Mickey’s Diner is reopening after being closed for more than four years

An iconic St. Paul restaurant that began serving food eight decades ago is reopening after more than four years of closure.

According to its neighbor, the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Mickey’s Diner turned back its lights Thursday morning for a soft reopening.

Welcome back, Mickey’s Diner! Our iconic neighbor has long been closed. But this morning the “OPEN” sign was turned on for a soft reopening. Breakfast is served! pic.twitter.com/7oFka8w1Ap

— MN Children’s Museum (@MNChildMuseum) October 3, 2024

The main downtown dining car was closed during the pandemic, but in 2021 a fundraiser raised more than $70,000 to help owners replace the heating and cooling system.

Long-time customers have been waiting for this day.

“Every time I came, my taste buds just had a little party, a celebration. It was like heaven in my mouth,” said customer Angela Houston. “The food was always perfectly prepared, the consistency was balanced, everything. It was just beautiful.”

A grand opening date has not yet been set. The restaurant will have fixed opening times in the future, instead of being open around the clock as before.