After nearly two years of silence, one of South Minneapolis’ most cherished restaurants is officially reopening. Tiny Diner, located at 1024 E. 38th Street, will welcome back guests starting Wednesday, June 26, with breakfast and brunch service from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
The sustainability-focused restaurant, part of Kim Bartmann’s Placemaker Hospitality group, has long been celebrated for its rooftop solar panels, rainwater irrigation, and fresh ingredients sourced from its on-site garden. Originally opened in 2014, Tiny Diner temporarily closed in 2023 due to financial challenges, with an initial plan to reopen after the slower winter season. However, the closure lasted longer than anticipated, and the building was even listed for sale in early 2024—though that listing has since been removed.
Now, thanks to persistent support from the local community including weekly emails from neighbors asking for a return—Tiny Diner is back. The gardens are being restored by landscape artist Koby Jeshkeit Hagen and will be maintained by Mary Hunter, formerly of Grand Café. Beehives are also set to return to the rooftop, further cementing the diner’s commitment to sustainability.
Tiny Diner also continued to serve the community during its closure, using the kitchen space to prepare meals for The Real Minneapolis, a local nonprofit. With the nonprofit moving operations to a nearby commissary, the diner is finally ready to return to public service.
Expect future announcements about pop-up dinners and evening service, but for now, brunch lovers can rejoice—Tiny Diner is back on the map in Minneapolis.
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