I am accompanying our son on a dawn to dusk trip to look at the university for his last 2 years of an engineering 3/2 degree. Mostly we'll be hanging on the main campus. "His" building is just off the main quad and quite near "dinkytown".

Two questions:
1. Best way [a ratio between easy and not too expensive] to the university -- I am assuming taxi -- the question is what's the best way on the way back [see 2nd question]

2. Place for an early dinner. Our flight leaves at 7pm -- should we just grab something in Dinkytown, then cab it to Wold-Chamberlain -- or is there passable food in the Lindbergh Terminal at the airport?

Anyone?

Yes, a cab may be your most convenient option, but I don't know what the fares are from the airport to the University. For what it's worth, it's just about all going to be freeway travel. In the terminal, there are a few options including Chili's (between the F and G concourses) and TGI Fridays (well down the C concourse). There are a couple more, but they're not coming into my head right now because I rarely eat there. All of the services are inside security, so once you're there, you should be able to get to your gate pretty quickly.

I'm only slightly familiar with Dinkytown - have been there only a few times and that was several years ago. But here goes:

Dinkytown has the typical establishments that serve college students: fast food; burger, sandwich and pizza places. I serched the U of MN website and here's the link to the page that lists food places near the U of MN campus: http://www.hep.umn.edu/dpf96/localfood.html

Of all the places on the list, I am only really familiar with one - Grandma's. Grandma's is a local casual dining restaurant chain. It actually started in Duluth, MN. They have pretty good burgers, huge salads and are also known for their pasta. Grandma's is at 7-Corners, which may or may not be walkable depending on the weather when you are here.

Yes, a taxi is probably the best way to get to the U of MN campus from the airport. I would be more concerned with getting BACK to the airport. Taxis and/or taxi stands are probably few and far between in Dinkytown. There may be a bus choice, but I don't know what it is. You will probably have to call for a taxi, or arrange in advance for the taxi who takes you to the campus to pick you up that afternoon also. Personally, I would just make sure that you get to the airport in plenty of time for your 7PM flight and eat dinner there. The MSP airport has MANY food options, including a few sit down options like Chilis Too. Here's the link to the MSP airport website: http://www.mspairport.com/MSP/

Eat at Annie's Parlour on 14th right in Dinkytown next to campus. Burgers, malts, great skin-on fries. Call a cab to go back to the airport. If you get pressed for time there are places at the airport as other posters have said.

Good suggestions. If you end up at Grandma's, you should have an easy time getting cab because the Holiday Inn Metrodome is adjacent. Just be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to return, as Marie points out.

What does 3/2 engineering degree mean? My husband was/is a petroleum engineer in the "fossil" age. Sons are recent chemical engineers. None of us know what a 3/2 degree is...Please excuse the curiosity.

Skip the food at the airport. Overpriced franchise food. In Dinkytown there is a very good Chinese spot (I think it's called Sheung). You've got to check out Al's which is a great place for breakfast. But, it's extremely small (maybe 15 stools)!
Grandma's and most of the other restaurants are geared to the college crowd so, set your expectations accordingly.

Your only a mile or two from Downtown Mpls. where you have a wider choice of places.

Sharon-
Another Dinkytown option- Loring Pasta Bar. Reasonably priced, in a restored building, good atmosphere. Food is good value for the money.
http://www.loringcafe.com/pastabar/

Taxis to and from the airport should be around $35-$40. I would just ask the restaurant to call you a cab about 30 minutes before you are ready to leave.

Good luck!
Jane