Welcome to West Bank Grocery
**Our Story**
Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis at 417 Cedar Ave, West Bank Grocery is a beloved gem that transcends traditional convenience store offerings. A unique blend of Middle Eastern, American, and East African flavors awaits you here. Specialties like the sambusa, a spicy beef-filled delicacy, are crowd favorites, alongside hearty dishes such as rice and goat meat. Customers rave about the impossibly friendly service and delightful desserts, including the rich tres leches cake. Whether you're grabbing a late-night snack or a delicious meal before a show, West Bank Grocery invites you to explore its diverse menu and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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417 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454 Hotline: (612) 338-2720
Welcome to West Bank Grocery, a gem nestled at 417 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454. This unassuming convenience store is a delightful fusion of flavors, where East African, Middle Eastern, and American culinary traditions harmoniously coexist. It's more than just a grocery stop—it's a vibrant community hub that caters to the cravings of locals and visitors alike.
The owner, renowned for his warmth and hospitality, creates an inviting atmosphere that makes every visit special. The deli counter boasts a tantalizing menu featuring Sambusa for just $2.00, seasoned beef wrapped in a crispy shell that many patrons hail as the best in the city. Coupled with other offerings like Waffle Fries ($3.99) and delectable Fried Cheese Curds ($5.99), there's a hearty bite waiting for everyone.
Specials are a stand-out feature, including:
- Rice and Chicken BBQ - Tender chicken quarters marinated in BBQ mix served over fluffy basmati rice for $12.00.
- Rice and Goat Meat - Flavorful spices elevate slowly cooked goat, also priced at $12.00.
- Rice and Steak - Savory Somali steak served alongside basmati rice for just $12.00.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert selection is not to be missed. Indulge in the heavenly Tiramisu Ladyfingers soaked in espresso with mascarpone cheese for $3.99, or treat yourself to a slice of Tres Leche Mexican milk cake, also available at $3.99. These delectable desserts are sure to hit the spot no matter what your cravings may be.
Customers rave about the exceptional value and quality of the food, with one patron enthusiastically exclaiming that their meal was "two meals worth of food" at an incredibly low price. Whether you're in the area for a show or just seeking a late-night snack, West Bank Grocery's made-to-order meals deliver on taste and affordability.
As you navigate through the store, you'll discover a wide array of household essentials, snacks, and imported goods, ensuring that your grocery needs are met. This convenience store is a treasure trove of culinary delights, where friendly staff greet you with a smile, making you feel right at home.
In a world filled with fast-food joints and chain establishments, West Bank Grocery stands out as a beacon of unique flavors, heartwarming service, and local charm. Whether you're a West Banker or a visitor, make sure this culinary stop is on your list. You'll leave with a full belly and a smile, eager for your next visit.
I love this place- I am a west-banker, and frequently across the street from here. I especially like the deli: Their menu combines Middle Eastern, American, and African eats into one awesome little hole-in-the-wall. Their sambusa is the best $1.50 you can spend (buy two or three, though). Kay kay chicken is better with sour cream and lettuce for some reason, yes. Get those on it if he offers to drown it on (and hot sauce on the side!). Decent gyro, and burger. Excellent fries. Have yet to try the wings. I almost hate that I'm doing this, but they have great prices on smokes (I quit recently). Basic convenience store stuff, with an interesting assortment of imported goods (I saw henna here!). The man who manages the store has the patience of a Saint, and I tell him this everytime I stop in; He is extremely friendly, and puts up with a lot from people. If you're in the neighborhood for a show, need cash from a machine, Have a sweet tooth (THEIR DESSERTS IN THE CASE ARE RIDICULOUS) want grub before or after Palmer's, The Cedar, and usually hit up the Acadia or any other establishment? Give this place a shot instead.
While I lived on the west bank, this was always my go-to for late night snacks and for other various grocerying needs... They have EVERYTHING, from cereal to ready to eat foods, some vegetables and fresh fruit as well. You will sure be distracted by the large and varied selection of tempting chips, chocolate, and other snacky stuff when you go late at night, as I were... :) Also, the owner is SO nice, so I used to love going here when I lived in the area.
All of the previous reviews were on point. I really like this store. I don't have much money and the prices were great for me. The chef is a really chill and nice guy. It's open real late which is great for me. There zambusas are the best I've had and a lot bigger than some african run places. You must try it! Also, the staff are 10 times more friendly than I'd expected given its a convience store. I would recommend to those on the west bank looking from some snacks.
This isn't just a convenience store--it has a deli where you can get cheap, hearty Somali and greasy American food! I got a gyro and fries there and it cost about $7.50 and was literally two meals worth of food. It came with about a pound of delicious fries and an enormous, tasty gyro, and seriously no human should eat it all in one sitting. I have this friend Brett who eats a lot, and even Brett shouldn't eat the whole thing. Seriously, you will endanger yourself. Once in the morning I had excellent Somali tea and fresh sambusa, but another time in the afternoon the sambusa was sitting out and they heated it up in the microwave and it was... not good. So watch out for that. Otherwise, it's pretty much a standard convenience store. If you're uncomfortable with people speaking a language other than English around you, a) go somewhere else, and b) SHUT UP. I have never felt unsafe or disrespected here, and the staff is always incredibly friendly. Go back to stormfront and miss out on gyros.
Money. We were in a hurry to see a show and the deli delivered! Trad gyro is the way.
In the West Bank area for a show or night of drinking? This little convenience store may look like a place to walk on by...but the made-to-order Somali food smells very good. I have only had the fries on a Zombie Pub Crawl in 2010, but they were fresh, good, and cheap. Other visits we've had have been for bagged snacks and a pop. The cashier is very friendly, and there appears to be a fair amount of foot traffic through here. Certainly a nice little break from the restaurants and clubs nearby on a Friday or Saturday night.
Kind of dingy in there, but the guy behind the counter is always friendly. Every time we go in, he's been surprisingly nice for a guy who works at a convenience store. They're open pretty late, so if you're out drinking in the Cedar-Riverside area, this is the place to go for gatorade and cigarettes. They also sell homemade Somali treats like sambusa, which are like samosa or empanadas. Spicy, beef-filled balls of goodness. My friend Joe bought one for two bucks and was like "This is the best thing ever!" He ate the whole thing, too, which was kind of awesome since we had been eating all evening (pizza at Punch's, pierogies at Kramarczuk's, hummus platter at Arcadia's). Overall, a decent convenient store with friendly staff and interesting home-made goods.