Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Brooklyn Center, MN

NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS. If you're looking for one of the best lunch deals in Minneapolis, this Greek eatery is a terrific...

NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS. If you're looking for one of the best lunch deals in Minneapolis, this Greek eatery is a terrific find. University students tend to pack the place on a regular basis, feasting on moussaka, salads, stuffed grape leaves, authentic Greek pizza, and homemade pastries. Combo dishes, in particular, are great bargains.

Hours: Tue-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Ike's plays up the supper club concept quite well with its vintage booths, hardwoods, kitschy framed...

DOWNTOWN. Ike's plays up the supper club concept quite well with its vintage booths, hardwoods, kitschy framed memorabilia, and even old school-caliber mixed drinks. Burgers (good ones) and shakes characterize the afternoon offerings, and the kitchen serves up a handful of larger portions in the evenings ­ usually including a steak, blue plate special, and seafood dish. Eating aside, one look at the bar will tell you this retro spot is good destination for evening cocktails, and if you come during the work week, expect awesome happy hour prices on eats and drinks.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-10:30pm; Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 10am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Style steals the show at The News Room, where the spacious patio overlooks Nicollet Mall and the kitchen...

DOWNTOWN. Style steals the show at The News Room, where the spacious patio overlooks Nicollet Mall and the kitchen serves up "three squares" every day. The space plays up the newsy theme, and the walls in each room are decorated with covers and clips devoted to different sections from the newspaper. Also newsworthy are the loos, which have prison-issue toilets and one-way mirrors behind the sinks. As for the eats, the lunch menu caters to just about any type or size of appetite, from salads topped with pecan-crusted tilapia, to Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, to full-on feasts of Southern-fried chicken and garlic mashed potatoes smothered in country gravy.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7:30am-1am; Fri-Sat 7:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. You'll find enormous portions of down-home breakfast fare served all day at this popular local chain eatery....

DOWNTOWN. You'll find enormous portions of down-home breakfast fare served all day at this popular local chain eatery. Pancakes and omelets come dangerously close to falling off the edge of your plate, while eggs and just-greasy-enough roast beef or Italian sausage hash are favorites with regulars. Sweet treats abound for diners who need a little sugar in the a.m., including oversized cinnamon rolls with heavy glaze and a side of creamed butter. The place is known for breakfast, but a satisfying selection of sandwiches and soups is served for lunch and dinner.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm; Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 8am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DINKYTOWN. Al's greasy-spoon decor has been preserved for many years, along with a classic breakfast menu. Located near...

DINKYTOWN. Al's greasy-spoon decor has been preserved for many years, along with a classic breakfast menu. Located near the university, the place attracts students and alums who are thrilled to return and find Al's just as they remember it. Deemed by some folks as the best breakfast place in the Twin Cities, Al's is known for blueberry and blackberry buttermilk pancakes as well as for omelets and eggs Benedict. They only take cash, and if you're in the door before 1pm, they'll happily serve you. A small place, so don't be surprised by waits.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-1pm; Sun 9am-1pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

WHITTIER. A two-year renovation is cause for celebration, and one of the favorite dinner spots in Minneapolis is open...

WHITTIER. A two-year renovation is cause for celebration, and one of the favorite dinner spots in Minneapolis is open again. Little Tijuana is still serving the tasty menu they're known for--nachos, burritos, tacos and burgers. But now, diners can wash it down with a cold one from the full bar.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

UPTOWN. Cheap and vegetarian-friendly, Kinhdo is a hit with the Twin Cities lunch crowd. Along with Vietnamese recipes,...

UPTOWN. Cheap and vegetarian-friendly, Kinhdo is a hit with the Twin Cities lunch crowd. Along with Vietnamese recipes, the menu features Chinese and Thai influences in the tasty fare. Everyday lunch specials (including soup) are available and a superb noontime bargain. Most dishes are noodle-based and feature an array of meats and masterfully cooked tofu. The majority of dishes can also be prepared vegan upon request. Crunchy egg rolls and spring rolls are palatable additions to any meal.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WHITTIER. Serving great Chinese food since 1987, Rainbow boasts detailed murals and soft, ambient lighting. Locals brag...

WHITTIER. Serving great Chinese food since 1987, Rainbow boasts detailed murals and soft, ambient lighting. Locals brag about Rainbow's scrumptious wontons and its moo shu pork, but you'll also enjoy shrimp with lobster sauce, squid with black bean sauce, and sautéed duck with ginger root. Diners wanting a true Chinese feast are encouraged to call ahead and make arrangements for owner/chef Tammy Wong's special "Round Table Dinner."

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-9:30pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. This barbecue chain serves some of the best ribs, burgers, and chops in the Twin Cities. The place may seem a...

UPTOWN. This barbecue chain serves some of the best ribs, burgers, and chops in the Twin Cities. The place may seem a little upscale for a barbecue joint, but there's something to be said for enjoying a rack of ribs and a few cornbread muffins while surrounded by antiques. A popular lunch destination, especially with the business crowd. Sunday brunch is served 10am till 2pm.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings...

SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings have a strong vegetarian slant and are prepared using fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. Menu items range from pizzas and sandwiches to tofu curry and a quiche of the day. Birchwood also serves non-vegetarian items, including salmon cakes and turkey burgers. Breakfast and weekend brunch are popular with locals, too.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm; Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 8am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club