Minnesota’s love for hotdish runs deep, and these community cafes prove it every lunch hour. You can practically feel the room warm up when pans hit the pass and conversations spark across booths.
Whether you chase nostalgia or crave stick-to-your-ribs comfort, these spots still pack the room with locals and curious first-timers. Bring your appetite, a friendly mood, and a plan to stay for pie.
Ideal Diner – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Slide onto a chrome stool at Ideal Diner and the scent of creamy, peppery hotdish instantly says welcome. You watch the griddle action, but it is the casserole pan that pulls a crowd, bubbling under a golden tater tot crust.
Portions land heartily with pickles, buttered toast, and the kind of small talk that makes lunch taste better…