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Twin City Grill
The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
The Minneapolis/St. Paul area, has become THE hot spot for the restaurant industry.
by Jake Kulju & Lisa Brecht
The Minneapolis/St. Paul area, well known for it's cold and snow has become THE hot spot for the restaurant industry. We are a shining Mecca for restaurateurs; served up with all the warmth and true Scandinavian hospitality that only Minnesotans can offer. With the development of the Mall of America came an onslaught of new, trendy restaurants that cater to a new group of diners; the American family. Minneapolis/St. Paul has revived the dining experience. No longer catering just to the young urban professional, the calling is for the professional and their children. Recognizing the need to offer new appeal, the explosion of restaurants has literally transformed the Minnesota landscape. The choices for the new diner are innovative, fresh and creative. Minneapolis/St. Paul has planted its dining landscape and the results are abundant with trendy new choices. The new dining experience of Minneapolis/St. Paul is plentiful with choices that are unique, enjoyable and a refreshing change of pace for people of all ages.
EVEREST ON GRAND
1278 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 696-1666
Hours: Mon, Wed-Thurs 1130AM-9PM, Fri and Sat 10PM.
Everest on Grand is one of the Twin Cities most ethnically unique restaurants. The Nepalese owner makes traditional food daily, with a colorful and changing menu that stays true to the mountain heritage of southern Asia. The yogurt cucumber sauce, delicious sweet puddings and spicy potato medleys paint a vast flavor sensation along a broad palette. Lunch or dinner here will surely keep you coming back for more.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
MATT’S BAR
3500 Cedar Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 722-7072
Hours: Mon-Sun 10AM-12AM
Matt’s Bar is the proud home of the original Jucy Lucy—the inverted cheeseburger with a molten core that has become a legend in the Twin Cities. Many other restaurants serve them, but Matt’s has the unchallenged distinction of being the originator. The 1950s-style menu, service and atmosphere make Matt’s a neighborhood favorite. Locals have their regular barstools, the jukebox plays classic rock and the flattop grill is always sizzling.
Estimated cost per person: $5-10
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
TWO GUYS FROM ITALY
7495 France Ave. South
Edina, MN
(952) 831-3031
Hours: Mon-Thur 1130 am 9pm, Fri-1130am-10pm, Sat 1130-10pm, Sun 12pm-8PM
One of the best Italian restaurants in the twin cities. Two guys offer fresh service to compliment the outstanding fare and a decent wine list. An after dinner delight of Tiramisu will perfect your meal. Two Guys offers indoor and outdoor seating. A quiet table for two is easily accommodated while groups are graciously welcomed. The delightful pond out back is complete with friendly neighborhood ducks and plenty of cozy spots with which to watch them or toss a bit of that leftover bread stick. Two Guys is run by just that; two guys from Italy. A true Tuscan experience, you always leave full and contented.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - 20
Holiday Schedule: New Years' Day - closed, Valentines Day - open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving -closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open.
MONTE CARLO BAR & CAFE
219 3rd Ave. North
Mpls, MN 55401
(612) 333-5900
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-100am, Sun 10am-100am
Once upon a long time ago, the Monte Carlo catered to the workingman looking for a comfortable place for a cold brew and sandwich. The Monte Carlo has been a timeless fixture of the historic Minneapolis Warehouse District since the early 1900's. After extensive renovation, this unpretentious spot is still a mainstay for locals, but today the Monte Carlo serves it up for those sporting a white collar. Home of 'huge' martinis and an exceptional menu of steaks, pastas, seafood and other American dishes, the Monte Carlo is a terrific place to catch your breath and catch up with good friends. While not a convenient walk from the downtown area, the Monte Carlo is an easy drive with adjacent parking or if you prefer, a valet to do it for you.
Estimated cost per person: $20
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-closed, Valentines Day-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open.
JAX CAFÉ
1928 University Ave. NE
Mpls, MN 55418
(763) 789-7297
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 AM-1:00 AM, Sun 10:00 AM-1:30PM and 3:30 PM-9:00PM
In business since 1933, Jax Café is a best pick for brunch, outdoor dining and servicing large groups. Steaks top the list of this most delightful establishment; also included are salmon and catch your own trout. The steaks, however, are as thick as thick can get and without a doubt, the most satisfying fare at Jax's. The notability of the forever-long bar with the stained glass window of the seven dwarfs (no kidding!) makes' visiting Jax a most memorable experience. The ambiance of the fireplace makes for a cozy, romantic dining experience during the winter months. Outdoor dining in the summer will get you away from the notorious, sometimes clamorous crowds that the staff at Jax seems to host so flawlessly. The outdoor patio also gets you closer to that very unequaled, unduplicated trout stream. The service at Jax is friendly and delightfully efficient. There's just no place like it.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20-25
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-closed, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-closed, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open.
ROSEN'S BAR & GRILL
430 First Ave. N
Mpls, MN 55401
(612) 338-1926
Hours: 1100 AM - 100 AM, Sun-Sat
Rosen's Bar & Grill, located in the warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis is within walking distance of all the excitement Minneapolis has to offer. A few blocks from Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rosen's is a great meeting place for locals and travelers alike. Exceptional service and a dynamite menu consisting of everything from salads to burgers, Rosen's offers portions the size of Lake Superior. Owner and local media celebrity Mark Rosen has created a hallmark within the downtown dining arena. His restaurant offers fresh-air indoor seating as well as outdoor dining. This hot spot of downtown is characterized by unique decor and surrounded by plenty of restored buildings that are pleasing to the eye.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - open, Valentines Day - open, Easter-open,
Thanksgiving - closed, Christmas Eve - open, Christmas Day - closed, New Years Eve - open
BUCA DI BEPPO
11 S. 12th St.
Mpls, MN 55403
(612) 341-9178
2728 Gannon Rd, St. Paul, MN
(651) 772-4388
7711 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN
(952) 724-7266
14300 Burnhaven Dr., Burnsville, MN
(952) 892-7272
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 4pm, 11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm. Hours will vary by store location.
Buca's is famous for it's family style dining experience. Dining groups pass around family-style platters of ravioli, tortellini, pizza and eggplant parmigiana. The garlic-mashed potatoes are absolutely to die for as well as the many other scrumptious dishes gracing the menu. The word within the place is don't come with those you don't like! Buca's unique decor is like family dining in Italy; the clamoring in the kitchen, the voices of the service staff and family friendliness of Buca's keeps makes them a mainstay of the Minneapolis restaurant scene.
Estimated cost per person: $15-20
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-open, Valentines Day-open, Easter-open, Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open.
DAKOTA BAR & GRILL
1021 E Bandana Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 642-1442
Hours:Mon-Wed 4pm-12am, Thur-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 530pm-1am, Sun 530pm-12am
The Dakota is a twin city hot spot for live, swanky jazz and is legendary within the local scene. Despite the refined, somewhat sophisticated decor, this place welcomes virtually everyone from college kids to the who's who of the social elite. The food seems to pair well with the music; it's both innovative and fresh: Walleye cheeks with pepper garlic sauce and the signature Brie and apple soup keeps them coming back for more. The wine list is grand and the menu equally satisfying. The bar offers a separate menu that's not just another beer and nacho fare. Happy hour (Mon-Fri 430pm-630pm) offers half price on the entire bar menu in addition to drink specials. A gourmet meal with drink and a tip can be had for around $10.
Estimated cost per person: $10 for Happy hour (dinner & a drink), $20 from the main menu.
Holiday schedule: New Years Day-closed, Valentines Day-open, Easter-closed
Thanksgiving-closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open
TWIN CITY GRILL
130 N. Garden
Mall of America
Bloomington, MN
(952) 854-0200
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11AM - 10 PM, Fri & Sat 11 PM, Sun 11 AM - 10 PM
The Twin City Grill is a definite must-see at the Mall of America. With a 1940-ish decor, the Twin City Grill is a true, nostalgic Minnesota dining experience complete with photos of the Minneapolis/St. Paul local once-upon-a time. The Northern Lakes fish fry is the specialty of the house while the menu boasts other home-style fare such as meatloaf, filet mignon, sandwiches and knockout hickory smoked ribs. After an afternoon of shopping the nation's coolest mall, drop on into the Twin City Grill. Caters to families and children, great food and reasonable!
Estimated cost per person - $15-20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day - open, Valentines Day - open, Easter - open, Thanksgiving - closed, Christmas Eve - open, Christmas Day - closed, New Year's Eve - open
LA CUCARACHA
Downtown Mpls & Downtown St. Paul
533 Hennepin Ave., Mpls (612) 339-1161
36 S. Dale, St. Paul (651) 221-9682
1750 Weir Dr., Woodbury (651) 264-1948
Hours: Minneapolis, Sunday - Thursday 1100 AM - 930 PM, Friday & Saturday 1100 PM, St. Paul, Sunday - Thursday 1100 AM - 930 PM, Friday & Saturday 100 AM, Woodbury, 1100 AM - 930 PM, Friday & Saturday 1100 PM
La Cucaracha, with three locations throughout the Minneapolis metro area, La Cucaracha was voted best Mexican restaurant in the twin cities by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. They offer huge portions, not huge prices and make famous 'top shelf' margaritas. The downtown Minneapolis location is within walking distance of Target Center and each location offers an authentic Mexican atmosphere, great service and super edibles. For fresh, festive Mexican step out from the routine of chain-style hot eats and stroll into La Cucaracha. OLE'!
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15-20
Holiday schedule: New Year's Day-closed, Valentines Day-open, Easter-closed, Thanksgiving - closed, Christmas Eve-open, Christmas Day-closed, New Years Eve-open.
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