Minneapolis is one of the most exciting up-and-coming food cities in America. The city possesses a natural politeness and access to a robust (if limited) growing season: making it an excellent hub of hospitality. Whether looking for internationally renowned pastries, celebrity sightings or a quiet corner of the city with spectacular lake views, here are some of our favorite places to eat out and save a few bucks the next time you are in the city of lakes.
Rose Street Patisserie
Rose Street Patisserie Owner John Kraus is one of the best bakers in the entire world, and he has the medal to prove it. Stop by Linden Hills, one of the most beautiful, walkable neighborhoods in the Twin Cities for a pastry that will drive your Instagram followers mad with jealousy. Make sure to try their sister establishment, Patisserie 46 as well.
Sweet Somali Tea at Afro Deli
Minneapolis has the largest Somali population outside of Africa. Afro Deli is a great entry point serving an utterly creamy, fiercely spiced cup of tea that is often served to welcome guests. Black tea, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are mixed with a bunch of milk and sweetened with sugar. It's utterly comforting and just a couple of bucks. The price is a welcome contrast to any corner Starbucks.
Lunch at The Bachelor Farmer Cafe
It's important to know that the North Loop neighborhood is the Brooklyn of Minneapolis. That means great coffee. The Bachelor Farmer Cafe serves some of the best. Order the most elegant open-faced sandwich of all time or a cup of their luscious soups. In the summer, there's a sweet alley patio to get the full vibes of the area.
Snacks at Spoon & Stable
Perhaps you've caught Gavin Kaysen in one of his many appearances on Bravo's Top Chef show. Spoon & Stable is the number one stop for celebrities traveling through town and one of the hardest reservations to snag. Plan to come right at 5 when they open or after 8 to grab one of the bar's first-come seats and indulge in a refined cocktail and a few small bites from the more affordable bar menu. The French fries with béarnaise powder are obsession-worthy.
Pizza at Young Joni
Dubbed one of the best, new restaurants in the country last year, Young Joni is a refined, rustic pizza place in Minneapolis' arty Northeast neighborhood. All the food is cooked over an open flame. Try the Japanese sweet potatoes with bonito flakes that fawn over the dish, looking like a coral reef. Absolutely do not miss the pizza, with thin and chewy crust topped with everything from lemony clams to little pepperoni rounds that curl up when baked. Make sure to try their sister restaurant, Pizzeria Lola as well.
Dinner at Hai Hai
There is almost uncountable, great Vietnamese food finds around the twin cities, but the most modern and best wallpapered would be Hai Hai in Northeast. The flavors are all kinds of bright, herbaceous and filled with fish sauce. Try the Vietnamese crepe, their take on a bánh xèo. The super thin, crispy exterior is wrapped around all manner of crunchy, crispy, sweetly savory fillings. Get it porky, veggie or with a seafood filling. The massive serving could nearly feed two.
Cocktails at Tattersall
Every city seems to have a rush of new distilleries, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one with a cocktail room as fun as Tattersall's. Minnesota has a law that everything used to make the cocktails must be made on site. This causes more than a few challenges. However, Tattersall's aren't just some of the best for a distillery, they're some of the best in town. Grab a Cabin Cocktail guide to take home and find out if you can't buy a bottle of their superlative Aquavit closer to home.
Bottom Line
The Minneapolis food scene continues to impress and gain national attention. The next time you are in town, use our guide to find some of the best eats & drinks without breaking the bank.