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Northeast
Alma Cafe | take away only

• An all day cafe with a la carte menus, a bakery, and a full bar with a great cocktail list. I can never decide between their two breakfast sandwiches. Luckily, both come with a side of crispy potatoes.

Anchor Fish & Chips | take away and outdoor dining

• Order their authentic fish & chips for carryout and enjoy them across the street at Dangerous Man Brewing.

Brasa Premium Rotisserie (multiple locations) | take away, delivery, + outdoor dining

• Southern comfort food with fantastic gluten-free  and vegetarian options. It's within walking distance of my house, so I come here more than I'd like to admit.

Centro | take away, outdoor, + indoor dining

• Counter-service street tacos and pitchers of margaritas. The three salsas that come with their chips are unique and flavorful. 

Dipped & Debris | take away only

• All of your favorite sandwich classics are their specialty - po-boys, burgers, italian beef,  egg salad, and my favorite: the chicken satay sandwich. Don't forget some of their fresh-made frozen custard for dessert!

Hai Hai | take away + outdoor dining

• Transport yourself somewhere tropical as you much on Vietnamese street food and sip on your Instagramable cocktail. 

Hazel's Northeast | take away, outdoor, + indoor dining

• A relaxed and friendly neighborhood spot with homestyle favorites and mouthwatering hippie cakes (granola-infused buttermilk pancakes) that will knock your socks off.

Jefe: Urban Hacienda | take away, outdoor + indoor dining

• You can't go wrong with Mexican street food and handcrafted cocktails. I love their salsa flight options, have tried almost all of their tacos, love their cubano, and could drink their sangria alllll day.

Minnesota Nice Cream | take away only

• This is perfect place for your sweet tooth. Order one of their specialty cones or pick your own toppings for your soft serve. Vegan options, gluten free bowls, and edible glitter... need I say more?

Red Stag Supperclub | temporarily closed

• One of the most underestimated brunch spots in the Twin Cities, which features chicken & waffles that are to die for!

Wilde Cafe & Spirits | outdoor + indoor dining

• Located along St. Anthony Main and the river, the prefect place for enjoying a Reuben and a glass of wine while you watch the passersby. Also, definitely sub sweet potato waffle fries instead of chips. They are served with a marshmallow dipping sauce that is SO GOOD.

Young Joni | take away only

• Come for the pizza. Try the Korean Beef Short Ribs while you're here. Then enjoy a cocktail at Back Bar (in the alley to the side).The perfect date night.​

Uptown / Eat Street / Linden Hills / Lyndale
Colita | take away + indoor dining

• I don't even know where to begin. If you're looking to impress a date - now's your chance. Their menu is a little father from my "comfort zone" but I haven't been disappointed and will certainly be back for more tacos and  churros. As an added bonus, the entire restaurant is gluten free!​

Hola Arepa | take away, bake at home, indoor, + outdoor dining

• I don't think you've truly visited Minneapolis until you've visited Hola Arepa. Or until you've tried their Yucca Fries (with all the sauces). Arepas are corn meal cakes stuffed with various fillings and each dish is flavorful and unique. Other perks: the service is super speedy, their patio is beautiful, and their cocktails are fantastic. 

Martina | take away, indoor, + outdoor dining

• It doesn't matter what brings you to Martina, as long as you get to experience it. This chic Argentinan restaurant has a wonderful brunch menu and they absolutely nailed it with their cocktail list. If you're stopping by for dinner - go for their burger or crab carbonara.​

The Copper Hen | take away + indoor dining

• I took my mom here when she visited and she always asks to go back when she's in town... that says a lot. Their menus feature made-from-scratch favorites for every meal. I wish my job was closer so I could enjoy their happy hour more frequently. P.S. Bottomless Mimosa's for less than $10 and the ability to make reservations make this a great spot for girls weekends.

Tiny Diner | temporarily closed

• I debated sharing this spot because I don't want it to become so trendy that it gets hard to find a table. This quirky little spot stole a piece of my heart three years ago and I love their monthly menus that pay tribute to diner towns across the US. They have their own farm, a patio roof/solar array to product their own energy, and they're just about the nicest people I've ever met. 

​Downtown / Loring Park
Day Block Brewing | take away, bake at home, indoor, + outdoor dining

• I first heard of Day Block from a friend who got married there and decided to swing my on my way home from work for happy hour. They offer a great selection of house beers and craft pizzas. They even offer free parking nearby at the Valspar lot after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Eggy's Diner | take away + delivery available

• A love story: After a successful debut in Chicago, Eggy's found it's way to Minneapolis and we fell in love. It's a small diner with service that makes you feel right at home. They've got a great combination of breakfast staples and specialties with a twist. Plus, milkshakes. 

Green & the Grain (multiple locations) | some locations closed, check website

• There are a few things I miss about working downtown, and not being able to eat here (at least) once a week is at the top of my list. Their salads are super flavorful, always fresh, and the portions are plentiful. Note: They're only open for lunch Monday - Friday.

Zelo | temporarily closed

• I stumbled across Zelo when I worked Downtown. Their creative menu, homemade pastas, and robust wine selection make it a great spot for business meals. Plus, you can count on their service being consistent. On a budget? Stop in for lunch and enjoy their discounted lunch entrees. 

​North Loop
Bar La Grassa | temporarily closed

• Looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or something special? Look no further. Bar La Grassa's beautiful setting, paired with homemade fresh pasta and multiple bruschetta options are a game changer. ​

Edwards Dessert Kitchen | temporarily closed

• Fancy some dessert for dinner? A bit pricey, but worth every penny.

Nicollet Island Inn | indoor + outdoor dining

• I usually shy away from restaurants that are part of hotels, but not here. The Nicollet Island Inn is a hidden gem in one of the most beautiful corners of Minneapolis. I love stopping by for Sunday Brunch, where they offer 3-and 5-course tasting menus that have never disappointed me. ​

The Freehouse | take away, indoor, + outdoor dining

• A place I feel comfortable recommending to just about anyone. Serving sizes are perfect, service is consistently good, and their menu offers great variety. They have an onsite brewery, but also offer local beers. My go-to: the $1,000 burger and a glass of their Kölsch-Style Ale.

Red Cow (multiple locations) | take away, indoor, + outdoor dining

• If you come here for one thing, let it be their cheese curds with triple berry ketchup. Their burgers are good, beer selection is vast, and they've got a good happy hour.

Red Rabbit | minneapolis location temporarily closed due to a fire, but the st. paul location is doing take away, bake at home, indoor, and outdoor dining.

• The sister restaurant of Red Cow is charming it its own way. Great cocktails and fantastic burrata. If not everyone in your group can agree on pizza, head here - they can order one of the many pasta and entree options, and you can order the Spicy Salami pie. 

Rise Bagel | take away only

• I encourage you to find a better bagel in Minnesota... their classic and artisan sandwiches are fabulous, their pop art bagel is my inner-child's dream, and when I just want something simple, their Everything Bagel with Plain Cream Cheese really hits the spot.

South Minneapolis - Highland / Seward / Hiawatha / Longfellow
Birchwood Cafe | take away only

• There's so much to love about this place. They offer rotating seasonal menus, they're involved in their local community, and the only downside is you'll probably have to wait for a table.

Cecils Deli | take away, indoor, + outdoor dining

• A Minneapolis institution since 1949, Cecils has the best Reuben sandwiches in the Twin Cities. It's no place to stop and stare at and probably won't make next year's "most instagrammable" list - but the food is second to none, the service is friendly, and their portions are generous. 

Hi Lo Diner | take away, indoor, + outdoor dining

• There aren't enough words to accurately describe my feelings for Hi Lo Diner. A 1957 diner with housemade doughnuts - "hi tops" - and other American favorites sure to leave you 

Highland Grill | take away + indoor dining

• Pancakes from this Highland Park staple were my first "real" meal  after getting my wisdom teeth out. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rather hip atmosphere that's usually bustling with students and families. It's also a part of the Blue Plate Restaurant Company, which has restaurants around the Twin Cities.​

Matt's Bar | take away + indoor dining

• Home of Minnesota's legendary "Jucy Lucy" - a handmade burger filled with cheese. There are a few other restaurants that claim to have started this tradition - but Matt's is my favorite and their fries are amazing. The restaurant is cash only, but they do have an ATM on site.

Sea Salt Eatery (Closed for Season)

• Sea Salt was one of the first places I ate when I moved to Minneapolis because it was just a few blocks down the road from my house. Located at Minnehaha Regional Park, just steps from Minnehaha Falls, this is the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch. They've got great seafood and while there's usually a line for food, you can drink beer in line while you wait. 
  ​Pro Tip: Sea Salt is usually open April - October. 

​Wise Acre Eatery | take away, bake at home, + outdoor dining

• I'm a sucker for farm-to-table restaurants and Wise Acre is no exception. More than 80% of their ingredients are sourced directly from their OWN farm located less than an hour from the restaurant. In the summer, you can find me sipping a hand-crafted cocktail on their patio. My favorite items on the menu? Go for the Eggs Benedict or the Royal Brie & Bacon Burger.

* Last updated 10/7/2020