Modern Cafe
Minneapolis, MN 55413-1264
Phone: (612) 378-9882
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat 8am-9:30pm, Sun 8am-2pm
Editorial Review for Modern Cafe – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
Over the years, this Northeast landmark has evolved from blue-collar diner to funky art-scene cafe to highly refined epicurean experience. Retro vinyl booths still welcome locals, and waitstaff still gives the lowdown on the good stuff. Modern's famous pot roast is the main draw, but other menu items include well-sculpted salads, wild mushroom and truffle pastas and mussel stews with fish and pancetta. Old-fashioned desserts, such as bread and chocolate puddings, round out the meal.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyHalf-priced bottles of wine are offered on Tuesday nights. Choose from any selection off the list.
Where to SitIf you can't get a table, the counter has been updated with more comfortable seating.
Look GoodPastas are available in half portions, so if you're having trouble choosing, you can try more than one.
User Reviews for Modern Cafe
06/11/2008 Posted by Hezz
This is a small and at times can be a rather crowded place. If you are particular about the food you eat, you have come to the right place. You will quickly realize that the food is well thought out and well prepared. The quality to price ratio is outstanding. Now a few words about the wait staff. I have never found them lacking. They demonstrate excellent knowledge about the food and are very helpful about selections. Face it, when people are busy you may not be the center of the universe. My wife and I have been going to this restraunt for more than ten years. As she will attest, I am not a man that tolerates inconsiderate, rude or plan uncaring service. I am well pleased with the service at the Modern Cafe.
04/28/2008 Posted by MplsStPDiner
After a long weekend in Minneapolis, we wanted to stop at Eva's Europol cafe on 13th. Called ahead of time, and it opened at 11 (on Sunday) arrived at the shop, sign said open at 11, however it was closed and no one in sight. We were going to go to erte, but the line out the door at the Modern peaked our interest, we waited a little bit and made our way inside. The place was packed, and smelled of delicious Midwestern breakfast. And to our surprise there was room at the bar. Snuggled into our seats, were immediately given water and our beverage order was taken. We had to ask for menus which wasn't a big deal, but I can imagine stuffy republicans wouldn't like that (as they like to be waited on hand and foot). We ordered our breakfast, my husband ordered two eggs, bacon and pancakes, and I had the sausage and biscuits. While we waited for our food, we chatted with the wait staff, were offered the Sunday paper to read, my husbands coffee was constantly refilled. Everyone was polite and friendly. And seemed to enjoy their job, but also enjoyed the slow times so they could just relax and chat with locals. Our food was up in about 30 minutes...First off, the eggs were the BEST I've ever had. They were fresh, and probably from free range birds. They were bright yellow and delicious. The bacon, again, was the best I'd ever had. The pancakes were good, definitly in the top 5. I was all excited for my sausage gravy and biscuits. However when it arrived, and the gravy was a brownish color (and not gray, like traditional sausage gravy) and I was excited. It was cutting edge breakfast. ANd it was delcious. It had bit of veggies, sausage, and bacon, and bacon fat (not my favorite, but gave it flavor) and the sauce was more of a chili taste, it had parmesan cheese in it also, and it was poured over two delicious hand made cheesey chive biscuits. SO GOOD. I couldn't even finish it. We made sure the waitstaff knew we were happy, full, and cafinated. In return we were treated well.
Pros: Innovative food, and favorites, cute and kitschy. Easy to find, ample parking
Cons: Potential for long waits.
