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Readers Vote: 18 Favorite Brunch Spots in the Twin Cities

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In last week's Open Thread, we asked readers for their favorite brunch spots in the Twin Cities. Suggestions came pouring in through the comments and the always-open tipline, plus a few spots culled from a disgruntled Brunch Heatmap commenter.

So, just in time for a certain brunchy holiday, here are 18 favorite Twin Cities brunch spots, as named by you, the readers. Bonus: most of these spots are no reservations, if you still haven't made plans for Mom. (And remember, there's also the Brunch Heatmap, for all your brand-new brunch needs.)

Is your favorite brunch spot missing from the list? Let us know in the comments.


· All Previous Open Threads [Eater MPLS]
· Heatmap: Where to Eat Brunch in the Twin Cities, April '14 [Eater MPLS]

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Wise Acre Eatery

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A reader writes into the tipline: "You NEED to check out Wise Acre Eatery. Owned by Tangletown's farm in Plato, Mn they feature all year round grass fed Scottish Highland beef, free range poultry and eggs (literally free), black and Berkshire pork and zero pesticide grown fresh produce. There's a good chance you're eating something harvested that very day. The CSA hash is to die for."
A reader writes into the tipline in favor of this Linden Hills spot, with an important mug/utensil note: "The food is super fresh and uses a ton of natural flavors. Plus their coffee mugs and utensils are the tops."

The Lowbrow

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Disgruntled Heatmap commenter jessup shouts out the chorizo breakfast tacos at this Kingfield restaurant.

Colossal Café

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A number of votes came in for long-time favorite Colossal Café. Zaids writes: "The sandwiches and the pancakes are amazing and the omelets are interesting and different. The portions are healthy and at a great price. Also, house hot sauce is so damn good! No alcohol, oh well!"

Blackbird

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SmartCookie shouts out this Southwest brunch spot (with a little nod to new North Loop brewery/restaurant The Freehouse): "Blackbird. Bright, inviting space, great service, and absolutely terrific food, especially the specials. I defy anyone to have better breakfast potatoes, though I have to admit that the Freehouse has great taters too."
The interior of Blackbird Cafe

Victor's 1959 Cafe

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A reader writes into the tipline with a vote for Victor's and a few ordering recommendations: "the Cuban style toast with guava jam is really tasty and Cuban coffee is excellent."

Gigi's Cafe

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Moosiah writes: "Gigi's in SW. The homemade corned beef & braised pork hashes are phenomenal. My wife loves the goat cheese, mushroom & chive scramble. Fresh local meats, veggies & baked goods (lots of GF options). Start off with a tall glass of hibiscus punch."

Crema Cafe

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Sparrow writes: "Hands Down -- Crema Cafe. Especially when the piazza is open. The Green Mountain rocks my world." (Green Mountain = "Lightly dressed organic greens under an organic potato pancake, topped with our famous organic & homemade veggie burger, oven roasted tomato spread, and finished with a perfectly poached organic egg.")

Modern Times Cafe

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A reader writes into the tipline with a nomination for this Powderhorn café: "super vegetarian friendly and a really broad menu."

Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater

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A reader writes into the tipline with a vote for BLB: "Best bloodies in town. Great food as well."

Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery

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Two words: breakfast pizza. That's the recommendation from commenter jessup at this Uptown spot.

The Bad Waitress Diner & Coffee Shop

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This Eat Street diner got multiple nods, including one shouting out the nighttime scene. Marguid writes: "The Bad Waitress has big portions, great vibe, service is great and unique -- kind of hip & edgy & delicious! Volcano Burger is a smart, spicy Juicy Lucy. Eggs Benedict is light, lemony (w/ rosemary!) and zingy. Coffees are great too. Manager Julia made us these great Lattes with elephants on them. Artist's Corner with great food. Fun place."

The Lowry

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In a town increasingly inundated with chicken and waffles, The Lowry's take on the classic combination stands out, according to commenter jessup.

Moose and Sadie's

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Commenter jessup recommends the huevos rancheros and the quiche at this North Loop classic.

Nicollet Island Inn

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Commenter jessup gives a nod to the "3 or 5-Course brunch at The Nicollet Island Inn (especially with the creme brulee french toast)."

Longfellow Grill

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A reader writes into the tipline with one very important reason for nominating Longfellow Grill: "Their bloodies. Enough said."

Meritage, a Brasserie

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Probruncher nominates St. Paul's meritage: "Their brunch is responsible for perfectly poached eggs, the most sophisticated day-drinking, and the best beignets outside France/New Orleans."

Ward 6 Food & Drink

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A reader writes into the tipline with a nod to East Side spot Ward 6: "I don't know what is in that gravy on the Welsh Rabbit but I want to eat it on everything."

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Wise Acre Eatery

A reader writes into the tipline: "You NEED to check out Wise Acre Eatery. Owned by Tangletown's farm in Plato, Mn they feature all year round grass fed Scottish Highland beef, free range poultry and eggs (literally free), black and Berkshire pork and zero pesticide grown fresh produce. There's a good chance you're eating something harvested that very day. The CSA hash is to die for."

Tilia

A reader writes into the tipline in favor of this Linden Hills spot, with an important mug/utensil note: "The food is super fresh and uses a ton of natural flavors. Plus their coffee mugs and utensils are the tops."

The Lowbrow

Disgruntled Heatmap commenter jessup shouts out the chorizo breakfast tacos at this Kingfield restaurant.

Colossal Café

A number of votes came in for long-time favorite Colossal Café. Zaids writes: "The sandwiches and the pancakes are amazing and the omelets are interesting and different. The portions are healthy and at a great price. Also, house hot sauce is so damn good! No alcohol, oh well!"

Blackbird

SmartCookie shouts out this Southwest brunch spot (with a little nod to new North Loop brewery/restaurant The Freehouse): "Blackbird. Bright, inviting space, great service, and absolutely terrific food, especially the specials. I defy anyone to have better breakfast potatoes, though I have to admit that the Freehouse has great taters too."
The interior of Blackbird Cafe

Victor's 1959 Cafe

A reader writes into the tipline with a vote for Victor's and a few ordering recommendations: "the Cuban style toast with guava jam is really tasty and Cuban coffee is excellent."

Gigi's Cafe

Moosiah writes: "Gigi's in SW. The homemade corned beef & braised pork hashes are phenomenal. My wife loves the goat cheese, mushroom & chive scramble. Fresh local meats, veggies & baked goods (lots of GF options). Start off with a tall glass of hibiscus punch."

Crema Cafe

Sparrow writes: "Hands Down -- Crema Cafe. Especially when the piazza is open. The Green Mountain rocks my world." (Green Mountain = "Lightly dressed organic greens under an organic potato pancake, topped with our famous organic & homemade veggie burger, oven roasted tomato spread, and finished with a perfectly poached organic egg.")

Modern Times Cafe

A reader writes into the tipline with a nomination for this Powderhorn café: "super vegetarian friendly and a really broad menu."

Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater

A reader writes into the tipline with a vote for BLB: "Best bloodies in town. Great food as well."

Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery

Two words: breakfast pizza. That's the recommendation from commenter jessup at this Uptown spot.

The Bad Waitress Diner & Coffee Shop

This Eat Street diner got multiple nods, including one shouting out the nighttime scene. Marguid writes: "The Bad Waitress has big portions, great vibe, service is great and unique -- kind of hip & edgy & delicious! Volcano Burger is a smart, spicy Juicy Lucy. Eggs Benedict is light, lemony (w/ rosemary!) and zingy. Coffees are great too. Manager Julia made us these great Lattes with elephants on them. Artist's Corner with great food. Fun place."

The Lowry

In a town increasingly inundated with chicken and waffles, The Lowry's take on the classic combination stands out, according to commenter jessup.

Moose and Sadie's

Commenter jessup recommends the huevos rancheros and the quiche at this North Loop classic.

Nicollet Island Inn

Commenter jessup gives a nod to the "3 or 5-Course brunch at The Nicollet Island Inn (especially with the creme brulee french toast)."

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Longfellow Grill

A reader writes into the tipline with one very important reason for nominating Longfellow Grill: "Their bloodies. Enough said."

Meritage, a Brasserie

Probruncher nominates St. Paul's meritage: "Their brunch is responsible for perfectly poached eggs, the most sophisticated day-drinking, and the best beignets outside France/New Orleans."

Ward 6 Food & Drink

A reader writes into the tipline with a nod to East Side spot Ward 6: "I don't know what is in that gravy on the Welsh Rabbit but I want to eat it on everything."

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