Minneapolis, MN

bar

Troubadour Wine Bar

I almost didn't put Troubadour on my site because I truly believe it's the biggest kept secret in Minneapolis. This place is one of my favorite places to go for an after dinner drink, especially with a date. They are open until 1am every night (yes, even on Sundays!) and have awesome live music each night. My favorite artist plays on Thursday nights (Liam Gerard plays.) Their wine selection is one of the best in town, and the staff is very knowledgeable if you can't decide what to get. Troubadour often holds fun events too, such as bubbly tastings with champagne and prosecco experts. Check this place out, I know you won't be disappointed. But when you go and love it, do me a favor and don't tell anyone so this place stays one of the biggest hidden gems in town. Recommendations: 1. Wine! Ask the servers what’s on special, tell them what you like, and I guarantee they’ll have something perfect for you

Minneapolis, MN

bar • restaurants

Barbette

Barbette works with locally farmed ingredients, and you can taste the freshness in the food. They're open all day, and I'd be lying to you if I told you I branch out on what I order each time I go. Their Mussels and Pommes Frites are just too good. Barbette also has a patio to enjoy a glass of white wine in the summer. Recommendations: Brunch 1. Daily quiche Dinner 1. Steamed Mussels with a glass of white wine 2. Pommes Frites “

Minneapolis, MN

bar • restaurants

Young Joni

If you know anything about food in the Twin Cities, you've heard of Young Joni. It was picked as a Top Restaurant in America Right Now by Eater, and was recently featured in a great article by GQ. I actually don't order pizza when I come here, which almost every other table around me does. Don't get me wrong, the pizza is incredible, and I've tried it several times. However, the real shining stars of the menu are the Korean-inspired, mod podge of dishes. People ask me what to order when they go, and I usually start to list so many things that they might as well close their eyes and point to something on the menu and know it will blow them away. The cauliflower with raisins and a yogurt sauce. The celery, endive, and apple salad, smothered in homemade blue cheese dressing. The beef short ribs. The Thai sausage skewers that are basically the best version of a lettuce wrap you've ever had in your life. Hungry yet? I thought so. Go to Young Joni. But make sure to plan ahead (like two months in advance ahead) unless you want to wait 2+ hours for a walk-in. Hey, go to Young Joni's Back Bar for cocktails while you wait. Recommendations: 1. Cauliflower 2. Wood Roasted Corn 3. Celery, Endive, and Apple 4. Korean Beef Short Ribs 5. Grilled Chicken Wings 6. Thai Sausage Skewers (like lettuce wraps with sausage and the mos t amazing dipping sauce in the world) 7. Church Basement Cookie and Bar Plate

Excelsior, MN

restaurants

Coalition

This place is fabulous. I can't believe I found out about it so late. I always knew about the Excelsior location, but when in Excelsior… I always ended up at Yumi's Sushi. There are many American restaurants that try too hard to be different, which often leads to an overly-complicated-for-no-reason menu or too many dishes to choose from. Coalition balances simple and elegant perfectly, serving dishes that are familiar yet often have a unique twist (such as the blue cheese on the Bison Burger.) Their meats are sourced from one of the best, Peterson Meats, and their cocktails are delicious (and trust me, I've tried almost all of them!) I highly recommend Coalition for occasions such as when your parents are in town, cocktails and appetizers after work, or a lazy Saturday brunch. Recommendations: 1. Burrata (if there is burrata, I will always order it) 2. Root Veggie Hash 3. Bison Burger 4. Blood Orange Mimosa 5. Fried Goat Cheese 6. Walleye

Minneapolis, MN

bar

Tattersall Distilling

I am proud to say I've been a fan of Tattersall since day 1. It's definitely caught on over the past year and is ALWAYS packed, especially when it's nice enough to sit on their patio. The inside is fabulous too, with high ceilings, a gorgeous chandelier, and comfy leather couches. There are food trucks parked outside, and their cocktails are delicious and strong. This place is a unique date place or somewhere to go for after-dinner drinks. Recommendation: All of their cocktails are fantastic!

Saint Paul, MN

bar • restaurants

Saint Dinette

I could go on and on and on about my love for Saint Dinette. The restaurant itself is gorgeous… high ceilings, airy atmosphere, and huge windows letting in lots of sunlight. But the food is second to none in St. Paul. I will start with the cheeseburger. It's a no-frills burger, but that's what makes it so great. Buttery, juicy meat with lots of cheese and a toasted bun. Their brunch is also just grand, with several sweet and savory menu items (get the monkey bread, you deserve it) plus yummy brunch cocktails. It's perfect for a boozy brunch with friends on a sunny day, or for a celebratory dinner with a significant other. Next time you're in St. Paul, this should be top on your list. Recommendations: 1. Cheeseburger (life changing) 2. Everything Bagel with Lox 3. Monkey Bread 4. Bologna Sandwich

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Spoon and Stable

Spoon and Stable is just incredible. The high ceilings, marble, stainless steel, and beautiful wine cellar make the atmosphere one of the best in the Twin Cities. Their bar is great for after-work cocktails, and it has first-come-first-serve seating (at the bar and the tables surrounding.) It's pretty difficult to get reservations, but they serve the full menu in the bar. It's "upscale" but not snooty or stiff. Spoon and Stable is run by 2 times James Beard Award winner Chef Gavin Kaysen. Kaysen also runs Bellecour, a French restaurant in Wayzata. The service is impeccable and the food is creative and delicious. I don't have one bad thing to say about this place, dining here is always a delightful experience. Recommendations: Menu changes frequently. 1. Creamy Spinach and Cheese Curds 2. Spaghetti Nero 3. Burrata 4. Honestly any of Diane Yang’s pastries 5. Brat at the bar