Food:

An "institution that must be shared with visitors", this "classic greasy spoon" Dinkytown diner near the U of M campus serves a "tasty breakfast" in a space that's "less than the width of a train car"; "patrons line up two deep" behind the 14 stools in the "long wait" for the "waaay cheap" food and "quick service" with "attitude", and the setting decidedly "lacks", but all that's "the fun of it"; P.S. "nothing cures a hangover better."

Food:

I found this joint simply by searching for best breakfast nearby and I'm so thankful for the experience. I loved the hospitality, loud and warm, welcoming and authentic. My waiter was real and engaged in great conversation as I had so many questions about the intriguing environment. Then the food came--a simple breakfast of two eggs over medium, bacon and wheat toast with coffee. First bite and I thought this is the best egg I've ever had--maybe it was because I felt at home and welcomed. Al came by and chatted and I discovered the secret ingredient was butter. Regardless, I left totally satisfied wishing that I lived around the corner and could buy some pre-paid yellow vouchers which littered the counter telling a story of brand loyalty, customer satisfaction and faithful service over many years if not decades. I feel like I am leaving with a great taste of the Minneapolis community and the colorful personalities that must grace this establishment. A student from Taiwan was seated next to me as I was leaving. It was his first time too and I welcomed him to Al's as though I was a regular. For some strange reason, I believe I would be. I will make sure to come back on my next trip to Mnpls.

Food:

If diner's are the cultural fall out shelters of America than Al's is the greasy spoon that dinky town deserves. This particular one is small - the smallest diner per sq ft in all of Minneapolis. Like platform 9 3/4, you not only have to know that it exists (I walked right by twice on my search) but you also have to approach the door at a run and believe that here is room for you to squinch in alongside the others waiting for coffee and breakfast foods, and the hope afforded their-in.

Once you are inside, you might consider finding a decent spot to relax against, getting a chair is going to take a while. Notice the hundreds of foreign banknotes tacked down and woven christmas lights along the back wall. Examine the art work. It's haphazard and reminiscent of bumper stickers- but it's consistent. The counter seems to slant just slightly backwards, I wonder how long it's been that way?

Once you get to the menu you will recognize a establishment that knows its trade well; everything is laid out in a way that shows both what you can order, what liberties you can you take with your ordering, and how much it's going to cost you. I had the winter special (2 scrambled eggs, spinach, feta, tomatoes and scallions) and a blackberry pancake. The eggs were out in less than 5 minutes and the whole of it was enthusiastically seasoned - perfect. The blackberry pancake came out a dark brown and delicious. Expect a big gob of butter. My coffee was never empty and the dark rye toast was the best rye toast i've ever had in a diner.

My service was just okay. The waiter was polite but not very informative. In my view of the world, great service is communication and anticipation; here at Al's the doctrine was one of efficiency. It accomplishes what it needs to but without whimsy. Maybe i'm just used to sagacious great aunt types that always seem to be working at the other places I go.

Ideal diner in NE does all of these things just as well and does so with better service, but you'll never hear 'the shins' playing on the at Ideal. I'll be going back to Al's sometime soon i'm sure.

Food:

Als Breakfast has been a breakfast hotspot for me for years. When I went to the U of M I went to Als every other weekend. The atmosphere is more unique than any other restaurant I have ever been to. Als is built into an alley and has only one row of seats. Forewarning! There is almost always a lengthy wait because it is that good! The staff is loud and funny. Don't expect anything less. A great place to take a date or go after having a hangover (for U of M students). I would argue they have the best breakfast food of any greasy spoon in the cities. Please note they are CASH ONLY! Plan accordingly.

Food:

When we visit new cities we like to try places suggested by locals. Al's Breakfast was such a fun experience. I've never eaten anywhere quite like it. It's tiny but cozy. The staff is friendly and seem to enjoy what they do. We waited in line for about 20 minutes before we were seated but it was worth it. We were with a group of 5 and everyone loved what they ordered. Would definitely visit again next time we are in town.

Food:

Al's Breakfast is an experience, to say the least. From the line out the door practically every day to the single row of counter seats to their hundreds of tab booklets, it is a staple of Dinkytown. The food is amazing and there are many accoutrements to go with (hot sauce, homemade salt and pepper shakers, etc.). They do only accept cash so be prepared. But also be prepared to chat with those around you and the staff, since everyone is very friendly here. Since there are only 14 seats at the counter, they squeeze everyone in, even if it means temporarily splitting up a group, so small groups (2-3) typically work best.