Here, in a rough geographic order, is a map of 15 of Minneapolis's most underrated restaurants (with a few thrown in from St. Paul). Some nominations aren't included in the map because, while we love them, they don't seem exactly underrated (Travail, Alma, The Anchor Fish & Chips, Fika) or because they were a little too far out of range (Osaka Sushi in Stillwater). If your favorite is missing, please feel free to add it to the comments.
This Northeast spot got two nominations. One commenter notes: "Great ambiance, lively atmosphere while still being able to get a table almost immediately, awesome small plate food, rotating specials, great wine and craft beer, unbeatable happy hours, perfect location...And they've been doing a LOT of things that have become popularized locally well before most (and still better than most, at that)."
This Midtown Global Market Mexican stand makes their own tortillas while you wait. The beef tongue taco, eggplant fries, and pork bocadillo are particular stand outs.
This Linden Hills spot often gets overshadowed by neighboring Tilia, but its beloved in its own right for crawfish and grits at brunch and the small plates menu at dinner (especially the mussels and the duck taco).
A commenter writes: "Don Saunders has gotten great recognition with his new restaurant, The Kenwood, but his original restaurant is a hidden gem. Every single thing I have eaten there is delicious and it's a STEAL!"
A commenter writes: "I wouldn't say they're "underrated" because those that eat there seem to love it. They are, however, "under appreciated"... more people should be talking about them! Cafe Levain created one of the most memorable meals I've had in years. Their gnocchi was spectacularly indulgent, and their short ribs were the best I've ever had."
This Powderhorn spot is known for pulled pork everything - as a roast at dinner and as a hash at brunch. At brunch, also try the sake bacon mary, which comes with a thick piece of bacon in the glass.
This Longfellow restaurant is known for meat, meat, and more meat: a housemade charcuterie plate, pork belly, duck and rabbit confit, and a giant pork chop are all menu favorites.
A commenter writes: "They're known for their unbelievably large craft beer selection (and they should be!). The food has really improved over the last year... if you haven't eaten there recently, it's well worth a stop: from poutine to baby back ribs. Fantastic upscale bar food."
This Northeast spot got two nominations. One commenter notes: "Great ambiance, lively atmosphere while still being able to get a table almost immediately, awesome small plate food, rotating specials, great wine and craft beer, unbeatable happy hours, perfect location...And they've been doing a LOT of things that have become popularized locally well before most (and still better than most, at that)."
This Midtown Global Market Mexican stand makes their own tortillas while you wait. The beef tongue taco, eggplant fries, and pork bocadillo are particular stand outs.
This Linden Hills spot often gets overshadowed by neighboring Tilia, but its beloved in its own right for crawfish and grits at brunch and the small plates menu at dinner (especially the mussels and the duck taco).
A commenter writes: "Don Saunders has gotten great recognition with his new restaurant, The Kenwood, but his original restaurant is a hidden gem. Every single thing I have eaten there is delicious and it's a STEAL!"
A commenter writes: "I wouldn't say they're "underrated" because those that eat there seem to love it. They are, however, "under appreciated"... more people should be talking about them! Cafe Levain created one of the most memorable meals I've had in years. Their gnocchi was spectacularly indulgent, and their short ribs were the best I've ever had."
This Powderhorn spot is known for pulled pork everything - as a roast at dinner and as a hash at brunch. At brunch, also try the sake bacon mary, which comes with a thick piece of bacon in the glass.
This Longfellow restaurant is known for meat, meat, and more meat: a housemade charcuterie plate, pork belly, duck and rabbit confit, and a giant pork chop are all menu favorites.
A commenter writes: "They're known for their unbelievably large craft beer selection (and they should be!). The food has really improved over the last year... if you haven't eaten there recently, it's well worth a stop: from poutine to baby back ribs. Fantastic upscale bar food."
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