- Attraction: Al’s Breakfast
- Location: 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Industry: Diner
- Website: https://www.alsbreakfastmpls.com/
Step into what might be the most unusual breakfast experience in Minnesota – a diner so narrow it was literally built in a former alleyway.
Al’s Breakfast defies everything you think you know about restaurant space, cramming decades of culinary excellence into just 10 feet of width with only 14 counter stools.
This James Beard Award-winning institution has been feeding University of Minnesota students, celebrities, and breakfast enthusiasts since 1950, becoming a Minneapolis icon that’s as famous for its impossibly tiny footprint as its incredible food.
Don’t let the size fool you – this Dinkytown gem has earned its reputation as one of America’s greatest classic diners through sheer commitment to breakfast perfection.
You’ll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow diners, but that’s all part of the charm at Minneapolis’s narrowest restaurant, where the intimacy creates an unexpectedly warm community atmosphere.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That Keep People Coming Back
The Legendary Corned Beef Hash: This isn’t your typical canned hash – Al’s creates their masterpiece with freshly-shredded red potatoes, tender chunks of real corned beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and a secret touch of horseradish that gives it a subtle zing.
The mixture gets crisped to perfection on the griddle, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the interior hearty and flavorful.
The Famous José: One of Al’s most beloved specialty dishes features a generous portion of hand-shredded hash browns griddled until golden and crispy, then topped with locally-made Jose’s salsa, melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly poached eggs. It’s comfort food at its finest – rich, satisfying, and uniquely Al’s.
Buttermilk Pancakes: You’ll discover why these pancakes have earned legendary status among breakfast lovers. Made with two different batters depending on your preference, they’re fluffy, golden, and come in varieties like wild Maine blueberry, walnut, chocolate chip, and seasonal options like blackberry.
The short-order cook times each stack perfectly, achieving that ideal balance of crispy edges and tender centers.
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Discover MoreThe Jelly Omelet: This quirky signature dish has been delighting customers for decades. The fluffy omelet gets filled with your choice of jam or jelly, creating a sweet-savory combination that sounds unusual but tastes absolutely divine. It’s become such a beloved item that Food Network’s Guy Fieri highlighted it during his visits.
Eggs Benedict Done Right: The hollandaise sauce here is made fresh and has that perfect lemony brightness that makes you understand why this classic dish has endured. Served over ham and English muffins, it’s executed with the precision you’d expect from a diner that’s been perfecting breakfast for over 70 years.
Specialty Scrambles: From the Mediterranean-inspired version with spinach, tomatoes, scallions, and feta cheese to the indulgent combination with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, these aren’t your average scrambled eggs.
Each scramble showcases fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations that elevate simple eggs into something memorable.
Atmosphere & Décor
The Ultimate Intimate Dining: You’ll experience breakfast like nowhere else as you sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers who quickly become temporary dining companions. The single row of 14 stools along a linoleum counter creates an unexpectedly cozy communal atmosphere where conversations flow naturally between diners.
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Keep Exploring →Quirky Wall Decorations: The narrow walls showcase an eclectic collection that includes pictures of Elvis and Wayne Newton, foreign currency from around the world, and cheeky signs like “TIPPING IS NOT A CITY IN RUSSIA.”
These grease-preserved decorations add character and tell the story of decades of satisfied customers from every corner of the globe.
Front-Row Kitchen Theater: You’ll get an incredible view of the short-order cooking magic happening just feet away.
Watching the skilled cooks juggle multiple orders on the compact griddle, perfectly timing eggs, hash, and pancakes simultaneously, becomes part of the entertainment. The kitchen efficiency in such a tight space is genuinely impressive.
Historic Alleyway Charm: The building’s unique history as a former hardware store shed gives the space an authentic, unpolished character that feels genuine rather than manufactured. You’re literally dining in what was once the narrow passage between two larger buildings, making every meal feel like you’ve discovered a hidden secret.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Cash-Only Policy: You’ll need to hit the ATM before visiting since Al’s operates on a strict cash or local check policy. This old-school approach adds to the authentic diner experience and keeps things simple for both staff and customers.
The Waiting Game: Expect to stand in line along the back wall, sometimes for 30 minutes or more during peak weekend hours. The wait is part of the Al’s experience, and you’ll find that most customers consider it well worth the anticipation. Arriving on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits.
Budget-Friendly Pricing: You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and generous portions. Most breakfast items fall into the affordable range, making this James Beard Award winner accessible to everyone from college students to food tourists.
Seating Limitations: This isn’t the place for large groups or anyone needing wheelchair accessibility. The counter seating only accommodates single-file dining, though the restaurant can be rented out for private parties if you want to bring exactly 13 friends for a unique group breakfast experience.
Peak Hours Strategy: You’ll have the best luck finding immediate seating if you arrive right when they open at 6 AM on weekdays or 9 AM on Sundays. The breakfast rush hits hard between 9-11 AM, so plan accordingly.
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Keep Exploring →University Neighborhood Vibe: The Dinkytown location near the University of Minnesota means you’ll be dining alongside a mix of students, faculty, locals, and food pilgrims from around the country. This creates an energetic, youthful atmosphere that keeps the place feeling alive and current despite its vintage roots.
Al’s Breakfast
📍 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
