Cheap Eats in Minneapolis
Great Budget Restaurants For Your Minneapolis, Minnesota Travel
May 26, 2007
Looking for some amazing Minneapolis food bargains? Check out these eclectic choices.
The Twin City Metro area has become a hot spot for haute cuisine, but don't let this fool you. Minneapolis and St. Paul are overgrown small town at heart, and there's plenty of unpretentious, inexpensive eats for everyone. The huge population of hungry students from the University of Minnesota and other colleges helps drive the need for bargains. Here are some of the best places to get cheap but satisfying food in Minneapolis.
- The Malt Shop (50th Street at Bryant Avenue South). Malt shops are a homegrown Midwestern tradition, and you can't go wrong with this classy urban joint that's located close to some of the most beautiful lakes in Minneapolis. Fabulously thick malts that are big enough for two are under $4.50 and come in flavors such as caramel apple pie, Heath bar, and fig. (In Minnesota, malts automatically come made with malt powder; you have to ask special for a malt-less milkshake). The Malt Shop features classic hamburgers and sandwiches for about $7.00 as well as fancier fare such as curried chicken stew for $7.69 and a fried walleye dinner for $7.89. The vegetarian selection is surprisingly good and includes an unforgettable homemade veggie burger for $6.89.
- Quang Restaurant (2719 Nicollet Avenue South). Quang, located on the strip of ethnic restaurants on Nicollet Avenue known as Eat Street, is one of the most authentic and delicious Vietnamese restaurants in town. There's lots of good Vietnamese food in the Twin Cities, so that's saying quite a bit! Try the hoanh thanh lon ($4), which is a shrimp and wonton soup, or the com tam thit nuong ($4.99), a barbecued pork chop dish. Vegetarian options are aplenty as well.
- Pizza Luce (several Minneapolis and St. Paul locations). This trendy pizza joint sells creative pizzas that range from around $12 to $21 and come loaded with everything from pulled pork, garlic mashed potatoes, mock duck, and Gouda cheese. They also serve delicious pastas (about $8) and hoagies (about $7) and offer lots of vegetarian options.
- Bryant Lake Bowl (810 West Lake Street). Located in the ultra-hip Uptown neighborhood, Bryant Lake is a combination trendy eatery and bowling alley! The food has a Southwest influence and organic ingredients are used liberally. For a fun breakfast, try the bison hash for $8 or the mushroom and goat cheese scramble for $6.25. Lunch and dinner choices include a pulled pork sandwich for $8.75 and a massive bean burrito for $9.
- Chris and Bob's Chicago Taste Authority (3101 E 42nd St). If you have a hankering for food from that other Midwestern big city, this neighborhood joint has some Chicago favorites at bargain prices! Try the Chicago Dog for $2.45, the Maxwell Street Polish for $3.15, and the Italian beef for $5.19.
- Key's Cafe (seven Twin Cities locations). Keys is classic Midwestern comfort food. Its old-fashioned breakfasts are known for their huge sides of potatoes. Try three slices of cinnamon French toast for $5.25, the farmer's omelet for $7.75, or the gigantic "Two Guys Breakfast" that comes with a seven ounce filet for $9.99. Midwestern classic lunches include the Minnesota wild rice salad for $8.25 and the club sandwich for $7.75.
- French Meadow Bakery and Cafe (2610 Lyndale Avenue South).. This coffeehouse-cafe becomes a sit-down restaurant at night, but during the day you can feast on soup, sandwiches, and other gourmet coffeehouse fare for less. The French Meadow bakes fabulous breads and pastries on the premises. Try a bowl of the creamy tomato basil soup or the hearty vegan black bean chili for $5.50 or a curried chicken croissant for $8.99. For breakfast, try French toast made with their famous homemade sourdough bread for $6.79. Chocolate lovers will not be able to pass up the gooey and rich chocolate peanut butter brownie for $2.50.
The copyright of the article Cheap Eats in Minneapolis in Minnesota Travel is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Cheap Eats in Minneapolis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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