Content area
Full Text
Lunch for less than $5 in downtown Minneapolis? You've got to be kidding. But it is possible, and you don't have to eat under the Golden Arches - not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you.
With the state prep tournaments in Minneapolis for a change, teen hordes will be scrambling for restaurant specials. And they (or any downtowner) can do it and still expect change from a fiver.
Here are places to go, but call before heading out on the weekends. Many of the restaurants listed, except in City Center and Gaviidae, are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Early and late specials: The first floor of Northstar Center (6th St. and Marquette Av. S.) houses a number of spots with specials for early and late lunches. Bamboo Garden (612-673-9688) offers a special for only $2.50 before 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Choices include rice with an entree such as chicken lo mein, Mandarin beef and chicken egg foo yung. Twin City Bites (612-371-4315) has excellent soups and sandwiches made to order. Go before 11:30 a.m. and get free chips or drink with purchase of a meat sandwich or sub. After 11:30, it's $4.75 for a bowl of soup and a half-sandwich or $4.15 for soup and a small salad. Don't miss the Friday special at the Walkin' Dog (612-338-5685). Get two hot dogs for $2.50 and a milk shake for $1.25. Also at Northstar Center: Arby's, Burger King, Cafe Metro, El Burrito, Grandma Gebhard's, Hermano's Cucina and Moon Oasis Natural Foods. Only Burger King and Arby's are open weekends (Saturday only at Arby's).
- Pizza on a bagel: Flout tradition, and go for a pizza bagel at Big City Bagels (825 Hennepin Av. S., 612-305-4880). Trust us; it's good. Choose from cheese, pepperoni, veggie or the works. The pepperoni version is only $3.35, and you can add a side order and a soda for an extra buck. Sides include fruit, chips, slaw, bagel holes and cookies. Voted Twin Cities' Best Bagel by City Pages.
- Best pizza: There's no Pizza Hut downtown, but who cares? At Pizza Luce (119 N. 4th St., 612-333-7359), an individual slice sets you back $2.50 to $2.95, but the flavors - feta, red...