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Reconnect with your love of lunch.
Reconnect with your love of lunch.
ESG Architechts

Where to Go For Lunch in Downtown Minneapolis

Make the most of your midday break.

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Reconnect with your love of lunch.
| ESG Architechts

All too often, midday meals are taken at the desk in front of a computer screen, rather than at a table with other humans. We're here to make a solid argument for actually stepping away from the desk and engaging in the world. Not only will you find you're more refreshed and productive in the afternoon after a truly wonderful meal, but you'll have the chance to make those all important human connections.

All this and we haven't even mentioned the food yet! Downtown Minneapolis has an ever-widening array of cuisines, even if we mostly still just love a good ol' steak and burger. These are our picks for a great place to grab a seat and enjoy a delicious lunch. Please note our list isn't ranked, but in order of location,

Did we miss your favorite? Get it wrong - or right? Hit the comments and let us know where your best bet is downtown.

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Marin Restaurant & Bar

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This gorgeous room has a million places to steal away for a beautiful midday break: from the copper topped bar to the expansive dining room and the stowed away basement library bar. The healthful menu means you won't be heading back to your desk in need of a nap, just satisfied and pleasantly full.
When was the last time you had that risotto? Zelo has been tried at true since 1999 and while some of the food might have passed from cutting edge to retro, it's still remarkably delicious. Order the ahi tuna crisps and remember why we loved these things in the first place. Plus, the room is a stunner.

The Oak Grill

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This dining room is a throwback to the days of department store glory. Before this was a Macy's, it was Dayton's and a visit here was an occasion. While much of the store has withered through the ages, the Oak Grill still maintains the charm of the bygone era and popovers that served up like little gifts from the kitchen. There are some standby dishes, like the pot pie and other rotating menu items. This is the ideal location for ladies who lunch.

Murray's

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This restaurant is a throwback to the era of three-martini lunches, with just enough modern upgrades to keep the average downtown worker happy. Slide into a booth and indulge in the signature butter knife steak or grab a seat and a quick sandwich. This place is a Minneapolis treasure.
Katie Cannon

Manny's Steakhouse

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The dining room as swank, plus it has the wine and steak list to prove it. Sit back and enjoy some of the finest service in downtown Minneapolis. This is the spot for impressive expense accounts and big, beefy portions.

The Brothers Deli

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There aren't a ton of seats inside this skyway level deli, nor are they easy to come by, but it's worth planning accordingly (maybe go early or late.) These are some of the best corned beef sandwiches around and the potato salad is just ridiculously good.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

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Who says a landlocked steak can't be known for its seafood selection? Our downtown Minneapolis outpost of Oceanaire is a dazzling room where huge plates of fresh caught ocean goodies are served with top shelf hospitality. Lunch is also a lovely excuse to explore this opulent menu while taking advantage of the slightly lower midday prices.

Vellee Deli

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What was once a food truck is now a quick service spot in the skyway with a fantastic banh mi (veggies will delight in the meat-free version, too) and insane burritos. Bring friends that like to share and do your best to order that whole menu.

Hen House Eatery

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Charming and hearty, this ground level spot is surrounded by windows. That means a sunny mid-day break all year around. It's a crowd-pleasing spot with a full bar, giant pastry case and liberal use of bacon.
It's a simple Vietnamese menu served quickly in a bright room with a few seats. Grab a perch overlooking the street and stick your face in a steaming bowl of their pho. A little Vietnamese coffee pick me up will have you cruising through the rest of your workday.
Lindsay Abraham

Dong Hae Korean Grill & Sushi

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How about a little kimchi pick me up? This pretty restaurant serves both tasty bulgogi and a delicious caterpillar roll. Enjoy the room and the Japanese/Korean menu.

Eastside Restaurant

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If the elegantly relaxed setting and killer cocktails (it’s five o’clock somewhere, people) don’t keep you coming back, the indulgent menu will. When was the last time you had oysters on the half shell at noon? Pair them with a wagyu steak sandwich with roasted shiitakes, jalapeños and aged cheddar fondue for a true one percenter experience. Except, everything on the menu is under $20 bucks, so go on, live a little.
Photo courtesy Eastside

Marin Restaurant & Bar

This gorgeous room has a million places to steal away for a beautiful midday break: from the copper topped bar to the expansive dining room and the stowed away basement library bar. The healthful menu means you won't be heading back to your desk in need of a nap, just satisfied and pleasantly full.

Zelo

When was the last time you had that risotto? Zelo has been tried at true since 1999 and while some of the food might have passed from cutting edge to retro, it's still remarkably delicious. Order the ahi tuna crisps and remember why we loved these things in the first place. Plus, the room is a stunner.

The Oak Grill

This dining room is a throwback to the days of department store glory. Before this was a Macy's, it was Dayton's and a visit here was an occasion. While much of the store has withered through the ages, the Oak Grill still maintains the charm of the bygone era and popovers that served up like little gifts from the kitchen. There are some standby dishes, like the pot pie and other rotating menu items. This is the ideal location for ladies who lunch.

Murray's

This restaurant is a throwback to the era of three-martini lunches, with just enough modern upgrades to keep the average downtown worker happy. Slide into a booth and indulge in the signature butter knife steak or grab a seat and a quick sandwich. This place is a Minneapolis treasure.
Katie Cannon

Manny's Steakhouse

The dining room as swank, plus it has the wine and steak list to prove it. Sit back and enjoy some of the finest service in downtown Minneapolis. This is the spot for impressive expense accounts and big, beefy portions.

The Brothers Deli

There aren't a ton of seats inside this skyway level deli, nor are they easy to come by, but it's worth planning accordingly (maybe go early or late.) These are some of the best corned beef sandwiches around and the potato salad is just ridiculously good.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Who says a landlocked steak can't be known for its seafood selection? Our downtown Minneapolis outpost of Oceanaire is a dazzling room where huge plates of fresh caught ocean goodies are served with top shelf hospitality. Lunch is also a lovely excuse to explore this opulent menu while taking advantage of the slightly lower midday prices.

Vellee Deli

What was once a food truck is now a quick service spot in the skyway with a fantastic banh mi (veggies will delight in the meat-free version, too) and insane burritos. Bring friends that like to share and do your best to order that whole menu.

Hen House Eatery

Charming and hearty, this ground level spot is surrounded by windows. That means a sunny mid-day break all year around. It's a crowd-pleasing spot with a full bar, giant pastry case and liberal use of bacon.

Bep

It's a simple Vietnamese menu served quickly in a bright room with a few seats. Grab a perch overlooking the street and stick your face in a steaming bowl of their pho. A little Vietnamese coffee pick me up will have you cruising through the rest of your workday.
Lindsay Abraham

Dong Hae Korean Grill & Sushi

How about a little kimchi pick me up? This pretty restaurant serves both tasty bulgogi and a delicious caterpillar roll. Enjoy the room and the Japanese/Korean menu.

Eastside Restaurant

If the elegantly relaxed setting and killer cocktails (it’s five o’clock somewhere, people) don’t keep you coming back, the indulgent menu will. When was the last time you had oysters on the half shell at noon? Pair them with a wagyu steak sandwich with roasted shiitakes, jalapeños and aged cheddar fondue for a true one percenter experience. Except, everything on the menu is under $20 bucks, so go on, live a little.
Photo courtesy Eastside

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