- Attraction: Wally’s Roast Beef
- Location: 8120 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://wallysroastbeef.com/
Walk past most Bloomington office buildings and you’ll find boring corporate lobbies filled with bland reception desks and fluorescent lighting.
Walk into 8120 Penn Avenue South, however, and you’ll discover something completely unexpected: the aroma of slow-roasted beef that’s been perfected since 1969, wafting from what locals consider the Twin Cities’ most legendary sandwich shop.
Wally’s Roast Beef defies every expectation about where great food should be found, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary culinary experiences hide in the most ordinary places.
Founded by Wally Erickson over five decades ago, this family-owned institution has built an almost cult-like following among roast beef enthusiasts.
Current owner Jeff Sagal has maintained every single element of Wally’s original recipe and preparation method, ensuring that each sandwich tastes exactly as it did when Nixon was president and the Beatles were still together.
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The Famous Roast Beef Sandwich: This isn’t your typical deli meat thrown between bread slices. You’ll witness massive hunks of USDA Choice beef getting hand-carved right before your eyes, each slice falling from the blade with perfect tenderness and that coveted pink interior.
The beef gets seasoned with Wally’s closely guarded secret blend and slow-roasted overnight at 250 degrees until it practically melts in your mouth.
Served on a lightly toasted Kaiser bun, this sandwich has earned its reputation as the gold standard against which all other roast beef sandwiches are measured.
The Blue Plate Special: This hearty throwback delivers old-school diner comfort in its purest form. You’ll get an open-faced roast beef sandwich smothered in rich, homemade gravy alongside real mashed potatoes with the skins still mixed in and a side of sweet corn.
The entire plate arrives as a cohesive comfort food masterpiece that’ll transport you straight to your grandmother’s Sunday dinner table.
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Discover MoreFrench Dip Perfection: The au jus here deserves its own spotlight. Rich, beefy, and loaded with charred meat bits that add incredible depth, this dipping sauce transforms the already exceptional roast beef into something transcendent.
You’ll find yourself savoring every last drop and understanding why regulars specifically request extra containers to take home.
Beef Barley Soup: This everyday special showcases how Wally’s excels beyond sandwiches. The soup arrives thick, hearty, and brimming with tender beef chunks and perfectly cooked barley that creates a satisfying, almost meal-like experience.
It’s the kind of soul-warming bowl that makes you understand why people brave Minnesota winters.
Potato Cakes: These golden-brown discs offer the perfect crispy exterior with fluffy, seasoned potato interior. They’re the ideal complement to any sandwich, providing that satisfying crunch contrast to the tender beef.
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Atmosphere & Setting
Office Building Charm: Don’t let the corporate tower location fool you into thinking this lacks character. The dining area maintains that classic American luncheonette feel with green and yellow color schemes that harken back to simpler times.
You’ll find yourself in a surprisingly spacious, clean environment that feels refreshingly unpretentious.
Retro Touches: The working jukebox loaded with oldies from 1969 adds authentic nostalgia to every meal. You can actually press buttons and hear classics like “The Beat Goes On” while enjoying your sandwich, creating an experience that genuinely transports you back to the restaurant’s founding era.
Front-Row Kitchen Views: The meat-cutting station sits prominently behind the ordering counter, giving you an unobstructed view of the daily beef preparation. Watching those perfectly seasoned roasts get sliced to order becomes part of the entertainment and builds anticipation for your meal.
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Discover MoreGenerous Parking: Unlike typical downtown lunch spots, you’ll find ample parking in the office building lot, making this surprisingly accessible despite its tucked-away location.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: You’ll discover that a complete meal including sandwich, fries, and drink typically runs under $12, making this an incredible bargain compared to chain restaurants offering far inferior quality.
The portion sizes are generous enough that you’ll leave genuinely satisfied without breaking your budget.
Limited Hours Strategy: Wally’s operates Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, creating an exclusive lunch-only experience that adds to its special appeal. This focused approach allows them to maintain consistently high quality since they’re preparing fresh food for just one service period daily.
Hidden Location Benefits: The office building setting provides a unique advantage during busy lunch rushes – when lines form, they extend into the spacious lobby rather than outside, keeping you comfortable regardless of weather conditions.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Atmosphere: You’ll find this works perfectly for multi-generational dining, with menu options that appeal to both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comfort foods. The casual environment welcomes everyone from business professionals to families exploring local gems.
Takeout Excellence: The food travels remarkably well, making it perfect for office lunches or picnics. Many customers order multiple sandwiches to share with colleagues who haven’t yet discovered this local treasure.
Secret Menu Knowledge: Ask about adding horseradish sauce to your sandwich – it provides an eye-watering kick that enhances the beef’s flavor profile dramatically.
Wally’s Roast Beef
📍 8120 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
