The Best Brunch Restaurants in Minneapolis

Minneapolis started as an outpost for settlers heading west on the American frontier. Sawmills and flour mills sprung up, powering the "Mill City's" early economy, and two well-known US milling companies, General Mills and the Pillsbury Company, originate here. The development of railroads and banks further boosted the riverfront city's thriving industry attracting immigrants from far and wide. Hard workers certainly build up an appetite, and the diverse, vibrant city of Minneapolis has a reputation for international cuisine. Located in the heart of the Midwest, the city boasts cuisines from around the world -- many of which influence classic American dishes people know and love. But where are passionate food lovers enjoying brunch? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. OpenTable's expert diners have put together several contenders for the best brunch list in Minneapolis. In this town, diners enjoy a mouthwatering array of juicy steaks and sumptuous burgers. But thanks to its thriving diversity, cultures from around the planet influence the city's cuisine in a big way. Book a table for the best brunch in Minneapolis today.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	The Bad Waitress Northeast, The Copper Hen, Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	American…
Neighborhoods:	Northeast Minneapolis, Whittier, Downtown / North Loop…

The Bad Waitress Northeast

$$$$

American

Northeast Minneapolis

4.2

205 reviews

Housed in a fully-restored industrial building, The Bad Waitress offers a quirky dining experience in unique surroundings. Despite its name, this neighborhood eatery has a reputation for friendly, laidback service. Quality and locally-sourced ingredients characterize an eclectic menu. And the choice here is staggering. The expert kitchen team here make every dish with organic produce. And they give priority to quality and sustainability. Among the selection of classic dishes are breakfast burritos and eggs benedict. Is it any wonder that many people believe The Bad Waitress does the best brunch in Minneapolis?

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The Copper Hen

$$$$

American

Whittier

4.5

1941 reviews

Located in Downtown Minneapolis, The Copper Hen is a farmhouse-style restaurant with a unique sense of style. From its stone walls to its oak-beam ceilings, this place oozes rustic charm. Everything on the brunch menu comes straight from the local farm. And it couldn't be fresher. The chefs bake specialty breads and cakes on the premises every day. And the signature Farmhouse Brunch attracts diners from across the state. This homely eatery cooks hearty and old-fashioned food. The Copper Hen is a throwback to simpler times.

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Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

$$$$

American

Downtown / North Loop

4.5

4527 reviews

Hell’s Kitchen Minneapolis is an underground eatery with a difference. The management describes the food here as “unique but not fancy.” And this is just one of the reasons why locals love this place. Chefs make almost everything from scratch on the premises. The Hell’s Kitchen’s signature peanut butter and spicy ketchup are both made from scratch. And the famous “Weekend Brunch” features all the classic dishes, as well as free live music. The perfect venue for lively celebrations and socializing with friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nicollet Island Inn

$$$$

American

Downtown / North Loop

4.7

3015 reviews

Nicollet Island Inn offers what many locals believe is the best brunch in Minneapolis for romance. And the views of the Mississippi River are spectacular. This elegant eatery offers a range of brunch classics. And they’re all presented in a contemporary way. The main dining area is replete with luxurious details, art, and character. A traditional tavern-style bar delivers breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline. Brunch offerings at Nicollet Island Inn include eggs benedict and an omelet of the day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lord Fletcher's- Minnesota

$$$$

American

Spring Park

4.9

1588 reviews

Lord Fletcher’s is a laid-back eatery that has been serving fresh fish and meat dishes since the late 1960s. And it’s home to stunning views of Lake Minnesota. Diners eat a lot of the food here with their hands, which adds to the fun, laid-back nature of the experience. Thousands of locals believe this place serves the best brunch in Minneapolis. And that’s because Lord Fletcher’s is perfect for family dining. Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Check out a range of rustic classics such as lobster tacos, buffalo chicken tenders, and short rib poutine.

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Good Earth Edina

$$$$

Global, International

Edina

4.5

1556 reviews

Good Earth Edina has a reputation for using only the freshest local produce. And it's all made through sustainable practices. The cuisine here is hearty and healthy, but it’s always presented on the plate like a work of art. And that’s why so many locals love the place. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. A wild mushroom omelet and the Good Earth Turkey Sausage Scramble draw in crowds from across the state. And a huge selection of fresh fruit juices and smoothies pack a nutritional punch for a few bucks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nightingale - Minneapolis

$$$$

Contemporary American

Whittier

4.5

221 reviews

Opulent decor, plush booths, and attention to detail characterize Nightingale on Lyndale Avenue. This food and cocktail lounge delivers the perfect combination of elegance and relaxation. The culinary creations here are perfect for sharing. Looking for the best brunch in Minneapolis for large gatherings? Nightingale is well worth checking out. Among the house specialties are corned beef hash and smoked pork shoulder. Nightingale is perfect for long brunches with family and close friends.

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Cast & Cru

$$$$

American

Excelsior

4.3

1137 reviews

Cast & Cru serves the very best in modern American cuisine. Many of the ingredients used in the kitchen come from the on-site gardens. Freshness and quality guaranteed. The dishes are elegant and artistic in nature. But they're never inaccessible or intimidating. Diners can sample a range of classic brunch dishes with Lake Minnesota as the backdrop. Huge, panoramic windows deliver some breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. One of the most popular house specialties at brunch is the Smoked Skuna Bay Salmon Scramble.

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Lela

$$$$

Contemporary American

Bloomington

4.2

797 reviews

Lela offers an “urban-style” dining experience that often borders on the experimental. The dining area is ultra modern and minimalistic. And the same goes for many of the dishes on offer. The menu features prime steaks, seafood combos, and a range of brunch classics — all given a unique and groundbreaking twist. Weekend brunches here are a delightful mixture of buffets and a la carte options. And diners can turn their meal into a special celebration by ordering wines and craft beers from around the world.

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Cafe Alma

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / Mill District

4.7

602 reviews

Cafe Alma offers a classic bistro experience with a quintessentially American flavor. Diners can walk up to the counter and choose their own pastries and baked goods. There’s also an a la carte offering that includes everything from granola to smoked salmon. This is a great place for people who want to enjoy a quiet brunch without the hassle. Diners are free to take their time here. And the style of service adapts to the needs of the individual customer. There are several house specialties served at brunch. One of the most unusual is the Spaghetti a la Chitarra, served with roasted poblano, egg, and parmesan.

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Grand Cafe

$$$$

French

Whittier

4.7

954 reviews

Grand Cafe has a reputation for serving classic French food the old-fashioned way. The style of service here is semi-formal. The tables are set in advance. And they feature ornate glassware, stylish cutlery, and charming decorations. But things get a little less fussy when it comes to ordering. The waiting staff at Grand Cafe are great at connecting with their customers at a personal level. Classic French dishes inspire many of Grand Cafe’s own creations. But nothing is over the top or inaccessible. Among the house specialties are the oysters and the seasonal seafood dishes.

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The Lexington

$$$$

American

Saint Paul

4.8

2245 reviews

For a more formal brunch experience, The Lexington in Saint Paul takes some beating. This institution has been serving elegant, original dishes since the final days of Prohibition. The elegant dining area is the perfect backdrop for romance and intimate gatherings. And the style of service gives each customer a personalized dining experience. Known locally as The Lex, this formal restaurant offers a very popular brunch offering between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. every day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Icehouse

$$$$

American

Whittier

4.5

1334 reviews

Icehouse on Nicollet Avenue South is much more than a restaurant — it’s a local institution. A huge dining area hosts laidback dining that’s quintessentially American. And a casual service style puts diners at ease. The menu most of the classic brunch dishes, along with a few specialty breakfast burgers. But the most amazing aspect of Icehouse is the live music. Where else in Minnesota can people tuck into brunch and enjoy a live band at the same time? This place is very popular, so booking ahead is essential.

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Hazelwood Bloomington

$$$$

American

Bloomington

4.8

4836 reviews

Hazelwood Bloomington combines the theater of cooking and the beauty of contemporary cuisine. Around a central bar is a selection of comfortable dining booths that offer privacy and space. But an open kitchen makes the science of modern cuisine an enthralling form of entertainment. Most of the dishes on the menu are rustic in nature. They’re packed with flavor and goodness, but they’re served in a way that’s familiar and accessible. Among the specialties at brunch are the famous Monkey Bread and the Roasted Vegetable Omelet.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pub 819

$$$$

American

Hopkins

4.4

263 reviews

Pub 819 arguably offers the best brunch in Minnesota for partying. Locals love it. This place is home to around 100 imported whiskeys and dozens of craft beers from around the world. Classic grilled dishes take center stage. But there’s also a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Diners can enjoy brunch in the comfortable outdoor patio area — which benefits from a constant supply of music and table service. The brunch menu here is extensive. But the most popular dishes include the Heirloom Benedict and the Pork Belly Benedict.

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Hazelwood Food & Drink - Tonka Bay

$$$$

American

Excelsior

4.7

1398 reviews

Hazellewood Grill & Taproom is home to a huge range of grilled specialties from around the world. The service style here is warm and casual, and the food is both hearty and rustic. This combination is perfect for people with a big appetite. An open kitchen gives the place a neighborhood vibe. But a selection of tap beers from around the world broadens the eatery’s horizons. Every brunch offering has its own unique twist. Instead of corned beef hash, the chefs at Hazellewood have created the house specialty Prime Rib Hash.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

M ST. Cafe

$$$$

American

Saint Paul

4.6

748 reviews

Located inside the beautiful Saint Paul Hotel, M ST. Cafe offers a sophisticated dining experience in traditional surroundings. Brunch here is an elegant affair. Choose from a dazzling array of mid-morning classics, such as eggs benedict, omelets, and cured meats. This is the perfect venue for a business brunch, thanks to its warm and subdued ambiance. But it's also a lot of fun. In fact, M ST. Cafe manages to deliver several different dining styles under one roof. A la carte or European-style sideboard dining — the diner decides what type of brunch they want.

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Fig + Farro

$$$$

Vegetarian / Vegan

Calhoun Isles

4.4

451 reviews

Fig + Farro offers an eclectic selection of flavors from around the world. Color and plant life pervade the bright and airy dining space. And the service style takes its inspiration from European bistros. According to the restaurant’s management, the mission is to provide plant-based comfort food. The “meatless” menu features vegetarian and vegan offerings made with love and passion. One of the brunch specialties on offer is the breakfast burrito. This classic dish features plant-based sausage, avocado, cashew crema, and breakfast potatoes.

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Esker Grove

$$$$

Contemporary American

Calhoun Isles

4.4

570 reviews

Esker Grove serves arguably the best brunch in Minneapolis for people who like contemporary cuisine. The restaurant’s seasonal menu changes throughout the year. And this adds an element of surprise that is unusual in brunch offerings. Quality meat, vegetables, and cheeses all come from local producers. And almost every ingredient comes from respected farmers with a passion for the area. The result is a selection of dishes with character and a local connection. Eat brunch on Esker Grove’s 60-seat patio, which offers incredible views of the city’s skyline.

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Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery - Minneapolis

$$$$

American

Whittier

4.4

44 reviews

Muddy Waters is a classic American bar. It offers comfort food in unfussy surroundings. Guests can choose from a range of craft beers, house specialty cocktails, and artisan coffees. And the food on offer is rustic, diner-style fare without the frills. Even so, brunch classics such as eggs benedict and buttermilk biscuits deliver flavor in abundance. During the summer months, the outdoor patio is a hive of activity. Weekend brunch in the fresh air is something of a tradition in this part of the world.

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The Best Brunch Restaurants