Best Downtown Lunch In Minneapolis

Working and living in downtown Minneapolis -- and still trying to master my cooking chops -- means I eat quite a bit of my meals at the local establishments within walking distance of WCCO.Luckily, there's quite a few of us in search for lunching downtown, so the restaurant scene has responded -- and then some. While it'd be easy to eat Chipotle or Panera every day -- and yes, I've even considered doing just that -- I feel there are so many options out there that truly make lunch a treat every work day.

So beyond the corporate or the chain, here's a few of my personal go-to lunching spots.

Ping's Szechuan

1401 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 874-9404
Directory | Website

Ping's is one of my favorite spots for both downtown lunching and lazy-night delivery. With a wide variety of classic Asian cuisine and a few Ping specialties, the menu always has something to fit my mood. The spicy chicken is delish, and the peking shrimp is sweet yet spicy. Can't decide on one entrée? Stop in for the lunch buffet to get a great sample of some of their best dishes.

MASA

1070 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 874-9404
Directory | Website

Got $10? Then you've got a great three choice meal at MASA. Between the enchiladas and the skirt steak tacos, it's tougher than you'd think to narrow it all down, but the Sopa de Tortilla con Pollo is simply a must. Plus, the guacamole is probably some of the best I've ever tasted.

D'Amico Kitchen

901 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 767-6960
Directory | Website

The D'Amico Kitchen $10 lunch has all the class and sophistication without the $30 lunch bill. The choices for a high-class meal are perfect for a mid-afternoon meal, and the portion sizes are sure to fill you up. Not something you'd normally see on a swanky menu here, the meatball sandwich is actually probably the best thing you can order.

Dakota Jazz Club

1010 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-1010
Directory | Website

Another great lunch can be found at Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, where the who's who of downtown Minneapolis can be found mixing business with delicious food. Power lunching takes on a whole new meaning with everything from an ever-changing omelet to chicken and waffles on the menu. The roasted tomato soup is one of my favorites and I never can resist an order of Dakota fries with béarnaise sauce, for sharing -- or not.

Bombay Bistro

820 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 312-2800
Directory | Website

If you enjoy Indian cuisine but have a hard time deciding what to get, the lunch buffet at Bombay Bistro is a perfect way to try a lot of different plates without committing to one dish. The buffet features a wide selection of the restaurant's best offerings, typically lighter on the spice but bold in flavors. This is also a great option for vegetarian diners, as the bistro's veggie options are both plentiful and delicious.

Brit's Pub

1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3908
Directory | Website

Whether you're looking for a tall pint of your favorite beer, straight out of a London pub, or some authentic pub classics, look no further than Brit's. Between scotch eggs and classic bangers and mash, the pub food here is like taking a trip to England without leaving downtown -- with a few Indian-influence surprises along the way. Wash it all down with a cool England ale and you've got yourself one filling meal.

Key's Café & Bakery

114 S. 9th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 339-6399
Directory | Website

With nine Twin Cities locations, Key's has become an institution for great breakfast and delicious lunching. Their Minneapolis location, at the Foshay Tower, is a great stop any time of the day. Whether you're grabbing a freshly made pastry on the way to work or meeting friends over lunch, Key's always seems to have just what you're looking for. Simple home cooking -- and all-day breakfast -- is what keeps the locals coming back for more.

Peter's Grill

114 S. 8th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-1981
Directory | Website

Peter's Grill has been a Minneapolis institution for more than 94 years. It's the oldest restaurant in the city and takes pride on its simple, home-style cooking that's been well-known and loved by its customers for years. In 1995, then-President Bill Clinton stopped by after hearing the history of this beloved Minneapolis icon. Now, you can order the Bill Clinton special -- a Canadian bacon with egg sandwich.