Restaurants
Best of the Twin Cities | Local PicksDirectory List
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Enjoy the lively and creative New American cuisine served up by a youthful and talented staff. Try the penne with chicken in sherry cream sauce, thyme, and Romano cheese or the fettuccine with caramelized garlic, pine nuts and basil. Menu varies seasonally, but it always includes risotto, grilled pork, beef, chicken, pasta and a vegetarian entrée.
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UPTOWN. This hip, sleek member of the Wolfgang Puck family of restaurants is right at home in Walker Art Center, where museum-goers enjoy haute New American fare with a decidedly Asian kick. Views of the Minneapolis skyline are prominent as you feast on fresh butterfish, short ribs, tempura shrimp, and roasted Cantonese duck. Ingredients are amazingly fresh, allowing for the food's true flavors to come bursting forth. Don't miss the signature dessert Spoon, Cube, and Cherry which mimics the famous Claes Oldenburg sculpture, Spoonbridge and Cherry, in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
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DINKYTOWN. Al's greasy-spoon decor has been preserved for many years, along with a classic breakfast menu. Located near the university, the place attracts students and alums who are thrilled to return and find Al's just as they remember it. Deemed by some folks as the best breakfast place in the Twin Cities, Al's is known for blueberry and blackberry buttermilk pancakes as well as for omelets and eggs Benedict. They only take cash, and if you're in the door before 1pm, they'll happily serve you. A small place, so don't be surprised by waits.
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SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. Anodyne is a hip, funky coffee house that serves food throughout the day. The place is popular with Minneapolis's trendy folks, but you'll also see business folks stopping in at lunch, munching gourmet sandwiches, or putting away a delectable pastry or two. The beverage selection runs from espressos to teas and cocoas. Entertainments include open-mic events and various bands and performers. Local artwork is displayed too.
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EDEN PRAIRIE. Just how authentic is Baker's? Try this on for size: It's the only one of nine locations not in the Lone Star State. Folksy and casual, they've built their rep on stick-to-your-ribs, hickory-smoked meats. In fact, their dishes have been called "tall food" thanks to their hefty sandwiches (chicken is the most popular). Of course, there's a wide selection of barbecue options too pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, for example. You can order a sandwich, a plate, or take something home by the pound.
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DOWNTOWN. One of Minneapolis's most evocative dining rooms, BANK occupies the former space of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. Its thoughtful design is a true feast for the senses a sleek bar in the center, soaring ceilings and windows, a vault-turned-wine cellar, and beautiful early 20th century millwork. Representative mains include seared walleye with butter-poached lobster, 8-oz. beef fillet with mashed red potatoes and garlic-scented spinach, and short-rib lollipop with sweet potato hash.
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SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings have a strong vegetarian slant and are prepared using fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. Menu items range from pizzas and sandwiches to Tofu Creole and a quiche of the day. Birchwood also serves non-vegetarian items, including salmon cakes and turkey burgers. Breakfast and Sunday brunch are popular with locals, too.
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GRAND AVENUE. Sister restaurant of the popular Cafe Latte, Bread & Chocolate has a loyal group of regulars of its own. This Victoria Square bakery specializes in everything that tickles your fancy crescent rolls, brownies, fudge and all sorts of cookies. For those who like to eat a little something more than dessert at mealtimes, Bread & Chocolate also serves several excellent specialty sandwiches.
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GRAND AVENUE. The long tradition of scrumptious food creation on Grand Avenue continues with the Butter Bakery Café. Whether taking a leisurely stroll down Grand Avenue or heading to work, you'll find Butter Bakery Café to be a quick and convenient stop where you can satisfy your cravings. If you're stopping in for breakfast, try the huevos burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes and salsa or the omelet with potatoes. For an early lunch, try the fresh Patsy's BLT or Roast Beef sandwich. This popular Minneapolis breakfast restaurant and bakery also offers free high-speed, wireless Internet access for added convenience.
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WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. A multi-ethnic, stylish restaurant, Café Brenda has been called "the best in healthy dining." Noted for its gourmet vegetarian and seafood cuisine, the restaurant features chilled soba noodle salad with spicy ginger-tahini dressing, fresh salmon or walleye, and signature weekend croquettes. Don't forget to enjoy a terrific dessert made with maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar. The dining area offers a romantic setting and great views.
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