I LOVE going out to eat. It’s totally all about the experience for me. So I’m always looking at the atmosphere to see the lighting and tables and art and all things cozy. Some of the time I’m being too picky and say, “Oh I could totally make this at home” or “this needs wayyyyy more spice.” And then sometimes I get FOMO cause there is a new restaurant in town and I haven’t tried it and everyone seems to be talking about it! My husband will remind me, “It’s ok to be regulars at a restaurant or coffee shop!” And so I have a little back pocket of my favorite places, and yes, of course there are so many more to add to this list BUT I’m going to share with you my highlight reel of places to eat and cafes to enjoy a cuppa 🙂
Best happy hour:
Red Cow- can’t beat their amazing wings (I order 1/2 Japanese sticky + buffalo bone in wings), tuna avocado crackers
W.A. Frost- ricotta cheese bruschetta + ribs Kyatchi- best prices on sushi!
World Street Kitchen- out of this world lettuce wraps
The Naughty Greek- get the family style gyro platter
Next on my list: Augustines, Jax Cafe, Kiku Bistro, Bardo
Most romantic:
Cafe Lurcat- go on a Sunday night and get their date night special + sit on their back patio and feel like you are in Italy
Spoon and Stable- the most amazing pot roast I’ve ever had
Bachelor Farmer- nordic style feel + all the cozy foods
Forepaugh’s- sit on the front patio or explore the beautiful, old house!
Next on my list: Italian Eatery, Mucci’s Italian, Martina, Terzo, Tenant, Grand Cafe
Best hidden gems:
Chimborazo- incredible food here!
PinKU Japanese Street Food- love their small plate options making it a great place for lunch
Next on my list: Kinhdo Restaurant, Karta Thai, Khao Hom Thai
Best breweries:
Sociable Cider Werks- habanero cucumber + other amazing seasonal beer
Fair State Brewery- the roselle sour
Baushaus Brew- great patio for large groups
Next on my list: Flat Earth Brew, Able Seedhouse & Brewery, Modist Brewing Company
Best brunch:
French Hen Cafe- order the Banh Mi Benedict + Flapjacks
Bellecour- the best cocktails and pastries (macaroons and chocolate almond croissant) + French toast
The Copper Hen- just the cutest inside the cafe
The Buttered Tin- classic, amazing breakfast
Alma Cafe- stay for the incredible pastries, mochas + cocktails
Colossal Cafe- can’t even with the sourdough pancakes, bacon + egg biscuit sandwich, and coffee is fantastic
The Lynhall- if you haven’t been here yet I don’t even know why. Sandwiches, burgers, pastries, oh my!
Next on my list- Holman’s Table, Cook Stp, Martina, Birchwood Cafe
Best coffee shops:
Salty Tart- cappuccinos are so good
Kopplins- always using organic espresso + milk
Northern Coffeeworks- my favorite cortado
Quixotic- their seasonal drinks are always on point
Dogwood- if you love a light roast espresso, then this is your place!
UP Coffee Roasters- fair trade organic coffee
Next on my list: Botany, Parallel, Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea
Fun vibe:
Psycho Suzi’s- right on the river plus you feel like you are in a jungle
HaiHai- love the lettuce wraps and all the fun decor inside
Young Joni- because pizza is never overrated and their back bar is fun for the winter!
Bar La Grasa- you need to order the crab toast!
Zen Box Izakaya- amazing Japanese food with such a fun atmosphere
It’s Greek To Me- I may be partial to this place (we had their food at our wedding!) but you feel transported to Greece when you are here and we order family style
Best view:
Red River Kitchen + Cityhouse- view right on the river + food truck and long picnic benches great for groups of people
4 bells- cool view of the city + great cocktails (food is ok)
The CoV Wayzata- beautiful view of the water + go at happy hour and order their fish tacos and shrimp (weekends are crayyyy busy!)
Best Tacos:
Al Centro Tacos NE- sit outside with barbacoa lamb tacos and a pitcher of margaritas
El Taco Riendo- located on Central Avenue (then stop by Fair State Brewery and check out their patio!)
Next on my list: Maya Cuisine
Best homestyle:
Revival- fried chicken Tennessee hot and Mac ‘n’ cheese
Best drinks:
Norseman Distillery- they have a great bonfire pit for the fall!
Tattersall Distillery- love their patio
Spoon and Stable- Yes, they get to be on here twice! their Cosmopolitan + Moscow Mule is always my favorite
What are some of YOUR favorites restaurants in the Twin Cities?