Here at the University of Minnesota, the cold doesn't stop us from satisfying our cravings. Negative degrees or polar winds don't prevent us from going to our favorite restaurants like Chipotle or Starbucks. As an Interior Design student here at the U, I look for restaurants that not only deliver enticing cuisine, but also an experience. That's why I put together a list of go-to restaurants on campus that are experiences rather than just places to grab a bite to eat.
1. Al's Breakfast
As the narrowest restaurant in Minneapolis, Al's Breakfast effectively seats 14 hungry customers at the bar, which happens to be the entire restaurant.
Since there is only a few feet of space behind the bar stools, customers waiting to be seated go behind the dining customers, creating a line that sometimes goes out the door. While it's tight in the 10-feet-wide space, the food is worth the potential claustrophobia. If you're still wary of the lack of space, Al's Breakfast was visited by Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, who validates it as one of the best dives in Minnesota.
2. Kafé 421
Although this Greek restaurant in Dinkytown is not one of the most popular, it is one of the most unique.
As soon as you walk in the door you walk through velvet curtains that separate the restaurant interior from the biting cold.
The checkerboard flooring and the burnt orange walls give the place an ambiance perfect for date night—not to mention the wine bar.
3. Annie's Parlour
The signage at Annie’s is iconic at the U. Whether you’re just a visitor or a student at the U of M, you know you should go to Annie’s. If you don’t go for the massive malts or the double-decker grilled cheese, go for the rooftop patio with killer views of campus.
4. Bar Luchador
Bar Luchador is a modern place to enjoy a different take on Mexican food. The style and theme of this restaurant is Mexican wrestling, as the murals on the walls reflect. The name of the restaurant also reflects the theme as a “luchador” is a wrestler that participates in lucha libre ("free fights"). Bar Luchador says that they are more focused on making fresh spins on Mexican dishes, just like the design of their restaurant is a different take on that of a typical Mexican restaurant. The industrial ceiling combined with rustic wood finishes significantly contribute to the industrial feel, along with the chalkboard drink menu—not to mention the huge murals of Mexican wrestlers.
5. Punch Pizza
This Italian restaurant is famous for its 800 degree oven that bakes the most authentic Italian pizzas on campus in 90 seconds. The brick wall backdrop, industrial lighting, and garage door windows that roll up in the summer heat add up to create the perfect, relaxing, traditional Italian ambiance.
Visiting Punch Pizza will give you a marvelous break from your studies and transport you to the coast of Italy.
6. Loring Pasta Bar
Before Loring Pasta Bar was founded, a pharmacy used to be in its place. Now it is a venue so beautiful that it hosts weddings and other events.
On top of the varied decorations, there is a stage for live music. The kitchen next to it is completely open so customers can see the food being prepared while they are waiting or watch and listen to the live music.
The combination of the random, dark decor and lively music and kitchen make Loring Pasta Bar an eclectic destination that's hard to resist.
Next time you have date night, go out with your friends, or your family comes to visit, give these places a try for a fuller dining experience.
Instead of just running in and grabbing your food, sit down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere you're in. You'll be inspired to find new places just like it—the U has tons of them.