Great dining is Bloomington’s bread and butter, so to speak. This area boasts a slate of top-notch restaurants, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between meetings or need to refuel after a day on the trails or at the shops.
Hazelwood Food + Drink
Located just east of Mall of America®, Hazelwood Food + Drink’s impressive menu of steaks, sandwiches, and woodfired pizzas makes for a great lunch or dinner. Pair your mouthwatering meal with a fun cocktail or mocktail from the extensive drink menu.
Wine and Italian food are a match made in heaven. Along with classic Italian dishes, Ciao Bella has many small plates and appetizers that groups can enjoy together, plus an enviable wine list that pairs perfectly with your pasta. Carmine’s Bar & Grille is another great spot for casual Italian fare, and its menu also includes the wings and nachos of a first-rate neighborhood pub. For some hearty pasta dishes in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, Luna di Luna is a must. The Italian roots of the family that owns Luna di Luna embolden them to have an extensive wine list and create new takes on classic dishes.
For delicious international eats, consider Aroma Indian Cuisine. This hidden gem serves up several Northern and Southern Indian specialties and some of the best tandoori chicken around. Plus, it has plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. Nearby, Hyderabad Indian Grill is all about slow cooking, bringing out the flavors of signature dishes, such as Egg Biryani and Coconut Curry.
Mandarin Kitchen has a huge menu of great Chinese food, but there are definitely some fan favorites here, loved by the locals. Each weekend morning, you’ll find dim sum so good that it typically draws a big crowd. If you’re hoping to beat the line, head to the restaurant around 9:30 a.m. when it opens.
Shake Shack
Drop anchor at Smack Shack, a recent addition to the dining scene in Bloomington. Originally a food truck, Smack Shack became so popular, it spawned not one, but two seafood restaurants throughout the Twin Cities. Now a popular haunt for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Smack Shack serves up Southern-inspired food and seafood favorites.
Experience Southern hospitality right here in Bloomington at Mallards Restaurant & Lounge. While the dining room may feel casual, the meals are anything but. Fans of savory meals will love Mallard’s Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp & Grits, and Jambalaya, to name a few.
MALL FEATURES
Mall of America® is home to some stand out restaurants to sample while indulging in retail therapy. Twin City Grill, located on the first floor, serves contemporary American dishes with options like steaks, chops, and classic comfort food such as macaroni and cheese. The polished interior further adds to the experience (chef’s kiss).
Shake Shack is a modern “roadside” burger stand known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, and more. With its fresh, simple food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun, lively family favorite.
FOR THE LOVE OF LUNCH
Beloved local chain Snuffy’s Malt Shop has been serving up some of the finest old-school cheeseburgers and malts in the state since the 1980s. Get a basket of onion rings for the table (or for yourself, no judgments here).
For pizza delivery, check out Umbria. It has a huge list of specialty pizzas, including Mac & Cheese Pizza (a local favorite), plus garlic bread and wings. Umbria also serves calzones for those who prefer their pizzas in pockets.
Gyropolis is often touted as one of the best Greek restaurants in the metro area. Get a side order of falafel and spicy tzatziki sauce or some homemade baklava. Make sure to check them out in August or September when fresh produce is sourced from the owners’ farm.
Snuffy’s Malt Shop
For sandwich lovers, two shops on Penn Avenue, Wally’s Roast Beef and Penn Lake Roast Beef, have you covered. Both sell a variety of sandwiches and include roast beef specials. Along with the restaurant menu, Penn Lake Roast Beef sells its famous meat and sides by the pound.
Willy McCoys has something for everyone. The extensive menu includes burgers, tacos, flatbread pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and a standout whiskey list. Get a taste of the Twin Cities’ craft beer scene and head over to Northstar Tavern, where you can choose from two dozen rotating local beers on tap that will complement any of its tasty appetizers.
PUB GRUB
Brunch should be considered one of the main food groups, and no one does weekend brunch better than Lucky’s 13 Pub. Lucky’s puts its own spin on breakfast classics with dishes like Piña Colada Pancakes and Walleye Eggs Benedict, in addition to tried-and-true favorites like French toast and omelets. One of the highlights of the Lucky’s spread is the Bloody Mary and Breakfast Burrito, meant to be savored together.
Western-themed Cowboy Jack’s is a spot for casual grub that turns into a fun and rowdy locale after dark. Their classic pub style foods will satisfy, and their happy hour is loaded with tasty options at unbeatable prices.
NEW DINING AT MALL OF AMERICA
- Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Level 3, North
Check out revolving conveyor belts that serve sushi, nigiri, ramen, and more - Bussin Birria Tacos Level 3, North
Some of the tastiest tacos, nachos, and quesadillas (plus vegan options) - Ichiddo Ramen Level 3, North
A made-to-order authentic Japanese ramen spot with 15-plus toppings to customize your meal
For a full list of local eateries, visit BloomingtonMN.org/restaurants!
