmet grilled cheese, you may sit back and wonder how everything manages to fit inside so nicely. Address: 1032 East 9th Street, Duluth.
While perhaps not quite as tiny as some of the others on this list, Piccolo would still hold its own in a small restaurant contest. The tables are placed close together to create an intimate dining experience to go along with the elevated menu options. Address: 4300 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis.
Tori Ramen is one of the newest ramen restaurants in the Twin Cities - and it may even be the smallest. But that doesn't take away from the fantastic flavor that comes packed in every bowl. Address: 161 North Victoria Street, St. Paul.
In good weather, this teeny sandwich shop has a small outdoor patio to accommodate an overflow of guests in the main dining area. But when the weather is cool, guests are limited to a small but charming dining room where they will enjoy their delectable sandwiches. Address: 619 Huff Street, Suite 5, Winona.
Our kitchen is a sweet diner that looks like a charming old house from the outside. The inside is small and cozy and serves up some of the best breakfast you can get in the Twin Cities. Address: 813 West 36th Street, Minneapolis.
Band Box Diner looks small from the outside, and it lives up to that promise on the inside. But you can't even be mad at it. The classic diner finishes of this historic restaurant bring a vintage charm that you just can't find a bigger establishments. Address: 729 South 10th Street, Minneapolis.
The homey feel of the Front Street Cafe is made even cozier when it's busy. That's because this restaurant is small. But each of the few tables inside is well taken care of with homestyle meals served in portions much bigger than you'd expect from such a tiny place. Address: 616 Front Street, Brainerd.
Can you really say you've been to St. Paul if you haven't been to Mickey's? This little dining car is a Twin Cities landmark. Sidle up to the counter or squeeze into a corner booth. No matter which you choose, you're in for a tasty meal. Address: 36 7th Street West, St. Paul.
Of course, we couldn't leave Al's Breakfast off the list. At just 10 feet wide, it just may be the smallest restaurant in the entire state. Fourteen stools line the bar. When it gets busy, expect to wait in a long line to get a seat. But the fantastic breakfasts make this Dinkytown classic worth the wait. Address: 413 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis.
With such a great restaurant scene in Minnesota, there are likely many other tiny restaurants that did not make the list. Do you have a favorite? If you love trying restaurants that are a little out of the box, check out this list of 11 of the most unique restaurants in Minnesota.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.