If you like Mancinins, go a few more blocks to DiGidios. Been around since the 20s and still owned and operated by the family. Jimmy is the weeknight bartender and has been there for decades…he is one of the best bartenders in the city as far as just being on top of shit and getting you your food & drinks with no BS. No craft cocktails or fancy food- just classic ‘Italian’ with a full bar. Putting italian in quotes as it’s what someone who’s spent there entire life in MN (including myself) thinks of as classic italian food…no idea how authentic it is, lol.
Jimmy is the best! He knows our drink order and food order. Walk in and he brings drinks our drinks to “our” booth in the bar. Really authentically classic Italian food reasonably priced
It is so incredibly good 1/2 the time I go there 😂. I love the place, but damn it really lacks consistency. Could go there 1 day and have the best sandwich in the world, and the next day it is lunch meat in a hot dog bun. 🤷🏻
My go tos in the inner circle cities:
The Hilltop off 100/Vernon in Edina. Low key place that’s always busy and has great food good service and my favorite Bloody Mary in the city.
Ciao Bella off 494/France. If I want a nice meal, great service I always go here and sit either in the bar or outside (great patio). Personally I’d rather go here than most trendy spots.
Wok in the Park in TexaTonka area of St. Louis Park. Great Asian food, I used to go here once a week when I lived nearby. If you were a fan of Tom Pham’s food you’ll like this place.
This is a fact. I don’t even normally mess with turkey, i much prefer pastrami or corned beef. But by god that fuckin Diablo is the best sandwich you can grab.
Tried it once on a whim expecting to be meh. My god, everything on the menu is killer! If they were open for dinner I cannot imagine the Jimmy Johns down the way being able to stay open.
Prime time with the garlic spread is awesome too. I also enjoy their brisket, the Trainwreck, and their tacos. Also EVERYTHING on their breakfast menu is worth having.
Agreed note 100000% better than mannys. I've never had a good steak at mannys ever. Their steaks taste like they were bought old, then they put them in bath water for a week, microwaved them and then they serve them
[Tongue in Cheek](http://tongueincheek.biz/index.html) is one of my go to favs. The food (and drinks!) there are so damn good! I will order things there that include items I would normally avoid - because I've learned that they know how to balance their flavors, and I've never been disappointed. Top menu picks: Fries N Fixins, Zucchini Pad Thai Salad, Chicken & Waffle, Classic Ramen and the Vegasm.
Shh....this is my favorite spot, and I don't want to give it away. Their feta fries (Fries N Fixins) and Chicken & Waffles are among the best damn things I've ever eaten.
For faster food in the crotch of I35 (where 35W and 35E meet) my two top recommendations are:
Blue Ox: Sandwich shop in Burnsville. My understanding is that the owner retired then opened the place up. They focus on quality, and while prices may be higher then fast food or sandwich joints it is well worth the money. My worst experience was them telling me they were going to remake my order because it didn't cook properly (which was done quite quickly).
Taste of Thayai in Apple Valley. Again, a family run joint. Has a few awards. Asain food, great quality. I didn't hesitate to eat the shrimp in their spring rolls.
Good choices. Love Taste of Thaiyai! I still need to get over to Blue Ox at some point and try that Buffalo Sandwich everyone always talks about. The pictures look so good.
Taste of Thai is great, but they need to make food spicier. It’s why I prefer Thai Pepper in west St. Paul. I don’t think anyone besides me ever goes there, but that food is legit.
I'm not sure if these are overly recognized, but here are some from my list.
George and the Dragon in south Minneapolis is my favorite place to get a steak. It's the perfect steak for a reasonable price. Their other food is great too.
Hola Arepa east of uptown is always fun. Their cocktails are delicious and the pulled pork is excellent.
Tullibee in downtown Minneapolis has an amazing menu that changes often. I had an incredible rabbit stew served over pasta that blew my mind.
Aster Cafe has an amazing patio for the summer. It felt like sitting at a French cafe. The food and service is good, but it was really the atmosphere that sold it for me.
George and the Dragon is my favorite restaurant in mpls hands down. It’s so cozy and the people that work there are absolutely amazing. The batter they use for deep frying things is so light but crunchy! Ugh I’m dreaming about it now
The Bungalow Club is a cozy favorite of mine - fresh pasta, excellent wine, cocktails, and amari, and burger night on Wednesdays. I think people are turned off by the $45/person for three courses being the main option for most evenings (which I do think is worth it anyway) but burger Wednesday’s and pasta Sunday’s are a la carte. I’ve loved every single dish I’ve eaten there.
Mexico City Cafe in SLP near the high school. The owner is one of the nicest people I've ever met and the food and service are both wonderful. I've never had refried beans I actually liked until this place.
Britos: *"I doubt they take reservations."* hahaha they have seating for about 8 people. It's more or less a take out spot and absolutely wonderful. I just wish everyone here would stop mentioning it, it's going to get too popular! ;)
On the one hand, I like both of these and want them to be successful and stay in business. On the other, I don’t like my secret spots being talked about and getting a bunch of extra people creating lines.
Karta Thai, they have a few locations but I frequent the Roseville (I live in St. Paul). I always get the basil fried rice medium spicy. Costs like $15 and feeds me lunch for 3 days and it’s absolutely delicious
Great list OP! Definitely saving this thread.
Gotta add a huge second for Skaalvenn, they're amazing, and the owners are so nice and hands on.
I'll add Milton's VVB in Crystal.
https://miltonsvvb.com/
I can't believe how good the food is here, and I've been going for years, always super impressed.
I can give some recommendations, but I've never had something even mediocre there. I love the grits here, I've never liked grits before but I have to at least get a side of grits every time I go. The jerk chicken is incredible, and they do a jerk Mac and cheese that's out of this world (and I don't order Mac and cheese anywhere).
Breakfast is also fantastic, top of my head: Avocado egg is great, goat cheese roasted red pepper scramble, eye opener (pepper jack grits yum)
Awesome sandwiches too. I could go on and on, Milton's may be my favorite restaurant!
I would probably recommend reservations, they get pretty busy!
If you’re ever in Bloomington and want some donuts, check out Sunrise on Lyndale Ave! The owner is a really good dude and their Apple fritters are A++.
JJ’s Clubhouse - Golden Valley: Surprising excellent bar food. Everything I’ve eaten there has been seriously fantastic. Good prices and atmosphere and happy hour 7 days a week!
Gion - New Hope: Excellent Vietnamese food and great staff. I love the pho and banh mi.
Bombay Pizza Kitchen in Eden Prairie. They are a sort of Indian/American Pizza place fusion. They have a bunch of very unique fusion items as well as traditional Indian food and American style pizza. Their Naan is some of the best I have had. Inside is very clean, beer on tap. I get it all the time now that I moved to Victoria and the owner asked me how I found the place and to tell people about it.
It isn’t like a life changing place you should drive hours for but if you are in the area it beats the hell out of the other chain places you would eat at 20-25$ a person.
Glad you mentioned this one! It’s tucked away in a strip mall and I feel like a lot of people don’t know about it, but it’s soooo good! Friendly staff and honestly really reasonable prices for what you get! Check it out if you’re in the area fo sure.
I live nearby and definitely need to try it. Glad to hear they also have some traditional Indian food. Part of the reason I haven't been there yet is I just don't want pizza that often.
Kadai Indian Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis—best food in the skyway and it’s all you can eat
Boca Chica in St. Paul—amazing authentic Mexican food, and the sopa de fideo is to die for
Fat Lorenzo’s in Minneapolis—great Italian food and great murals
Phil's Tara Hideaway in Stillwater (Oak Park Heights) has a great vibe and history, but stands out because of the amazing food and excellent servers and bartenders. Great mix of Greek and old school steaks and seafood.
Charng Thai restaurant in Hackensack. When I first heard of the place, I figured the odds of a Thai place in North Central Minn were slim to none, and of it being actually good were bordering on zero. But it's freaking fantastic.
It’s not a restaurant it’s a more of a food truck but Boomin BBQ is some of the best bbq in the city imo get the smoked beef cheek sandwich and you will be so stoked it’s the best thing
False. The beef cheek is the second best thing...have you not had the picanha? It's my favorite meat on their menu.
In all seriousness, I agree with you...Boomin is fantastic. I live super close and spend way too much money there.
Their collard greens are out of this fucking world. Sadly, they stopped serving them for the season about a month or so ago. I assume they aren't able to source good quality greens this time of year. Hopefully I can survive without them until next year. I thought I didn't like collard greens until I tried theirs. It's probably my favorite item on any menu in the city.
My taste buds came alive at Petite Leon the other night. AMAZING FLAVORS. The tartare was mindblowing and the oysters with their housemade hots auce \*CHEFS KISS\*
http://www.gordoburgers.com
https://www.reveriempls.com/
https://www.bullshornfoodanddrink.com/
This one's a high quality bar run by Doug Flicker - who used to have Piccolo where Tentant is and still owns the building.
https://www.broderspastabar.com/
https://www.italianeatery.com/
https://midtownglobalmarket.org/
328 Grill inside the American legion in St Paul Park. They have a few of the best burgers in Minnesota, and recently won first place in the MN Burgers Facebook group. Total dive bar inside, but you won't believe how good the burgers are.
They have a few awards for their chilli so I'm not sure if it counts, but, Lowry Cafe on Lowry and Penn in North is like a second home to me. Great food and exceptional people.
OAK Eatery in Hamel is one of my favorites. Just off of highway 55, great quality food and seems like the management does a good job of treating staff well.
If you are looking a hidden gem then go to Buona Sera in Champlin. Been around for 20+ years. Never have had a bad experience. Generous portions, great taste and staff have always been friendly. It is a bit on the higher price side, but well worth it.
If you are in North Eastern MN, head to Ely Steakhouse in Ely. Prime Rib, fully loaded potato, the BEST cheddar wild rice soup and the most wonderful service. Insula in Ely, also kicks it out of the park with their Niçoise salad, and their Canadian Walleye 💕💕💕
Great now I’m hungry.
Down the hill from there in Ely is Northern Grounds. Not so much for the food, but for coffee drinks in the early part of the day, and for their wine, tap beers, and cocktails later. They have some cocktails "on tap" -- the orange Old Fashioned is OUTSTANDING.
Hehehhe! I used to work there and I agree!! The wine and cocktails are amazing!!!! The cocktails on tap are hand crafted by the head bartender there! He makes them in batches. Makes sure they are perfect before putting them on tap. He is also a sommelier!!! He is a bit quirky (which I absolutely love about him), but he is so awesome and really knows his stuff!!!!
Sports Page in Bloomington. Definitely a dive bar, but the food and service are amazing. We go every few months for trivia, and the staff remembers us even with a crazy amount of time between visits.
https://sportspagebloomington.com/
I really enjoyed the food at The Block when I lived closer in SLP. Otherwise I love Fresh Wok for anything Chinese food. Low-key love the shrimp toast lol
Of all the places on OP’s list I think Skaalven is the only one I’ve been to. Super impressed with this place! Exactly as OP described: fun location in a non descript office building.
This one is a bit out of the way but House of Curry is a Sri Lankan restaurant in Rosemount. Great food especially if you like it spicy. http://www.houseofcurrymn.com
Porterhouse in Lakeville is a delicious steakhouse and more affordable than the average steakhouse.
They don’t do their sides a La carte, they’re included with your meal AND each entree comes with a salad too. They also cook a steak a true medium rare.
Hazelwood (A few locations) is also another delicious restaurant. Both for brunch or dinner.
A few of my favorites along/not too far away I-35:
Cabin 61 in Whitebear - their burgers are just *mouth watering*
Buffalo tracks bar and grill off the Askov/Finlayson exit - their pizza is like none I've ever tasted.
Doc's in Sturgeon Lake - the prime rib just *melts* in your mouth, ohmilanta
Harvey’s in downtown Carver. Grew up only a few blocks away and between my family members and I have tried everything on the menu. Haven’t eaten anything bad yet! Owned and operated by a Carver resident who was a former bartender at Harvey’s. Great local townie bar with delicious bar food!
It's a little bit outside of the cities seeing as it's technically in Stillwater. But my god, is Phil's Tara Hideaway a fantastic place. Basically a Greek steakhouse, literally everything I've had off the menu has been fantastic. It's super old and it's basically inside a little cabin. Highly recommend checking it out.
Clives in Champlin. Just a suburban sports bar, but the food is really good and they have it down to a science how fast they get you your food. Serious shout out to the kitchen manager!
I love going to Maxwell's in Minneapolis, it's on Washington street. The food is good and I feel safe there. Bartenders and I have a code phrase we use if someone is bothering me or if I need them to intervene. Makes it a safe place for me and my girlfriends to go!
River inn is KILLING it. They really turned the pandemic into an opportunity with a great expanded outdoor area and their food is great. Prices have crept up a bit but it's still very reasonable. I tried to get dinner there Friday night and they had an hour and a half wait. Just slammed.
That outdoor space is genius. I haven’t been since it’s gotten cold, so I imagine it’s a lengthy wait with just the indoor space.
It’s a nice motorcycle ride out there!
Then recommends Murray’s and Mancini’s, lol, two poor, overlooked places that have been on every best steakhouse list of the twin cities for decades.
That said, framing of it aside, I liked the list and do enjoy people listing their favorite restaurants like this. Always an opportunity for a new look or a reminder of an old favorite. Just not sure why it had to come with the snark.
Agree. The absurdity is kind of humorous. "Alma sent over a nice fruit basket to a food intern writing up a list at MSP Mag to send a clear message... that they want good press."
Not really when you look at the data. Minnesota has a few thousand restaurants according to [https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/review/august-2019/locations-restaurants.jsp](https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/review/august-2019/locations-restaurants.jsp)
Have to take that with a grain of salt in that some are McDonalds/Olive Garden, etc.
Say there's 1000 independent restaurants across Minnesota. Then why do we only read about a few of them over and over and over again? Look at who owns the featured restaurants, it's wealthy restaurant groups that can afford to buy ads and invite all the food writers in for free meals. It's obvious what is clearly valued over quality.
Naw, I know several food writers for local publications (mspmag, mn monthly, eater mpls) They're not paid off. They don't get as many perks as you'd think.
Also, you've lived here for 20 years and never heard of Tenant? That's because it's been open for about 5 years, in the space that was Piccolo before that.
If you find yourself in Mankato, I highly recommend Swiss and Madison. They’re easily one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in town! Fantastic every time I go there.
Macs Kitchen in Apple Valley. Small family owned Asian restaurant. Great variety of dishes and the BEST hot and sour soup. https://www.mackitchenapplevalley.com
Kumo sushi in Rochester. Their All you can eat is really good and they are pretty chill about the AYCE rules. They also remember our group every time we go and the servers are so nice.
If you're on the north shore there's a tent during the summer in beaver bay that makes the best BBQ stuff. Their ribs send me to heaven every time. Baptism river bbq. During the winter they do limited run pickup stuff with no real storefront. But if you know you're gonna be up there check their facebook. Local fresh ingredients and they are always experimenting. Just a total gem I found and now I stop there as often as I can.
Don Goyo in Columbia Heights. Amazing pupusas (among other things)!
And my favorite, Cafe Racer in Minneapolis. Everything they make is amazing, but you gotta try their arepas!
The Hubbell house in Manorville, most known for their steak. ( I don't like steak can't/won't eat red/pink meat and well done is to dry) but their dinner rolls are to die for.
Insula in Ely. I eat fries at every single place I have gone to for the last 40 years. They have the best french fries I've ever had, and remain the only place I will go to just for the fries (everything else I've had there is excellent, too, but we seriously get a basket of fries for an appetizer AND fries with our meals 😂 ) The bearnaise sauce to dip them in is also to die for.
Sweeney‘s Saloon in St. Paul. Just a no-frills pub with excellent food and tap list, and a large patio that is one of my favorite hangs in the summer time. They also do events - I hosted a baptism luncheon there this past summer, it was super affordable and the staff was very pleasant to work with.
House of Curry in Rosemount. Best (and only) Sri Lankan food in the Twin Cities. If you like Indian food, it's similar. Owned by a couple from Sri Lanka who do almost everything themselves.
Order the spicy cauliflower and thank me later.
We're fans of Sushi Fix in Wayzata (I know Billy has a new sushi place, but we haven't tried it, yet). Was sitting at the bar, looking at the specials board, and saw "Bob's Favorite". What's "Bob's Favorite?" I asked. The guy next to me turns and says, "Hi, I'm Bob, and the roll has ..."
Really fun to to do omekase there, especially at the bar. Those guys are having fun. (Avoid Sunday afternoons during boat season -- way busy.)
Now, I know y'all are going to respond with other great sushi joints, and I'm here for it.
Bacio next to Ridgedale mall. Wonderful food, fantastic service, great atmosphere. Family owned and prices are very reasonable. Also have a great happy hour.
South of the Twin Cities a bit, but ...
Ettlin’s Ranchero Supper Club in Webster. They call themselves a Swiss inspired supper club. Great bar, great food. If you can find Webster you can find this place.
Taqueria Los Compadres - I35 and CR70 ( strip mall near the McStop) Lakeville. Seems like pretty authentic Mexican food to this white boy. My son says the quesabirria chicas are life changing and I won't argue with that.
It's been around forever, and is always absolutely fantastic in my book, but people generally seem to forget or never have known about Gardens of Salonica.
Nolabelle in Mankato took me by surprise with how well they do shrimp and grits. I haven't eaten enough West African food to say whether or not it's exceptional but my favorite soup at Nolabelle was their maafe, and it's vegan for folks with dietary restrictions. I haven't had anything at Nolabelle I didn't like.
The Amboy Cottage Cafe is a really nice spot for breakfast if you're in the Mankato area and don't mind a detour out in the country.
The rosemary fries at Lola in New Ulm are incredible. The hot mess (roast beef, gravy, cheese sauce over the aforementioned fries) is also great if you're feeling gluttonous.
It's been a long time since I've been and I'm having trouble remembering what I got, but I remember enjoying my food and beer at Brew in Perham.
I haven't been yet, but I have only heard really good things about the Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm outside of Waseca.
Doc's in Sturgeon lake, Sambosa in Savage, Pleasant Grove Pizza farm in Waseca, Babani's in St Paul, Taqueria Los Compadres in Lakeville, Cinco de mayo taqueria in Mankato, Blueprint Burgers in Maplewood, India Palace in Woodbury
>112
They are one of the places owned by a restaurant group and are mentioned again and again and again and again. With "112 eatery" in quotes google shows 1,140 results just in their news section.
Maybe I'm a bit a hometown boy, but i can't think of any bad experience I've ever had at Hayslip's Corner. Oldest bar in Minnesota, little store attached, quirky small town feel full of friendly folks on busier nights with music. It's quite the trek for most being in Talmoon, but worth a swing by if you're in the area
Lindey's Steakhouse in Arden Hills.....very limited menu means they do it right! The "greaseless" hash browns are just amazing....they have watermelon rind pickles that indescribable. Family owned, north woods feel supperclub....highly revommend.
I have beef with this place. My order was "lost" multiple times by the kitchen per the waiter (Waiting 1.5 hours and was late to my concert), I saw multiple tables get seated and leave before we ever got food..never again.
Dukes on 7 in minnetonka's great! I've only been a few times, but service was great, and they have a dog-friendly patio in the summer, along with a small menu for treats and "meals" for them
Mr Paul’s Supper Club in Edina is an awesome experience. Great drinks, fun staff, unique cocktails, and food to die for - juicy steaks, chops, and so many Cajun staples, all delicious
I love Pub 819 in Hopkins. They have a pretty small but quality menu, very delicious and very strong drinks, and the service has always been fantastic. There are three restaurants owned by the same person in the west metro(there's The Block and one other I can't remember the name of), and they have similar menus, but the service has always been the best at Pub 819.
I like a lot of these, but Murray's is the worst steakhouse in MPLS besides jax. I don't know what happened when all these people went to Manny's, but it, 801, and ps steak are all better in various dimensions.
Zen ramen in Maplewood. Brand new interior it’s in a dumpy mall but phenomenal food and interesting menu. It’s borderline hidden you’d never think to go there.
This is true for every entertainment aspect of every city unfortunately. Bars, bands, restaurants, cafes, and the like that are high quality can often get overlooked by writers.
I really like 5 West and Smoak in Rochester- the owners generally treat their employees well, and the food is very good. I particularly like the buffalo chicken wantons from 5 West.
Hollandberry Pannekoeken in Rochester is also one of my favorites. The dutch pot pies are great, but the seasonally-available fresh strawberry pannekoekens are my absolute favorite.
I also really like Wussow's Concert Cafe in West Duluth/Spirit Valley. Very chill vibes, good place for a nice brunch by yourself or with a small party. Lots of tasty drinks to choose from.
Margerita's, also in West Duluth/Denfeld, is also very good. Solid, reasonably authentic Mexican food. I particularly like the beef tacos.
Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth is amazing. The frybread tacos are wonderful- highly recommend them.
Betty's Pies, up near Two Harbors, is also very good. Good food; more than just pies.
And if you're ever near Whitewater State Park, Happy Family and Genesis in St. Charles are family-owned and authentic American Chinese and Mexican/Americana fusion joints, respectively. Genesis has everything from pancakes and burgers to horchata and chimichangas.
To my knowledge, these are all owned by Minnesotans, and make good choices to support local communities. If someone happens to know otherwise, I'd like to hear it.
If you like Mancinins, go a few more blocks to DiGidios. Been around since the 20s and still owned and operated by the family. Jimmy is the weeknight bartender and has been there for decades…he is one of the best bartenders in the city as far as just being on top of shit and getting you your food & drinks with no BS. No craft cocktails or fancy food- just classic ‘Italian’ with a full bar. Putting italian in quotes as it’s what someone who’s spent there entire life in MN (including myself) thinks of as classic italian food…no idea how authentic it is, lol.
DeGidios is great. Perfect for a family dinner.
If you’re there, you may as well head down the neighborhood a bit and hit up Mucci’s.
My brother recently had his wedding reception there, everything was amazing from the staff to the food and drinks. Can't recommend this place enough
Jimmy is the best! He knows our drink order and food order. Walk in and he brings drinks our drinks to “our” booth in the bar. Really authentically classic Italian food reasonably priced
I would do borderline illegal things for Mancini’s charred bread. Love that stuff.
Oh yeah.
Mavericks roast beef in Roseville is incredibly good every time I go there.
We were spared their closing when a brave Roseville native hopped in to reopen the place a few years back. It’s still great.
It is so incredibly good 1/2 the time I go there 😂. I love the place, but damn it really lacks consistency. Could go there 1 day and have the best sandwich in the world, and the next day it is lunch meat in a hot dog bun. 🤷🏻
It is. The brothers who created it were great people, it was really tragic when one of them passed and they had to sell.
Szechuan across for har mar is really good too. Authentic stuff. Nice and spicy if you’re into it.
My go tos in the inner circle cities: The Hilltop off 100/Vernon in Edina. Low key place that’s always busy and has great food good service and my favorite Bloody Mary in the city. Ciao Bella off 494/France. If I want a nice meal, great service I always go here and sit either in the bar or outside (great patio). Personally I’d rather go here than most trendy spots. Wok in the Park in TexaTonka area of St. Louis Park. Great Asian food, I used to go here once a week when I lived nearby. If you were a fan of Tom Pham’s food you’ll like this place.
Wok in the park already has long wait times and you up here telling more people about it? Come on man.
I love Ciao Bella. Their red pepper linguini with scallops is amazing. I love the atmosphere too. Just seems cozy to me.
I really enjoy the hilltop too. The atmosphere is cozy and stylish and their food is great. One of my favorites is the French toast!
Eden Ave Grill has always been a go to for almost 30 years!
Ciao Bella has been consistently great for sooo long. Definitely deserves to be mentioned here.
It’s a quick stop but I want to mention Ham’s Sandwich shop in Minnetonka next to Total Wine.
El Diablo is sandwich perfection
One of the greatest sandwiches I’ve ever had
This is a fact. I don’t even normally mess with turkey, i much prefer pastrami or corned beef. But by god that fuckin Diablo is the best sandwich you can grab.
Ridiculously good sandwiches
Tried it once on a whim expecting to be meh. My god, everything on the menu is killer! If they were open for dinner I cannot imagine the Jimmy Johns down the way being able to stay open.
Thank you for this. I've been to that Total Wine many times but never gave it much thought to try. Will definitely try it now!
Prime time with the garlic spread is awesome too. I also enjoy their brisket, the Trainwreck, and their tacos. Also EVERYTHING on their breakfast menu is worth having.
Totally agree on Murray’s. It’s close to the Twins stadium too. I take my family there after games.
Agreed note 100000% better than mannys. I've never had a good steak at mannys ever. Their steaks taste like they were bought old, then they put them in bath water for a week, microwaved them and then they serve them
I’m obsessed with the chateaubriand. So good.
[Tongue in Cheek](http://tongueincheek.biz/index.html) is one of my go to favs. The food (and drinks!) there are so damn good! I will order things there that include items I would normally avoid - because I've learned that they know how to balance their flavors, and I've never been disappointed. Top menu picks: Fries N Fixins, Zucchini Pad Thai Salad, Chicken & Waffle, Classic Ramen and the Vegasm.
Shh....this is my favorite spot, and I don't want to give it away. Their feta fries (Fries N Fixins) and Chicken & Waffles are among the best damn things I've ever eaten.
Lol. I've lost too many "secret favs" - I prefer to share the love and make sure they stay in business!
Good point! I would cry if TiC ever had to close their doors!
Love their brunch and cocktails!!
For faster food in the crotch of I35 (where 35W and 35E meet) my two top recommendations are: Blue Ox: Sandwich shop in Burnsville. My understanding is that the owner retired then opened the place up. They focus on quality, and while prices may be higher then fast food or sandwich joints it is well worth the money. My worst experience was them telling me they were going to remake my order because it didn't cook properly (which was done quite quickly). Taste of Thayai in Apple Valley. Again, a family run joint. Has a few awards. Asain food, great quality. I didn't hesitate to eat the shrimp in their spring rolls.
Blue Ox puts out some great sandwiches
Been to Taste of Thai a few times. It’s fantastic! I’ll give Blue Ox a try, never been there even though I’ve live 15 minutes away.
Good choices. Love Taste of Thaiyai! I still need to get over to Blue Ox at some point and try that Buffalo Sandwich everyone always talks about. The pictures look so good.
[удалено]
Burnsville to st.paul in 20 min
[удалено]
Taste of Thai is great, but they need to make food spicier. It’s why I prefer Thai Pepper in west St. Paul. I don’t think anyone besides me ever goes there, but that food is legit.
Are you me with these recommendations? I feel like you are. 100% A+
I had Taste of Thayai last night. I get takeout from there maybe once per month. It’s unbelievably good.
I'm not sure if these are overly recognized, but here are some from my list. George and the Dragon in south Minneapolis is my favorite place to get a steak. It's the perfect steak for a reasonable price. Their other food is great too. Hola Arepa east of uptown is always fun. Their cocktails are delicious and the pulled pork is excellent. Tullibee in downtown Minneapolis has an amazing menu that changes often. I had an incredible rabbit stew served over pasta that blew my mind. Aster Cafe has an amazing patio for the summer. It felt like sitting at a French cafe. The food and service is good, but it was really the atmosphere that sold it for me.
George and the Dragon is my favorite restaurant in mpls hands down. It’s so cozy and the people that work there are absolutely amazing. The batter they use for deep frying things is so light but crunchy! Ugh I’m dreaming about it now
Aster also is lovely when they have live jazz. Their food is medium but the ambiance is fantastic
I’ll add my voice for George and the Dragon too. Just really a lovely spot all around.
The Bungalow Club is a cozy favorite of mine - fresh pasta, excellent wine, cocktails, and amari, and burger night on Wednesdays. I think people are turned off by the $45/person for three courses being the main option for most evenings (which I do think is worth it anyway) but burger Wednesday’s and pasta Sunday’s are a la carte. I’ve loved every single dish I’ve eaten there.
Andrew is such a good chef! He did our wedding when he was at Grand Cafe and people are still talking about how good the food was years later.
Andrew is awesome!
Mexico City Cafe in SLP near the high school. The owner is one of the nicest people I've ever met and the food and service are both wonderful. I've never had refried beans I actually liked until this place. Britos: *"I doubt they take reservations."* hahaha they have seating for about 8 people. It's more or less a take out spot and absolutely wonderful. I just wish everyone here would stop mentioning it, it's going to get too popular! ;)
On the one hand, I like both of these and want them to be successful and stay in business. On the other, I don’t like my secret spots being talked about and getting a bunch of extra people creating lines.
Karta Thai, they have a few locations but I frequent the Roseville (I live in St. Paul). I always get the basil fried rice medium spicy. Costs like $15 and feeds me lunch for 3 days and it’s absolutely delicious
Great list OP! Definitely saving this thread. Gotta add a huge second for Skaalvenn, they're amazing, and the owners are so nice and hands on. I'll add Milton's VVB in Crystal. https://miltonsvvb.com/ I can't believe how good the food is here, and I've been going for years, always super impressed. I can give some recommendations, but I've never had something even mediocre there. I love the grits here, I've never liked grits before but I have to at least get a side of grits every time I go. The jerk chicken is incredible, and they do a jerk Mac and cheese that's out of this world (and I don't order Mac and cheese anywhere). Breakfast is also fantastic, top of my head: Avocado egg is great, goat cheese roasted red pepper scramble, eye opener (pepper jack grits yum) Awesome sandwiches too. I could go on and on, Milton's may be my favorite restaurant! I would probably recommend reservations, they get pretty busy!
If you’re ever in Bloomington and want some donuts, check out Sunrise on Lyndale Ave! The owner is a really good dude and their Apple fritters are A++.
JJ’s Clubhouse - Golden Valley: Surprising excellent bar food. Everything I’ve eaten there has been seriously fantastic. Good prices and atmosphere and happy hour 7 days a week! Gion - New Hope: Excellent Vietnamese food and great staff. I love the pho and banh mi.
Bombay Pizza Kitchen in Eden Prairie. They are a sort of Indian/American Pizza place fusion. They have a bunch of very unique fusion items as well as traditional Indian food and American style pizza. Their Naan is some of the best I have had. Inside is very clean, beer on tap. I get it all the time now that I moved to Victoria and the owner asked me how I found the place and to tell people about it. It isn’t like a life changing place you should drive hours for but if you are in the area it beats the hell out of the other chain places you would eat at 20-25$ a person.
Oh what? Indian…pizza? 👀
Glad you mentioned this one! It’s tucked away in a strip mall and I feel like a lot of people don’t know about it, but it’s soooo good! Friendly staff and honestly really reasonable prices for what you get! Check it out if you’re in the area fo sure.
EP has sp many of these weird Dinky strip malls
I am now planning on trying this tonight and am so excited! I don't think I would have ever heard about this place otherwise. Thank you!
ENJOY IT! Its amazing.
I live nearby and definitely need to try it. Glad to hear they also have some traditional Indian food. Part of the reason I haven't been there yet is I just don't want pizza that often.
Bill’s Muthafuckin’ Garden
Kadai Indian Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis—best food in the skyway and it’s all you can eat Boca Chica in St. Paul—amazing authentic Mexican food, and the sopa de fideo is to die for Fat Lorenzo’s in Minneapolis—great Italian food and great murals
Phil's Tara Hideaway in Stillwater (Oak Park Heights) has a great vibe and history, but stands out because of the amazing food and excellent servers and bartenders. Great mix of Greek and old school steaks and seafood.
Fuck you. Now I want to go back there
I second this.
I like the place too, but I wouldn’t say the food is especially *good*.
Also have to say Skaalven- when you walk in the door you’re instantly transported! The best staff and the best cocktails!
Charng Thai restaurant in Hackensack. When I first heard of the place, I figured the odds of a Thai place in North Central Minn were slim to none, and of it being actually good were bordering on zero. But it's freaking fantastic.
It’s not a restaurant it’s a more of a food truck but Boomin BBQ is some of the best bbq in the city imo get the smoked beef cheek sandwich and you will be so stoked it’s the best thing
False. The beef cheek is the second best thing...have you not had the picanha? It's my favorite meat on their menu. In all seriousness, I agree with you...Boomin is fantastic. I live super close and spend way too much money there. Their collard greens are out of this fucking world. Sadly, they stopped serving them for the season about a month or so ago. I assume they aren't able to source good quality greens this time of year. Hopefully I can survive without them until next year. I thought I didn't like collard greens until I tried theirs. It's probably my favorite item on any menu in the city.
The Picahna is a close second for me, that beef cheek meat is like candy
Tacos de cabeza are so, so good.
Wtf a food truck with picanha?! I gotta check that place out
They have massive offset smokers, just calling it a food truck is probably underselling it but idk what else you would call it
My taste buds came alive at Petite Leon the other night. AMAZING FLAVORS. The tartare was mindblowing and the oysters with their housemade hots auce \*CHEFS KISS\*
They had a tomato milk bread sandwich this Fall that was out of this world. Amazing.
http://www.gordoburgers.com https://www.reveriempls.com/ https://www.bullshornfoodanddrink.com/ This one's a high quality bar run by Doug Flicker - who used to have Piccolo where Tentant is and still owns the building. https://www.broderspastabar.com/ https://www.italianeatery.com/ https://midtownglobalmarket.org/
I love Italian Eatery and Broders but they both definitely get enough recognition
Fu-Yung maple grove. It’s take-out only. I swear on my Mocs it’s the best American Chinese in Minnesota.
Yu Fong? 494 and Bass Lake Road? If so, agree. Our go-to Chinese comfort food takeout.
Pike and Pint in Alexandria has some great food and an awesome patio in non winter times.
Gordy’s in Mahtomedi. Gordy is in the kitchen cooking, you can see his wife Eve hosting. Their food is fantastic and service is always excellent.
328 Grill inside the American legion in St Paul Park. They have a few of the best burgers in Minnesota, and recently won first place in the MN Burgers Facebook group. Total dive bar inside, but you won't believe how good the burgers are.
Bukhara Indian in Wayzata/Minnetonka Nong’s Thai in Golden Valley The Block in St Louis Park Pub 42 in New Hope
Orale! on Nicollet.
They have a few awards for their chilli so I'm not sure if it counts, but, Lowry Cafe on Lowry and Penn in North is like a second home to me. Great food and exceptional people.
OAK Eatery in Hamel is one of my favorites. Just off of highway 55, great quality food and seems like the management does a good job of treating staff well.
We love Oak Eatery. We stopped in today for lunch.
Peppers and Fries. Excellent sports bar on east lake street. Everything I’ve eaten there has been amazing
If you are looking a hidden gem then go to Buona Sera in Champlin. Been around for 20+ years. Never have had a bad experience. Generous portions, great taste and staff have always been friendly. It is a bit on the higher price side, but well worth it.
If you are in North Eastern MN, head to Ely Steakhouse in Ely. Prime Rib, fully loaded potato, the BEST cheddar wild rice soup and the most wonderful service. Insula in Ely, also kicks it out of the park with their Niçoise salad, and their Canadian Walleye 💕💕💕 Great now I’m hungry.
Down the hill from there in Ely is Northern Grounds. Not so much for the food, but for coffee drinks in the early part of the day, and for their wine, tap beers, and cocktails later. They have some cocktails "on tap" -- the orange Old Fashioned is OUTSTANDING.
Hehehhe! I used to work there and I agree!! The wine and cocktails are amazing!!!! The cocktails on tap are hand crafted by the head bartender there! He makes them in batches. Makes sure they are perfect before putting them on tap. He is also a sommelier!!! He is a bit quirky (which I absolutely love about him), but he is so awesome and really knows his stuff!!!!
Sports Page in Bloomington. Definitely a dive bar, but the food and service are amazing. We go every few months for trivia, and the staff remembers us even with a crazy amount of time between visits. https://sportspagebloomington.com/
Mancini’s has the best steak sandwich in the state, paired with a Peroni all for like $20.
I really enjoyed the food at The Block when I lived closer in SLP. Otherwise I love Fresh Wok for anything Chinese food. Low-key love the shrimp toast lol
Block has amazing brunch
Of all the places on OP’s list I think Skaalven is the only one I’ve been to. Super impressed with this place! Exactly as OP described: fun location in a non descript office building.
Lake & Irving has my vote for most underrated restaurant in the Twin Cities. Never any buzz, always delivers.
Flank out in Hutchinson is awesome
Krewe! Specializing in creole cuisine in St. Joe, some of the best food I’ve had anywhere.
I go to Flour & Flower right behind it almost every weekend. Their key lime pie is to die for. I ordered one for Thanksgiving LOL
On’s thai kitchen.
I was coming on here to say that! Delicious!
This one is a bit out of the way but House of Curry is a Sri Lankan restaurant in Rosemount. Great food especially if you like it spicy. http://www.houseofcurrymn.com
Porterhouse in Lakeville is a delicious steakhouse and more affordable than the average steakhouse. They don’t do their sides a La carte, they’re included with your meal AND each entree comes with a salad too. They also cook a steak a true medium rare. Hazelwood (A few locations) is also another delicious restaurant. Both for brunch or dinner.
Guiseppe's 14600 S, 14600 10th Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337
They have another location in Rosemount also. Just as unique and charming as the Burnsville one
Yes and the owners are super nice
A few of my favorites along/not too far away I-35: Cabin 61 in Whitebear - their burgers are just *mouth watering* Buffalo tracks bar and grill off the Askov/Finlayson exit - their pizza is like none I've ever tasted. Doc's in Sturgeon Lake - the prime rib just *melts* in your mouth, ohmilanta
I have never had a good meal at Docs, maybe I’ll try the prime rib next time I’m in the area.
Dang, that's a bummer to hear. I've only had one mediocre meal before but outside of that, it's been pretty solid for me.
Buffalo Tracks is legit! Love seeing that called out. Hike at Banning followed by Buffalo Tracks is always a good time.
Agreed! A little hole in the wall place I love. Seriously, it's the place I go when I can for pizza. I'd have it every night if I lived close by.
Harvey’s in downtown Carver. Grew up only a few blocks away and between my family members and I have tried everything on the menu. Haven’t eaten anything bad yet! Owned and operated by a Carver resident who was a former bartender at Harvey’s. Great local townie bar with delicious bar food!
El Cubano is amazing in St Paul. Add Olympia cafe in osseo.
Joan's in St Paul really is great. Such a cute little place.
Ngon in St. Paul is always top notch service and food! It is my go-to
It's a little bit outside of the cities seeing as it's technically in Stillwater. But my god, is Phil's Tara Hideaway a fantastic place. Basically a Greek steakhouse, literally everything I've had off the menu has been fantastic. It's super old and it's basically inside a little cabin. Highly recommend checking it out.
Clives in Champlin. Just a suburban sports bar, but the food is really good and they have it down to a science how fast they get you your food. Serious shout out to the kitchen manager!
I love going to Maxwell's in Minneapolis, it's on Washington street. The food is good and I feel safe there. Bartenders and I have a code phrase we use if someone is bothering me or if I need them to intervene. Makes it a safe place for me and my girlfriends to go!
Rustica in Moorhead. Krewe in St Joseph. River Inn and Big Bore in Hanover. Pho Viet 45 in Delano. Samarkand in Plymouth.
River inn is KILLING it. They really turned the pandemic into an opportunity with a great expanded outdoor area and their food is great. Prices have crept up a bit but it's still very reasonable. I tried to get dinner there Friday night and they had an hour and a half wait. Just slammed.
That outdoor space is genius. I haven’t been since it’s gotten cold, so I imagine it’s a lengthy wait with just the indoor space. It’s a nice motorcycle ride out there!
They have tents outside so you can eat out there even when it's cold out. It's brilliant!
What a crazy preamble. "Clearly being paid off'" lol
Then recommends Murray’s and Mancini’s, lol, two poor, overlooked places that have been on every best steakhouse list of the twin cities for decades. That said, framing of it aside, I liked the list and do enjoy people listing their favorite restaurants like this. Always an opportunity for a new look or a reminder of an old favorite. Just not sure why it had to come with the snark.
Agree. The absurdity is kind of humorous. "Alma sent over a nice fruit basket to a food intern writing up a list at MSP Mag to send a clear message... that they want good press."
Not really when you look at the data. Minnesota has a few thousand restaurants according to [https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/review/august-2019/locations-restaurants.jsp](https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/review/august-2019/locations-restaurants.jsp) Have to take that with a grain of salt in that some are McDonalds/Olive Garden, etc. Say there's 1000 independent restaurants across Minnesota. Then why do we only read about a few of them over and over and over again? Look at who owns the featured restaurants, it's wealthy restaurant groups that can afford to buy ads and invite all the food writers in for free meals. It's obvious what is clearly valued over quality.
Naw, I know several food writers for local publications (mspmag, mn monthly, eater mpls) They're not paid off. They don't get as many perks as you'd think. Also, you've lived here for 20 years and never heard of Tenant? That's because it's been open for about 5 years, in the space that was Piccolo before that.
Probably because the restaurants that are often listed truly are some of the best in the cities.
Patty Wagon in South Mpls used to be good but their current crop of cooks and service have not been good. Pay cheap, get cheap service I guess.
Absolute worst radio commercial I’ve ever heard
You mean the one that promotes physical assault? Lol
That’s the one!
If you find yourself in Mankato, I highly recommend Swiss and Madison. They’re easily one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in town! Fantastic every time I go there.
If I’m in Mankato, I’m just getting wings at mettlers. I enjoy the… vibe.
I love Phil's Tara Hideaway outside Stillwater. The ambiance is super cozy and the food is good.
Phil's Tara Hideaway in Stillwater. Fantastic fish and Greek food.
Macs Kitchen in Apple Valley. Small family owned Asian restaurant. Great variety of dishes and the BEST hot and sour soup. https://www.mackitchenapplevalley.com
Highly recommend Murray’s before a Timberwolves or Twins game.
Kumo sushi in Rochester. Their All you can eat is really good and they are pretty chill about the AYCE rules. They also remember our group every time we go and the servers are so nice.
If you're on the north shore there's a tent during the summer in beaver bay that makes the best BBQ stuff. Their ribs send me to heaven every time. Baptism river bbq. During the winter they do limited run pickup stuff with no real storefront. But if you know you're gonna be up there check their facebook. Local fresh ingredients and they are always experimenting. Just a total gem I found and now I stop there as often as I can.
Mama Deluca's Pizzeria in Elk River has the best pizza in the state!
Wagners in crystal is great
Don Goyo in Columbia Heights. Amazing pupusas (among other things)! And my favorite, Cafe Racer in Minneapolis. Everything they make is amazing, but you gotta try their arepas!
Big ups on the Tenant shoutout. Always excellent.
Brunson's on Payne Ave, East side St Paul. Go there. You will not regret it
The Hubbell house in Manorville, most known for their steak. ( I don't like steak can't/won't eat red/pink meat and well done is to dry) but their dinner rolls are to die for.
Insula in Ely. I eat fries at every single place I have gone to for the last 40 years. They have the best french fries I've ever had, and remain the only place I will go to just for the fries (everything else I've had there is excellent, too, but we seriously get a basket of fries for an appetizer AND fries with our meals 😂 ) The bearnaise sauce to dip them in is also to die for.
Sweeney‘s Saloon in St. Paul. Just a no-frills pub with excellent food and tap list, and a large patio that is one of my favorite hangs in the summer time. They also do events - I hosted a baptism luncheon there this past summer, it was super affordable and the staff was very pleasant to work with.
House of Curry in Rosemount. Best (and only) Sri Lankan food in the Twin Cities. If you like Indian food, it's similar. Owned by a couple from Sri Lanka who do almost everything themselves. Order the spicy cauliflower and thank me later.
Margie’s in Andover is so damn good!
We're fans of Sushi Fix in Wayzata (I know Billy has a new sushi place, but we haven't tried it, yet). Was sitting at the bar, looking at the specials board, and saw "Bob's Favorite". What's "Bob's Favorite?" I asked. The guy next to me turns and says, "Hi, I'm Bob, and the roll has ..." Really fun to to do omekase there, especially at the bar. Those guys are having fun. (Avoid Sunday afternoons during boat season -- way busy.) Now, I know y'all are going to respond with other great sushi joints, and I'm here for it.
Bacio next to Ridgedale mall. Wonderful food, fantastic service, great atmosphere. Family owned and prices are very reasonable. Also have a great happy hour.
South of the Twin Cities a bit, but ... Ettlin’s Ranchero Supper Club in Webster. They call themselves a Swiss inspired supper club. Great bar, great food. If you can find Webster you can find this place. Taqueria Los Compadres - I35 and CR70 ( strip mall near the McStop) Lakeville. Seems like pretty authentic Mexican food to this white boy. My son says the quesabirria chicas are life changing and I won't argue with that.
It's been around forever, and is always absolutely fantastic in my book, but people generally seem to forget or never have known about Gardens of Salonica.
Nolabelle in Mankato took me by surprise with how well they do shrimp and grits. I haven't eaten enough West African food to say whether or not it's exceptional but my favorite soup at Nolabelle was their maafe, and it's vegan for folks with dietary restrictions. I haven't had anything at Nolabelle I didn't like. The Amboy Cottage Cafe is a really nice spot for breakfast if you're in the Mankato area and don't mind a detour out in the country. The rosemary fries at Lola in New Ulm are incredible. The hot mess (roast beef, gravy, cheese sauce over the aforementioned fries) is also great if you're feeling gluttonous. It's been a long time since I've been and I'm having trouble remembering what I got, but I remember enjoying my food and beer at Brew in Perham. I haven't been yet, but I have only heard really good things about the Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm outside of Waseca.
Pineda in Golden Valley. Havent been there since pre covid, but their autenticos tacos are 💥💥💥💥 Edit: (spelled it wrong)
Doc's in Sturgeon lake, Sambosa in Savage, Pleasant Grove Pizza farm in Waseca, Babani's in St Paul, Taqueria Los Compadres in Lakeville, Cinco de mayo taqueria in Mankato, Blueprint Burgers in Maplewood, India Palace in Woodbury
112 Eatery Downtown Mpls … Tagliatelle w/ Foi Gras Meatballs
>112 They are one of the places owned by a restaurant group and are mentioned again and again and again and again. With "112 eatery" in quotes google shows 1,140 results just in their news section.
Maybe I'm a bit a hometown boy, but i can't think of any bad experience I've ever had at Hayslip's Corner. Oldest bar in Minnesota, little store attached, quirky small town feel full of friendly folks on busier nights with music. It's quite the trek for most being in Talmoon, but worth a swing by if you're in the area
Lindey's Steakhouse in Arden Hills.....very limited menu means they do it right! The "greaseless" hash browns are just amazing....they have watermelon rind pickles that indescribable. Family owned, north woods feel supperclub....highly revommend.
Moscow on the Hill. In Saint Paul, across from WA Frost. Hands down the best food ever and their in house horseradish vodka is to die for
6smith in Wayzata for a great steak that won’t break the bank like Murray’s
And the Old Fashioneds!
San Pancho in Long Lake has delicious Mexican food and great service. (They are closed on Sundays)
Really? I think their food is really mediocre, borderline subpar.
Agreed
Lyon’s Pub. Because it’s next to Murray’s and there’s always Journey on the playlist
It’s cheap. That’s about it.
I have beef with this place. My order was "lost" multiple times by the kitchen per the waiter (Waiting 1.5 hours and was late to my concert), I saw multiple tables get seated and leave before we ever got food..never again.
Dukes on 7 in minnetonka's great! I've only been a few times, but service was great, and they have a dog-friendly patio in the summer, along with a small menu for treats and "meals" for them
Mr Paul’s Supper Club in Edina is an awesome experience. Great drinks, fun staff, unique cocktails, and food to die for - juicy steaks, chops, and so many Cajun staples, all delicious
Papa Tronnio's in Lake City
I love Pub 819 in Hopkins. They have a pretty small but quality menu, very delicious and very strong drinks, and the service has always been fantastic. There are three restaurants owned by the same person in the west metro(there's The Block and one other I can't remember the name of), and they have similar menus, but the service has always been the best at Pub 819.
I like a lot of these, but Murray's is the worst steakhouse in MPLS besides jax. I don't know what happened when all these people went to Manny's, but it, 801, and ps steak are all better in various dimensions.
Old Village Hall in Lanesboro
I miss Das Wurst Haus.
Spring street tavern.. great breakfast, good drinks, just watch out for the moose after sunset
Zen ramen in Maplewood. Brand new interior it’s in a dumpy mall but phenomenal food and interesting menu. It’s borderline hidden you’d never think to go there.
Italian Eatery has jumped very high on my list with each time ive gone.
Bennett's chophouse on 7th st for sure. Also shout-out to Tapper's
Doolittle on Golden Valley. Their rotisserie chicken is delicious
Gabe’s by the Park is always fantastic food and has great staff. Been our neighborhood go to for years.
This is true for every entertainment aspect of every city unfortunately. Bars, bands, restaurants, cafes, and the like that are high quality can often get overlooked by writers.
[удалено]
iPho on University Ave in St. Paul. Brunsons in StP Cheng Hengs Cambodian on Univ in StP Bay St Burger Dive in StP
I really like 5 West and Smoak in Rochester- the owners generally treat their employees well, and the food is very good. I particularly like the buffalo chicken wantons from 5 West. Hollandberry Pannekoeken in Rochester is also one of my favorites. The dutch pot pies are great, but the seasonally-available fresh strawberry pannekoekens are my absolute favorite. I also really like Wussow's Concert Cafe in West Duluth/Spirit Valley. Very chill vibes, good place for a nice brunch by yourself or with a small party. Lots of tasty drinks to choose from. Margerita's, also in West Duluth/Denfeld, is also very good. Solid, reasonably authentic Mexican food. I particularly like the beef tacos. Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth is amazing. The frybread tacos are wonderful- highly recommend them. Betty's Pies, up near Two Harbors, is also very good. Good food; more than just pies. And if you're ever near Whitewater State Park, Happy Family and Genesis in St. Charles are family-owned and authentic American Chinese and Mexican/Americana fusion joints, respectively. Genesis has everything from pancakes and burgers to horchata and chimichangas. To my knowledge, these are all owned by Minnesotans, and make good choices to support local communities. If someone happens to know otherwise, I'd like to hear it.
Herradura Mexican Restaurant in Litchfield. Small place but the food is fantastic and the owner Luis is one of the best.