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Like the end of a bender, it’s time to pause and look back at 2016 all there was to eat. As is Eater tradition, we asked some of the top tastemakers and food writers to tell us about their best, and worst, meals of the past year.
Today we ask, what were the standbys, restaurants we could count on last year?
Sue Zelickson of Minnesota Monthly Magazine and founder of the Charlie Awards:
“Good Day Café, Mill Valley Kitchen, Yum, and Eastside.”
James Norton, editor Heavy Table
“Tea House on University Avenue, Hi Lo Diner, and Moroccan Flavors. You may note that all of these have a serious comfort factor going on - nicely done Chinese-American favorites, spiffed-up but still classic diner fare, and lovely tagines and couscous dishes, respectively.”
Frank Haataja of The Minnesota Skinny
“6Smith, Republic, and Cooper Pub (gonna hear that last name a lot from me.)”
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John Garland, editor The Growler
“For lunch, there isn’t a week that goes by without either the drunken noodles at Supatra’s Thai or the barbecue pork bahn mi at Ha Tien. For dinner, Mucci’s Italian, because it’s never not time for red sauce and red wine. Hola Arepa is the first place I'll take out-of-towners. And late night, Bradstreet Neighborhood Craftshouse, for the best fries in town, a Hamm’s, and a bump of fernet.”
Molly Mogren, Hey Elenor
“Red Wagon Pizza! Great food, great service, great beer and wine list, and not so busy that I've lost interest in going. Quang never gets old. Heyday for brunch. Their croque Heyday is the best breakfast sandwich in town. Great coffee, excellent baked good. Frankly, I don't know why there's not a constant line out the door, but I'm not going to complain because it's in my neighborhood and I can always get in!”
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Nancy Ngo, the Pioneer Press
“Red Lantern, El Jibarito food truck and Thai Garden in St. Paul. St. Genevieve and The Country Bar in Minneapolis.”
Erik Eastman co-owner of Easy & Oskey
“Can ‘standby’ be in quotes? Mine is a 4-way tie. Corner Table. The Norsten Bar at The Bachelor Farmer with Jon Palmer at the helm, a martini in the glass and toasts on the table. Or on the bar, I suppose. And The Strip Club. And Joan's in the Park.”
Jason DeRusha, WCCO and Minnesota Monthly
“Strip Club, Punch Pizza Maple Grove, and Borough.”
Joy Summers, editor Eater Minneapolis
“There are three restaurants I always turn to: Saint Dinette, the Strip Club and Corner Table. Whether celebrating or downing my frustrations, these are the places I know will care for me and make everything better. If I’m dining on the couch, it’s always takeout from Little Szechuan. And when I need a bump and to feel like a million bucks, it’s always Skinner’s Pub.”
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Mike Marcotte, Local Guy About Town for KSTP, Twin Cities Live
“I believe I ate at PinKu more than any other restaurant. I’m okay with that. I also can’t believe every single person in this state has not been to Anchor Fish and Chips. Taking Anchor virgins there and watching the pure joy on their faces when they take their first bites of that greasy goodness makes me so happy.”
Alex Lodner, contributor Eater Minneapolis
“Cook St. Paul. A great meal and great conversation with owner Eddie Wu is guaranteed. A bowl of kimchi ramen at Zen Box can repair any damage this sucky year has done. Truth.”
