11 Affordable Eats in Minneapolis
You’ve heard it before—you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for cost. But is it true? These establishments let you put your money where your mouth is, insisting you reap all the benefits of both a full bank account and stomach. From breakfast to all-nighters and global flavors to Midwest classics, these are the best affordable eats in Minneapolis.
Breakfast & Brunch — Because it's Hard to Wake Up
Al's Breakfast
Dinkytown
If it’s not broke, why fix it? That’s the spirit at Al’s, where waffles, French toast and pancakes start at just $4.25. That’ll get you a “short short.” Dig a little deeper if you want to top out Al’s menu with the Leonard—a three-egg scrambler (“fancy scrambled eggs with cream and butter”) with cheddar, tomato and sausage for $14.25. But chronic ApplePayers take note: It’s cash or check only.
Our Kitchen
South Uptown
A Minneapolis foodie roundup is hardly complete without mention of Our Kitchen. Buttery rich eggs, fluffy, generously sized pancakes and breakfast sandwiches stuffed to the likes of your favorite omelet (which they have, too) all ring up under $10, and will have you clamoring to leave the house before noon. But if you can’t, that’s ok, too. Breakfast is served all day long.
Let’s Do Lunch — I’ll Pay
Uncle Franky's
Northeast Minneapolis
If you’re in the mood for something snappy and unpretentious, come to Uncle Franky’s. This Northeast gem has been serving hotdogs and burgers since 2003. We recommend the Chicago dog, which slides a perfectly cooked link beneath all the quintessential toppings (even neon green relish) in a sesame bun, and rings up under six bucks. And vegetarians, fret not! Veggie and salmon burgers made Uncle Franky’s buttoned up, workaday menu, too.
Red Cow
Uptown
Located on Hennepin, Ave., just east of the lakes, Red Cow offers a $15 lunch deal that’s a steal in the city. You’ll get a hearty half sandwich, and half a salad, soup or other side. The servings are ample, delicious and fresh. You’ll leave feeling full and like you’ve gotten the royal treatment (cloth napkins make anyone else feel like a queen?) even though you’re on a budget. If you need a suggestion, try the chicken club with the beet salad. Flavorful, filling and not so heavy that you feel like you need a nap. Ask to sit outside. Their patio is perfection.
Global Plates — It's Cheaper to Travel by Palate than Plane
Afro Deli
Cedar Riverside & Downtown Skyway
For our dollar, nothing beats a three-piece order of the pan-African eatery’s piping hot veggie sambusas paired with a steaming Somali sweet, spiced tea. (Under $10 for the duo.) You could bet on this and leave happy, but there are strong arguments for their chicken fantastic, and we’ve heard tell of stolen bites of falafel and duking it out over the last perfectly crisped fry in the basket. Afro Deli is respected for their fresh food and Halal preparations, but they’re a pillar of the community, too, known for their generosity in giving back.
Sonora Grill
Loring Park & Longfellow
Do you ever just want an order of nachos? We’re not here to judge you. At Sonora Mexican Kitchen and Bar, “all you’ve got” is all you’ll need. We’re talking cheese dip, pico de gallo, huitlacoche crema, guac and more. Plus, it might just be the prettiest plate of chips you’ve ever seen ($12). Other equally delicious and untraditional meals options include—but are certainly not limited to—an order of freshly made guacamole all to yourself ($14); or a kiss from the seaside in the form of ceviche ($15). Your mom called, and she said it’s fine.
Moroccan Flavors
Midtown Global Market
Moroccan Flavors has been a tenet at the Midtown Global Market since 2016, where they’ve been dishing out delicacies born of the indelible North African country. Stand at the counter and choose from the gorgeous, marinated crudité on display (Grilled eggplant! Roasted beets! Spicy cauliflower! Roughly $6 each, or a salad sampler for $12—easily a meal in itself). Or, opt for a flavorful handheld served on a hot baguette. Of course, you could also grab a spoon and dive into one of their many tagines (a Moroccan stew with unforgettable flavors). Whatever you chose, you’ll come in well under $20, and leave with a contented tummy and inspired mind.
Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved — Dinner Tastes Better Without Tears
Fat Lorenzo's
Nokomis
We don’t know why pizza stands the test of time, but whatever the reason, Fat Lorenzo’s bakes that magic into every New York-style pie. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser—no matter how many mouths you’re feeding. While you wait, get lost in the bright, playful murals spanning the walls and ceiling, or doodle to your hearts content and take on the kids in a mean game of Tic Tac Toe with the fistful of crayons at every table. At around $30 for a large, loaded pie, you might as well lean into la dolce vita and treat the fam to a scoop of Fat’s legendary gelato, too. That’s amore!
Salsa a la Salsa
Midtown Global Market
Okay, this placement might surprise you, but could there be a better setup for families than the MGM? Let the kiddos burn off their pre-dinner energy by running around the market—a veritable feast for all the senses—or even throw a few quarters at the old-school arcade games. Then, get creative with Salsa a la Salsa’s menu, where you can build a seriously delicious a la carte meal. A loaded (or not) $4.50-taco for the littles, say. And don’t sleep on their deeply satisfying soups—chicken cilantro and pozole de pollo—from just $6 to $12, depending on size and tostada options. We’re not drooling, you are.
Late Night Noshing — Don't Go to Bed Hungry
Black Sheep Pizza
North Loop
Coal-fired pizza? You had me at…pizza. If you want to keep it under $15, don’t overthink it. Just ask for the #1 (cheese and sauce) or #2 (tomato and oregano, sans cheese). The flavors at Black Sheep are so utterly decadent and robust, that keeping them simple promises they have to compete for your tastebuds’ attention. Which, frankly, isn’t what any of us need when it’s past bedtime (the ultra-hot ovens pump out ‘za until 2:30 a.m. on the weekend). But if you’d rather build your own pizza, they start at $14, with each additional topping $2.50. Bon appetite! (All prices per 12-inch pizzas.)
Nicollet Diner
Loring Park
Open 24/7, Nicollet Diner literally has a “Late Night Food Menu,” but we’d like to submit a subgenre of “Comfort Bar Food.” Something tells us Nicollet Diner knows how to feed their patrons. We’re talking frickles (everybody’s favorite portmanteau), deviled eggs (devilled eggs, people!), chicken tenders, and more. So whatever your night has brought you, you can take comfort in noshing at Nicollet Diner.
