Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Smack Shack

What started as a mobile operation has grown into a bustling brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu has expanded with the space, as the Smack Shack now offers a slew of seafood favorites (and fun cocktails) in addition to the fresh lobster rolls that started it all. There are options aplenty, including fish boils and lobster-studded mac and cheese (which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives). You can also get your seafood in sandwich form, as po’ boys dominate the menu.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Prairie Dogs Hot Dogs and Handcrafted Sausage

Fittingly, Chef Craig Johnson’s first job was slinging hot dogs. He now spends his days creating beyond-basic riffs on sausages as the owner of Prairie Dogs. Johnson delivers a one-two punch of meaty flavor with his Jimmy Two Times creation. He grills housemade Italian sausage in duck fat, then pairs it with jus-drenched slices of Italian beef (also made in-house) on a Vietnamese-style baguette. The sandwich comes smothered with marinara sauce and a giardiniera that Guy declared “the real surprise.”

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Red Wagon Pizza Company

Pizza has long been a way of life for Chef-Owner Peter Campbell, whose family made pies as a regular pastime. These days, he’s serving artisan pizzas that have won over fans like the DDD crew. Guy stopped in for the Red Wagon Pizza. This meaty pie is slathered with housemade sauce, then topped with a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, a flurry of banana peppers, and meaty ribbons of soppressata and hearty housemade sausage, which makes for a well-balanced pizza that Guy declared “dynamite.”

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Holy Land

Founder Wajdi Wadi opened this Middle Eastern spot in the '80s as a small deli, bakery and grocery, but the family-owned operation quickly exploded with growth. Holy Land's popular hummus is produced and packaged in the family's very own factory, where it's shipped out to retailers in the area. Guy was blown away by the flavor of the dip. "I've had a lot of good hummus in my life, but I haven't had very much hummus this fantastic," he said.

Minneapolis, MN

bar

Surly Brewing Co.

The minds behind Surly Brewing know a thing or two about overcoming obstacles. They actually paved the way for small-production brewers to sell beer onsite, which was illegal in Minnesota before 2011. Once the “Surly bill” became law, Ansari and his team built a 50,000-square-foot hall where visitors can indulge in a cold one paired with classic comfort foods, including the Pulled Pork Platter. Huge slices of smoky pork are served with fried Thai chili Brussels sprouts and buttery cheddar grits.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

The Herbivorous Butcher

Sibling duo Aubry and Kale Walch are changing the culinary game at their vegan butcher shop, which Guy calls “groundbreaking.” Using a mix of complex flours and plant-based ingredients, they replicate the flavors and textures of cold-cut meats and cheeses. Guy favors the Italian Sub, which is piled high with vegan versions of salami, ham, pastrami and mozzarella, then topped with lettuce, onions and cherry peppers.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Gandhi Mahal Restaurant

Chef-Owner Ruhel Islam delivers the flavors of India to the diners of Minneapolis at his restaurant. He’s so dedicated to fresh ingredients that he grows vegetables and herbs in the basement, and collects honey from a beehive on the roof. When Guy stopped by, he tried the buttery Chicken Tikka Masala. “If you don’t think you like Indian food, let this be your visa,” Guy said of the dish.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub

To get their pub off the ground, Amy Johnson and Jamie Robinson got creative by offering free beer for life to anyone who invested $1,000. Customers may have signed up for the brews, but they’re staying for the food, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering smoked dishes like the 18-Hour Porketta. This meaty sandwich features succulent pork and sauteed onions blanketed with a layer of melty Swiss cheese.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Unideli

Tucked away in a massive Asian grocery store in Minneapolis, this little shop is churning out ramen dishes that had Guy hooked. “If they made this in the 50-gallon drum, I'd be having a hot tub in it,” said Guy of the Dramen, which comes loaded with sliced pork belly, Asian greens, noodles, peanuts and chile flakes. A combination of chicken and pork broths adds to the richness.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

George and the Dragon

England meets the Philippines at this cozy Minneapolis pub. Head here for “the kind of cooking that happens when fans of British culture mix it up with old family recipes,” as Guy describes it. Fred and Stacy Navarro (who have Irish, French and Filipino ancestries between them) have dreamed up an eclectic menu of mouthwatering eats (we’re talking bacon and onion dip, a banh mi sandwich and more).

Bayport, MN

restaurants

Bayport BBQ Inc

The motto of this small-town barbecue joint is “we aren’t for everyone,” but Guy certainly liked what he found at this family-run joint. “I give you all the props for doing it your way,” said Guy, after tucking into white oak-smoked brisket topped with coleslaw and bread-and-butter pickles, all piled on a freshly baked hunk of bread.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Buster's On 28th

Buster’s on 28th is so beloved that local fans rallied to raise money to rebuild it after the gastropub burned down in 2013. Crowds flock here for the friendly vibe and elevated pub grub like beer-braised brisket. After being hit with a simple rub, the cubed beef is braised in heavy stout, then served on a bun smothered with roasted red pepper cream cheese. “That is fantastic,” Guy said of the dish.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Andale Taqueria & Mercado

When some of Guy’s Minnesota-based DDD crew told him he could find a “real-deal Mexican joint” just a short drive from downtown Minneapolis, he just had to check it out. “There is no way we’re in Minnesota,” Guy said after one bite of the tacos al pastor bursting with the flavors of Mexico (think achiote-marinated pork and creamy avocado salsa).

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Kramarczuk Sausage Company

Take a ride with Guy to Kramarczuk's, an old European country food spot known for "stick-to-your-ribs food." If you're a sausage lover, then this is the place to get homemade sausage and boiled cabbage rolls. You can't leave without trying Varenyky, the dish with three meats and three potatoes.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Emily's Lebanese Deli

In downtown Minneapolis, Emily's has been serving family-style Lebanese food for more than 38 years. The signature lamb shish kebab had Guy singing its praises. The kibbi made with raw ground beef and spices was equally delicious — Guy described it as the Lebanese version of steak tartare.

Saint Paul, MN

restaurants

Dari-ette Drive-In

Authentic Italian food at a drive-in restaurant is a rarity, but that's exactly what Angela Fida and her family have been doing at Dari-Ette Drive-In for more than 50 years. Angela cooks up fried sausage, meatballs and spaghetti with a sauce that's so secret she won't even tell Guy what's in it.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Al's Breakfast

When Guy revisits Al's Breakfast for the second time, he finds the popular spot is "still packed and still run by the king of the joint." Regulars often enjoy Jelly Omelets in the 14-stool classic American eatery. Their short-order style hasn't changed in 60 years, and we don't want it to, either.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Broders' Cucina Italiana

Anthony Rodriguez, director of photography for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives insisted that this family-owned Italian restaurant is to die for. After trying the tender fettuccine alla Bolognese and experiencing the thin-crust Dynamite pizza with prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula, Guy was convinced.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Pizzeria Lola

Andrew Zimmern introduced Guy to this pizzeria. Despite his distaste for eggs, Guy indulged in the Sunnyside pizza. The My Sha-Roni! captured Guy's heart with its pepperoni and Berkshire pork sausage, while the Lady ZaZa with Korean sausage, kimchi and soy chili glaze had "dynamite" flavor.

Saint Paul, MN

restaurants

The Nook

The Nook is a no-fuss burger joint that has mastered the art of stuffed burgers. The Spanish Fly consists of a 50/50 blend of beef and Spanish-spiced pork filled with queso. In honor of Guy, they created Guys Big Bite, a pepper Jack-stuffed burger with bacon, topped with roast beef and cheddar.

Duluth, MN

restaurants

Gannuccis

As a fan of Italian markets, Guy had to sample the homemade dishes at Gannucci’s. He can’t get enough of the “thick and dense” lasagna, made with ground Italian sausage and homemade marinara. For diners who love Italian cold cuts, Guy recommends the muffuletta with a “righteous” dipping sauce.

Stillwater, MN

restaurants

Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque

This diner is serving up Caribbean BBQ with a fiery-hot twist. Follow Guy’s lead and dig into the jerk pork tacos with grilled scallion aioli, which he says have "fantastic flavor." Or try the spicy jerk chicken, as seen on Best. Ever. Smoked slow and low, it is packed with a potent punch of heat.

Minneapolis, MN

cafe

Victor's 1959 Cafe

Florida isn't the only place to get delicious Cuban food in the United States — just take a look at Victor's 1959 Cafe in Minneapolis. Owner Niki Stavrou uses authentic Cuban recipes for meals such as ranchero Cubano and picadillo. Guy thought the Cuban sandwich was ''as legit as they come.''

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Town Talk Diner & Gastropub

Take a drive out to Town Talk Diner in Minneapolis, MN, with Guy Fieri, host of Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, for some creative spins on classic dishes like macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and fried chicken.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

The Sheridan Room

When Jim Grell opened Modern Cafe in 1994, his goal was to make classic diner dishes with a contemporary twist. The menu includes lamb burger with tomato relish, chicken wings with hoisin sauce, gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and fish cakes, which Guy thought were ''beyond'' tender.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Wienery

Don't expect to find any shredders, slicers or food processors at the Wienery in Minneapolis — chef and owner Pat Starr hand-cuts everything by himself, even the fries. Guy gave his thumbs-up to the Italian Combo, which includes Italian sausage, roast beef, cheese and habanero peppers.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge

As the name suggests, Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge doesn't play by the rules — and that wasn't a problem for Guy. The food was right up his alley, with beer-battered asparagus and fried cheese curds (and fried mini wieners and Snickers too). But the fried Mini Mex Rolls? Two words: "crazy tasty."

Duluth, MN

restaurants

Northern Waters Smokehaus

Smoked-fish fanatics will get a mouthful at Northern Waters Smokehaus, where they're smoking everything from salmon to lamb and even curing their own salumi. But Guy had to stop by for their bison pastrami, Pastrami Mommy sandwich and whitefish basket — a quintessential Lake Superior dish.

Cloquet, MN

restaurants

Gordy's Hi-Hat

Locals eagerly await the reopening of Gordy’s Hi-Hat every spring, as this seasonal joint slings old-school favorites like a double cheeseburger that’s built right on the flat top. The patties are seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled and then topped with onions, cheese and pickles. “When you think about the all-American drive-in, that’s the kind of burger they’re talking about,” Guy declared.

Saint Paul, MN

restaurants

Donatelli's

At this Italian comfort-food dive they're making everything from meatballs to pizza and eight different types of pasta. Guy was enthusiastic about the fresh mostaccioli and special red sauce and he loved the Heart Stopper pizza loaded with sausage, hamburger, pepperoni, ham, bacon and cheese.

Saint Paul, MN

cafe

Colossal Cafe

Don't let the small 500-square-foot space fool you: They're not skimping on ingredients at the Colossal Cafe. Try their Apple, Walnuts & Brie pancakes or go with the best-selling meatloaf sandwich topped with citrus-infused cranberry compote and served on fresh bread that is baked daily.

Duluth, MN

restaurants

Duluth Grill

Whether it's the homemade comfort food like pies, pasties or pot roast (made with bison, of course) or the commitment to doing strange things like raising bees on the roof, Duluth Grill makes you take notice. Guy loves their banana cream pie, a not-too-sweet, flaky concoction presented beautifully.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Q fanatic Artisan BBQ

Q Fanatic BBQ boasts a long line of delicious, smoky briskets, but it also has eight homemade sauces, four being an ode to Kansas City-style barbecue. The most popular sauce will also give you a caffeine boost, as Guy discovered the Espresso BBQ sauce mixes in an unusually large shot of espresso.

Saint Paul, MN

bar

Blue Door Pub St. Paul

Visit The Blue Door Pub to find out why Guy said, "I'd like to float on that burger to Flavortown!" Try the signature stuffed burger made with blue cheese and garlic, known as the Blucy, or go bold and sample more-unusual offerings, like the burger topped with red currant jelly.

Duluth, MN

restaurants

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

The ingredients at this farm-to-table restaurant are sourced locally. Try the harvested cranberry wild rice bread in the French toast. You’ll find all the American classics and pop culture favorites, such as Korean-style barbecue ribs, pizza and Baja fish tacos, plus a gluten-free selection.

Minneapolis, MN

bar

Nye's Bar

The polka music, Polish party atmosphere and great-tasting food make this establishment a local favorite. Guy thought that the fried potato and cheese pierogi were delicious and he loved the savory and fatty prime rib sandwich. After dinner, don't be afraid to break out some of your polka moves.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Marla's Caribbean Cuisine

Chef Marla, a native Trinidadian, is bringing a new kind of spice to the Twin Cities. Guy could not believe that the delicious Dhalpourie, made with curried chickpeas and potatoes, was vegan. The oxtail with red beans and rice had a sweet and savory flavor that Guy could not resist devouring.

Minneapolis, MN

restaurants

Smack Shack

This food truck is parked in a bar so you can order quality food and kick back with a cold one. The slow-cooked lamb sandwich with harissa and saffron aioli and dipped in a savory au jus blew Guy away. Guy also enjoyed the creamy lobster mac 'n' cheese topped with sweet corn and crunchy panko.