Minneapolis
Al's Breakfast — (612) 331-9991; 413 14th South East, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Amenities: 14 stools, 24 years under current ownership, 54 years in business — total. You gotta figure the
folks in charge know what they're doing!
Solo diners are an every-day occurrence, according to the owner. "More men than women; they can't fend
for themselves." He also added that sometimes it's better to be a solo than a couple who may have a long wait
for a stool. When only one seat is available, a solo in the back of the line can grab it.
Cuisine: "Delicious!"
Price: $3-8 (It's hard to spend $10!)
Neighborhood: Southeast — near the University of Minnesota
Oceanaire Seafood Room — (612) 333-4414; 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Amenities: The oyster bar has taken on communal dining trappings. A comfortable spot to enjoy the late 30's-early
40's, tap your toes and fingers music, it's a magnet for weary business travelers who crave a glass of wine, a
beer or a full meal. It also attracts a growing number of locals, residents of nearby high-rise condos, who fast
become acquainted with the shuckers.
The restaurant proper's two-tops and banquette seating with splendid views of the park walkway attract its share
of solo diners, more women than men.
Cuisine: Classic American Seafood
Price: Dinner Entrees — $25
Neighborhood: Loring Park
St. Paul
Pazzaluna — (651) 223-7000; 360 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, Minnesota
Amenities: Open since the end of October 98, Pazzaluna features a "Cucina" chef's counter seating
eight. (Note the purse hooks conveniently located beneath it.) Currently male and female solo business travelers,
referred by local concierges, fill it, especially early in the week. But expect an influx of local foodies when
the word gets out.
The ebullient chef, a native of Milan, Italy, oversees the proceedings in rapid-fire English and Italian. (If
you prefer a table, prepare to spread out; there's only one 2-top in the house!)
Cuisine: Classic Italian
Price: Dinner Entrees — $9-25
Neighborhood: Rice Park Area behind the St. Paul Hotel
Muffuletta Cafe — (651) 644-9116; 2260 Como Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota
Amenities: "Solos don't dine alone, alone here," reports the general manager, adding, "The
schematics — this is a small place — contribute and everyone is very friendly."
(Impromptu communal table dining reigns when the overflow is directed to a U-shaped table located in the party
room in the rear.)
Solo locals and business travelers, ranging in age from 35-60, appear at lunch and early dinner.
Cuisine: "A little bit of everything"; we sample the globe.
Price: Dinner Entrees — $8-20
Neighborhood: Saint Anthony Park
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