Diners & Dives

Al’s Breakfast
The griddle heats up each morning, and the Dinkytown legend serves piles of pancakes to customers lucky enough to grab one of the tiny diner’s fourteen stools. 413 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-9991

Band Box Diner
En route to the Metrodome, this place goes from greasy to gourmet with its home-cooked breakfast and lunch. And the eclectic crowd is part of the fun—or the freak-out. 729 S. 10th St., Mpls., 612-332-0850

Convention Grill & Fountain
Both the menu, which is full of homemade burgers, sandwiches, thick fries, and creamy malts, and the retro atmosphere make this a place where you can feel good about the food—and you can bring the kids. 3912 Sunnyside Rd., Edina, 952-920-6881

Leaning Tower of Pizza
The healthy pie trend has failed to penetrate this classic no-frills pizza parlor. Pizza and pasta are served and delivered until the wee hours. 2324 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-377-3532; 2501 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-7474

Matt’s Bar
If you’re a Jucy Lucy fan, this original burger is burn-your-mouth good with oozing cheese and griddled onions. But don’t ask for medium, it only comes very well done. 3500 Cedar Ave., Mpls., 612-722-7072

Mickey’s Diner
The iconic St. Paul diner serves greasy delights twenty-four hours a day. 36 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-5633

Sunny Side Up Café
When a lite breakfast is not on the agenda, head here for biscuits and gravy or one of the tasty Mexican specialties such as huevos rancheros. 2704 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-4817

Uptown Diner
On weekends, breakfast is served around the clock with heaping mounds of hash browns. Cajun specialties include a spicy eggs Benedict made with andouille sausage and slathered in hollandaise sauce. 2548 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-874-0481