Best Skyway Lunch Spots In Minneapolis

As much as we want to deny it, winter is on the horizon. Luckily, to combat some of those yearly winter blues, downtown Minneapolis has more than eight miles of glorious cold-avoiding skyways -- marking one of the largest indoor systems in the world. Along the way, there are shops a plenty, office buildings and yes, restaurants galore.

Though for both newcomers to the Minneapolis skyways -- and those who frequent them daily -- the options can sometimes be overwhelming. Many folks will find their favorite and stick to it, blossoming daily friendships with the joint's employees. But within our own newsroom, we've found the subject of skyway lunching differs for everyone -- posing fresh ideas for some and differing opinions among others.

So without furthering the great skyway lunch debate, here's a list of a few of our favorites -- at least the few we could agree on.

Dave's Downtown

900 2nd Ave. S., Suite #230
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 339-8787
Website

Healthy lunching can sometimes be a challenge when there's not much time and a watchful budget for daily dining. But at Dave's downtown, the options -- and the prices -- are just right. Wraps and sandwiches under $7, large salads at just $6.95 and daily specials from pastas and sandwiches to items hot off the grill ensure there's always something new to try at Dave's.

Zen Box

601 Marquette Ave., #204
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 341-3313
Directory | Website

For Japanese cuisine, Zen Box is a must downtown. The bento box sets make perfect lunch portions, with a variety of options from freshly steamed gyoza and zen salad to teriyaki chicken and yaki soba. The lunch menu features bento or bowl options between $5 and $7 -- all with steamed rice.

Kabobs Indian Grill

555 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 636-7786
Directory

Kabobs Indian Grill is like Indian fast food, but don't let that fool you to the quality and flavors being served. The currys, tandoori chicken and variety of rice -- plus fresh baked Naan -- create endless options for a quick stop for lunch. The spices leave something to be desired but for quick and cheap, it's a great meal.

Asian Max

800 Nicollet Mall, Suite #270
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 227-6890
Website

My co-worker and I make it a weekly -- sometimes more than weekly -- custom to get Asian Max on our lunch breaks. And the reason for such consistency? Two words: crack beans. OK, let me be clear, these green beans don't actually have illegal substances in them but the flavors layered on top of them -- garlic, red pepper flakes, flavorful oils -- are addictive like, well, you know what. Add that to an order of sesame chicken and it's pure sublime.

Andrea Pizza

811 LaSalle Ave.
Highland Court Building
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 630-2882

330 S. 2nd Ave.
Towle Building
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 332-6457
Directory | Website

Between the staff working behind the counter and the atmosphere surrounding the fresh pies, Andrea Pizza really feels like it should be on a street corner in New York. Luckily for lunch-goers the flavors and cheesy pizzas do, too. Get a slice of pizza, Caesar salad and a drink for under $6 every day of the week for a great, cheap trip to Italy.

Sorrento Cucina

105 S 5th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 376-0696
Directory

If you're looking for a meal with a lot of heart and oodles of comfort, stop by Sorrento for a home-cooked meal from the people who have mastered skyway classic Italian. These hearty meals come from authentic recipes, passed down from generations of Italian cooks in the Virgillo family. Lunch specials are featured daily for a great variety without budget-breaking prices.

Burger Place

501 Marquette Ave. Ste. #220
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 338-1213
Directory

There are a number of places to sink your teeth into a juicy burger on your lunch break, but Burger Place seems to have the edge. The thick cuts of angus beef, grilled to perfection, always come out juicy and piping hot. Choose from a wide variety of burgers, all priced around $7, including turkey burgers and chicken burgers for just a few cents more.

Brothers Deli

50 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 341-8007
Directory | Website

If you're looking for a New York-style deli, Brother's is your place. For more than 70 years, Brothers Deli has been serving a wide selection of salads, sandwiches and soups -- plus the expansive deli buffet where you can load up on their famous potato salad. Choose from cold, grilled or classic deli sandwiches and enjoy a side of potato salad or coleslaw and a crunchy dill pickle.

Macy's Marketplace/Skyroom

700 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 375-6936

From fresh soups and made-to-order sandwiches and salads, the food court in Macy's is truly a Mecca for food. Between the basement marketplace and the 12th floor Sky Room, there are endless possibilities for lunching. Most folks will give the edge to the Sky Room -- and its amazing salad bar -- but the marketplace has its highlights as well with coal-fired pizzas and LeeAnn Chins offerings.

Good To Go

200 S 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 341-4600
Directory | Website

Some may mock its "fast food" moniker, but Good To Go is really perfectly named. The Mediterranean deli features high quality, fresh ingredients and a variety of options for lunch including fire-roasted wraps, fresh baked paninis and hand tossed salads. Add some house made dressings and signature sauces and you're good to go.