Hearty options like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and hash browns cooked to perfection.
Unique dishes such as the Jose scramble and salsa scramble for a flavorful twist.
A nostalgic, no-frills atmosphere with quick service and limited seating.
Open early to beat the crowds and enjoy a quiet, traditional breakfast.
Immerse in Minneapolis culture with stories and a classic diner ambiance.
We are from out of state and wanted to bring my son this unique place before a Gopher's game, but learned that they still ONLY accepts cash!? We would’ve loved to support this small business and they easily could’ve earned at least $100 from our visit. It’s about to be 2026 people! Less and less people carry and use cash anymore! I am also a small business owner and I know why the owners prefers to not offer the usage of credit or debit cards. But if the owners would spend a day researching on Credit Card processing companies, then they would learn that many do offer $0 processing fees and pass that fee onto the customers. As a customer, I have also been to MANY businesses that pass the 3% CC fee onto us and we’re OK with that! You want your business to grow or more profit in your pockets, then update yourselves to 2026 and accept debit and credit cards! You may have great food, but you are lacking in technology and opportunity to service.
Best breakfast in MN (seriously). Old fashioned and traditional with fun and different food options. The line is always long and out the door, but worth the wait. Staff is extremely attentive and friendly. We visit Al's every chance we get.
A Minneapolis classic. If you’re trying to go with any sort of group, go early on a week day. Otherwise, expect to wait and have those who are up to bat stand right behind you. It’s not a family friendly spot but it’s the grunge breakfast experience that everyone has to try at least once. The food is good, the workers are great, and the unique experience unmatched.
Al’s is a vibe. I go super early in the morning to avoid the crowd. I usually get the Jose but the scrambled egg and cheese is awesome. I love this place. People are nice and it is a good atmosphere. The hash browns are cooked beautifully.
**This place is CASH ONLY** A super unique experience, the food was good, but wish AI had known cash was required, I read reviews and never saw it mentioned. We ran to the Target over a block and got cash back, but lost our spot in line and had to wait probably 20 minutes to be seated (only 14 seats in the restaurant). Loved hearing a bit about the history while we ate. The pancakes and salsa scramble were delish! Docking 1 star because who does take electronic payments in 2024?

A Minneapolis classic serving up grunge breakfast vibes and delicious eats since 1950.
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Al's Breakfast is a beloved, cash-only diner in Minneapolis, known for its traditional breakfast fare and unique, no-frills atmosphere. With only 14 seats, it offers an intimate, bustling experience where locals and visitors alike queue up for hearty plates like the Jose scramble, fluffy pancakes, and perfectly cooked hash browns. The staff is friendly and attentive, making every visit feel like a step back in time to a classic American breakfast joint.
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