The Best Cheap Eats in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has several claims to fame, especially for its hospitality to newcomers. This beautiful Midwest city is often paired with St. Paul, the capital of Minneapolis, to form what locals call the “Twin Cities.” Minneapolis represents a young, hip place with a gorgeous skyline, about 15 lakes within the city limits and plenty of indoor entertainment options for when the temperatures drop below zero. It also has the Minneapolis Skyway System, which connects 80 full city blocks in an indoor walkway so you don’t have to brave the cold streets during winter. Take in a show at the Orpheum Theatre, check out the Minneapolis Institute of Art or see the Minnesota Twins or Vikings play a home game! It’s no secret that this city hosts a major foodie paradise! If you’re looking for great meals that won’t break the bank, check out our Tastemaker List of where to find the best cheap eats Minneapolis has to offer.

The OpenTable Team

20 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	318 Cafe, Sushi Train Inc, Twin Cities 400 Tavern…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	American, Sushi…
Neighborhoods:	Excelsior, Downtown / Loring Park, Northeast Minneapolis…

318 Cafe

$$$$

American

Excelsior

4.7

290 reviews

318 Cafe, located on Water Street in Excelsior, is a great casual dining spot that doubles as a lively concert venue. Set in a 100+-year-old building once used as a lumber mill, the environment is naturally warm and full of character with wood beams and soft lighting. They have a full menu of cheap eats, including great small plates like Chips and Guacamole, Spring Pea and Mint Hummus, Truffle Popcorn and more. Stop in for a quick latte, a cocktail or a cheese plate and enjoy a show while you’re here!

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Sushi Train Inc

$$$$

Sushi

Downtown / Loring Park

4.5

29 reviews

Located on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, Sushi Train Inc. is a smart choice for cheap eats in Minneapolis. The restaurant celebrates the innovative designs, trends and pop culture found in modern-day Tokyo and serves Japanese small plates on a conveyor belt that runs along the counter. Guests simply wait for a plate that looks tasty, grab it and eat! Their technology keeps track of what you’re having and you pay at the end - but all the dishes are super affordable.

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Twin Cities 400 Tavern

$$$$

American

Northeast Minneapolis

4.3

191 reviews

Twin Cities 400 Tavern, located on Industrial Blvd in Minneapolis, is an independent, family-owned restaurant where visitors and locals alike can enjoy the friendly Midwestern hospitality and delicious food. It’s a come-as-you-are neighborhood tavern that offers a warm atmosphere and satisfying contemporary tavern fare to celebrate Minnesota. The food here is also super reasonably priced, so come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and get your fill of dishes like the TC400 French Dip, Fried Chicken and Cheese Curds.

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Citizen – Saint Paul

$$$$

Comfort Food

Saint Paul

4.0

360 reviews

Located on Kellogg Blvd in East St. Paul, Citizen is the newly re-imagined bar formerly called Citizen Supper Club. It still has a very Mad Men vibe, but the menu is all new and they now have local touches in addition to some of the main entrees. Appetizer boards feature meats and cheese from Red Table Meats and Redhead Creamery. The menu encourages guests to experience small plates, elevated comfort food and delicious crafted and aged cocktails. Located in the heard of downtown, it is the perfect place to go for cheap eats after a day of exploring the city.

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

Herbie's On The Park

$$$$

Contemporary American

Saint Paul

4.6

1332 reviews

Herbie’s On The Park, located on Washington Street in Saint Paul, is an old-fashioned social house inspired by the legacy of Herb Brooks. Guests can expect an inviting and lively environment with upscale tavern fare and handcrafted classic cocktails. It’s a great place for guests to gather together to savor the food and celebrate life, all with a lot of neighborly hospitality. Come in for their Happy Hour to take advantage of the awesome cheap eats! They have great specials on small plates like Truffled Wontons, Roasted Cauliflower and Wings.

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

Ruscello - Nordstrom Ridgedale

$$$$

Mediterranean

Minnetonka

4.6

636 reviews

For super affordable Mediterranean food in the area, head to Ruscello! Located on the East side of the Ridgedale Mall on the second floor, it is a full-service restaurant with a well-stocked bar. Ruscello celebrates the bright, sunny flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. Boldly composed dishes and a well-curated wine selection make for a memorable night out. Everything on the menu is affordable, but the salads and starter plates provide an especially good deal. Try the Lobster Bisque, Fried Calamari or Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata paired with a glass of wine.

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

The Lynhall

$$$$

Unspecified

Uptown

4.4

366 reviews

The Lynhall is a counter-service, fine casual, market-inspired eatery, event space, TV Kitchen Studio and Incubator Kitchen, all in one! It’s an inspiring space where there is always some kind of learning going on. Guests can gather to enjoy great food experiences around the 16-foot long, hand-crafted community table. They serve great cheap eats, including bread, pastries, carefully roasted meats and vegetables and more. Come in and sample affordable dishes like the Swedish Meatballs, Grilled Flatbread, Cheese Board, and more.

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

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Zen Box Izakaya

$$$$

Japanese

Downtown / North Loop

4.6

502 reviews

Zen Box Izakaya, located on Washingon Ave in the Downtown / North Loop neighborhood, is the perfect place to hit up for cheap eats in Minneapolis. It’s a Ramen-centric Izakaya owned by Chef and Wife in Downtown Minneapolis’ Mill District. The space is cozy and intimate and the menu reflects that of an authentic Japanese izakaya, with over 100 items to choose from. Standout items are the Buta Kimchi, The Chashu Yaki, Yakimono Tofu and Salmon Teriyaki are cheap and delicious as well as the house ramen.

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McCormick's Pub & Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Wayzata / Long Lake

4.8

685 reviews

McCormick's Pub and Restaurant, located on Broadway Avenue across the street from Lake Minnetonka, is a great place for cheap eats in downtown Wayzata. Locally owned and operated, they strive to provide the highest quality food, service and warm, friendly hospitality, just like the pubs of Ireland. Their food is filling and affordably priced and they offer daily specials too, like Chicken Piccata, Steak Diane, McCormick’s Burger and more.

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

Pinstripes - Edina

$$$$

American

Edina

4.3

624 reviews

For some of the best cheap eats in Minneapolis and en entirely unique experience, head to Pinstripes on Gallagher Drive in Edina. It’s a dining and entertainment venue featuring a bistro with amazing Italian/American cuisine and wine, for starters. The food is delicious and prices are super reasonable, especially for apps and pizzas. They also offer bowling and bocce, a year-round outdoor patio and fire pit and event space/party room for large parties.

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Minneapolis

The Best Cheap Eats