- Attraction: Hen House Eatery
- Location: 114 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
- Industry: Breakfast Restaurant
- Website: https://www.henhouseeatery.com/
Three breakfast-loving friends turned their shared passion into downtown Minneapolis’ most talked-about morning destination when they opened Hen House Eatery in 2014.
Born from the combined expertise of former Keys Cafe veterans with over four decades of breakfast experience, this urban farmhouse concept transformed the historic Peter’s Grill location into something extraordinary.
You’ll discover a place where locally-sourced ingredients meet creative comfort food, all served up with the kind of genuine warmth that makes you feel like family.
What makes Hen House truly special is their commitment to serving breakfast all day, every day, alongside an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails that’ll make your morning mimosa feel like an understatement.
The restaurant brilliantly balances rustic charm with downtown sophistication, creating an atmosphere where business meetings and birthday celebrations feel equally at home.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights
Chicken and Waffles: This isn’t your average chicken and waffle dish. A generously sized, fluffy waffle serves as the foundation for crispy chicken tenders and fresh apple slaw, all drizzled with honey that ties together the sweet and savory elements into pure perfection. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish worth the trip alone.
Fat Hen Omelet: Consistently praised by customers, this signature omelet features chicken sausage, hash browns, caramelized onions, mushrooms, spinach, apples, almonds, and mozzarella, all topped with a rich béchamel sauce. The blend of sweet and savory ingredients creates a complex flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
Funky Hen House Omelette: Another customer favorite that showcases the kitchen’s creativity. This loaded omelet includes Italian sausage, bacon, ham, cheddar cheese, green onions, tomatoes, peppers, and hashbrowns. It’s substantial enough to share and packed with enough flavor to satisfy any breakfast craving.
Cinnamon French Toast: Made from thick-cut bread and cooked to golden perfection, this French toast arrives fluffy and light with just the right amount of sweetness. The restaurant’s attention to texture makes each bite a delightful experience, especially when paired with their fresh berry options.
Kitchen Sink Omelette: As the name suggests, this massive creation includes nearly everything but the kitchen sink. At $17.50, it’s designed for sharing and delivers incredible value with its generous portions and diverse ingredient mix that ensures every bite offers something different.
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Discover MoreCountry Fried Steak: This hearty dish features a perfectly seasoned and breaded steak topped with rich sausage gravy. Served with eggs and hen potatoes, it’s comfort food at its finest and appeals to those seeking a more traditional Southern-style breakfast.
Benedict Variations: Choose from California Eggs Benedict or Smoked Salmon Benedict, both featuring perfectly poached eggs and house-made hollandaise sauce. While some reviewers note the hollandaise could use more seasoning, the overall execution and presentation make these dishes popular choices.
Atmosphere & Décor
Historic Charm: The restaurant preserved much of Peter’s Grill’s iconic character, including the beloved walnut booths that locals remember fondly. One of the original horseshoe-shaped counters was cleverly repurposed into a bar area, maintaining the nostalgic diner feel while adding modern functionality.
Urban Farmhouse Vibe: The owners successfully transformed the space with colorful paint and rustic touches that create a warm, welcoming environment. The décor strikes a perfect balance between downtown sophistication and country comfort, making both tourists and locals feel at home.
Spacious Layout: The restaurant is notably large with plenty of seating, including outdoor patio options during warmer months. The open layout accommodates everything from intimate breakfast dates to large group celebrations without feeling cramped or overly crowded.
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Keep Exploring →Bakery Display: A impressive bakery case near the entrance showcases monster-sized treats that catch your eye on the way out. The visual appeal of these house-made desserts adds to the overall dining experience and provides a sweet ending option.
Skyway Connection: The restaurant connects to Minneapolis’ skyway system, making it easily accessible during harsh winter months while maintaining its street-level charm and visibility.
Other Considerations
Pricing Value: Most breakfast entrées range from $6-17, positioning Hen House in the moderate pricing category for downtown Minneapolis. The generous portion sizes and quality ingredients make the pricing feel reasonable, especially considering the downtown location and locally-sourced focus.
No Reservations Policy: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving before 9 AM helps avoid the weekend rush. You can add your name to a waitlist, and they’ll call you over the loudspeaker when your table is ready.
Peak Times: Sunday mornings and weekends get extremely busy, but the large space helps manage crowds better than smaller establishments. Weekday mornings offer a more relaxed experience for those wanting to avoid the rush.
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Discover MoreParking Considerations: Downtown location means you’ll likely need to use street parking or nearby parking ramps. The central location makes it walkable from many downtown hotels and office buildings.
Gluten-Free Options: The restaurant offers extensive gluten-free menu items, though they use shared cooking surfaces. Those with celiac disease should communicate their needs clearly, as cross-contamination is possible despite the kitchen’s efforts to minimize risk.
Breakfast Cocktails: The drink menu goes far beyond typical brunch offerings, featuring bellinis, bloodies, screwdrivers, and creative combinations like the Red Eye Rooster bloody mary that arrives with its own appetizer plate. The strawberry bellini provides a lighter option that enhances the breakfast experience.
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant welcomes families with a dedicated kids’ menu and accommodating atmosphere. The casual dress code and moderate noise level make it suitable for all ages.
Hen House Eatery
📍 114 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
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