Minneapolis and Saint Paul might be blossoming food cities in the eyes of the rest of the country, but every Twin Cities resident has known about all of the good eats in the area for years! Many of our great foods and drinks may be heart attack inducing, but they’re worth every bite. Some of our best foods are homemade while others can only be found in restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops within the cities. Here are the 16 best foods and drinks in Minneapolis and Saint Paul:
1. Cheese Curds
Is there anything better in the entire world than deep fried pieces of cheese? We don't think so. Everyone in Minneapolis and Saint Paul love their cheese curds. The best place to eat your fill? The Minnesota State Fair that comes around at the end of every August.
2. Bars, bars, bars
Go to any potluck within Minneapolis-Saint Paul (or in Minnesota for that matter) and you'll find bars on bars on bars. No, not the boozy kind (although we have plenty of those too) - we're talking about the best darn desserts around! From lemon bars to Scotcharoos, we're crazy about these sweet, shareable treats.
3. Craft Beer
Enjoy a cold beer with a view of the skyline. Can it get anymore Minneapolis than that?
4. Tater Tot Hot Dish
Minnesotans love hot dish and Minneapolis and Saint Paul fancy their own style with tater tots on top. Whether it's homemade or served at one of our beloved restaurants, it's a must have.
5. Jucy Lucy
Two burger patties melded together with a glob of molten cheese in the center. It was created in Minneapolis, but all Twin Cities residents hold strong opinions on which restaurant created it. Matt's Bar or the 5-8 Club? You tell us.
6. Cabbage Roll from Kramarczuk's Deli
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are obsessed with comfort food, especially food that nods to the Eastern European and Scandinavian roots of many Minnesotans. The cabbage roll at Kramarczuk's is drenched in the creamiest tomato sauce in the world.
Kramarczuk's Deli is located at 215 E Hennepin, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
7. Lefse
Another Scandinavian treat, Twin Cities residents love lefse: a Norwegian potato based flatbread that is often filled with butter and sugar. Some of the simplest things in life are the best!
8. Meat on a Stick
Our obsession with the Minnesota State Fair has no bounds. Meat on a stick, whether it be a whole pork chop or a kebab, is one of the state's true loves.
9. The Great Gatsby from Marvel Bar
F. Scott Fitzgerald was raised in Saint Paul and wrote a significant part of his first novel in the Twin Cities. To pay homage to possibly the drunkest writer of all time, the hidden speakeasy, Marvel Bar, in North Loop serves a cocktail named after the Great Gatsby. The Gatsby is made with 14 year old single malt whiskey, apricot liqueur, Benedictine, a dash of salt, and distilled water. Minneapolitans can transport themselves back to the roaring 1920s with just one sip.
Marvel Bar, 50 N 2nd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 554401.
10. Silver Butter Knife Steak from Murray's
Steak so tender that you can cut it with a butter knife. Everyone loves a meal from Murray's!
Murray's Steakhouse is located at 26 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
11. Croissants from Patisserie 46
Minneapolis and Saint Paul obviously are very far away from Paris and the delectable pastries that originated there, but Twin Cities residents have fallen in love with Patisserie 36 and their buttery, flaky croissants. You can't live in Minneapolis or Saint Paul without paying a visit to this bakery.
Patisserie 46 is located at 4552 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
12. Pizza Luce
Pizza Luce is an institution in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. With locations in both cities, this super hip pizzeria serves some of the best pies you've ever tasted. Pizza Luce is even cool enough to have gluten free and vegan options!
13. Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs aren't just served in the food court at Ikea; many restaurants across Minneapolis and Saint Paul serve these delectable bites.
14. Walleye served any way!
Walleye are the state fish of Minnesota and its residents are obsessed with this amazing freshwater fish. The Tavern on Grand in Saint Paul serves up some of the most walleye in the cities, and it's perfect.
Tavern on Grand is located at 656 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105.
15. Wild Rice
Sure, it isn't technically rice, but in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this grain is eaten in soup, cheese, sweet treats, and on its own. We can't get enough!
16. Coffee from Spyhouse
While most of Minnesota is obsessed with Brooklyn Center-based Caribou Coffee, Minneapolis is more inclined towards a smaller, more upscale chain: Spyhouse. They know coffee and tea, and they know it well. Every Spyhouse is different in its own eclectic way. Coffee lovers should visit every location!
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