Looking to treat Mom? 3 last-minute (no-reservations) Mom's Day dining ideas

Did you forget to make reservations for Mother's Day? Here's how to save your bacon.

May 10, 2018 at 11:03PM
Savory waffles at the Birchwood Cafe are served all day.
Savory waffles at the Birchwood Cafe are served all day. (Marci Schmitt — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Birchwood Cafe

Made-from-scratch fare, counter service. Brunch includes scrambles, a beautiful veggie quiche, blueberry pancakes, avocado toast, a hearty tofu-mushroom hash and an ever-changing (and utterly impressive) savory waffle. The first-rate baked goods start with carrot cake and key lime pie. Check out the restaurant's annual Mother's Day plant sale, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-722-4474,birchwoodcafe.com

Hi-Lo Diner

A classic (and meticulously restored) 1957 diner, with a menu to match. Go for the pancakes and the corned beef hash, stay for the Hi-Tops, airy doughnuts lavishly topped with savory and sweet indulgences. The weather forecast is pledging sunshine and low 70s, ideal for the patio. Dessert? Pie, of course, including a doozy of a banana cream.

4020 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-353-6568, hi-lo-diner.com

Patrick's Bakery

This affordable, quick-service version of Patrick and Azita Bernet's bakery/cafes has a limited menu — a half-dozen well-stuffed sandwiches, a few salads, several quiches and soups and lots of pretty pastries — but also sports a secret weapon. Namely, its surroundings, with table seating inside the sheltering (and blooming) greenhouses at Bachman's.

6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-861-9277, patricksbakerycafe.com

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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