- Attraction: Lotus Restaurant
- Location: 113 W Grant St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Industry: Vietnamese Restaurant
- Website: https://www.lotusdtmsp.com/
Four decades of family recipes and Vietnamese refugee resilience have transformed this humble Loring Park eatery into Minneapolis’ most beloved neighborhood Vietnamese joint.
Lotus Restaurant first opened its doors in 1983 when founders Tri and Le established their original location in Calhoun Square, serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine to the local community.
What started as one family’s dream has evolved into a Minneapolis institution where the Nguyen family’s four sons now operate alongside their parents, creating dishes from mom’s secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The story behind Lotus reads like a beautiful American immigration tale – the Nguyen family arrived in Minnesota in 1981 as Vietnamese refugees with their oldest son Yoom, who was just 2 years old.
Today, you’ll find this family-run establishment tucked away in a small strip mall near downtown, where the unassuming exterior belies the extraordinary flavors waiting inside.
Related
More in Minnesota
This 170-Year-Old Market In St. Paul Is The Ultimate Destination For Farm-Fresh Delights
Keep Exploring →Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
The Legendary Pho: They make the broth from scratch every morning, arriving three to four hours before opening to prepare this aromatic foundation. You’ll taste the difference immediately – the rich, complex broth delivers layers of flavor that keep customers coming back for decades.
The beef pho receives particular praise, with perfectly tender noodles and generous protein portions that make even the small size incredibly satisfying.
Cream Cheese Wontons: These crispy golden parcels have earned legendary status among Twin Cities diners. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior, creating textural magic that’s become Lotus’s calling card. You’ll discover why so many locals consider these the city’s finest.
Lotus Wings: These specialty chicken wings come coated with ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chili flakes, delivering a Vietnamese twist on the classic American appetizer. The unique flavor profile sets them apart from typical wing joints, offering aromatic Southeast Asian spices that dance on your palate.
Vietnamese Salad with Grilled Pork: The expertly seasoned pork delivers exceptional tenderness while the salad components maintain perfect freshness and vibrant flavors. This dish exemplifies Vietnamese cuisine’s perfect balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, and expertly seasoned proteins.
More in Minnesota
Beyond The Stores: Discover Why Rosedale Center In Roseville Is A Community Spot Worth Visiting
Discover MoreSpring Rolls: Made fresh daily, these translucent rice paper wraps filled with crisp vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic preparation methods. The accompanying peanut sauce provides the perfect complement to the fresh ingredients.
House Specialties: The House Pho combines beef, meatball, seafood, and chicken for those wanting to sample multiple proteins, while the Com Tam (broken rice dishes) and various curry options round out an extensive menu that caters to both Vietnamese food newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Atmosphere & Setting
Casual Neighborhood Vibe: The restaurant features about 20 tables in a diner-like setting with cafeteria-style seating that emphasizes function over fancy presentation. This no-frills approach allows the food to take center stage while creating an intimate, community-focused environment.
Strip Mall Location: The restaurant sits in a small plaza shared with a Speedway gas station and other businesses, which might seem unusual but actually adds to its authentic, neighborhood gem character.
The unpretentious exterior means you’re discovering something special that locals have treasured for years.
Related
More in Minnesota
An Iconic Hinckley Eatery Has Cinnamon Rolls So That Big Paul Bunyan Could Eat Them
Keep Exploring →Bustling Energy: The space maintains a brisk takeout business alongside dine-in service, creating an energetic atmosphere where you can watch the kitchen’s efficient operation. The compact layout means you’ll likely share the space with other food enthusiasts, adding to the communal dining experience.
Family-Run Warmth: The family takes time to get to know their regular customers, creating personal connections that transform first-time visitors into lifelong fans. This personal touch makes every meal feel like you’re dining with friends rather than just grabbing a quick bite.
Other Considerations
Outstanding Value: The restaurant delivers exceptional value with generous portions and reasonable pricing that consistently impresses diners. You’ll find substantial servings that often provide leftovers for additional meals, making this an excellent choice for budget-conscious diners seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Parking Challenges: The small plaza parking lot can fill up quickly, and street parking around the corner might be necessary during busy periods. Plan for a short walk if visiting during peak dining hours, but the food quality makes any minor inconvenience worthwhile.
Takeout Excellence: The restaurant offers efficient online ordering with real-time tracking and manual confirmation of orders. Their takeout operation runs like clockwork, making it perfect for those wanting to enjoy Lotus’s flavors at home.
More in Minnesota
Experience Perfect Sunsets And Cedar-Planked Salmon At This Waconia Lakehouse
Discover MoreGluten-Free Options: Most menu items can be made gluten-free except for lo mein, chow mein, wontons, pot stickers, egg rolls, chicken wings, tempura vegetables, and mock duck entrees. This accommodating approach ensures dietary restrictions won’t prevent you from enjoying authentic Vietnamese flavors.
No MSG Policy: The restaurant proudly uses no MSG in any of their dishes, focusing instead on natural ingredients and traditional preparation methods to build flavor complexity.
Hours & Service: Open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM. Both dine-in and takeout services operate efficiently, with pickup available starting 15 minutes after opening.
Lotus Restaurant
📍 113 W Grant St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
