Cedar-Riverside

Hard Times Cafe is a collectively-owned vegetarian cafe and punk institution on Riverside Avenue in Cedar-Riverside, open daily from 8am to midnight since 1992. The bright green hand-painted facade is unmistakable. The menu is fully vegetarian with extensive vegan options: the Helter Skelter (hash browns and tofu), vegan biscuits with mushroom gravy, a big fat pancake served all day, seitan Philly for lunch, and Korean BBQ tofu bun. Prices are among the lowest in Minneapolis. Cash only with an ATM on-site. Regulars range from University of Minnesota students to long-haul neighborhood residents. Q: Is Hard Times Cafe vegan? A: The menu is fully vegetarian with extensive vegan options. The Helter Skelter (hash browns and tofu scramble) is vegan, the biscuits with mushroom gravy have a vegan version, the Big Fat Pancake is vegan by request, and the Korean BBQ Tofu Bun is vegan. Ask staff to confirm specific preparations. Q: What is the best vegan dish at Hard Times Cafe? A: The Helter Skelter (hash browns with tofu scramble) is the classic vegan order and the most popular breakfast item. For later in the day, the Korean BBQ Tofu Bun stands out. Vegan biscuits with mushroom gravy are a hard-to-find comfort dish done well. Q: What are Hard Times Cafe hours? A: Hard Times Cafe at 1821 Riverside Ave in Cedar-Riverside is open daily 8am to midnight, 365 days a year. Cash only with an ATM on-site. One of the few Minneapolis restaurants with consistent late-night food service.

Afro Deli and Coffee is a vegan-friendly African and Mediterranean fusion restaurant at 1810 Riverside Ave in Minneapolis's Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, with multiple metro locations, priced at $. The vegan falafel wrap is exceptional -- crispy chickpea fritters with tahini, fresh vegetables, and house-made hot sauce. Try the vegetable sambusa (savory pastries) or the hearty lentil soup. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, reflecting the diverse neighborhood. Ethiopian coffee ceremony available on request for a special experience. Q: Does Afro Deli have vegan options? A: Yes -- Afro Deli is vegan-friendly with several plant-based items. The vegan falafel wrap is the standout: crispy chickpea fritters with tahini and house-made hot sauce. The vegetable sambusa and lentil soup are also vegan. Ask your server to confirm dairy-free modifications on coffee drinks. Q: What is the best thing to order at Afro Deli Minneapolis? A: The vegan falafel wrap is the must-order -- one of the best falafel wraps in Minneapolis at under $10. The vegetable sambusa (savory pastry) makes a great starter. For a full meal, pair lentil soup with the falafel wrap. Casual, fast, and filling. Q: Where is Afro Deli in Minneapolis? A: The Cedar-Riverside location is at 1810 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis (near West Bank, University of Minnesota, and Brian Coyle Community Center). Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 8pm, closed Sunday. Additional locations in downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other metro areas.