Having eaten at Wally's in the past, I thought I would stop in today for a bite to eat. Unfortunately, when I got there, I discovered they had moved. I'm assuming it's somewhere close by, but that wasn't doing my hunger any good. Sitting in the parking lot of the old Wally's location, I took to Yelp, thanks to my handy dandy smartphone. And do you know what it told me? That there was another roast beef joint ACROSS the street from where I was sitting. And that it was run by a former employee of Wally's. How could I not check it out? So my dining companion and I embarked on a mad adventure to try something new. Let me just say, it was tedious tracking down this elusive joint. It took all of about 35 seconds. We arrived and were greeted by an unobtrusive strip mall location, and a window with a large sign proudly announcing 2 Roast beef or 2 Meatloaf sandwiches for $5.99 on Saturday and Sunday. As luck would have it, I wanted roast beef and my companion wanted meat loaf, so we entered with orders firmly in hand. The interior is well lit, with a goodly number of tables festooned with standard white vinyl table cloths. Kevan (the owner) greeted us as soon as we entered. The place was a ghost town, so he seemed pleased to have customers at 1745 on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered the previously mentioned roast beef and meat loaf sandwiches, an order of fries, and an IBC root beer for my dining companion. We picked a two top near the window and sat down to wait on our food. Within about 5 minutes, Kevan magically appeared table side with order in hand. The sandwiches arrived wrapped in standard white wax paper, and the fries were steaming hot in a separate basket. I was immediately disappointed when I noticed the fries were standard "frozen" crinkle cuts that had been flash frozen and only recently dunked in hot oil. I know, it's probably too much to ask for handcut fries, but that's not all that uncommon in local joints. So strike one (from the snobby diner). I unwrapped my sandwich and was greeted by a stock standard sesame seed bun that had been buttered and toasted on the inside. It was covered in perfectly sliced medium roast beef. All it need was a bit of barbecue sauce and horseradish, and it would be ready for consumption. My companion was quite pleased with her meatloaf, which arrived on an identical bun and already had the requisite dose of barbecue sauce applied. After assessing the situation, we both tucked in and began enjoying our meal. Let me just say the roast beef is as good as Wally's. Not better, not worse, but equal. I was pleasantly surprised. My companion snuck a bite, and while she had nothing to compare it to (as she's never had Wally's), she declared it delicious. She was also quite pleased with her meatloaf sandwich, so I begged a bite. I regret that. Truly. The meatloaf was moist and tender. It LOOKED delicious. But that's about all. It was bland. Lifeless. It reminded me of the time I took a bite of a fabulous looking wax apple as a kid. Just a mouth full of nothingness. This time, covered with barbecue sauce. So a big strike two (again, from the snobby diner.) With haste, I returned to the roast beef and was greeted by the deliciousness that is slow cooked beef. It revived my taste buds. It filled my belly. And all was right with the world once again. Because of the two strikes, I give Penn Lake three stars. Had I gone in and only had the roast beef, it would have gotten at least four. Maybe five. But you can't be a one trick pony. So we'll see what happens on my next visit. read more

This restaurant definitely caught me off guard, as they sell egg rolls here as well. Regardless, we went in for a quick snack and left very happy. The roast beef sandwich was piled high with meat and the overall flavor was very good. The owner was extremely nice and is very accommodating as he brought Sriracha from the back in case we wanted some spice. Overall, the restaurant was clean and the food was good. I will recommend this location. read more

The food is always so good. And echoing what others have said, this place is run by some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Not much of a difference between this place and Wally's. The philly I had was good and the prices were definitely affordable. The only real difference was the atmosphere. The place is a little dumpy, but it isnt meant to be a 5 star restaurant either. I would recommend for a quick lunch or if you are craving a fresh cut roast beef sandwich. read more

I kind of don't want to tell people how delicious this place is because I know once it gets out the line will be forever! First of all, the BBQ sauce is homemade and amazing! The French dip and Phillip cheese are so dang good! And they get lunch out so fast! I just can't explain how good this place! read more

Went here for the first time today, had their Philly sandwich with fries and it was wonderful. The service is great and the food came out quickly. Highly recommended. read more

Really great French dip sandwich!! I am in LOVE with the au jus and the horseradish sauce is the real deal. The service is always super nice and they're working hard to get your sandwich to you as fast as they can; when everything is sliced and made to order things can get slow but it's worth it. Weird location but I don't mind it, I like that it's more quiet than many lunch places in the surrounding area. read more

I hate to say this was awful...the owner cooked for wallys roast beef foe many years, the roast beef is still delicious...but, the buns are 3 days old and dry and stale.....virtually inedible cardboard, if you do go you better get au jus or gravy to soften up the old buns.... read more

I have driven by but never got around to stopping. Today I was reminded when Gyropolis was closed unexpectedly this week. We both tried the roast beef sandwich combo and split a chocolate milkshake. The roast beef was fresh and tender Nd not processed like typical fast food. The sauces while maybe not from scratch also tasted excellent. Staff/owners were very friendly and we will definitely ask to our food rotation choice. read more

Beef is delicious. Good gravy very disappointed in the service. On the night I went there were 2 ladies working, neither of them spoke English. read more

Diamond in the rough when you see it from the outside. Service is great, and food is even better. All combos are under ten dollars and will fill you up every time. Kevan (the owner) is personable and prides his business on quality. read more

Food was okay, not bad but not great. Strange roast beef sandwich shop decorated in Asian decor. Reasonably priced, friendly fast service.

I decided to try it out, I used to be loyal to Wally's. But, tried it and it's really good. Bigger menu

First off, Kevan must be the nicest man in the world. A great host who walked us through the menu. The roast beef literally melts in your mouth. This may not be the fanciest place in the Twin Cities but certainly one of the tastiest. We will be back before we head home! read more

Not only is the roast beef the best around the service is even better, I ordered 34 sandwiches and 20 orders of fries for my office. They had everything ready what I got there and even through in the au jus and 2 bottles of horsey sauce. If I could give them 10 stars I would read more

So, being the glutton for punishment that I am, I tried this spot again. The woman at the counter was completely unfriendly, but seemed to grasp my requests better this time around. Tried a smoked turkey sandwich combo, with a roast beef sandwich on the side. Fries made it into the bag this trip, which was a step up from my last visit. When I sat down to consume my take out, I found the buns stale, and the roast beef sour smelling and dry. I could not continue eating it, as clearly it had been sitting around for some time and was near rancid. Smoked turkey was o.k., but again, perched on a stale, nasty bun. Both sandwiches rather skimpy for the price. The fries were a standard frozen variety that were o.k.. I am all done with this one folks. Best of luck to you should you make the attempt. read more

I had a very good roast beef sandwich/ fries in a Chinese setting restaurant. The employees were extremely friendly. Will definitely return to try other options on the menu. read more

Was ok. The roast beef sandwich was a bit bland. Their egg rolls tasted very good though. The owner was very friendly.

I like a local greasy spoon as much as the next person, but this fell short to me. If you are going to give the local truck stop vibe, I.e. Checkered napkins and plastic plates, the flavor in the food has to be there for you to want to come back. It was not. The food was bland, even the pickles looked old and soggy and I don't eat pickles! Lol Overall, this one fell short to my expectations. read more

Better than Wally's! We need to get triple D over here ASAP! I love the place. Don't forget the BBQ sauce and Horseradish it really makes it. Love this gem glad I live down the street! read more

I've been here a few times since they first opened and usually get the roast beef sandwich. It's similar to Wally's as far as the roast beef sandwiches and price except the buns don't seem as soft and fresh as at Wally's. So I usually go to Wally's instead When PLRB first opened, they had a lady (not sure if she was an owner or a mgr) who would yell at her kitchen help right in front of customers, so the whole dining room could hear it. Made for a bad vibe when going there and you felt sorry for the workers. But I haven't seen her there for a long while, luckily. The lady who rings you up at the counter during weekday lunches usually goes out of her way to be friendly and helpful. PLRB does have a wider menu selection, quicker service and longer hours than Wally's. If they served fresher buns on their sandwiches, I'd go to PLBR more. read more

Family owned. Fries come out fresh and hot. The roast beef French dip was better than processed beef for sure, just would have preferred it hot dipped in the aux jus prior to placing on roll. Probably would say 3.5 stars, some things done well, just not the attention to subtle detail. read more

8/30/2011 We have been to Penn Lake Roast Beef (yes, the cook did open his own place!) and it is WONDERFUL. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have some tables outside. He has lots of fun menu items in addition to the signature roast beef which is still delicious and shakes as well that very good. I highlu recommend it and you can't beat the location and fast service. Good luck, Kevin :) read more

The owner, Kevan, used to work for the original owner of Wally's roast beef when they were across the street on 90th street . The hardware store wanted their space so Wallys moved to its current location but Kevan decided to be his own boss and opened Penn Lake Roast Beef. I'm glad he did since I like to eat a good roast beef sandwich for dinner and he is open until 7:30 in the evening during the week so I go there for dinner sometimes. He has a good variety of items on the menu and his specialty roast beef is super. His staff, like him, is friendly and competent , making dining there a pleasure. He's open Sundays too . Highly recommended ! read more

I like this place. Yes, I recognize the old cook from Wally ;) He's a good guy and trying to make a go on his own. Pretty much the same food Wally has, but they definitely have added more to their menu. Actually there is so much on their menu it can be a little confusing! Roast beef is good, but I ask for it to be a little more well done than they usually prepare it, I like it that way. Lemon Chicken sandwich is very good. Sometimes I get the ham and cheese. This isn't 5 star restaurant food, but it is very good food, fast. I live close by, so I go there a few times a month. Love having another food place close by! read more

If you are a fan of Wally's roast beef you will love this place.....basically the same menu and not as crowded....friendly staff and great roast beef sandwich read more

Tried tonight. I think it's better than Mavericks. If you are a roast beef snob, try this place. Cut nice and thin. Meat was as tender as a filet mignon. Very flavorful but not as good as Wally's read more

When its -20 in Minnesota, this is a perfect place to go. Ultimate COMFORT FOOD. Get thé roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes & gravy & all thats missing is your grandmother! Staff is really friendly too. A small town cafe in thé middle of Bloomington. read more

After reviewing the comments, i thought I will give a try to this restaurant. I ordered a Philly cheese steak for the first time. Very disappointed with the food. No flavor on the beef, can't taste the cheese. The bottom of my bread was soaking wet with some kind of liquid. Not sure what. Ate half and throw the rest. This is not how the philly cheese steak should be the way I remembered in LA. Very very disappointed with the food. I will never go back again. read more

Needed new disc brakes on Trek bicycle. Matt and entire service department were awesome. Work done quickly and reasonably. Thanks Penn Cycle. I'll be back for sure. read more

I have been here a few times and today I ordered 3 French dips with EXTRA MEAT!. I sure was charged for it but all I got was just small.. If this is what they sell as "extra meat" then I will never be back. read more

Nothing better than the buffalo chicken sandwich. Kevin, the owner, is an all around great guy. I'm so glad I live a stone's throw away from here. read more

This place is a great place to eat. Husband loves loves loves the roast beef and so do I. I do like to venture to new things and have not found one thing on Keven's list, that I don't like. Stop in and enjoy good food !! read more

My husband and I work near this restaurant and go at least once a week. Fantastic customer service; great food. The owner Steve is awesome too! We've tried many of their dishes and actually the only one we don't care for is the meatloaf. Love everything else though! read more

Great place for good hearty roast beef! Better hours than other places, perfect for a quick good dinner. I hope they do well.

Best roast beef and cheesy fries! Kevan is the best! I will give him business over Wally's roast beef!