The DePaulia

Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Gracie Casella Minnies, on Halsted, specializes in miniature meals.

Minnies is a cute little retro diner that has been in business for three years, located at 1969 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park. Their black-and-white tiled floors and long counter with bright red bar chairs makes you feel as if you stepped back in the past. The name Minnies says it all, too, with everything on the menu from sandwiches to beers being miniature.

The concept of Minnies came about when creator Jonathan Segal was served miniature cheeseburgers by his mother at his sixth birthday party. Segal thought it would be fun and more desirable to enjoy favorite sandwiches in smaller portions and with more variety, which is when Minnies was created.

While at Minnies you can sit at the long counter, dine at a table in the restaurant or get takeout through the 24-hour walk-up window. Lincoln Park is currently the only location of a Minnies, but one of the restaurant's managers, Adam Sarrore said there have been talks to expand the restaurant to other locations, but no final plans currently.

Sarrore, who has worked at Minnies for two years, has noticed that the bad economy has definitely had an effect on the restaurant. "Since the economy has taken a turn, we have noticed that less customers have been dining here than usual. We are also in our slow season, which isn't help¬ing out much," Sarroe explained. Minnies has not been hiring new staff due to the economic troubles either.

"We have had to make a lot of shift changes so we can give everyone equal time. Because we have less customers than usual, we have to make sure we divide our busy times up evenly so our staff can make equal pay," Sarroe stated.

Regardless of economic trouble, Minnies is a hot spot for DePaul University students. In fact, Minnies offers a special deal for DePaul students. Students can go on the Minnies website and print off a coupon for $2 off your next purchase of $10 or more if they show their DePaul student ID. "We have a lot of DePaul students who come to Minnies, especially hit¬ting up our 24-hour take out window after a night out at the local bars," said Sarroe.

"I loved the concept of Minnies restaurant, especially when I can't decide what to order and I can order any three sandwiches I want, which always leaves me satisfied," said Sheila Peyton, a student at DePaul. "Even the restaurant itself is mini, which on crowded days can lead to longer waits, but it is worth it."

The menu at this restaurant has items such as bite sized peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mini pizzas and skinny mini salads. Ranging on the slightly expensive side, you can mix and match any three minis for $8.75, six for $16.50 or 12 for $32.50. The mini burgers still remain the most popular item on the menu. Minnies even delivers from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. every day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Minnies' environment appeals to all ages, from children with its cute diner feel to adults with its full bar and two large television screens. It also appeals to the United States' first family, as Michelle Obama brought her two daughters to grab a bite at Minnies in December.

One thing is for sure: Minnies' fan base is not so mini.

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