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Broders' Pasta BarA-Worth Trying

Name: Broders' Pasta Bar
Address: 5000 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419, Minneapolis, United States
Rating: 4.7

5000 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419 · Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (1781 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Beloved neighborhood pasta bar with house-made noodles, lively service, and a walk-in only policy that can mean long waits; prices are premium but most diners feel the quality delivers.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Broders' Pasta Bar delivers exceptional house-made pasta and sauces with attentive, knowledgeable service that earns its A-grade standing among neighborhood Italian destinations. Reliable execution and strong customer loyalty reinforce its reputation, though the walk-in-only policy, tight seating, and premium pricing prevent it from reaching grade A territory—it excels as a beloved local favorite rather than a transcendent dining experience.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, a compact neighborhood spot where the open kitchen keeps things lively and the bar is a comfortable perch. Guests describe attentive, upbeat servers and little touches like a hearty bread basket. One diner said the experience was "worth waiting out the line," a nod to the walk-in only policy that can create a buzz on weeknights and weekends alike. On the plate, the cooking leans elevated traditional: house-made pastas, slow-braised sauces, and a few chef-y flourishes like truffle cream or rabbit. The short rib paccheri, spaghetti and meatballs, and tiramisu are crowd favorites, while vegetarian and even vegan-marked options make it easy for mixed groups. Portions are moderate, so sharing antipasti and a couple of pastas is a smart way to sample without overdoing it. Families do fine here thanks to familiar pastas like spaghetti, alfredo, and cacio e pepe, plus that bread basket kids love. One review grumbled about a kids spaghetti value, but the menu overall offers accessible choices. If your crew is hungry and timing is tight, arrive early; waits can be long and the dining room is cozy.

At a Glance

House-made pasta with standout classics like short rib paccheri
Lively neighborhood vibe with friendly, knowledgeable service
Walk-in only; expect 30-90 minute waits at peak
Premium pricing and moderate portions
Parking lot fills early; plan for street parking

What Sets It Apart

house_made_pasta_focus
walk_in_only_energy
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What People Love

Silky house-made noodles
Rich, slow-cooked sauces
Welcoming staff who guide pairings
Cozy, neighborhood buzz
Desserts that finish strong, especially tiramisu

Points of Concern

Walk-in system can mean 60-90 minute waits; front-desk communication sometimes inconsistent
A few reports of undercooked pasta or bland seasoning amid largely positive feedback
Prices have risen; wine pours and dessert pricing feel premium to some
Isolated complaint about foodborne illness without broad corroboration; monitor if sensitive

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$48-62 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Burrata ($17) or Arancini ($15) to share, then split a richer pasta (Paccheri con Stracotto $28.5) and a brighter one (Spaghetti al Limone $21.5).
End with Tiramisu ($12) or Bestia Nera ($12) for a gluten-free dessert option.

Perfect For

Casual date night over pasta and wine
Weeknight drop-in when you can arrive early
Out-of-town friends who love classic Italian
Solo bar-seat pasta fix

Location Insights

Area: Leafy southwest Minneapolis residential corridor with neighborhood dining and relaxed, upscale-casual vibe.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, regular foot traffic from locals.

Nearby: Across from Broders' market/deli; near small shops and residential streets; draws date nights and families.

Linden HillsLinden Hills is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. The dining scene here is characterized by cozy, neighborhood-focused restaurants and cafes that emphasize quality and local ingredients. It offers a relaxed and welcoming social atmosphere, popular for casual dining and weekend brunches.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:30 Saturday11:00–21:30 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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