Best places to eat/drink in Minnie

[Willihammer]

 

I always thought Cedar-Riverside and Seven Corners were underrated, but sounds like you are too fancy for those neighborhoods? the best breakfast you might ever have is at Hard Times Cafe but the staff there comes and goes, so who knows. Hard Times is what Hell's Kitchen wanted to be before Hell's Kitchen went corporate. Hell's Kitchen still highly recommended however. If you need a hot dog or sausage and are feeling lucky there was (is) a place called The Weinery which gives new meaning to the phrase hole in the wall/greasy spoon. There are usually some good African restaurants but the Chinese places aren't recommended. If you get scared there is a Chipotle nearby. There are a couple good bars, a couple of modern sports bars, music clubs and small theaters. This is the area between downtown and the U of M. Feel like you are in college again. You only live once!

When I was last at the Hard Times 8-10 years ago the coffee was french pressed sludge and breakfasts were run of the mill. I drive by it all the time but never stop in anymore. Has it changed?

 

Also one last brunch spot that should probably get mentioned if it hasn't already is Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown.

[Vanimal46]

 

Also one last brunch spot that should probably get mentioned if it hasn't already is Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown.

Hell yes. I loved eating there when I visited friends who were attending the U. The thing to know for Dave, and maybe this has changed since I ate there last, but it used to be cash only as of 3-4 years ago.

[Mike Sixel]

Well, I like French Meadow just South of downtown......the restaurant part has a full bar.

[twinsnorth49]

When I was last at the Hard Times 8-10 years ago the coffee was french pressed sludge and breakfasts were run of the mill. I drive by it all the time but never stop in anymore. Has it changed?

 

Also one last brunch spot that should probably get mentioned if it hasn't already is Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown.

Great spot but be prepared to wait, with 16 counter stools it's tough to get in much of the time.

[Mike Sixel]

Victory 44 is great also.....I don't think it's THAT far form downtown, but I'm not sure. 

 

If you want the trendiest pizza, and can get in, Pig Ate my Pizza, but that's probably further than you want to go. Of course, there is a brewery right across the street that is good, but not great.....

[twinsnorth49]

I don't mind hitting up any neighborhood, I won't have a car though so I prefer any place that is 20 minutes or less in an uber

 

Thanks for the recommendations all!

Hard Times is only a few blocks from the Cedar/Riverside Metro stop if I remember correctly. Easy to get to from Downtown and a cheap ride.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Victory 44 is great also.....I don't think it's THAT far form downtown, but I'm not sure. 

 

If you want the trendiest pizza, and can get in, Pig Ate my Pizza, but that's probably further than you want to go. Of course, there is a brewery right across the street that is good, but not great.....

I live near both of these places and they're great. Victory is only 10 minutes from downtown. For some reason, people fail to recognize how close North (even the far reaches) are from downtown. I can walk out my door and be at Target Field in eight minutes.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I live near both of these places and they're great. Victory is only 10 minutes from downtown. For some reason, people fail to recognize how close North (even the far reaches) are from downtown. I can walk out my door and be at Target Field in eight minutes.

 

We'll have to meet there for brunch and drinks sometime, or even the new brewery, which was fine, but nothing special. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

We'll have to meet there for brunch and drinks sometime, or even the new brewery, which was fine, but nothing special. 

Definitely. I assume you're talking about Wicked Wort; I haven't checked it out yet. I'm sure I'll make it out there once biking season begins again (it's an easy bike ride from my house, a good thing if I plan to drink).

[Mike Sixel]

 

Definitely. I assume you're talking about Wicked Wort; I haven't checked it out yet. I'm sure I'll make it out there once biking season begins again (it's an easy bike ride from my house, a good thing if I plan to drink).

 

yes, it was good "starter" craft beer, but nothing that stood out. 

 

Great space though.

[USAFChief]

In any case Dave, give us a report on the game. Sounds like a hoot.

[DaveW]

 

In any case Dave, give us a report on the game. Sounds like a hoot.

First of all, thanks for everyone on the suggestions, came in handy for sure!

 

The game (stadium series) was utterly fantastic all the way. The alumni game was fun, not the most intense hockey ever seen but still a good time, we left midway through the 3rd period to go see the Wolves got get their ass kicked by the Knicks unfortunately, wow, the Wolves are such a frustrating team in dire need of a new coach.

 

The Wild vs Blackhawks game was perfect, we were on the 50 yard line about 9 rows up, could see 90% of the ice including both goals, good tix, but maybe 10 rows higher up may have been the best in the house. Good to see the Wild kick some Chicago tail, the crowd was wild, the atmosphere was great and the weather was perfect, not too cold, not too warm, 31 degrees and some light snow...oh and 6 goals by the Wild!
 

Ate at both Butcher and the Boar and Murrays. Murrays was a solid steak, definitely old school feel, very good but not "top 5 best steaks I have ever had" not sure it was worth every penny, BUT it was fun to goto.

 

Butcher and the Boar: Wow, just, wow. Had the "Long Rib" and that is going to go down as one of the best 5 meals I will have in 2016 without a doubt, if you haven't been there, check it out. Great beer menu and solid cocktail menu as well.

 

Went to Hell's Kitchen for brunch, didn't realize that had that completely insanely awesome bloody mary bar. Not sure I would go every weekend, but its definitely worth going to hit up once in a while IMO.

 

Huberts has the ultimate deepfried jucy lucy IMO, also a fun crowd. Plus, Golden Tee. Masons was a good spot for a few good brews as well.

 

Stayed at an airbnb at the Nic on 5th http://www.theniconfifth.com/ 

very impressed with the building/amenities/ease to literally get anywhere via light rail. I travel a ton for work and everything else and this is the first trip in a long time where I haven't had to take a cab once. Also, talked to the owner of the place I stayed in and the rent seemed reasonable per month all in.

 

All in all, may have to move to Minnie some day when the future Mrs. DaveW and I have a few young Twins fans of our own. Very impressed with how easy, simple and awesome the light rail is and how fun downtown Minneapolis has become overall.

 

Thanks again for the suggestions guys! Have to come back in town in a month for work so will work on checking out the rest of your recommendations.

 

 

[joethastud]

Butcher and The Boar is top notch.  I've never had a bad plate there.  I wish there was one in SW Minneapolis.  I rarely get downtown anymore.  

 

I'm surprised you didn't like the Murray's steak more Dave.  Did you get a silver butter knife?