Modern Times
Central, Minneapolis
Restaurant in Minneapolis, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Casual
Why go
Modern Times is a practical daytime option in Minneapolis, strongest for an easy casual meal rather than a special occasion. With daytime hours and easy booking, it fits a low-pressure first visit; diners seeking a bigger group setting or a more defined Minneapolis classic should compare it with Eat Street Crossing or Matt's Bar and Grill.
About Modern Times
9 AM to 3 PM is the decision point here: in Minneapolis, Modern Times is a daytime choice, not a dinner fallback. The safest plan is simple: consider it for a casual daytime stop in Minneapolis rather than a produced night out.
Use it for an easy daytime plan, not a milestone meal
The case for going is practical. The posted hours suit a daytime meet-up, the dress code is casual. That makes it useful for travelers or locals planning around a Minneapolis day, especially when the goal is a relaxed stop rather than a formal occasion.
Think of Modern Times for timing, ease, casual fit rather than as a splurge. For a special-occasion dinner, the posted hours are the wrong format; for a daytime stop where simplicity matters, it is a reasonable candidate.
A smart two-visit strategy keeps expectations in check
First visit: go when the schedule matters more than the occasion. Treat it as a practical daytime anchor and decide whether the experience matches what the group wants. Second visit: return only if that first pass proves useful for the specific scenario, such as a casual catch-up or another low-key daytime plan.
That multi-visit approach keeps the bet modest: do not build the plan around a specific dish, format, or budget. Modern Times is easier to justify as part of a broader Minneapolis eating plan than as the sole reason to cross town. If the group wants a different kind of stop, compare it against Eat Street Crossing. If the priority is another casual option, Matt's Bar and Grill is also worth considering.
Planning details
- Location
- 3200 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Website
- moderntimesmpls.com
- Phone
- +1 612 886 3882
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Modern Times reads like a neighborhood anchor more than a tourist stop: it sits on Chicago Avenue in Powderhorn Park and takes its cues from the surrounding block-level institutions. The room trends toward locals who make deliberate trips rather than pass-through visitors, and that sensibility produces a slower, more relaxed register. The result is a casual, charming spot where programming and crowd skew resident-first. It feels rooted in everyday community life rather than the city’s buzzy destination circuit—an approachable place where familiarity and local rhythms shape the dining experience.
Best For
This is a place best suited to people seeking an authentic neighborhood meal: locals, brunch crowds, families and small groups who want an unpretentious, community-oriented setting. Because the stretch of Chicago Avenue requires a deliberate trip from outside the immediate area, Modern Times tends to draw regulars and diners with purpose rather than transient tourists. It’s ideal for relaxed weekend brunches, casual midday or evening meals, and family outings where comfort and straightforward American fare are what you’re after. Expect a resident-centered atmosphere rather than a high-turnover, destination dining scene.
Ordering Tips
Lean on the menu’s signature items: the Migas and Rancheros are clear picks for brunch, and the Tempeh Reuben signals a thoughtful, nonstandard take on a classic sandwich. If you’re arriving for a weekend meal, prioritize those standout preparations to get a read on the kitchen’s approach. Given the venue’s neighborhood focus and local crowd, plan your visit knowing the room tilts toward regulars—arrive with a sense of what you want and consider ordering one of the highlighted dishes to anchor the meal.
Venue details
Ambiance
Laid-back, colorful atmosphere with hand-painted tables, 1970s hippie decor, and a diverse, welcoming crowd.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Sourcing
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Counter Service
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Migas
- Rancheros
- Tempeh Reuben
Planning details
Location
Also consider
If Modern Times is not the right fit
Try The Tiny Diner for another casual daytime-leaning option in Minneapolis. Pick Eat Street Crossing when the group needs variety, more energy, an easier consensus choice.
Restaurant context
How Modern Times Compares in Minneapolis
Choose Modern Times when ease and daytime timing matter more than a defined dining format. Compared with Eat Street Crossing, it reads as a smaller, lower-commitment choice; Eat Street Crossing is the better fit for groups that want more built-in variety and a livelier room.
Matt's Bar and Grill is the clearer Minneapolis classic if the goal is a specific local institution rather than a flexible daytime meal. The Tiny Diner is the closest cross-shop for a similarly casual, daytime-leaning plan, while Taco Cat and The Curry Diva make more sense when the group already knows the flavor direction it wants.
Explore Minneapolis
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Modern Times guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Modern Times
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Times | Minneapolis | No published awards |
| Taco Cat | Minneapolis | No published awards |
| The Tiny Diner | Minneapolis | No published awards |
| Matt's Bar and Grill | Minneapolis | No published awards |
| Eat Street Crossing | Minneapolis | No published awards |
| The Curry Diva | Minneapolis | No published awards |
How Modern Times Minneapolis compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modern Times good for a special occasion?
Not for a milestone dinner, but it can work for a low-key daytime get-together in Minneapolis. The posted hours are 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, with Tuesday closed.
What should a first-timer know about Modern Times?
Plan it as a daytime stop, not a late-evening outing, because it is open 9 AM to 3 PM on most posted operating days and closed Tuesday. The dress code is casual, so expectations should stay relaxed.
What are alternatives to Modern Times in Minneapolis?
The Tiny Diner, Taco Cat, Eat Street Crossing, The Curry Diva, Matt's Bar and Grill are other options to consider, depending on what kind of casual meal or outing you want.
Does Modern Times handle dietary restrictions?
If anyone has strict needs, ask Modern Times directly before you go.
How far ahead should I book Modern Times?
Use the posted daytime schedule as your planning baseline: Modern Times is open 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, closed Tuesday.
Is lunch or dinner better at Modern Times?
A daytime visit is the fit. The posted hours are 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday.
What should I wear to Modern Times?
Keep it casual. The dress code for Modern Times in Minneapolis is casual.
