Ideal Diner
| Address: | 1314 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA |
| Phone: | +1 612-789-7630 |
| Site: | idealdiner.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 6AM–4PM 6AM–4PM 6AM–4PM 6AM–4PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–4PM 6AM–4PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 21
JI
Jim Hofer
This kitschy, fun diner in Northeast stays true to its roots. This throwback from the 1940s keeps it relevant for today with its no-apologies lineup of diner classics. The corned beef hash is great with large chunks of corned beef throughout. Pancakes are especially moist and fluffy with a pronounced sweetness that truly makes syrup optional. Looking for eggs Benedict with lox?...not going to find it here--thankfully as such an item would betray the true nature of this classic diner. Its likely you never knew a chili omelette existed, yet here it is--and its good too! The counter is worn from decades of faithful patrons having shared the same small intimate space through the span of eight decades. It makes you think back to how folks wouldve been forty or fifty years ago. The atmosphere is filled with friendly chatter and its small space brings out the best as diners accommodate fellow patrons. Stop by youll be glad you did.
MA
Matthew Palmeri
Small counter space in a dingy overcrowded porch with no bathroom. The food took a long time to receive because they only had one cook on (there is only space for one cook). Hipster-heavy crowd with interesting ambience. The deal breaker for me was watching the cook handle raw bacon with his bare hands and immediately put a slice of cheese on my sandwich. Food safety isnt a concern obviously. Finally, I got a glass of water that had crap in it from the last person. I realized this about half way through.
BR
Brent Thorstenson
Great food, large portions and all dishes under 10bux, sum way under! A menu that will please whatever your appetite is..It is so enjoyable watching my meal being prepared right before my eyes..Friendly, attentive service...a relaxing atmosphere, you can visit with others, or simply sip your drink, and wait on your home style cooked feast..im a regular here for a reason! Lived in the city for 10years, have tried many places....this is my spot! Try it, you will go back.
MA
Marie Plocharz
Excellent little diner. My husband had the chicken fried steak (frozen, but very good, with a tasty gravy) and I had french toast with eggs and hash browns. The hash browns were nice and crispy and the french toast was perfectly seasoned. Someone in the diner ordered the Eggs Benedict and that looked very good. This was our first visit and we will definitely go back.
RE
reed reimer
This is a great "greasy spoon". Tried it for the first time and was lucky to get a seat (literally, I think they have about 15 seats). All the charm of a throwback belly-to-the-bar diner, with great service. And that cook... Awesome. The guy did not sit still, with multiple orders going at one time on his super tiny grill. Great little place as long as it isnt busy.
JA
Jaime Coelho
The cutest little place in Northeast Minneapolis. The food is so tasty and you see it being cooked right in front of you. The price is fair and the owner is just the nicest lady. She says the place is running since 1949 and she is the 4th owner since (she started running it in tge 80s). It hit the spot for me. A must go for visitor (as I was) and for locals :D
DO
Dominic Postiglione
Ill admit it....Im addicted to the Cheeseburger and fries at the Ideal Diner! Kevin and crew do a great job serving up good, old-fashioned vittles! The environment is small, inviting and generally encourages nice conversation with other patrons or the staff. I also like the Ideal (get it?) of supporting a local, family owned jointin the neighborhood.
JO
John Kassanis
Awesome no frills diner. The country fried steak was excellent, hash browns were on point and the prices are ridiculously cheap for the portion sizes. My only criticism would be that if youre on the taller side like myself, the bar stools are a little uncomfortable on the legs as theyre fixed to the floor and a little close to the bar.
AN
Anders Hopkins
No bologna. You get copius amounts of coffee while you wait for your spot at the bar, and you will be waiting. Its worth it. Everyone gets their food literally right from the grill, its fresh and cooked to breakfast perfection. Its name is true. It is, in every respect, an ideal diner. Stop reading and get to Ideal and order breakfast.
AD
Adrian Hornung
Tasty home-style breakfasts, great service and a fun vibe in such a small space. As mentioned before, be prepared to wait (standing) for a seat if you dont get there early. I love watching the line cook do his thing. As orders continue to come in, he just keeps plowing through them without missing a beat.
CA
Caleb Shives
Very quaint and cozy small diner. Thankfully I was alone and didnt have to wait for a seat. The food was deliciously greasy, but my hash browns were a bit burnt. The pancakes were amazing! The service was great considering the only two visible workers were a cook and a server.
RO
Ronnie Teare
Really is a place "where regular people feel special and special people feel regular". Dont expect special treatment, expect fairness, and great food. Always quality. Dont come here if youre high maintenance. They wont cater to your entitlement. Go find someone else to abuse.
GA
Gary Morgan
Certainly a decent spot. I think you can judge this book by its cover...it looks like a simple diner and it is a simple diner. Unpretentious and that was just fine with me. Feels like youre going into another time. I liked it. Dont expect gourmet and youll be fine.
JO
Joe Niewendorp
Exactly what one would expect from a hole in the wall diner. Great American food and service. Its great that it is open again. A few things are the same along with some updates. I will enjoy going here. Hours are 6am - 4pm Saturday thru Thursday. Friday 6am to 8pm.
MA
Mark Moret
Didnt know these old school East Coast style diners still existed here. A colleague recommended it and dang was he right. What a throwback. Good service and a fantastic burger made right in front of you. Check this spot out if you are cruising through Nordeast.
A
A Mazur
Consistently good breakfast food at a reasonable price, but not particularly comfortable due to its size, especially when people come in groups. The lack of a bathroom can also be problematic. If you can get here when its not busy, its worth the trip.
JO
Joel Mathias
What an awesome place! Just visited the Ideal Diner for the first time today and left very happy. Excellent food, friendly people, and a welcoming atmosphere. They had closed for a few months this year but are OPEN for business. Highly recommended!
JO
Joe Dean
This place you will never want to eat at Perkins or hamburgers or a Dennys again food cooked in front of you fantastic staff prices are good and once again the food great phenomenal Ill bring my kids here wife for a date or just Sunday brunch
MA
Marc Micatka
This place is named accurately. No nonsense, just delicious food. So far, they make the best pancakes that Ive found in the area, thin and crispy around the edges... Love the food and I love the atmosphere. This is what a diner should be.
ST
Stephanie Lysette
Great things come in small packages. Food was delicious, but the counter fills quickly. Friendly staff. No bathroom.. Good place to try alone, with a friend, or carry out. Not so much if youre looking to sit with family.
AL
Alton Gerold
There will likely always be a wait as this is a legitimate 1 counter, 1 chef establishment, but the prices are right and the food is cooked from scratch right in front of you. Great hole in the wall with a long history!
