If You Can Stomach It

I’m 5 months away from graduating with my M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Classes are in one of two buildings: Carlson or the adjacent Hanson Hall. These two buildings are on the West Bank of the U of M campus in Minneapolis. The intersection is 10th Street and Riverside. For the past almost 4 years, I’ve taken classes there a couple of times a week and have tried all the restaurants within walking distance of Carlson and even some a bit further away (5 minute drive). Early on in my degree, I struggled to find a decent place to grab some pre-class grub….you may remember these posts. Well that struggle is behind me and here is the Magnum Opus of my M.B.A.

Top 10 Restaurants near Carlson School of Management

(I’ve linked each restaurant to their respective Google Places page for a map and directions). My criteria for this list is simple: proximity to Carlson, food quality and price (in no particular order).

10. Mesa Pizza in Dinktown off 4th Street – Actually, this is an “avoid at all costs” restaurant. They have truly bad pizza. I tried the Mac’n'cheese and some other version. Both were really terrible. This one was the worst place I ate at in my 4 years getting dinner.

9. Subway – The only reason a popular chain restaurant made this list is because of its convenience. It is actually in the basement of Blegan Hall. Blegan Hall is right next to Carlson. If you’re looking for a quick, cheap meal – head here.

8. 5 Guys in Dinkytown off 4th Street – Great food and great quantity of food. Price is a bit high for a fast food burger and fries.

7. Town Hall Brewery at 7 Corners – Decent bar food and relatively close to Carlson.

6. Raising Cane’s off Washington on the East Bank – great chicken fingers and sweet tea. It’s further away than most places which is why it’s #6 instead of 3 or 4.

5. Acadia Cafe on Cedar and Riverside – Awesome food, great beer selection (tons of drafts) and really close to Carlson. Easy walking. Their live music is a bit sketchy, but hey – this isn’t Nashville.

4. Republic at 7 Corners – One of my more recent discoveries. Actually, a friend of mine who I often eat with found it and we both enjoyed it. The have a great happy hour on burgers – $5, but not positive this is every day. They also have a good beer selection. Only down side is it’s in that grey area of too far to walk and too close to drive and park.

3. Bona Vietnamese off Washington on the East Bank – Excellent authentic Vietnamese food. Huge menu selection. This would be my number 1 if it weren’t on the East Bank….you have to drive and park.

2. Wienery off Cedar – Remember when I found this hot dog hole-in-the-wall? Great menu of creative hot dogs. Walking distance from Carlson. Great place to grab a Coke, dog and fries before class!

1. And the best place to eat near Carlson School of Management is……..

Afro Deli on Riverside – The Afro Deli is the bright green building right across Riverside from Hanson Hall. It’s literally across the street which plays a big factor in its rankings. But, the menu is great. I would describe it as African food for the American taste. It uses African influence in its spices but isn’t too risky. The Chicken Fantastic and Chicken Curry are both superb. Tons of food for cheap. I usually get the small ($5) and have more than enough to eat. Then I walk directly across Riverside to go to class. Try it!

There you have it. I hope this list serves as a guide to current and future students as they seek nourishment before or after classes. May no one go through two years of having to eat at Jimmy John’s, like I did, just because you didn’t know where else to go.