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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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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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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Café Minnesota
345 W Kellogg Blvd Minnesota History Center St. Paul, MN 55102 US +1-651-259-3000DOWNTOWN. Sure, the exhibits are excellent, but Minnesota History Center also lays claim to a terrific cafe where visitors can partake of gourmet fare whenever the museum is open. Menu items are prepared using only fresh ingredients, and you can rest assured that your shredded beef chili, marinated chicken tinged with miso and ginger, or Tuscan-style beef with apricots will be scrumptious. Pizza and deli stations provide other options. Free wireless Internet access is available, and menu items are indicated as being gluten-free, low-fat, vegan, etc. for your convenience.
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BLOOMINGTON. This charming restaurant has the distinction of delivering authentic, mouthwatering French cuisine. Elegant Chez Colette recaptures the ambience of a quaint, 19th-century Parisian café or brasserie dark wood accents, banquette seating, and tulip lamps. Favorite dishes include garlic-tinged bouillabaisse, coq au vin, crepes, and braised lamb shank with garlic potatoes.
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DOWNTOWN. Set in the lobby of a literary arts center, this coffee house is a city favorite. Its owner refers to it as the "living room of the neighborhood," and he plays the perfect host. Furnished with unmatched sofas, chairs, and tables, the place invites patrons to order a fragrant coffee or tea, soup, sandwich, cookie, or snack, and settle in with a book or magazine. Beer and wine increase the appeal. Plus, eight flavors of gourmet ice cream provide a smooth, sweet treat.
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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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