Kimchi grilled cheese comes with American, gruyere, and cheddar at Wise Acre Eatery. — Kimchi grilled cheese on sourdough bread at Wise Acre Eatery.

12 Stellar Spots for Lunch in the Twin Cities

Midday picks for sushi, street tacos, fluffy falafel, and more

by Alex Lodner Oct 22, 2021, 9:57am CDT

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Kimchi grilled cheese on sourdough bread at Wise Acre Eatery.

| Wise Acre Eatery/official photo

by Alex Lodner Oct 22, 2021, 9:57am CDT

The Twin Cities is ripe with an assortment of restaurants ready to curb any craving when hunger pains strike at noon. Whether it’s aromatic pho, velvety hummus, or a cheeseburger calling, the Twin Cities has a top lunchtime option for that. Here are a dozen places worth breaking up the daytime grind for.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed in geographically.

Que Viet Village House

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Que Viet’s gigantic egg rolls have earned a cult following at the Minnesota State Fair, but the adorable Northeast Minneapolis shop serves a wide variety of crave-worthy Vietnamese classics like aromatic bowls of pho, refreshing rice noodle salads, and arguably the fluffiest Egg Foo Young this side of the Mekong River.

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2211 Johnson St NE #3905, Minneapolis, MN 55418

(612) 781-4744

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PinKU Japanese Street Food

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This street foods spot that feels straight out of Kyoto invites sushi lovers to peruse from a wooden menu hanging above a casual counter. The offerings are succinct and straightforward, but the food is top-notch. The popular crispy rice cakes with spicy tuna are divine, as are any of the colorful rolls. Pair lunch with the gorgeous PinKU Elixir, an effervescent concoction of sake, Champagne, orange liquor, pomegranate juice, and zesty lime.

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20 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

(612) 584-3167

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Spicy tuna sitting on top of crispy rice cakes at PinKU. — Spicy tuna crispy rice at PinKU Japanese Street Food.

Bole Ethiopian Cuisine

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The newest rendition of the former Java Train in Como Park sends out platters of marinated vegetables, seasoned beef tartar, and slow-cooked chicken, all meant to be scooped up with tangy injera flatbread. A sprawling patio offers plenty of seats under the sun or shade, and the interior was renovated with deep, cozy shades. Not familiar with Ethiopian food? Try the Super Veggie Sampler for an introductory taste of what the cuisine has to offer.

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1341 Pascal St, St Paul, MN 55108

(651) 330-2492

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Bole Ethiopian Cuisine’s colorful veggie sampler. — Bole Ethiopian Cuisine’s veggie sampler comes in portions for one or two.

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Brunson's Pub

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This unique Payne Avenue bar pulls off being a neighborhood pub all while offering a refined menu that aims to please. There’s a crave-worthy Hoppin’ John salad, braised brisket tacos, or the “No Payne, No Gain” burger, piled high with pulled bacon, blue and American cheeses, and blackberry vidalia jam on an unexpected milk bun.

956 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130

(651) 447-2483

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Colorful burgers lined up at Brunson’s Pub. — A lineup of burgers at Brunson’s Pub.

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World Street Kitchen

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Building on the huge success of its WSK food truck, brothers Sameh and Saed Wadi launched a brick-and-mortar version in Uptown. Globe-trotting come in a variety of vessels like bowls, wraps, and tacos. Every meal here should start with its iconic Turk hummus, a velvety app topped with shiny streams of caramelized paprika butter, sprinkled with za’atar, and crispy chickpeas served with pillowy pita bread. Stop by Milkjam Creamery, the brothers’ epic ice cream shop next door for dessert.

2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 424-8855

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A fried fish sandwich and chips at WSK. — A fish sandwich at WSK.

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The Buttered Tin

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Breakfast for lunch is always a good idea, especially when the dish is a daily preparation of soft scrambled eggs at Buttered Tin. For more traditional lunchtime cravings, the tarragon lemon shrimp roll is not to be missed. Definitely save room for dessert; it’s a tough choice between cupcakes, hand pies, or Lowertown Twinkeys. Buttered Tin is slated to open a second location in Northeast Minneapolis this fall.

237 7th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

(651) 224-2300

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Buttered Tin offers patio seating out front. — The brick-lined facade at Buttered Tin.

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Longfellow Grill

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From the Blue Plate family of restaurants, Longfellow Grill serves homey, casual American fare in a vibrant and friendly setting. Service is always exceptional and the menu is vast. From steak and pierogis to Nashville fried chicken to a plate of smothered chilaquiles with a kick, there’s options for every palate. Kids’ meals are served on adorable plastic trays harking back to simpler times, while adults can partake in a lunch time cocktail or two. Win win.

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2990 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 721-2711

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A Deluxe burger at Longfellow Grill comes piled high with candied bacon and crispy onion strings. — The Deluxe burger features a 7-oz. ground beef patty, Wisconsin cheddar, candied bacon, and crispy onion strings between an egg bun.

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Nine Kid-Friendly Restaurants in the Twin Cities

Brim

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Just a scone’s throw away from the shores of Lake Bde Maka Ska, Brim boasts a healthful menu that does not skimp on indulgence. The entire menu is gluten free and mostly organic, with options ranging from sandwiches to signature bowls to enticing desserts and smoothies. There’s also plenty of grass-fed beef options, plus a beer and wine menu.

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2919 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 261-0506

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Colorful bowls are packed with egg and avocado at Brim. — A bevy of lunchtime options at Brim.

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Stella Belle kitchen and Bakery

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Beloved St. Paul coffee shop Café Astoria expanded next door with the birth of a sister cafe called Stella Belle. Along with playful riffs on Mediterranean classics like cacio e pepe eggs, there’s sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls in a dizzying variety of flavor combinations. Find fresh juices and enticing pastries here, too.

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325 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102

(651) 508-1654

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Shish

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The bustling Macalester College campus houses this counter service-styled destination for heaping plates of hummus, sliced gyro meat, fluffy falafel, fresh salads, and dreamy saffron-cardamon. But the Mediterranean cafe is secretly known for its massive array of cakes and desserts that pair beautifully with aromatic Turkish coffees to help regulars get back to work or school.

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1668 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

(651) 690-2212

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El Burrito Mercado

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What began as a humble purveyor of Mexican staples like tortillas and masa has expanded to include a full sit-down restaurant and casual, cafeteria-style cafe. Enjoy a margarita with lunch at the restaurant, line up at the counter for lighting-fast service, or grab a prepared hot meal at the deli. Seating areas surrounded with colorful and welcoming decor handmade by Mexican artisans add an extra transportive touch.

175 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul, MN 55107

(651) 227-2192

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El Burrito Mercado’s lunchtime offerings include meats and rice. — El Burrito Mercado offers a flavorful Mexican menu for lunch.

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Wise Acre Eatery

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The owners’ farming roots shine in the thoughtfully curated menu at their Minneapolis restaurant, a large portion of which is sourced directly from the Wise Acre farm in Plato, Minnesota. Tucked into the cafe is the newly added market and deli with a cornucopia of farm fresh items like eggs, frozen meats, and seasonal produce, as well as local products like Five Watt coffee, Bakers Field flour and breads, and Bare Honey. Pick up a quart of soup or some jambalaya to enjoy at home as the temperatures continue to drop.