“Burger”byLeonid Mamchenkovis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Red Cow Restaurant & Bar
3624 W 50th St
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 767-4411
Yelp: 4 Stars; 211 Reviews. If you’re craving a laid back atmosphere where you can get a good meal and a few drinks, look no further that Red Cow. With an extensive beer list and plenty of food, this restaurant will not disappoint. For a truly unique flavor, try the cheese curds dipped in their triple berry ketchup. It’s a sure thing you’ll be back soon for more.
“Dragon statue”byTamasis licensed underCC BY 2.0
George & The Dragon
813 W 50th St
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 208-1047
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 255 Reviews. When it comes to local pubs with a British flair, George & the Dragon is the place to be. It’s always a struggle to pick just one meal off of the menu, but if you want the fan favorite, go with the Asian Hangover. It’s spicy pork with green beans, a fried egg, and jasmine rice. It will have you wanting to lick the plate clean.
“barbecue ribs, pork”byDavid McSpaddenis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Smoke In The Pit
3733 Chicago Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 315-3145
Yelp: 4.5 Stars 40 Reviews. There’s a good chance that Smoke in the Pit is home to the best barbecue in the entire state. With succulent meats, bold sauces, and a friendly staff, this place will instantly become a favorite. For first timers, it’s best to start with the brisket sandwich or the chicken wings and then go from there. No worries, though. You’ll be regulars in no time.
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
2716 E 38th St
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 208-1450
Yelp: 4 Stars; 148 Reviews. This gastropub and brewery is a staple of the Minneapolis beer scene. With boldly flavored beers like the Big Jim IPA and hearty entrees like the smoked beef sandwich topped with melted smoked Gouda, Northbound always delivers. Sure to be a great time, this place is a must-try.
Pizzeria Lola
5557 Xerxes Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 424-8338
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 380 Reviews. Pizzeria Lola isn’t just your typical “pick a couple toppings” type of joint. Creative ingredients fill the menu and their pies present flavors you could only imagine in your wildest dreams. Two favorites are the Korean BBQ pizza with beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallions, arugula, sesame, and soy-chili vinaigrette and the Boise, topped with potato, gruyere, fontina, caramelized onion, olive oil & rosemary.
The Copper Hen
2515 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 872-2221
Yelp: 4 Stars; 84 Reviews. The Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen is the best place in Minneapolis to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sure, they’ve got an awesome menu of real food like the Cheddar Ale Burger (don’t mind if I do), but their baked goods are what’s really going to knock you out of your seat. With an awesome variety of desserts, like the “Salted Caramel Chocolate Mason Jar Cheesecake” and their signature carrot cake cupcake, whatever you end up ordering will have you purchasing several more “to-go” (or really you’ll just eat them during the car ride home).
Butcher & The Boar
1121 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 238-8888
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 519 Reviews. Butcher & the Boar is a true carnivore’s delight. Serving up tons of protein packed favorites with their own twist, Butcher & the Boar is a great place to go if you’re craving some red meat. A few of the favorites on the menu include the beef long rib, the Berkshire pork chop, and the sausage sampler. Just make sure you don’t leave without trying the spicy duck fat fries.
Spoon and Stable
211 N 1st St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 224-9850
Yelp: 4 Stars; 37 Reviews. Relatively new to the Minneapolis restaurant world, Spoon and Stable is sure to stick around for quite some time. This restaurant specializes in serving up American classics with their own special twist. Two local favorites include the rich and hearty pot roast which melts in your mouth and the Bison tartar, a unique way to eat this game meat.
Matt’s Bar
3500 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 722-7072
Yelp: 4 Stars; 662 Reviews. It’s well known around Minneapolis that there’s a war brewing among residents over a sandwich called the “Jucy Lucy,” a mind-blowingly delicious sandwich that’s grilled with a chunk of cheese sealed between two beef patties. One restaurant that serves it up is Matt’s Bar. Their menu isn’t huge, but it’s easy to see why the Jucy Lucy is their flagship item after the first gooey, oozy, cheese-filled bite.
5-8 Club
5800 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 823-5858
Yelp: 3.5 Stars; 342 Reviews Serving up a sandwich similar to the one found at Matt’s Bar, the “Juicy Lucy’s” that come out of the kitchen here gives Matt’s version a run for its money. With a much more extensive menu and more burger options, some locals prefer this joint to their cross-town rival. It’s up for you to decide.
The Bachelor Farmer
50 N 2nd Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 206-3920
Yelp: 4 Stars; 265 Reviews. Serving up food inspired by Scandinavia, the Bachelor Farmer is one of the most unique restaurants in Minneapolis. The first of its type in the area, the Bachelor Farmer grows a lot of its own produce on the roof of their building, giving patrons the fastest farm-to-table turnaround possible. A few favorites from the menu include the baked eggs with ham, duck wings, and the pork shoulder, but you won’t go wrong with anything you end up ordering.
The Lowbrow
4244 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55409
(612) 208-0720
Yelp: 4 Stars; 183 Reviews. The Lowbrow is one of the best places for brunch in Minneapolis. Seriously every menu item is full of the perfect amount of spice and flavor to start your day. You can’t go wrong with the jalapeno hash or the chorizo breakfast tacos. And, if you’re in the mood to try something really unique, order the Elvis Sandwich, sourdough stuffed with peanut butter, bananas, and bacon.
Sea Salt Eatery
4825 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55467
(612) 721-8990
Yelp: 4 Stars; 321 Reviews. Sea Salt Eatery is one of the best places for fish in Minneapolis and the view can’t be beat. With an outdoor patio overlooking the falls, classics like their clam fries, po’boy sandwiches, and the scallop tacos will quickly make you a loyal customer.
El Taco Riendo
2412Central AVE NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 781-3000
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 173 Reviews. Head to El Taco Riendo if you’re ready to try the best tacos you’ll ever taste. With tons of fresh, crisp flavors and savory meats, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better authentic Mexican place in the Twin Cities area. Anything featuring the carnitas make your taste buds jump for joy and the deep-fried and delicious chimichangas will never let you down.
Zelo
831 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-7000
Yelp: 4 Stars; 346 Reviews. Zelo will have you convinced you’ve taken a trip to Italy, as their unique pasta and pizza offer a perfect balance of flavors that can’t be found at most Italian joints. If you need help picking something from all of the awesome options on the menu, you won’t be disappointed by the tortiglioni rossa or the lasagna. What’s your go-to for great grub in Minneapolis? Tell us in the comments below!
