At every occasion we attend, people want to know, "Where should eat right now?" These are the restaurants that have captured the zeitgeist of the moment: the bars that are buzzing; the eateries that are humming, and the plates of food you'll want to devour as soon as politely possible.
The Eater Minneapolis Heatmap is a collection of the most exciting restaurants in the Twin Cities as of right this very moment. Once a month we update the map to keep you on top of things.
Because this is all about the new and the fresh we've added Salsa a la Salsa and Pilgrimage Cafe. We say goodbye to Haute Dish, for now.
Undoubtedly, 2014 will be remembered as the year of Gavin Kaysen. And as the restaurant eases into its tenure, Spoon and Stable still dominates the talk of the town. All food fan conversations of late begin with, "Have you been? I'm going next week/last week/tomorrow/my birthday..." Diners are already plotting return trips for the bison tartare with harissa aioli, the bearnaise dusted fries and the killer cocktails from Robb Jones.
[Photo by Katie Cannon]
Nothing cures the cold of the season like curling up by a roaring fire. Out at the edge of Minneapolis and Edina, there is a new fire burning - a wood-fire oven is drawing in pizza fans from all over. Red Wagon Pizza began by serving these crusty pies from a food truck at farmer's markets. Their commitment to caring about the ingredients and the care that is poured into their chewy, crisp crust remains, but the digs are much more comfortable than trying to eat amongst the farmer's stalls.
Bar food warms the bones and fortifies the soul for the long, cold winter. Jack Riebel's takeover of the newly built kitchen inside the Half Time Rec bar has been a welcome addition to the St. Paul Bar landscape. Traditional Irish dishes are remade as only this chef could. That the drink prices at this belovedly warn in bar remain in the bargain range, this is the perfect recipe for a long night of food and fun with friends.
We're sad to see the old spot go. Thankfully, we have plenty of time to toast this Polish slice of living history before they close the doors next year (when it will most likely be razed for a skyrise apartment people.) Order a plate of pierogi's, an extra dirty martini and pick out a song to sing at the piano while there is still time.
[Photo courtesy Nye's Facebook]
From year end accollades to the annoucement that front of house man and partner Lorin Zinter is exiting the restaurant, we can't stop talking about Heyday. Luckily, with seasonally cozy cocktails and the spectacular and creative dishes from Jim Christiansen, diners are still buzzing about this Lyn/Lake spot.
[Photo by Joy Summers]
When other chefs around town are asked where they are eating, the answer seems to always be: Corner Table. On any given weeknight you might find Ann Kim, Gavin Kaysen or Zen Box Izakaya's John Ng at the counter enthusiastically digging into the culinary delights of chef and co-owner Thomas Boemer.
[Photo by Joy Summers]
The lines would be forming for the beer alone. Surly Brewing has long been known for their devoted following of fans. However, inside the newly opened Minneapolis brewery, eaters are also eagerly lining up for dishes created by executive chef Jorge Guzman. The bone marrow, charcuterie, pimento cheese, pepita crusted catfish, steak, burger and a fried egg Toad in the Hole with bologna are exactly what these brew drinkers crave.
This country club on crack welcomes guests of all stripes (unlike most country clubs). Diners can't get enough of the cleverly named cocktails and the zesty Mexican-influenced fare. While we have to wait for patio season for the Ferris wheel seating (these are functioning outdoor dining seats), everything else inside Betty's is spinning like a pretty, little twisted top.
The hearty, homey Mexican food restaurant is welcoming guests to their new Uptown location. With an expanding food and bar menu, this one might just be the best Salsa a la Salsa offering yet.
This new neighborhood cafe is serving all day Tuesday through Sunday. Word on the street is that the doughnuts alone are worth the visit. The global menu bounces around the globe with ramen, tacos and even maultachen (German dumplings) available.
Supperclub dining has been updated inside this new Cathedral Hill restaurant. The parking has been resolved (easy valet access) and the dining room is humming. Good luck trying to snag one of these coveted bar seats on a busy night. Tableside dining options include an old school Caesar salad and bananas foster. The wine list is fun to navigate and filled with affordable and delicious options built to pair with the food.
Undoubtedly, 2014 will be remembered as the year of Gavin Kaysen. And as the restaurant eases into its tenure, Spoon and Stable still dominates the talk of the town. All food fan conversations of late begin with, "Have you been? I'm going next week/last week/tomorrow/my birthday..." Diners are already plotting return trips for the bison tartare with harissa aioli, the bearnaise dusted fries and the killer cocktails from Robb Jones.
[Photo by Katie Cannon]
Nothing cures the cold of the season like curling up by a roaring fire. Out at the edge of Minneapolis and Edina, there is a new fire burning - a wood-fire oven is drawing in pizza fans from all over. Red Wagon Pizza began by serving these crusty pies from a food truck at farmer's markets. Their commitment to caring about the ingredients and the care that is poured into their chewy, crisp crust remains, but the digs are much more comfortable than trying to eat amongst the farmer's stalls.
Bar food warms the bones and fortifies the soul for the long, cold winter. Jack Riebel's takeover of the newly built kitchen inside the Half Time Rec bar has been a welcome addition to the St. Paul Bar landscape. Traditional Irish dishes are remade as only this chef could. That the drink prices at this belovedly warn in bar remain in the bargain range, this is the perfect recipe for a long night of food and fun with friends.
We're sad to see the old spot go. Thankfully, we have plenty of time to toast this Polish slice of living history before they close the doors next year (when it will most likely be razed for a skyrise apartment people.) Order a plate of pierogi's, an extra dirty martini and pick out a song to sing at the piano while there is still time.
[Photo courtesy Nye's Facebook]
From year end accollades to the annoucement that front of house man and partner Lorin Zinter is exiting the restaurant, we can't stop talking about Heyday. Luckily, with seasonally cozy cocktails and the spectacular and creative dishes from Jim Christiansen, diners are still buzzing about this Lyn/Lake spot.
[Photo by Joy Summers]
When other chefs around town are asked where they are eating, the answer seems to always be: Corner Table. On any given weeknight you might find Ann Kim, Gavin Kaysen or Zen Box Izakaya's John Ng at the counter enthusiastically digging into the culinary delights of chef and co-owner Thomas Boemer.
[Photo by Joy Summers]
The lines would be forming for the beer alone. Surly Brewing has long been known for their devoted following of fans. However, inside the newly opened Minneapolis brewery, eaters are also eagerly lining up for dishes created by executive chef Jorge Guzman. The bone marrow, charcuterie, pimento cheese, pepita crusted catfish, steak, burger and a fried egg Toad in the Hole with bologna are exactly what these brew drinkers crave.
This country club on crack welcomes guests of all stripes (unlike most country clubs). Diners can't get enough of the cleverly named cocktails and the zesty Mexican-influenced fare. While we have to wait for patio season for the Ferris wheel seating (these are functioning outdoor dining seats), everything else inside Betty's is spinning like a pretty, little twisted top.
The hearty, homey Mexican food restaurant is welcoming guests to their new Uptown location. With an expanding food and bar menu, this one might just be the best Salsa a la Salsa offering yet.
This new neighborhood cafe is serving all day Tuesday through Sunday. Word on the street is that the doughnuts alone are worth the visit. The global menu bounces around the globe with ramen, tacos and even maultachen (German dumplings) available.
Supperclub dining has been updated inside this new Cathedral Hill restaurant. The parking has been resolved (easy valet access) and the dining room is humming. Good luck trying to snag one of these coveted bar seats on a busy night. Tableside dining options include an old school Caesar salad and bananas foster. The wine list is fun to navigate and filled with affordable and delicious options built to pair with the food.