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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Bloomington

Lunch spots for American food

A midday break with a classic American meal.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Smokestack Express image 1
Smokestack Express image 2
Smokestack Express image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen fills with smoky aromas that reach the parking lot. Atmosphere feels welcoming and warm but includes a mix of classic rock music and TV noise. Free soft serve ice cream is available while waiting, adding a unique touch.

Brisket stands out with its decadent and moist texture and house-made BBQ sauce. Pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken wings also deliver amazing flavors that make the American food here memorable.

Smokestack Express offers quick lunch options ideal for grabbing a meal on the go. It suits both individual takeout and larger group orders with reliable catering services.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was creamy and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's brisket is tender and perfectly smoked."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to ensure availability, especially during busy afternoon hours.

2

Expect a short wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Complimentary soft serve ice cream is included with meals.

02
Penn Lake Roast Beef image 1

Sandwich shop with a quirky decor and Asian fusion vibe offers a low-key, friendly atmosphere that feels like home. The place stays quiet and peaceful, attracting those seeking a casual lunch spot with exceptional roast beef sandwiches.

Meatloaf stands out with options like a sandwich and a dinner to go. Other solid choices include the French Dip sandwich, Roast Beef Eggrolls, and classic sides like French fries, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Great for a casual lunch with a relaxed ambiance. The red plate lunch special stands out, and meatloaf is available to go for next-day meals.

People are saying

"I thought the roast beef sandwich was delicious and amazing."

"The roast beef at this Lunch Spot is so tender, it melts in your mouth."

"The American Food here, especially the roast beef, is so tender and good."

Good to know

1

Saturdays feature a special deal on roast beef sandwiches.

2

Expect little to no wait times during lunch hours.

3

A 55-cent fee applies for debit card transactions.

03
Zeke's Place image 1
American restaurant

Classic dive and burger bar with a small town diner look offers a cozy, quiet atmosphere with lots of TVs and reasonable prices. Energy stays low, making it a relaxed spot for casual meals and watching games. Known for excellent burgers and simple, straightforward menu options.

Hamburgers stand out with exceptional patties and a dynamite patty melt. Fries and coleslaw serve as basic sides, with coleslaw portions on the smaller side.

Lunch here offers a nice atmosphere to sit and chat with work friends. Service is quick, making it easy to get in and out during a busy lunch hour.

People are saying

"I thought Zeke's Place had the best burgers."

"I had one of the best hamburgers I've ever eaten here."

"I was glad I chose this lunch spot; the experience was excellent."

Good to know

1

Prices at Zeke's Place are reasonable for a local burger joint.

2

Zeke's offers an ala carte menu for easy dish mixing.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; it's a family-style diner.

04
Ze's Diner Bloomington image 1

Restaurant recreates 1950s diner style with checkered floors and colorful chairs. Atmosphere feels quiet and pleasant, offering a traditional diner experience with retro decor and music. Seating is somewhat tight but suits small groups well.

Crab Cake Benedict eggs, chilaquiles, and Cajun Omelette stand out with rich flavors. Classic dishes like cheeseburgers, chicken fried steak, and biscuits with herby gravy also feature prominently.

Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on quick, family-friendly meals. Serves as a solid spot for lunch or breakfast with plans to return for more.

People are saying

"This diner's food is outstanding, truly a step above."

"The American Food here, especially breakfast, is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and awesome."

Good to know

1

They have a burger and shake deal on Tuesdays.

2

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, offering good value for families.

3

Half-price appetizers are available from 2 to 4:30 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

05
Snuffy's Malt Shop image 1

Restaurant combines open kitchen design with hardwood floors and metal walls, creating a modern yet nostalgic vibe. Atmosphere feels lighthearted and warm but can become very loud during busy times. Seating includes a seasonal outdoor patio that adds to the casual dining experience.

Chili cheese fries and pumpkin pie malt stand out as flavorful options. Classic items like the cheeseburger and grilled cheese sandwich come cooked well and taste solid.

Burgers and hot dogs come with crispy fries and generous portions. Lunch orders arrive quickly, making it easy to grab a classic American diner meal with malts and sides like onion rings.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were pretty good and fresh."

"I loved the malts here; the pumpkin pie was surprisingly good."

"The burgers here are fresh, hot, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

They closed at 8 pm instead of 9 pm during winter.

2

Parking can get a little tight during peak hours.

3

Meals come with no sides, and each add-on is overpriced.

06
Bullvino's Churrascaria Bloomington image 1

Buffet restaurant offers authentic Brazilian style with white linen tablecloths and a large arena seating. Atmosphere stays laid-back and relaxing with Brazilian music enhancing the mood. Guests use green and red cards to signal readiness for meat service, which features skewered cuts brought directly to the table.

Grilled meats like sirloin, prime rib, and lamb come well seasoned and served hot. The grilled cheese with honey adds a surprising sweet twist to the menu.

Lunch offers a Top-Shelf Lunch with all cuts of meat, sides, and a salad bar for under $50. The executive lunch provides excellent value, and the Ribeye steak comes served on a salt block.

People are saying

"The Salad Bar had a huge selection and everything was fresh."

"The staff here makes your lunch spot experience top-tier."

"The American Food here has the best steak I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials run from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a special Monday through Thursday for $39.95.

3

Couples Night is a weekly event with special pricing and menu options.

07
Perkins American Food Co. image 1

Bright, clean space with cozy decor and an upscale diner feel creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere like coming home. Friendly energy fills the room, making it a comfortable spot for groups and families. Unique features include serving wine and beer alongside classic American dishes.

Grilled cheese and French fries stand out with rich flavors. The 'Tremendous Twelve' offers fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked hash browns.

Busy on Saturdays but seating happens in less than 15 minutes. Known for quick service and suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and perfect."

"The American food here feels like home, thanks to Tom's warm welcome."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers after 9:00 pm.

2

Breakfast is served all day at Perkins.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups without prior reservations.

08
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Showrooms arranged as complete rooms create an inspiring maze that encourages exploration and creativity. The atmosphere feels serene with a Scandinavian aesthetic featuring clean lines and neutral colors. Amenities include a children's play zone and a casual food area offering affordable Swedish dishes.

Hot dogs cost just $0.50 for kids and come with fried onions for extra flavor. Vegan hot dogs appear sometimes, and kid's meals like Mac and cheese stay under $3, making the food quite affordable.

Affordable meals include salmon, meatballs with cranberry sauce, and veggie balls with fries. The cafe offers a casual spot to eat while walking around or shopping.

People are saying

"I loved the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce."

"I had a good lunch here, especially the meatballs."

"The American food here, like hot dogs, is tasty and inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right by the entrance, especially after 7 p.m.

2

Paying with a card is recommended to avoid long waits at the cashier.

3

IKEA offers a kid-friendly event that is fun for children.

09
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with plenty of TVs showing major sporting events. Energy shifts from cozy and relaxing to rowdy and dark later in the evening. Staff create a welcoming environment that supports celebrations and casual dining.

Boneless chicken wings and fries stand out with solid flavor. Burgers vary, with some overcooked and buns turning mushy, while chicken sandwiches and cheese mac and cheese add variety.

Lunch here involves a variety of options like a full-sized Oriental salad and meals suitable for kids and adults. Expect slow service and a total cost around $80 for four without alcohol.

People are saying

"The food here is hot, fresh, and delicious."

"I loved the flavorful O M Cheese burger, it's great American Food."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was great and arrived quickly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with half-price appetizers and cheap drinks.

2

The dining area is clean and well-kept.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere during happy hour.

10
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant decorated with Forrest Gump memorabilia and movie quotes creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Loud music fills the space, making conversation challenging. Unique license plate signs at tables signal servers, adding interactive fun.

Shrimp Gumbo features lots of chicken, sausage, and shrimp with a just right spicy kick and rich flavor. Fried chicken tastes very tasty, and surf and turf comes cooked to perfection. Shrimp Mac and cheese appetizer stands out as delicious.

Lunch offers great food and cocktails with options for a light meal including appetizers and sides. It suits casual meetups and special occasions alike.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp, is delicious."

"The American Food here is great, especially Jeremy's "Venus" drink."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was excellent and served hot."

Good to know

1

Trivia night features Forrest Gump questions and happens during meal service.

2

Happy hour offers a selection of discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a fun and interactive trivia experience with prizes for participants.

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Bloomington, Minnesota

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