Al Bergstrom opened the narrow counter at 413 14th Avenue SE in 1950, building out a commercial kitchen inside a former 10-foot-wide by 40-foot-deep alleyway between two brick buildings.
Current owners Alison Kirwin and Doug Grina, both long-time former employees, maintain the original 14-stool seating arrangement today.
Located in the heart of the University of Minnesota’s Dinkytown district, Al’s Breakfast continues to serve scratch-made breakfast fare along a single wooden counter where customers move down one seat at a time as spots clear.
Quick Bite – Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, MN 🥞
Line cooks work directly behind the stool counter, pouring pancake batter onto flat-top griddles and shredding potatoes for hash browns throughout the morning shift.
The kitchen prepares its signature Jose Omelet by folding eggs over spicy cheese and topping the plate with house-made salsa, alongside stacks of buttermilk flapjacks.
That long-term commitment to traditional diner methods earned the spot a James Beard Foundation “America’s Classics” Award, cementing its status as an essential Hennepin County dining institution.
The Local Atmosphere – Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, MN ☕
The space relies on an indoor waiting line along the wall directly behind the seated guests, creating an intimate, fast-moving counter environment.
On any given morning, the stools hold a mix of college students, university faculty, and residents coming from surrounding neighborhoods like Marcy-Holmes, Prospect Park, Como, Northeast Minneapolis, and Downtown Minneapolis.
Customers follow the unwritten rule of “sliding down” to fill empty stools as previous diners finish their plates.
Signature Bites – Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, MN 😋
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Buttermilk Pancakes: Fluffy, golden griddle cakes made from house batter and served with real butter and maple syrup.
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The Jose Omelet: Three-egg omelet stuffed with melted cheese and covered in house-made spicy salsa.
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Scratch Hash Browns: Freshly shredded potatoes seared crisp on the flat top with onions and butter.
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Wally’s Choice: A classic combo featuring two eggs, hash browns, toast, and a choice of thick-cut bacon or sausage.
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Fresh-Baked Scones: House-baked daily with sweet glazes and served warm off the tray.
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Bacon & Egg Stacks: Fried eggs layered between crispy bacon strips and topped with melted cheddar on toast.
Takeaway Bite – Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, MN 😎
Visiting 413 14th Ave SE offers a direct connection to 75 years of Minneapolis food history inside a 10-foot alley space.
The kitchen’s insistence on scratch preparations, counter-only seating, and efficient service keeps the experience identical to its 1950 launch.
That uncompromising focus on basic diner traditions is why this mom and pops and hole in the wall icon remains a essential morning stop in the Twin Cities.
📍: 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
🕒: Mon-Sat: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sun: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM