Quick answer
Minneapolis's brunch scene ranges from a 14-seat Dinkytown diner to James Beard–winner territory. Hell's Kitchen is the most iconic, Martina is Reddit's consensus favorite, and Al's Breakfast is the ultimate pilgrimage. This list, curated from hundreds of Reddit posts across r/Minneapolis and r/TwinCities, covers the 12 spots that locals actually recommend.
- Best overall
- Martina — 4.7★ (1,998 reviews)
- Best budget
- Al's Breakfast — $6–$12
- Best upscale
- Spoon and Stable — 4.7★
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Hell's Kitchen: The most iconic brunch in Minneapolis — sausage bread, lemon ricotta pancakes, gothic basement.
- Martina: Reddit's favorite — Argentinian brunch with empanadas and oysters.
- Al's Breakfast: 14 seats, 75 years, best pancakes in the city.
Minneapolis brunch offers a diverse range of experiences, from classic American to Argentinian feasts, with prices varying across the board. This Reddit-backed guide highlights the city's best brunch spots, with options ranging from gothic basement icons to cozy 14-seat diners.
Minneapolis's brunch scene punches well above its weight, blending Midwestern heartiness with global flavors you wouldn't expect from a cold-weather city. From Cuban classics at Victor's 1959 Cafe to French beignets at Saint Genevieve, the diversity rivals cities twice its size.
We analyzed 300+ Reddit posts and 1,500+ comments across r/Minneapolis, r/TwinCities, and r/minnesotavikings spanning 2021 to 2025. Restaurants were ranked by frequency of independent recommendations. Every spot was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different users. Google Places API data verified ratings and current operating status.
Budget $12–$20 per person at most spots. Upscale brunch at Spoon and Stable or Martina runs $30–$50. Weekend waits are common at the top spots — reservations recommended where accepted.
Brunch Map
1. Hell's Kitchen
How we built this list
We analyzed 300+ Reddit posts and 1,500+ comments across r/Minneapolis, r/TwinCities, and r/minnesotavikings spanning 2021 to 2025. Restaurants were ranked by frequency of independent recommendations. Every spot was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different users. Upvote counts, commenter credibility, and recency were all weighted. Google Places API data verified ratings and current operating status.
1Hell's Kitchen
Iconic American Brunch
Verdict: Minneapolis's most iconic brunch — gothic basement vibes, legendary sausage bread, and lemon ricotta pancakes that draw crowds every weekend.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- The quintessential Minneapolis brunch experience with one-of-a-kind dishes in a gothic basement
- Strengths
- 4.4 from 7,116 reviews. Employee-owned since 2020. Angel Food Bakery upstairs
- Limitations
- Long weekend waits (45–90 min). Some Redditors find it overrated
- Price / value
- $15–$25 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Lemon ricotta pancakes, sausage bread with dates and black currants, and walleye hash and eggs.
🕐 Hours
Monday7:30 AM – 8:30 PMTuesday7:30 AM – 8:30 PMWednesday7:30 AM – 8:30 PMThursday7:30 AM – 8:30 PMFriday7:30 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday7:30 AM – 10:00 PMSunday7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
“Hen House is great. Hells Kitchen is way overrated. Every time I eat there I'm disappointed.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
“Make a reservation ahead of time if you can, and on your way out, pop into Angel Food Bakery upstairs for a to-go bag of donuts.”— Eater Twin Cities · 2025
tabiji verdict: A must-visit for first-timers — the sausage bread alone is worth the wait. Locals are split on whether it lives up to the hype, but the atmosphere is undeniably unique.
2Spoon and Stable
Upscale New American
Verdict: The most acclaimed restaurant in Minneapolis does a Sunday-only brunch that's worth planning your whole trip around.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Upscale Sunday brunch in the North Loop with James Beard–level cooking
- Strengths
- 4.7 from 3,003 reviews. Gavin Kaysen (James Beard winner). Beautiful North Loop space
- Limitations
- Sunday only. Expensive. Reservations essential
- Price / value
- $30–$50 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Sorghum waffles, whipped chèvre asparagus omelet, and lemon meringue profiteroles. Don't skip the carajillo cocktail.
🕐 Hours
Monday4:00 – 11:00 PMTuesday4:00 – 11:00 PMWednesday4:00 – 11:00 PMThursday4:00 – 11:00 PMFriday4:00 – 11:30 PMSaturday4:00 – 11:30 PMSunday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:00 PM
“Spoon and Stable has a fantastic brunch. Don't skip the pastries.”— r/TwinCities · 2025
“Cardamom is a sister restaurant to Martina and is known for their brunch as well.”— r/TwinCities · 2025
tabiji verdict: The benchmark for upscale brunch in Minneapolis. Sunday-only makes it exclusive — book early and expect some of the most refined brunch cooking in the Midwest.
3Martina
Argentinian
Verdict: Reddit's top pick for an upscale brunch with Argentinian flair — empanadas, choripan, and oysters in a beautiful Linden Hills setting.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Savory-leaning brunch with Argentinian influences in leafy Linden Hills
- Strengths
- 4.7 from 1,998 reviews. Sister to Cardamom. Beautiful neighborhood
- Limitations
- Weekends only. Pricey. Linden Hills is a drive from downtown
- Price / value
- $25–$45 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Empanadas, choripan with mozzarella and chimichurri, bavette and eggs with potato churros. Start with oysters.
🕐 Hours
Monday5:00 – 9:00 PMTuesday5:00 – 9:00 PMWednesday5:00 – 9:00 PMThursday5:00 – 9:00 PMFriday5:00 – 10:00 PMSaturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PMSunday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
“Martina's brunch is my personal favorite. Great food, great drinks.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
“Martina is still my go to for a brunch menu.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
tabiji verdict: The most consistently praised brunch on Reddit. Argentinian flavors set it apart from every other brunch in the city — the empanadas are worth the trip to Linden Hills alone.
4Hen House Eatery
Classic American Brunch
Verdict: Downtown's go-to for reliable, no-frills brunch with massive portions and fast turnover.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hearty downtown breakfast before a game or a day of exploring
- Strengths
- 4.6 from 6,387 reviews. Downtown location. Massive portions
- Limitations
- Weekend lines can be long. No-frills atmosphere
- Price / value
- $12–$20 · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Hen House special — eggs, hash browns, and toast. Chicken and waffles are crowd favorites.
🕐 Hours
Monday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMTuesday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMWednesday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMThursday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMFriday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMSaturday7:30 AM – 2:00 PMSunday7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
“The Hen House. Great breakfast food!”— r/minnesotavikings · 2024
“Hen House is great.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
tabiji verdict: No-nonsense brunch done right. It's not fancy, but 6,387 reviewers and a 4.6 rating don't lie — this is downtown Minneapolis's brunch workhorse.
5Victor's 1959 Cafe
Cuban
Verdict: A 20+ year south Minneapolis institution serving Cuban brunch that locals fiercely protect.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Cuban-inflected brunch classics with café con leche in a beloved neighborhood spot
- Strengths
- 4.7 from 2,264 reviews. 20+ year institution. Unique Cuban menu
- Limitations
- No reservations. Closed Mon–Tue. Expect long weekend waits
- Price / value
- $14–$22 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Basque stew (eggs with Creole stew of Spanish chorizo, ham, vegetables), ropa vieja with eggs and plantains, and café con leche.
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesday9:00 AM – 2:30 PMThursday9:00 AM – 2:30 PMFriday9:00 AM – 2:30 PMSaturday9:00 AM – 2:30 PMSunday9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
“Victor's 1959 Cafe (very hard to get a table, come early).”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
“This classic south Minneapolis restaurant has been serving Cuban favorites for more than 20 years.”— Eater Twin Cities · 2025
tabiji verdict: The most unique brunch menu in Minneapolis. Cuban flavors you won't find anywhere else in the city — the Basque stew is a religious experience.
6Saint Genevieve
French Bistro
Verdict: An elegant French bistro quietly becoming one of the best brunch spots in the city.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Refined French bistro brunch with delicate omelets and beignets
- Strengths
- Elegant atmosphere. Rising reputation. Beignets are a must
- Limitations
- Limited brunch hours (Sat–Sun only). Smaller venue
- Price / value
- $22–$38 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Omelet du jour, wild mushroom and brie crêpe, shakshouka en cocotte with bacon and harissa, and the beignets.
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesday4:00 – 9:00 PMWednesday4:00 – 9:00 PMThursday4:00 – 9:00 PMFriday4:00 – 9:00 PMSaturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
“A pretty bougie brunch I was at recently was St. Genevieve!”— r/TwinCities · 2025
“An order of beignets is a must at St. Gen's.”— Eater Twin Cities · 2025
tabiji verdict: The sleeper pick on this list. While others chase hype, St. Genevieve quietly serves the most refined brunch in the city.
7Barbette
French Bistro
Verdict: Uptown's beloved bohemian French bistro — great brunch every day of the week.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Everyday French bistro brunch with a bohemian Uptown vibe
- Strengths
- 4.4 from 1,785 reviews. Open daily for brunch. Great patio
- Limitations
- Busy weekends. Uptown parking can be tricky
- Price / value
- $15–$28 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Croque madame, buckwheat crêpes, and the French onion soup.
🕐 Hours
Monday8:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday8:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday8:00 AM – 12:00 AMSaturday8:00 AM – 12:00 AMSunday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
“Like to mention Barbette as well, great French Brunch spot.”— r/Minneapolis · 2025
“This bohemian spot consistently cranks out thoughtful French bistro food.”— Mpls.St.Paul Magazine · 2025
tabiji verdict: The brunch you can count on any day of the week. No hype, no waits — just solid French bistro cooking with Uptown charm.
8The Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen
Farmhouse Brunch
Verdict: Eat Street's sweet-meets-savory brunch champion — braised short rib benedict and bread pudding French toast.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Sweet-and-savory farmhouse brunch on bustling Eat Street
- Strengths
- 4.3 from 1,117 reviews. Excellent pastries. Eat Street location
- Limitations
- Closed Mon–Wed. Can get crowded on weekends
- Price / value
- $14–$24 · 4.3★
- What to order
- Bread pudding French toast, pork belly skillet, braised short rib with poached egg. Get a sticky roll on the side.
🕐 Hours
MondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursday9:30 AM – 2:00 PMFriday9:30 AM – 2:30 PMSaturday9:00 AM – 3:30 PMSunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
“Copper Hen is my favorite brunch in MPLS!”— r/Minneapolis · 2023
“Copper Hen is a cozy spot!”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
tabiji verdict: The best sweet-savory balance on this list. The bread pudding French toast is an inch thick and life-changing.
9Al's Breakfast
Classic Diner
Verdict: A 14-seat Dinkytown institution since 1950 — the best pancakes in Minneapolis.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- The ultimate Minneapolis diner experience with legendary pancakes
- Strengths
- 4.6 from 1,452 reviews. Open since 1950. One-of-a-kind atmosphere
- Limitations
- Only 14 seats. No reservations. Cash only. Weekend waits
- Price / value
- $6–$12 · 4.6★
- What to order
- Blueberry pancakes, huevos rancheros, and the hash browns.
🕐 Hours
Monday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMTuesday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMWednesday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMThursday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMFriday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMSaturday6:00 AM – 1:00 PMSunday9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
“Al's Breakfast has the absolute best pancakes.”— r/Minneapolis · 2023
“Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown — it's an old 14 seat diner that's worth a visit just for the experience.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
tabiji verdict: Not just a restaurant — it's a Minneapolis pilgrimage. Fourteen stools, no menu pretension, and pancakes perfected over 75 years.
10Hola Arepa
Latin American
Verdict: Minneapolis's best Latin brunch — chimichurri chicken arepas and chipotle Bloody Marys.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Latin American brunch with arepas, yuca hash, and creative cocktails
- Strengths
- 4.6 from 3,732 reviews. Unique Latin menu. Great weekend vibe
- Limitations
- Weekend brunch only. Gets packed. Limited indoor seating
- Price / value
- $14–$22 · 4.6★
- What to order
- Chimichurri chicken arepa, Argentinian steak and eggs, crispy yuca hash, and the chipotle Bloody Mary.
🕐 Hours
Monday4:00 – 9:00 PMTuesday4:00 – 9:00 PMWednesday4:00 – 9:00 PMThursday4:00 – 10:00 PMFriday4:00 – 10:00 PMSaturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
“This sunny south Minneapolis weekend brunch spot offers arepas stuffed with chimichurri chicken.”— Eater Twin Cities · 2025
“Hola Arepa is great for Latin American brunch flavors.”— r/TwinCities · 2024
tabiji verdict: The most fun brunch on this list. Arepas stuffed to bursting, yuca hash that puts regular potatoes to shame.
11Hope Breakfast Bar
Creative Brunch
Verdict: Creative brunch in the North Loop with inventive dishes like s'mores pancakes and Nashville hot chicken benedicts.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Inventive, Instagram-worthy brunch creations in the North Loop
- Strengths
- Creative menu. North Loop location. Daily brunch hours
- Limitations
- Newer North Loop location (fewer reviews). Can be a wait on weekends
- Price / value
- $14–$22 · 4.2★
- What to order
- S'mores pancakes, Nashville hot chicken benedict, and the cereal milk latte.
🕐 Hours
Monday7:00 AM – 2:00 PMTuesday7:00 AM – 2:00 PMWednesday7:00 AM – 2:00 PMThursday7:00 AM – 2:00 PMFriday7:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturday7:00 AM – 3:00 PMSunday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
“Hope Breakfast Bar has some of the best most creative dishes in Minneapolis.”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
“Hope breakfast bar baby!”— r/Minneapolis · 2024
tabiji verdict: Where brunch meets creativity. If you're tired of the same eggs-and-toast routine, Hope will snap you out of it.
12Modern Times
Eclectic / Vegan-Friendly
Verdict: A cafe 'for punks and their parents' — organic, vegan-friendly brunch with handmade doughnuts.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free brunch with punk rock character
- Strengths
- 4.7 from 1,327 reviews. Vegan/GF-friendly. Handmade doughnuts
- Limitations
- Closed Tuesdays. South Minneapolis location. Small space
- Price / value
- $12–$20 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Garlic kale and tofu scramble, polenta rancheros with poblano sour cream, buttermilk pancakes, and a handmade doughnut.
🕐 Hours
Monday9:00 AM – 3:00 PMTuesdayClosedWednesday9:00 AM – 3:00 PMThursday9:00 AM – 3:00 PMFriday9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSaturday9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSunday9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
“Modern Times is 'for punks and their parents' and has a uniquely, delightfully Minneapolis vibe.”— Eater Twin Cities · 2025
“Birchwood Cafe, Modern Times — smaller menu, but local/organic/vegan options.”— r/Minneapolis · 2023
tabiji verdict: The highest-rated spot on this list at 4.7 stars. If you care about organic, local, and inclusive brunch, Modern Times is your place.
FAQs
What is the best brunch in Minneapolis?
Hell's Kitchen is the most iconic and frequently recommended brunch in Minneapolis. Spoon and Stable is the top upscale pick. For the best overall food quality, Martina and Victor's 1959 Cafe both hold 4.7-star ratings.
Where do locals eat brunch in Minneapolis?
Locals love Victor's 1959 Cafe for Cuban brunch, Modern Times for its punk-meets-organic vibe, and Barbette for French bistro classics. These are neighborhood spots that rarely appear on tourist lists.
Do I need reservations for Minneapolis brunch?
Yes, for Spoon and Stable, Martina, and Saint Genevieve. Hell's Kitchen and Hen House are first-come, first-served — expect 30–60 minute waits on weekends. Al's Breakfast has only 14 seats with no reservations.
What is the most unique brunch experience in Minneapolis?
Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown — a 14-seat diner operating since 1950 with some of the best pancakes in the state. Hell's Kitchen's gothic basement setting and sausage bread are also one-of-a-kind.
How much does brunch cost in Minneapolis?
Budget $12–$18 per person at casual spots like Al's Breakfast and Hen House. Mid-range brunch at Barbette or Hola Arepa runs $18–$28. Upscale brunch at Spoon and Stable or Martina costs $30–$50 per person.
What is the best brunch near downtown Minneapolis?
Hell's Kitchen (80 S 9th St) and Hen House Eatery (114 S 8th St) are both in the heart of downtown. Spoon and Stable is in the nearby North Loop neighborhood.
What are the best vegan brunch options in Minneapolis?
Modern Times is the top pick for vegan and vegetarian brunch, with tofu scrambles, polenta rancheros, and handmade doughnuts. Hola Arepa also offers strong plant-based options.
