Jeanie's Top 10 List

So I've only lived in Minneapolis since May 2007, but I can honestly say I have eaten out at more places than alot of the locals around here! I love exploring a new city through its restaurant scene. Here is my top 10 list of places you must try (in no particular order):

1. Broder's Pasta Bar- Located on the corner of 50th and Penn Ave. Family owned and operated for decades. You will not find a more scrumptious plate of fresh, handmade pasta anywhere this side of Italy! I could literally eat here every week, if I knew I would not blow up like a house. Two of my favorite dishes are the Fettuccini Bolognese and the Pasta Stringozzi with house-made spicy Italian sausage. As an extra bonus, in the summer they have a $28 special before 6 pm: Olive appetizer, 2 salads, 2 pastas, and a 1/2 carafe of wine for just $28! This special begins at 8 pm during the winters. (Sun-Thurs only for this special)


2. Blackbird Cafe- Located on 50th and Bryant. Owned by a married couple (he's the head chef, she's the gracious hostess). This place is a neighborhood gem. Very cozy and ecclectic with amazing, unique dishes. You can get everything from a Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich to a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with yukon gold mashed potatoes and collard greens. Breakfast here is fantastic as well--the huevos rancheros are amazing!112 Eatery- I'm sure you've all heard about this place, tucked away in the Warehouse District. I have just two words: cauliflower fritters


3. Blacksheep Pizza- Located in the N. Loop area directly north of downtown. Best pizza I've eaten outside of NYC!!


4. Quang Restaurant- Located on Eat Street (Nicollet Ave) just a few blocks south of Azia. This is the real deal people....huge, steaming bowls of pho...fresh summer rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, basil, mint, and sprouts. I love their beef & springroll salad...slices of grilled beef on top of a pile of vermicelli noodles, with all kinds of fresh Vietnamese greens and sprouts....then then throw on some chopped slices of fried spring rolls for good measure! Be sure to also try their many varieties of "bubble tea".


5. Tum Rup Thai- Located in Uptown, on Lake Street. Arguably one of the best Thai places in town. Their green curry will make your head spin.


6. Cafe Lurcat- Must try items: Apple, Cheese, & Chive Salad; Sea Bass marinated in Miso; Homemade mini-donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar (served warm!)


7. Cafe Maude- Located at 54th and Penn Ave. Live jazz on Fri and Sat nights. Great atmosphere and inventive dishes that are made for sharing. You cannot pass up the house-cut fries with truffled fontina fondue dipping sauce. You will be licking the sauce dish clean!


8. La Chaya Bistro- 46th and Nicollet. Mediterranean & Mexican fusion.


9. The Nook- legendary St. Paul dive specializing in their own version of the Juicy Lucy, the "Juicy Nookie". Their chicken wings are also killer!!


10. It's All Greek To Me- Corner of Lake and Lyndale. I adore their Avgolemono soup!