The Top Spots on Eat Street | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

The Top Spots on Eat Street

By Bryan Harroun on August 14, 2025
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Top down view of a table at Little Tijuana.
Little Tijuana

Eat Street, located right by MCAD has a lot to offer, and at times, the amount can be almost overwhelming. That’s why I took the time to select the shops I think best exemplify the wide range Eat Street has to offer, and what makes them so special. These shops are all located very close to campus, and serve as a great spot for students to start their day with a cup of coffee or unwind after a critique with a burrito.

5. Lu’s Sandwiches

In our fifth spot, Lu’s Sandwiches is a Vietnamese shop that offers traditional and personalized Báhn Mìs, salad bowls, and delicious sides at an affordable price. Their service is quick, and the food will always leave you satisfied. They have smoothies, teas, and Vietnamese iced coffee as well, meaning you can grab an entire meal really quickly to go. This makes it a wonderful spot for students in a rush, without needing to choose a typical fast food restaurant.

A top down view of a table at Lu's Sandwiches.

4. Spy House

An eat street and Minneapolis coffee shop staple, Spy House offers a static menu of delicious drinks and pastries, as well as a rotating menu of special seasonal drinks (my personal favorite has been the peppermint mocha, a winter seasonal.) It also serves as an optimal spot for studying and working, featuring a cozy atmosphere with lots of natural lighting and plenty of space for larger groups or smaller tables for single patrons. Being so close to campus, it’s easy to grab a treat and be back in time for your next class!

An interior shot of Spy House in Whittier.

3. Los Sanchez

Just a few blocks away, Los Sanchez offers a different but equally lovely, vibrant atmosphere and delicious Mexican food that will leave you feeling full and content. While their hours are shorter on weekdays, their bar is open until 2:00 a.m. on weekends, where they often have live music. Their website also rains tacos while you peruse their menu, what more could I say?

Los Sanches logo

2. Glam Doll Donuts

Glam Doll Donuts may have more limited hours than the others on this list, but its spot is well earned, offering amazing donuts in a wide range of flavors. It also goes above and beyond in offering a vegan alternative for many of their specialty donuts. They also serve a variety of drinks, including coffee, malts, shakes, and sodas. Its cozy diner aesthetic offers an optimal place to study and work that’s filled with personality.

A photo of the wide range of donuts at Glam Doll Donuts.

1. Little Tijuana

Little Tijuana takes the number one spot for a few reasons, number one being that the food is just that fantastic. In the many times I’ve gone, my friends and I have never had a bad meal, and apparently, their egg salad sandwiches are eggcellent. They cater to a wide range of tastes, from smash burgers to curry potato dumplings, so every friend can find something they’ll like. The atmosphere is welcoming with wait staff to match. Its hours are also amazing for any night owls, keeping their kitchen open until midnight, and the bar open until 1:00 a.m. Only a few blocks from campus, Little T's serves as the perfect place to pick up a meal for both late-night workers and small groups looking for a fun night out.

A top down view of a table at Little Tijuana.

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