I typed "Diner" into my car's GPS and it brought me to this 1939 Diner. I parked on the street, difficult finding a spot. This must be a 'local' diner, for real locals. Awesome. No lines inside, presumably because the parking challenge has already filtered out those who aren't committed to try this place. A tiny place, there were families and single people of all sorts of ethnicities inside. At 9.30am on a Sunday, it didn't feel like a tourist attraction with a high throughput of strangers. I loved this 'feel'. There are photographs on the wall from earlier days, the staff are friendly without being 'corporatized'. That means no one told me they liked my earing's or my spectacles were 'cool'. Bottomless coffee, locally sourced produce that tasted better because I knew it was locally sourced. Why onto a 5 star? Because I couldn't find hash browns on the menu. Surely all Diners do hash browns, they are so archetypally American! read more

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I flew in on an early morning flight and had not even had coffee. The weather was snowing and found this hole-in-the-wall for a brunch. Sat in the back nearest the only power supply to work as I ate my two sunny-side eggs with potatoes and the sausage. This came with 4 pieces of toast. Delicious! This went down smoothly with the coffee and I recommend trying their sausage. Has some great flavor. read more

Band Box Diner - 3 Sunny side eggs, potatoes, sausage and toast. - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This place is great! A real gem in MN. A cool place for a quality diner meal. Yum yum licky licky! read more

Band Box Diner - Loves the 'cakes'. One is enough for one person. - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Band Box is an unassuming little diner on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Run by old punk rockers, this is a great place to pick up weekend brunch with friends. Sturdy cup of coffee and the right mix of home cooking. read more

I had lunch at the Band Box and really enjoyed it. The Baby Double cheeseburger with pepperjack was fantastic. Toasted bun, melted cheese, onions, pickles: a great burger. The fries were an interesting mix of shoestring and jojos. This place beats most of the burger places around, not just downtown but in Mpls in general. It is that good. Yeah it's diner food, but it's really delicious diner food. Plus the building it's housed in, which looks like an old radio or something, is outstanding and bumps this to 5 stars. The staff is friendly and cool. As soon as I sat down a Pavement song came on and I knew all was well. The Band Box has character that's so often lacking in restaurants. I'm really looking forward to a repeat visit and a taste of their breakfast. Stop by, savor, and spread the word. read more

Band Box Diner - Go there directly, right now - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

A classic diner with fantastic food. Spotlessly clean and locally sourced ingredients. A staple in the cities since 1939. Check it out for the great food and slice of MSP history! read more

Band Box Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Classic diner feel, great atmosphere. We had the breakfast burger with a side of fries, eggs with toast, and two coffees. The breakfast burger was amazing: a fried egg, bacon and cheddar atop a beef patty on an English muffin. The fries were outstanding, definitely recommended. The coffee was actually really good. I am used to burnt, disgusting coffee at diners. Granted, we arrived 10 minutes after opening. The eggs and toast were eggs and toast. Nothing special, but good. Prices were fine, though maybe I am used to east coast prices. My only complaints are that the patty was a bit over cooked, and they did not let us use their wall outlets to charge out phone. Will definitely come back. read more

Band Box Diner - Breakfast burger with fries. Deelish. - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sometimes a big plate of eggs, ham, taters, and a pancake is just what you need to start your day. No frills, just simple good eats. I also learned that it's a historic diner in Minneapolis, so you know they're doing something right! read more

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This place is tucked away in Elliot Park and is astounding! Fresh baked bread from franklin bakery and mostly fresh local ingredients. The orange juice is a must! Fresh squeezed and delicious. The burgers are prepared fresh off the grill and cooked to perfection. The Ze little French buddy was great and toasted just right. Great diner atmosphere, history, and pricing. Excited to come back and try some more off their menu! read more

Band Box Diner you are simply remarkable, I had a wonderful experience here today. Pleasant ambience. The menu is really terrific, lots of excellent choices, I had to go with Monster Omelette, and it was fantastic. And also, the service was great and the staff was very courteous. Band Box Diner was awesome. read more

This was just what I needed! We sat at the counter for a Breakfast Burger (burger with bacon, egg, cheese on an English muffin) and a Lunchbox burger (burger with coleslaw and shoestring fries.) The service was friendly, we got to watch the cook, and coffee was flowing. Lovely. I will go back and recommend this spot to my kids and their friends. read more

Band Box Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I was told this place is the oldest diner in Minneapolis and I believe it. Small place with basic breakfast fair and hamburgers and fries; that's it. The fried and breakfasts potatoes are 100% homemade (cut and fried/griddle fresh). The only negative thing is the place really smells of old oil regardless of the tone of day. It's pretty much the only joint walkable in that area and it does the job. read more

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Triple decker grilled cheese and a can of coke. My 14 year old son says it's a lay down and do nothin kind of meal. I am talking about a super buttery, griddle grilled, triple decker grilled cheese. It was so good. I had to dip a little in some Heinz ketchup. The French fries were skin on shoestring goodness. The buns are delicious and made right down the street at the local bakery. Pretty darn tasty. read more

From what I've read I thought the burgers would be good... but not THIS good. Shoestring fries and slaw on the Lunchbox burger were a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy. The combination of ranch and Bro sauce on the Dude Ranch made it hands-down the messiest burger I've ever eaten, and it was mind-numbingly delicious! The server was a delightfully playful soul who was incredibly helpful and a joy to be around. read more

Back in Minneapolis. Stayed downtown and decided to get some walking exercise and breakfast. Other spots were closer, but we decided on Band Box. Twenty-three minutes later we arrived. A reviewer called it a greasy spoon. Admittedly it ain't industrial modern. Very fair prices. The best part of the visit was the service. The waitress gets a 5. Food was good and plentiful. Sausage patties had good spice. Seasoning was off to me and that's why my score is a 3--actually 3.5. It's a personal thing. Friend gave it 4 out of 5. I would return. read more

If you're looking for a healthy vegan joint this is NOT the place. If you're looking for a greasy all American frikken delicious burger then this IS the joint you want! Best burger around! The BRO sauce is amazing! We will be back! read more

Band Box Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Had a plain burger with grilled onions and pickles. Added the fries and had some of their excellent coffee. 5 stars!! Best fries I have had in years. Shoestring and perfectly browned. Waitress was friendly. Very small dining area. Only complaint is the iced tea is not brewed but I wouldn't have tried the coffee if it was. Coffee was wonderful. read more

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The service was exceptional, the waitress was so friendly. I got the monster omelette and my partner got the lunch box burger. Both of them were A1! The flavors were bursting out of the food, and I can't wait to come back for more. The portions are great for the price. Very enjoyable experience. read more

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This doesn't look like much of a place, but looks can be deceiving. Food doesn't get any better than this. If you are downtown, then give it a try, I don't think you'll be sorry. read more

What a great hidden gem in the city. Every time I've been there the food has been fresh and delicious and the service great. Today for lunch I had a dude ranch burger, fries and coffee. Everything is cooked fresh and was fantastic. Service was very attentive and friendly. Good coffee too! It's a small place so there may be a bit of a wait but I went at an off time! read more

This hands down gets 5 stars, I just love them. I believe it's a husband and wife? But the main reason I gave them 5 stars is because it's LAID BACK!! They looked comfortable and relaxed. The location, not a big fan. The burgers HUGE fan. Great combos for $10. They also smoothly up sold me by asking if I want fries with my burger ($2.00) charge. Usually comes with onion rings. I'm a salesman, It was funny. Like I said 5/5 stars. Go try it. If not, take my word for it. read more

Quite a peculiar little place, situated - as the Band Box itself describes its location - in the Bermuda Triangle of Elliot Park. It turns out that most of the grim, tall tales of the actual Bermuda Triangle are the stuff of urban legend; which I'm going to use as a segue right now, because the Band Box Diner is an urban legend in a whole 'nother way. See what I did there? Oh no I didn't! *diva snap* So, yeah, the Band Box's reputation precedes it. I had a couple meals here at the suggestion of another Yelper, who claimed the best meal he'd had in the past year was a burger at this diminutive diner - which has the dimensions of a smurf hut, and probably similar seating capacity. From the outside it looks like someone meshed a redbox movie machine with an old school hippie van. Inside the place is pretty bare bones with the exception of some quirky trinkets that adorn the walls behind the counter. Speaking of bare bones: the menu. Two very short pages, quick and to the point. This place serves breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Both times I went I got the burger - once with bacon and swiss; once with bacon and jack. The burger was thugged out, down and dirty, a diner burger in the best sense of the term. When I took my first bite, it announced itself like Todd Rungren's classic song: it was all up in my mouth like HELLOOOOO IT'S MEEEEEEE! And with each successive bite it sashayed all up and down my taste buds like a runway model. As scrumptious as advertised. I sat at the counter, and it was a treat to watch the cook on duty deftly manipulate the grill, and to have the wonderful scent of my food tease my appetite as it was being sizzled to perfection. The fries were fine, though they didn't live up to the precedent set by the burger. The server was attentive, polite, and beautiful. Those eyes, those freckles, that hair that radiated like a beautiful fire... Yeah, I'm flirting. So? Lonny gotta eat too, damn it. Somewhere down the line, when I make a list of best burgers in Minneapolis, this will most certainly make my final cut. The Band Box is a place to pop into during the mid-afternoon, when the day is lazy and you want to read a book or idle in light conversation with a friend, and chow down on a delicious old school burger that will stick to your ribs and comfort your soul. Oh, and I'm just gonna pretend that sad ass outdoor seating section doesn't exist. *side eye* read more

I eat a lot, I eat wrong, and I love it. The oldest diner in the state, it's open 9am-9pm on most days, except for Sundays. A favorite of mine, definitely reminds you of Flameburger and Mickey's Diner if you've ever been there. I may just have elevated cholesterol by going here so much, all that means is I'm filled with buttery goodness anyways. So why eat those Granola bars and frosted mini-wheat cinnamon and fiber one caramel cereal bowls, when you can have hearty, greasy food that have been pan-fried, deep fried and baked. The DUDE ranch burger is PERFECTION, the pancakes are huge, those American fries will have you wanting more and the perfect omelets, especially that BRO omelet. Oh, that BRO omelet! And coffee that will cure any hangover. To hell with fruits and jogging; I will bring cholesterol down the way god, the FDA and greedy corporations intended, with drugs damn it. Joking aside, there aren't many places that I miss going to, Bandbox Diner is one of those places. read more

Food was decent, it's a simple neighborhood joint. But the food came out so greasy it overtook everything else. Won't be back unfortunately

Little red gem and the big bad burger. Call me the lumberjack because I tore that thing apart! Consider her rescued. To any of you anti first time visit review yelpers... this place is the exception to your rule because all it takes is one visit! The menu... breakfast (all day), a couple sandwiches, and burgers. That's it, nothing else so don't come along asking for a chicken patty or a porkchop. I don't care for statements that consist of "that was the best ------- I've ever had". They're way too bold and due to being an opinion they tend to lack credibility. But I can boldly and in good conscience say that this burger was one of, if not the best burger I've ever had. The burger... Big in size, big in taste! One of my favorite inconveniences is not to be able to fit my food in my mouth so I have to improvise by working my way around it and squeezing it to death. I did a whole lot of that with the "LUNCH BOX" burger, and yes... their menu items are in all caps, because it's that good. Slaw (not to be confused with coleslaw), shoestring fries (real shoestring fries, not just the somewhat skinny fries), and a pinkish dressing that I think was thousand island but tasted way better than it so I'm still a little uncertain... a terrifically tasteful trio indeed and don't get it wrong, they're not plated separately, they're all building blocks to this leaning tower of please-ya. Another trio... exclusive, exquisite, and ethical. Exclusive: there's no other place like it, vintage and one of a kind. Exquisite: a delicacy indeed from the food to the beauty of the three quarter of a century old ambiance. So... exquisite in adjective form, not noun form as they aren't too concerned about appearance. Ethical: 100% USDA grade A beef, fresh baked bread (buns) from the Franklin Bakery right down the street, and coffee from a family farm in Cameron. You want the whole story? Just read the back of their tiny little menu. Saint Paul's got a little something similar to this in Mickey's Diner but it pales in comparison, sorry Saint Paul, Minneapolis wins this one. Band Box Diner will scare you right out of your skin... you approach with overconfidence and feel like a giant at this tiny little dive but then it creeps up behind you and goes BAM! read more

I don't care about long wait times or surly service, I care about good food being put in front of me so I can turn the fuck up. Band Box is legit and it tastes just as good through Bite Squad as it does sitting in the postage stamp sized restaurant. I assume that has something to do with the artery clogging amounts of grease that lovingly goes into each dish. If you're gluten free, a calorie counter, or you only eat organic, locally sourced food...this shit ain't for you, man. But if you can get down with grease, junk food, and cheese on all the goddamn things - pull up a chair and get your Band Box on. Who needs ambiance when you've got bacon cheeseburger goodness oozing down your chin? No one, that's who. The fries are on the better side of meh. Shoestring type bastards that have a habit of either getting too soggy or too over cooked - but that handful of fries that's cooked just right? America...fuck yeah! The onion rings are alright. The burgers? On point. Breakfast is the best part of the menu...the bacon and toast are better than bad sex. And bad sex is still pretty goddamn good amirite? Yeah, I'm right. Anyway, this shit ain't fancy. It's just good. Consult your cardiologist before indulging. read more

Band Box, you taste so good! Just like I knew you would. If you had better hours, you would have infinite powers! Your powers are already strong because I could stare at the punk rock waitress all day long. Band Box!!!!!!! You're the cutest little burger place, I want to cram your burgers IN MAH FACE!!!!!! That is my love sonnet for Band Box. Recognize. read more

Cool place, the tiny Band Box. With a colorful history and diverse clientele, it's the kind of humble hole-in-the-wall where everyone's welcome. Step inside and the first person you'll likely see is co-owner Brad Ptacek. Head shaved, dressed in white T-shirt, he'll be working the grill, or refilling coffee cups. Pull up a stool and perch yourself at the counter. From there you can watch the whole scene; food being cooked, people walking in and out. "Turning grease into a feast for over 60 years" is this diner's tongue-in-cheek motto. But don't be fooled. Brad's a chef of some renown. The guy knows how to cook, even if what he whips up these days is simple, affordable, stick-to-your-ribs, all-American cuisine. Think huge, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, nicely browned home fries, and thick, juicy burgers. Oh, and great coffee. Nothing fancy, no siree bob, but definitely a cut above standard greasy spoon fare. (Although sometimes, I'll admit, I wish the selections were a tad more adventurous.) Catch Brad during a lull and the loquacious owner--who in his off time plays washtub bass for the Brass Kings--is happy to share stories of his diner's past. Sole survivor of what once was a small, local chain, the Band Box was started up by a Jewish couple, and soon became a haven for area Jews. This, at a time when Minneapolis was notoriously anti-Semitic. Legend has it that it served as a popular hangout for gangsters, too. Now, thanks mainly to Brad, Band Box #1 is on the City's Register of Historic Places. In a neighborhood where housing suddenly abounds--have you seen all those pricey highrises that have sprung up in recent years?--there's still a desperate need for retail and restaurants. Thankfully, this bedrock of the Elliot Park community, through its many ups and downs, is still a part of the landscape. A bit larger than it was before, it's as colorful and dependable as ever. One thing to note: the Band Box is strictly a breakfast and lunch place, with limited hours. read more

My favorite thing about Band Box is if someone just dropped me off at the weird triangle ass intersection, looking at the diner out front and the brownstone apartments to the right....I would not guess I was in Minneapolis. Out front on the door, its indicated that this building is a historic landmark. It was built in 1929 and existed as a local chain for several years during the depression era. Luckily for you anti-chain snobs, this is the only one left. Dorks. No seriously you're great. I have only ever visited here for breakfast, and its been a pretty delicious experience each time. Granted, its nothing that has really stood out as super amazing...but the look and feel of the restaurant really sell the place. read more

First the good: the waitress was awesome, kind hearted, and super fast. The food tasted great (once we got it) and the place had a cool atmosphere. The not good: the grill master cooked each order individually, one burger or egg at a time, allowing 14 potential customers to leave due to no table turn over. We arrived at 12:30 and, with our orders ready, ate at 1:30. This wouldn't be an issue if the cook and waitress were the only people in the place. The owner or manager was there talking, walking around, biking outside-not helping either of them fill any orders in the busy diner. It broke my heart not to see burgers nestled side by side next to piles of American fries on the huge griddle-it was all I could do not to jump behind the counter and put some rusty short order skills to use. Definitely great food, definitely not worth $30 for two of us to wait that long to eat it. read more

Yes. Please. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my boyfriend for moving downtown so that I have an excuse to frequent the shit out of this place. Stopped in for a quick breakfast and immediately fell in love with the set-up. It looks like a typical diner inside but it's so neat to be able to sit by a window and watch what's going on in that area of downtown. The pancake I ordered was the size of the (large) plate and deeee-ricious! I'll echo the comment made in another review about them having a more "cake-y" taste than usual, but I really liked it and it made them unique. Add on the sprinkling of powdered sugar, chunk of butter, and syrup in a condiment bottle (perfect for optimum and accurate syrup placement) and it was a win! Also got a side of bacon and my total was under 7 bucks. !!!!. The BF's omelet was tasty but the standout was the roasted potatoes. Nothing will get between me and those potatoes next time I'm there. The service was fast and friendly and the menu made me chuckle. What's not to like? read more

LOVE this place. It is a little hole in the wall diner a couple blocks from our house. They don't do anything fancy, but when you really just want a great traditional american breakfast - this is your place. They aren't expensive, there aren't any frills, but what they lack in pizazz they make up for with their HUGE pancakes! When I walk in I feel like I have been transported back to a time when the diner was an American staple. I love it! read more

The food at Band Box is good. But after watching them make it, I was a little dissapointed. The burgers are frozen patties, the sausage is just a good grocery brand...nothing exceptional. I had pancakes, and that is the reason that this place still gets three stars. The pancakes were fan-friggin'-tastic. My boyfriend pointed out to me that they tasted more like cake donuts than normal pancakes. They are delicious. If I went back, it would be for these pancakes (but I would only order one next time! I only finished half my short stack.) Joe had the american fries, eggs, sausage & toast. It was good, but for the price we could have got the same thing at a much better resturant. Maybe we are spoiled by the huge portions of delicious breakfast food at the Wienery, for half the price. +Great Coffee +Friendly Cook -Rather unpersonable waitress -Frozen Burger Patties! read more

My husband and I stopped by around 10 on a Friday for a late breakfast and had great, fast service. Classic diner food done well. My husband had the French toast sandwich and inhaled it. Now it's must recreate at home. I had classic eggs, potatoes, bacon and toast. The potatoes were crispy and delicious. Would definitely stop by again when we're in town. read more

Band Box Diner - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Got a mushroom and Swiss burger. It was hella expensive, but their ingredients are locally sourced and free range and organic and all that other good shit. But, I have to admit, that was more or less the best damn burger I've had in recent memory, and I know how to make good burgers. Also, I got a good look at a customer's omelet and hash browns, and kinda wished I could change my order. read more

Small place that Yelp led us to when we wanted a cheap meal and good coffee from a local joint, and the Band Box Diner was just the ticket. Everything they can get locally is done so, down to the buns, and my party of four easily took up a third of the seats in the place, seated at the bar in front of the grill and we watched our food cook. One of the best burgers in my life, with an onion ring, barbecue sauce and homemade ranch dressing on top, but what I absolutely adored was the breakfast sandwich between two pieces of French toast. To compare it to its way-distant cousin the McGriddle would bring such insult to that concoction. So good, we went there twice in two days, and we'll always come back. read more

Oh, the greasy greasy. And that pretty much explains why I've only been there a small handful of times even though I've lived just a couple of blocks away for nearly 5 years. I'm one of those healthy food people. There simply is no healthy at Band Box. That's okay, not everyone has to cater to me specifically. It's a diner. I can't expect organic hippie fat-free fiber balls. Still, if you're going to grease out, the brunch is rather pleasant. The hashbrowns are tasty and I do like the egg muffin sandwich. My husband loves his share of greasy breakfasts and has fabulous things to say about their pancakes. It's been a while since I had a burger there but I certainly don't recall any angst. Another thing to keep in mind at Band Box is that it's tiny. It's ideal to belly up to the counter; otherwise you may have dueling chairs with your neighbors. Also, I wouldn't say it's dirty -- it's not -- but it's not linen-crisp by a long shot. Also, the prices seem a bit higher than they should be for this environment and quality. Still, if diners are what you dig, there are definitely worse places to burn a dollar. read more

Ahh, I see my beloved diner on the way to and from work everyday while riding the number 5 bus. Hello, lover. So the neighborhood is so-so and sort of awkward to navigate in if you don't understand that the Band Box is right where two angled grid sections of downtown meet with each other (where 14th st and 10th st intersect -- yes, streets, not street and avenue). But you can nab free parking on the street, which is a super bonus. Band box has the best diner burger in the city, and I've been on a diner burger mission. The staff is very cool and laid-back and many of the patrons are regulars. The people that work the grill are always very cool and willing to chat about anything to the people sitting on the barstools at the countertop. The food is fairly cheap compared to the city standard, but for a diner it is a little pricey compared to places outside of the minneapolis/st. paul region. This place garners more bonus points for being only three blocks from my workplace, making lunch a delicious adventure outside of the lunchroom. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but that is what their food is geared toward. And nobody wants to be wandering around there after dark anyway. MMmmm, burgers. I think I may go there this week sometime. read more

this place is amazing great people and great food. trust me when I say you want the bro omelet. read more

Band Box Diner - great food - Diners Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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F Yeah Breakfast. It's not haute, it's not innovation, it's not farm to table, it's just Diner Diner. And it's good good good. Best of the greasy landmark institutions of breakfast options. By far. American (Home) fries are perfect - without being crispy on every side and oil permeated, yet not soggy or disappointing in the middle. French toast - is that whole wheat? It's still awesome. Coffee is a solid A. Clean historic space and friendly servers. Nothing not to love. I found the prices totally cheap, left totally full, and had exactly the all-day caloric infusion I wanted. People are kvetching about prices here? The lil buddy is a full meal under seven dollars and this isn't a chipotle. Try going to Hell's Kitchen, Zumbro or even freaking Perkins and paying less. I found the service to be funny, on the ball, and above-par also, guess it's very subjective. read more