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Uncle Franky's
Categories: Restaurants Hot Dogs Restaurants Burgers Hot Dogs, Burgers [Edit]
728 Broadway St NEMinneapolis, MN 55413
Neighborhood: Northeast
(612) 455-2181
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 am - 7 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Uncle Franky's
Review Highlights
"Friendly service, scooby doo decor, and great food."
(in 6 reviews)
"I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND CHILI CHEESE FRIES ANYWHERE."
(in 3 reviews)
"The onion rings were excellent."
(in 3 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Patrick S.
Minneapolis, MN
1/5/2012
Hot dogs and brats. You can walk outside a super market and some boy scout will sell you one for cheaper. But despite its what they say is the thing to get here, the burgers are really what you want. A Windy City Burger doubled for 3.75 made by Gio (I've never seen someone work so hard and efficiently in an open kitchen like this guy) is what I need.
For the price and the flavor, it is the best burger in Minneapolis. -
Review from Sam M.
Circle Pines, MN
10/14/2011
Chicago dog and fries ... With a side of scooby doo. 5 stars
I hear the other food is good, but when i go there I can never pass up the Chicago dogs. -
Review from Andrea M.
8/23/2011
I drive by Uncle Franky's allllll the time and had never stopped in. Well, today I was damn ready to change that! Headed over with my mom and bro and was pleasantly surprised by the parking lot and outdoor seating that I hadn't noticed before.
After pouring over the many options on their chalkboard I decided on a hot dog (I mean, c'mon. It's called Uncle Franky's), my bro got a cheeseburger, and my mom had a chicken sandwich. Vegetarians we are not. The girl at the cash register was very sweet and patient despite our indecisiveness. She even gave us some helpful suggestions (get a large fry to share! It's plenty).
The dog was good but I wouldn't call myself a hot dog aficionado by any means. That being said, I didn't feel like I was chowing down on a tube of pink mystery meat which was a plus and the poppyseed bun was better than average. Ya know how sometimes you'll be eating a hot dog and the bun to dog ratio just sucks? Not here. The BBQ sauce was different than anything I've tasted before. Can't say I was a fan but that's what I get for pouring it all over my lunch instead of trying it first :). The cheeseburger was alright. Greasy. I've had better BUT for the price it was decent and my picky brother was satisfied.
Crinkle fries. Let me talk for a moment about crinkle fries. I don't like 'em...usually. Maybe I'm being fry-ist by saying that based solely on the shape but give me waffle fries or plain, straight ones any day over those crinkly disasters. Uncle Franky's is the exception. They're thicker and not loaded with salt. Awesome. Let me decide for myself how dehydrated I would like my mouth to feel. The pop is fountain and from a local supplier. I don't drink pop...ever...but I was sneaking sips of the cola and root beer that the mom and bro had ordered.
One last thing then I swear I'm done. Usually after I eat a hot dog I feel kinda shitty. But it's worth it cause from time to time, I just want a freakin' hot dog. I felt great after eating this one and that says a lot.
I'll definitely be back to try their juicy juicy and philly cheesesteak!Listed in: Won't You Be My Neighbor
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Review from Tyson B.
Saint Louis, MO
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had the Windy City burger with crinkle fries and my brother had the Juicy Juicy burger with onion rings.
The Windy City burgers was delicious. I would definitely get it again. The crinkle fries were above average.
The Juicy Juicy was exceptionally good. It was the second time my brother had eaten it. The onion rings were slightly over done, but still tasty.
I am getting a Philly Cheesesteak to go. Based how it looks, I will finish with a smile on my face. -
Review from Derrick R.
Minneapolis, MN
2/7/2012
I saw a guy Eating while cooking food that's nasty he's lucky he don't work at my Restaurant he would been Fired on the spot
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Review from Mon P.
Minneapolis, MN
OMG .. can this Italian Beef Sandwich be any bigger? Seriously, this thing is huge. It equals two meals for me and for only 5.95!!! I opted for the hot peppers, and it was dang spicy! but very good and very flavorful addition to that big pile of Italian beef.
I need to come back for the dogs real soon.Listed in: Northeast
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Review from Ken R.
Minneapolis, MN
11/15/2011
Great Chicago food that has made this transplanted Chicagoan happy when in need of comfort food.
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Review from Sonja D.
I think it's all been said before, but this made to order small hotdog/burger/sandwich place hits the spot when you are craving some greasy food. The relish is neon green and the burgers are amazingly melty with american cheese. I've been in here twice and each time it wasn't very busy at all, was a hot day, the staff was friendly, and the food was delicious. We tried the chicago dog today and I was a fan! except I took the tomato off because it was a little too smooshy for my taste. We got an order of onion rings and they weren't anything special but good fried food and not too much to overwhelm you.
Next time I'll try a sandwich based on all the other yelpers suggestions! mm i'm craving another hot dog now. -
Review from Michael F.
Minneapolis, MN
7/16/2011
It is just shy of 90 degrees today, and I could think of nothing better than a chili dog and a chocolate malt.
Uncle Franky's was the perfect venue. The older guy (owner?) wasn't there today, but in his stead was a chipper young lady taking orders and pouring drinks. The staff is always friendly.
Food arrived with the usual made-to order delay, with the final additions (in my case, mustard and onions) made at my discretion by the cook. Buns are steamed and can survive being smothered in cheese and chili without disintegrating, the Vienna beef dogs have that nice 'snap' to them when you take a bite. Just honest authentic dogs.
My chocolate malt had a few tiny chunks were the malt powder didn't quite commingle with the ice cream but was otherwise fantastic.
I do need to branch out into the sandwich menu, and will update this review next time around. Probably won't be more than a week or two, I crave Franky's with an alarming frequency. -
Review from Adam S.
Of the chicago style eateries in Minneapolis, this is my favorite. Their Philly is one of the better ones in the twin cities, I recommend it with hot peppers. Their dogs are good too, they use vienna beef and have a variety of options.
Fries are crinkle cut, they're not my favorite, but pretty solid.
They have strawberry and other different flavors of soda on tap. Friendly service, scooby doo decor, and great food. -
Review from Larry M.
St Paul, MN
7/25/2011
Now your'e talking dogs man! Great service but output is slow and the wait can be a little long. Prices are pretty good for the value.
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Review from Sarah K.
St Paul, MN
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
A hot-dog place, huh? I had never heard of it before.....oh man....
This place is awesome. You walk in and all of their food is on a chalk board on the wall in front of you. Ben and Jerry is playing on the big screen TV in the corner, and the owner comes up and takes your order whilst beginning a great conversation with you.
This guy is SO nice! He found out we were from NY and recommended some dishes for us; I got a brat with sauerkraut, onions and mustard, and the boyfriend and I split an order of chili cheese fries. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND CHILI CHEESE FRIES ANYWHERE!!! Score!
Can't remember which dog the boyfriend ordered, but he was also equally pleased. I also got a chocolate malt, which was HUGE, btw. This is not the place to go if you're counting calories, but it is the place to go if you want delicious food and great service.
Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Bryan T.
Hemet, CA
9/1/2011
If you go in knowing it's a greasy burger joint, you won't be disappointed. But in a good way. I like their chicago burger and their shakes and it's always one of my stops whenever I'm visiting Minneapolis due to its great price, atmosphere and taste.
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Review from j p.
Saint Paul, MN
10/16/2010
I actually met the owner and his wife at a dinner party chock-full of fellow liberals, and was charmed by him despite his being Republican. Do not hold this against Uncle Franky's because it is the nearest thing to real Chicago that we have available in Minnesota. The food is EXACTLY what it should be, the shakes are bad for you and delicious, the place stinks of grease, and there is always chatter goin' on. Plus, as I said, the owner is a charming mofo, and it seems to filter down to the staff, who are always cheerful and appropriately disrespectful. Not to mention the Chank on the walls.
I am unabashedly critical of those who purport to purvey "Chicago" food; I know that is because I have too much nostalgia for it, and for too long it was nearly unavailable here in the Cities (except for the Wienery.) We now have a few more options, but no one is in the same league as Uncle Franky's. I wish, wish, WISH I could get a beef after bar close, but I know how labor cost works. But that, and having a location in St Paul, would make it perfect.
By the way, the "all-the-dogs-you-can-eat for $10" thing is like a free hooker. Too good to be true. I embarrassed myself at 6 dogs, both for going that far, and for not making it to 10. Like I need a deal like that anyway. Still, it's nice to know it's out there. -
Review from Bee K.
Minneapolis, MN
7/29/2011
i've lived within a 10-block radius of this place for years, between 3 different homes. it's fucking awesome. it is your standard greasy burger joint and the service rules. as many have mentioned, the owner (uncle franky? jk) is super nice and always gives me a soda "on the house" and is just the friendliest dude ever.
i'm fond of the salmon burger, but i am dying to try their new "juicy juicy" burger... yes, it's "juicy lucy" style with pepperjack cheese and onions inside. mmmmmmmmm.
to be perfectly honest, the food isn't all that phenomenal, and i'm pretty sure 99% of everything is frozen, but there are some definite hits on the menu and you can't go wrong with one of their shakes and a hot dog of any variety (i prefer the chili cheese myself).
there is scooby doo memorabilia all over the place but the most epic thing in the place is the framed, hand-drawn chicago skyline by the one and only wesley willis hanging on the wall. i love uncle franky's and so cherish it as a NE gem! -
Review from Jess L.
8/13/2010 1 photo
Went w the boyfriend to uncle franky's for the CONvergence meet up tonight. Due to the heat, I wasn't all that hungry - no unlimited dogs for $10 for this girl! Sadly, I found myself not even hungry for a hot dog at all, so I had a crispy chicken sammich instead. The boyfriend had a double cheeseburger and fries.
I was really impressed w the speed and quality of the food. the guy working the mini kitchen was able to keep up beautifully with the sudden influx of [I'm guessing] unexpected Monday night business.
Since I live about two blocks away, I can't wait to get in when my appetite is back and I'm up for hot dogs. The place is kitschy (hodang, they have a LOT of Scooby Doo stuff...) and cute, and I'm sure, bound to become a close to home favorite. -
Review from Matt C.
Minneapolis, MN
11/14/2008 1 photo
4.5 stars is fitting for this place. 5 would put it in the rarefied air of Hot Doug's in Chicago, and this is not that.
As far as a Minneapolis hot dog joint goes, this gets my Chicagoan thumbs up . Prices are slightly lower than Chris and Rob's and you get more food. Classic Chicago dogs are the way to go, though they overloaded mine with relish.
As much character as you could ask from a quality hot dog stand.
I hope to be back many, many times. -
Review from Victor M.
Saint Paul, MN
7/16/2011
We were hungry and stopped here after art a whirl .. The place was decorated in lots of scoobie do memorabilia that costumers have been leaving throughout the years. The burgers were epic and the malts were veryyyyyyyy good. The service was very fast and friendly. The onion rings were excellent,
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Review from Dan S.
11/25/2008
I've been to both locations, NE and Plymouth. The NE location is a dive. The heat doesn't work, its dirty, and its delicious. I prefer the convenience and feel of the NE location, but they do not serve the Philly sandwich there and they are closed at random times. The Plymouth location off of 55 and 169 is new and in a strip mall. It has a much larger dining area. The guys that work at the Plymouth location will insult you, particuarly if you aren't sure what you want or you dont order right. It's kind of like in Philly, but they aren't really mean, they are just trying to give you an authentic big city insult.
I've had the New York sandwich, the Philly, the Chicago Italian Beef and the Chicago Dogs. Its all dirt cheap and the best all around sandwich shop in the city. The fries are decent too. It isn't the best New York or Chicago sandwich place, but it's close, and it serves all styles, so its good if your going with a group of guys that likes different types of sandwiches.
I think that Franky's makes the best Philly sandwich in the State of Minnesota. It is the closest thing to a real steak sandwich. You can get a legitimate "wiz wit" at Uncle Frankys. -
Review from Annie W.
Minneapolis, MN
1/5/2009
Mmm my love for phallic meats knows no bounds. I love hot dogs, brats, sausages, etc...When Hot Dog on a Stick shut its doors in MOA I literally fell to my knees and cried out "WHY JESUS WHY?!
Though Uncle Franky's is not a sub for Hot Dog on a Stick, it garners four stars for being cheap, kind of dingy, and four blocks away from me. Amazingly the first time I went I didn't get a hot dog, but a hamburger. My friend got the corn dog kids meal which is the best deal on the menu. A full sized corn dog, a handful of fries, and a soda for like $3.25. -
Review from Tom T.
Minneapolis, MN
6/21/2011
A must try when in NE
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Review from Corey C.
St Paul, MN
7/25/2009
The hot dog was the best hot dog I've ever had that I didn't make myself.
That being said, the only other places I can think of that serve a hot dog would be A&W, DQ, Sonics, and Hardees that being said, Uncle Franky's doesn't have much competition.
Anyway, the Chicago style dog was good with a big heep of fries. It was good for the price, but it tasted like EVERYTHING was prepackaged and frozen.
My girlfriend had the chicken patty which was no better then Mc. Donalds...maybe just less grease?
Service was great!!!
Would I go back? Maybe if someone wanted to go, but there are far better places to stuff your face in that area. -
Review from Eric D.
Minneapolis, MN
3/30/2011
I've been thinking about Uncle Franky's in Nordeast all week...memories of summer last year when I took my then 2 year old there for a hot dog after a romp in the park nearby. The hot dogs are delicious; the atmosphere is so authentic. Scooby Doo toys line the wall. I don't think you're supposed to play with them, but they let my son anyway. I'm a SW Minneapolitan, but it's worth the journey.
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Review from Tim S.
Savage, MN
5/6/2009
Just went there for lunch. Wow. It was pretty awesome.
I walked in and was immediately greeted by a very happy and upbeat staff. I ordered a double chili cheese burger. And it might have been the best burger I've ever jammed down my gullet.
I am going to have to go back a few more times before I can 100% accurately rate the establishment as a whole, but so far so good.
I would call myself lucky to work a mere 1.1 miles from Uncle Franky's. He might just be my new favorite uncle. -
Review from Derek J.
Minneapolis, MN
9/1/2009
My arteries! They ache!
The dogs here are great! Flavorful, lovingly prepared, and the help is very friendly and approachable.
I had the best Philly I've had in the Twin Cities here. The dogs are without compare.
Also, their no-name soda (specifically grape) is to die for!
One bad note: They have an old big-screen tv in there that needs to be put out to pasture. I think if they replaced that thing, and got themselves a better sign out front (or maybe painted the side of the building with a hot-dog themed mural), the place would really kick! -
Review from Shaun M.
Minneapolis, MN
7/18/2009
Two words: chili dogs.
All of us at the small business I work for, which used to be located down the street, would put our orders in twice a week at Uncle Franky's. A big hit!
I'm not a hot dog aficionado by any stretch of the imagination but I can say they are delicious. Haven't really explored the remainder of the menu since leaving the area though. -
Review from Kevin B.
Dakota, MN
11/21/2009
Fellow Chicago natives, take note: go to Uncle Franky's for your dogs.
Yes, you probably already know by now that Minnesota hates hot dogs and sausage. But Uncle Franky's and a handful of other spots are changing things. Grocery stores that produce their own are almost all terrible, but you can get Vienna Beef at Kowalskis and of course at Cecil's Deli in St. Paul.
By the way, the dogs at Target are Vienna Beef too. -
Review from Breanne K.
Minneapolis, MN
12/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
Finally! After attempting to go here several times (they were never open on Sunday at any time I could make it apparently), I have finally made it. Just a tip, they are open till 8 Monday through Saturday and only say Open Sunday, no exact time given.
Windy City Burger! Got the double, and it was huge. Topped with onions, pickles, relish, peppers. Do not eat this if you care about the person who came with you to UF's. Your breath will be toxic! In a good way though. This burger was delicious. Their chocolate shake was yummy. Their onion rings were crispy. Plus they are all so friendly here... Love this place! -
Review from Jeffery G.
Minneapolis, MN
3/30/2011
If you can't get to Chicago, Uncle Franky's is the best the Twin Cities has to offer! Fresh locally baked buns and great meats, UF hits the spot! Great Vienna Beef hot dog!
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Review from Joseph W.
11/12/2010
This place is very much like a lunch counter. Of course it is more popular than is healthy for such a thing, so be prepared to wait for 10-15 minutes for food during the lunch rush. It is a good deli, but I think the main reason it's so popular is that there's an acute shortage of this sort of thing in the Twin Cities. So while I'm giving this four stars as it deserves them... for the Twin Cities it's a five star greasy sandwich joint.
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Review from Lily F.
Minneapolis, MN
2/18/2011
Totally casual, great food, good place to bring kids. I'm a fan.
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Review from Joyce L.
Fullerton, CA
6/6/2010
Fellow Chicago transplants rejoice! Well, cautiously. We had lunch here the other day and were pleasantly surprised by all the Chicago culinary offerings. I had to try the Italian beef. For the most part, it was quite good--bread: great, beef: mostly thinly sliced with an occasional oddity of thick sliced pieces (strange!), and the gardiniera: great. So overall, a good place to get a beef.
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Review from Dan S.
Minneapolis, MN
8/13/2008
Generous portions, check. Big menu, check. Hot hot hot peppers, check. Wesley Willis drawing on the wall, check. Recommended.
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Review from Andy G.
Minneapolis, MN
11/13/2007 11 Check-ins Here
Awesome Chicago takeout! The Chicago dogs are fantastic and they also make a great Italian Beef and Sausage.
Listed in: Nordeast, Top Restaurants
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Review from Leif B.
Champlin, MN
12/28/2009
Uncle Franky's does great Chicago Dogs and fries. They don't skimp on the fries and the Dogs are dressed right. They might do other things well too, I just don't know because I always go for the dog. Real Vienna beef, green relish, pickle, hot peppers, salted roll, mustard and onions (I add ketchup and I don't care if you got a problem with that) all hot and delicious. Might have to go get me one tomorrow.
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Review from Terry M.
Saint Paul, MN
7/3/2010
Excellent food. Made with heart and flare.
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Review from Summer C.
Sauk Rapids, MN
3/17/2007
This place is wonderful! A very odd Scooby Doo obsession is had by the owner, but the "Krispy Chicken" sandwich is great.
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Review from Sondra M.
Davis, CA
11/28/2009
LOVE LOVE their Chicago dogs - amazing. Their fries are really good, too. I had a shake once that wasn't that great, but honestly, I wouldn't be hungry enough for it anyway. I'd give it 5 stars, except for the fact that they don't have Coke products, they have some locally made pop line. Some people are probably into that, but me, I'm a Coke girl.
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Review from Jared M.
Minneapolis, MN
9/12/2009
Just ate at Frankie's for my first time. I ordered a motown chili burger per my friends suggestion with a chocolate shake and an order of fries. There were 2 employees, the cook and a host. Both were very ftiendly. The food was amazing I will definitely be coming back!
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Review from Chris W.
1/31/2009 2 photos
I had never thought it possible, real Italian Beef outside the Greater Chicago Area. I am guessing like the Giardiniera and sweet peppers the beef and gravy might be imports purchased in bulk. The rolls are authentic with a high gluten content allowing the bun to absorb a decent amount of gravy before liquefying. I ordered mine dipped with sweet peppers. Tilting the basket revealed that the sandwich was basically floating in gravy. The thinly sliced beef was perfectly cut, good beef, the peppers were fantastic, the gravy superb. This place is a dive, I don't know their is any other word to describe it but, it actually added to the experience in a positive way. The menu looked quite varied with all my favorites from Philly Beef to Chicago Dogs but, if I am driving to North Minneapolis I am going to order the Italian Beef every time. The cashier was both witty, mildly insulting, and mildly nice all rolled into. No fresh brewed iced tea typically a -1 star right off the bat but, were talking authentic Italian Beef in Minnesota which is an automatic 5 stars and it's not one of those Green Mill fraud sandwiches that Green Mill tried to sell a couple years ago as an Italian Beef. We then moved to the counter waiting for the cook with an Ecuadorian accent to barrage us with a series of fast questions followed quickly by our food, 'dipped sweet' were the only two words I had to say. We sat by the back door just in case a volley of gunfire erupted we could return fire taking cover behind the counter as we egressed out the back door. After doing the gravy float test I grabbed a knife and fork and dug in, I was in beef nirvana I don't know how much time passed or what happened in between. The two things I recall were dropping my knife on the floor and we agreed the 10 second rule should be dropped to a quarter second allowing for no chance of retrieving it before it was dirty. The other was watching the cook place several slices of bacon into the deep fryer in preparation for a bacon cheese burger. When I took a photo of the sandwich the cook smiled with a friendly grin thinking +1 reviews. My brother found out the owner/creator now mostly works at the Plymouth location while interrogating the cashier. We arrived at about 1:25 on a Friday, it must have been 1:45 and people were still flying through the place. I don't know what this place is at the Noon hour but, it's probably not very pretty. I should have gotten a shot of the interior and the menu but, I got caught up in beef nirvana. I drove my brother paid and provided security, I don't have a clue how much lunch was(other than the prior dirt cheap comments and don't believe he paid more than $15 for both lunches). My beef was accompanied by root beer.
