Band Box

Best restaurant in MN easy. Food is incredible, people are the nicest people in the world. Band box is one of those places that are incredibly rare and special, the type of place you walk into and just know there’s something different, something real. I’ve been going here my whole life and I won’t be stopping any time soon.

Fast, Friendly... This is honestly one of my absolute favorite places to eat in the Twin Cities. I have been coming to the Band Box for about seven years. It is everything you could want from a diner, from their excellent coffee to their fresh, quick, delicious, inexpensive food; their attentive and professional staff (with a universally warm attitude to customers), to the charming yet functional (extremely clean) layout and eclectic (without being overwhelming) decor. Opened in 1939, it is definitely the oldest extant diner in Minneapolis if not the oldest restaurant, still in its original location with the same storefront and corrugated metal roof... But while the history is certainly cool, it is not the reason people come - they and I come for the food. The burgers, of which there are over ten on the menu, are all excellent quality, the breakfast (for which there is no limitation on the time of day wherein you may order it) likewise satisfies on a deep, fundamental level; the french fries are quite simply the absolute BEST that I have ever had, always fresh cut shoestring potatoes made right when you order them (and always cut the same day that they are ordered, meaning that they could not be ANY more fresh unless they had been picked right from the ground by an artisinal tuber farmer the moment you order). The fries alone are reason to return to Band Box again and again but there are, as I have mentioned, a multitude of other reasons to come in as well. The value of the food, drink, and coffee is VERY good bang for your buck and they are not skimpy with portions. If you are deciding where to eat and want something quick, affordable, and delicious, this is your place. It can get very crowded at peak meal times, with an emphasis on the lunch hour (likely due to business traffic from Downtown), so plan accordingly. Band Box does not serve alcohol; there are vegetarian options on the menu, but there is very little in terms of vegan accommodations; likewise, there are some gluten free options on the menu but Band Box does not carry gluten free bread, limiting the options for those with Coeliac. The menu is large enough to provide options without an overwhelming or unnecessary number of variations (food can be cooked to order anyway, one does not need to stick strictly with that which is listed when choosing one's order). Highly recommend from the bottom of heart. Very few restaurants of any price level match Band Box in quality, and absolutely no other diners in the Twin Cities (or, indeed, ANY that I have been to, in the nation) come even remotely close. If were able, I would give a score of 140%, seven stars out of five. If you can think of higher praise than I put here, just imagine that I said any or all of that here at the end. Thank you for your time in reading this review... Time for me to finish my fries, and my girlfriend's fries. I think the guy next to me would notice if I went for his...

First time here. Friendly staff and great food - it's all locally sourced and cooked on a grill right in front of you. The menu is average American meals (mainly burgers) and breakfast is served all day. Prices are average and parking can be a bit limited as it is street parking. I couldn't give 5 stars because this place does need a bit of a face lift/update in terms of physical appearance and the menu could use some variety.