$1.99 Americano

There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.

Set in Minneapolis, MN, $1.99 Americano has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at $1.99 Americano. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
• Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
• Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel

The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.

The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.

Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Minneapolis, $1.99 Americano is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.

Tips from the regulars

• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does $1.99 Americano open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Su 09:00-17:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does $1.99 Americano take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Minneapolis are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is $1.99 Americano kid-friendly?

Yes — $1.99 Americano welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does $1.99 Americano serve?

It's classified under coffee_shop, breakfast — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Minneapolis.

Is there outdoor seating at $1.99 Americano?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 1407 Southeast 4th Street. Coordinates: 44.9804, -93.2353. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.