Restaurants
Best of the Twin Cities | Local PicksDirectory List
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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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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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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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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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SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. A five-spot will get you a canned soda and a loaded, Chicago-style dog at this beyond-casual spot, where every table sports red and white checkered tablecloths and a roll of paper towels. If you're brave, attempt the house specialty: a Vienna Beef dog served on a poppy seed bun and smothered in mustard, "nuclear relish," onions, and celery salt. Juicy and sure to satisfy, it's a taste straight from the South Side. Other choices including pizzas, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, and meatball sandwiches are equally tempting and grease-laden. NB Formerly called Joey D's.
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MACALESTER. Walk into this neighborhood favorite any weekday morning, and you'll find reassuring signs: a swiftly-moving waitstaff, lines of locals waiting for a cozy booth, and of course, stacks and stacks of golden-brown pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup. A glance at the menu confirms you've made a great choice for breakfast the myriad of combinations and preparations of pancakes, eggs, meat, and hashbrowns guarantee that everyone's a.m. favorites can be enjoyed. Memorabilia from the city's once-booming flour industry lends character to the dining room.
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Gardens of Salonica New Greek Café & Deli
19 5th St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 US +1-612-378-0611NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS. If you're looking for one of the best lunch deals in Minneapolis, this Greek eatery is a terrific find. University students tend to pack the place on a regular basis, feasting on moussaka, salads, stuffed grape leaves, authentic Greek pizza, and homemade pastries. Combo dishes, in particular, are great bargains.
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SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. This understated yet classy spot in South Minneapolis gets high marks for its intimate tables and wallet-friendly prices. But that doesn't mean the one-time bakery doesn't turn out creative fare they do, in fact, and manage to utilize a fair amount of local ingredients along the way. Representative dishes from the dinner menu include a duck confit and garlic-lamb meatball cassoulet, polenta cakes, and braised short ribs with homemade spatezle. Weekend brunch features delights like corned beef hash made with Kobe brisket and huevos rancheros filled with Berkshire pork confit.
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DOWNTOWN. You'll find enormous portions of down-home breakfast fare served all day at this popular local chain eatery. Pancakes and omelets come dangerously close to falling off the edge of your plate, while eggs and just-greasy-enough roast beef or Italian sausage hash are favorites with regulars. Sweet treats abound for diners who need a little sugar in the a.m., including oversized cinnamon rolls with heavy glaze and a side of creamed butter. The place is known for breakfast, but a satisfying selection of sandwiches and soups is served for lunch and dinner.
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UPTOWN. Cheap and vegetarian-friendly, KinhDo is a hit with the Twin Cities lunch crowd. Along with Vietnamese recipes, the menu features Chinese and Thai influences in the tasty fare. Everyday lunch specials (including soup) are available at around $6.39 a superb noontime bargain. Most dishes are noodle-based and feature an array of meats and masterfully cooked tofu. The majority of dishes can also be prepared vegan upon request. Crunchy egg rolls and spring rolls are palatable additions to any meal.
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