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The 13 Must-Try Global Dishes on Lake Street

by Claire Stanford
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by Claire Stanford
1 comment / new

While Lake Street is often know for authentic Mexican and Latin American food, nearly every variety of food can be found on this 6-mile long stretch of eating bliss. From well-known spots like the Rabbit Hole and Sonora Grill to more under-the-radar spots like La Poblanita and T's Place, the options are seemingly endless, which can lead to some difficult choices for even the most expert eater.

That's where this map comes in, telling you not only the best global spots to eat on Lake Street, but specifically what to eat there. So, without further ado, here are 13 must-try global dishes on Lake Street to start you out on an epic journey.

There's lots more to eat on Lake Street, we know, we know. Why not tell us your must-try dish in the comments?



—Theresa Swaney

· The 11 Must-Try Global Dishes on Nicollet Avenue [Eater MPLS]
· All Eater Maps [Eater MPLS]

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Chiang Mai Thai

Copy Link
A staple of the Minneapolis Thai dining scene, Chiang Mai Thai is an upscale, bamboo-decorated Thai Restaurant with complex flavors and a sophisticated drink selection. While their menu is substantial, try Chiang Mai’s sweet green curry both to get the most for your money and to understand what this restaurant does best: spicy yet simple Thai food. [Photo]
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 827-1606
(612) 827-1606

Origami Uptown

Copy Link
No matter how you roll it, Origami in Uptown makes fresh, delicious sushi. Head in during their abundant happy hours times, and order any one of their maki rolls, sashimi or nigiri options. Their fish is fresh and delicately cut, and their rice is soft, sticky, and well seasoned. Just make sure to save room for an obligatory sake bomb. [Photo]
1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 223-8666
(612) 223-8666

Darbar India Grill

Copy Link
Darbar has an expansive menu of Indian favorites from paneers and masalas to curries and vindaloos. While it is your choice of meat, vegetable, and sauce combination for the entree, you must, must order their bread basket sampler to go alongside. Darbar offers 11 different naan (Indian flat bread) options that are hand tossed and baked in a clay oven. Ordering their bread basket means sampling three of these fluffy masterpieces and soaking up all that leftover sauce. [Photo]
1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-3300
(612) 822-3300

It's Greek To Me

Copy Link
Located at the corner of Lake and Lyndale, It’s Greek to Me has been a staple of the Twin Cities dining scene for 25 years. Their menu has a plethora of Greek dishes, including many vegetarian and seafood options. Whatever entree you choose, start with their saganaki appetizer, which is a plate of Kasseri cheese that is dipped in egg batter and lit ablaze at your table, colloquially known as flaming cheese. [Photo]
626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-9922
(612) 825-9922

Los Andes

Copy Link
Often overlooked in favor of Mexican and Central American food, Los Andes caters to those craving the flavors of Ecuador and Colombia. In particular, stop by Los Andes any time of day to fill up on empanadas. Stuffed with meat or cheese, these empanadas are corn dough based and fried to a golden perfection. Add a few dabs of Los Andes’s unique habanero salsa (called ají) and then grab a napkin to wipe the sweat off your forehead. [Photo]
317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(317) 952-5378
(317) 952-5378

The Rabbit Hole @The Midtown Global Market

Copy Link
The simplicity and familiarity of the Rabbit Hole’s charred green beans amongst the whimsical fantasy of the restaurant’s decor makes for a perfect juxtaposition. Charred with black bean sauce, garlic, caramelized onions, and almonds, each bite is a salty crunch of goodness. The beans will be gone so quickly that you might as well order a second plate before you start. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 208-0428
(612) 208-0428

Safari Express

Copy Link
There is no escaping it; Safari Express’s camel burger is both unique and delicious. The camel meat is marinated overnight in a laundry list of spices before landing on plates throughout Midtown Global Market. Thrill seekers and hamburger lovers alike will enjoy both its exotic spices and toppings that include pineapple, lettuce, tomato, cheese, red onion, and mayo. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, #134, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 874-0756
(612) 874-0756

Manny's Tortas - Mercado Central

Copy Link
Here is a simple way to make you very happy. Walk up the counter at Manny’s Tortas in Midtown Global Market and order a Cuban torta. This Mexican sandwich features pork tenderloin, ham, and cheese and is topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, jalapeño peppers, refried beans, and chipotle pepper mayo. There is no chance you will not be full at the end of this meal and quite possibly ready for a nap. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 728-5408
(612) 728-5408
An extreme closeup of a torta

La Loma Tamales - Mercado Central

Copy Link
It seems a little unfair that La Loma has such good tamales. How can one not crave those delicately wrapped meats and vegetables with their soft cornmeal shell that just begs you to destroy their perfection with your fork? It really doesn’t matter which you choose, Chicken, Pork, Vegetarian, Oaxacan, or Sweet Corn, each is as good as the next and each deserves to be eaten over and over again. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-5430
(612) 728-5430

Pupuseria El Centro

Copy Link
Since opening in 2009, Pupuseria El Centro has made a name for itself as the pupusa capital of Lake Street. While it would be a good idea to eat some pupusas (a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese), ordering a horchata at this small eatery is an absolute must. Horchata is a nut and rice based drink common through Latin America and Pupuseria El Centro’s horchata is creamy and sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla. [Photo]
1532 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 721-0013
(612) 721-0013

La Poblanita

Copy Link
Priding itself on affordability and quantity, La Poblanita is a tiny Lake Street eatery with a lot of character and some damn tasty sopes (thick corn tortillas). Hand crafted and cooked with corn meal made on site, La Poblantia’s sopes are durable enough to withstand the heaping’s of meat, beans, and crema that sit atop them. Grab some napkins though; you will not escape this meal without some dirty hands. [Photo]
1617 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-0383
(612) 728-0383

T's Place

Copy Link
The Twin Cities is not known for its Ethiopian restaurants, but T’s Place chicken curry is helping to change that reputation. Owner and chef Tee Belachew simmers chicken, vegetables, and 27 spices in coconut cream for an aromatic sweet and spicy concoction. If the heat is too much to handle, be sure to wash your chicken curry down with one of their African beers. [Photo]
2713 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-724-8868
612-724-8868

Sonora Grill

Copy Link
The most difficult thing about going to Sonora grill is not eating every taco on the menu. Seriously. Sonora Grill offers six different Sonoran style tacos from chicken to roasted mushrooms and each one is as good as the next (look for the word Caramelo on the menu). If you have to choose just one taco, go for the shrimp and side of fries. [Photo]
3300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 722-2500
(612) 722-2500

Also featured in:

Chiang Mai Thai

Copy Link
A staple of the Minneapolis Thai dining scene, Chiang Mai Thai is an upscale, bamboo-decorated Thai Restaurant with complex flavors and a sophisticated drink selection. While their menu is substantial, try Chiang Mai’s sweet green curry both to get the most for your money and to understand what this restaurant does best: spicy yet simple Thai food. [Photo]
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 827-1606
(612) 827-1606

Origami Uptown

Copy Link
No matter how you roll it, Origami in Uptown makes fresh, delicious sushi. Head in during their abundant happy hours times, and order any one of their maki rolls, sashimi or nigiri options. Their fish is fresh and delicately cut, and their rice is soft, sticky, and well seasoned. Just make sure to save room for an obligatory sake bomb. [Photo]
1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 223-8666
(612) 223-8666

More in Maps

Darbar India Grill

Copy Link
Darbar has an expansive menu of Indian favorites from paneers and masalas to curries and vindaloos. While it is your choice of meat, vegetable, and sauce combination for the entree, you must, must order their bread basket sampler to go alongside. Darbar offers 11 different naan (Indian flat bread) options that are hand tossed and baked in a clay oven. Ordering their bread basket means sampling three of these fluffy masterpieces and soaking up all that leftover sauce. [Photo]
1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-3300
(612) 822-3300

It's Greek To Me

Copy Link
Located at the corner of Lake and Lyndale, It’s Greek to Me has been a staple of the Twin Cities dining scene for 25 years. Their menu has a plethora of Greek dishes, including many vegetarian and seafood options. Whatever entree you choose, start with their saganaki appetizer, which is a plate of Kasseri cheese that is dipped in egg batter and lit ablaze at your table, colloquially known as flaming cheese. [Photo]
626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-9922
(612) 825-9922

Los Andes

Copy Link
Often overlooked in favor of Mexican and Central American food, Los Andes caters to those craving the flavors of Ecuador and Colombia. In particular, stop by Los Andes any time of day to fill up on empanadas. Stuffed with meat or cheese, these empanadas are corn dough based and fried to a golden perfection. Add a few dabs of Los Andes’s unique habanero salsa (called ají) and then grab a napkin to wipe the sweat off your forehead. [Photo]
317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(317) 952-5378
(317) 952-5378

The Rabbit Hole @The Midtown Global Market

Copy Link
The simplicity and familiarity of the Rabbit Hole’s charred green beans amongst the whimsical fantasy of the restaurant’s decor makes for a perfect juxtaposition. Charred with black bean sauce, garlic, caramelized onions, and almonds, each bite is a salty crunch of goodness. The beans will be gone so quickly that you might as well order a second plate before you start. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 208-0428
(612) 208-0428

Safari Express

Copy Link
There is no escaping it; Safari Express’s camel burger is both unique and delicious. The camel meat is marinated overnight in a laundry list of spices before landing on plates throughout Midtown Global Market. Thrill seekers and hamburger lovers alike will enjoy both its exotic spices and toppings that include pineapple, lettuce, tomato, cheese, red onion, and mayo. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, #134, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 874-0756
(612) 874-0756

Manny's Tortas - Mercado Central

Copy Link
Here is a simple way to make you very happy. Walk up the counter at Manny’s Tortas in Midtown Global Market and order a Cuban torta. This Mexican sandwich features pork tenderloin, ham, and cheese and is topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, jalapeño peppers, refried beans, and chipotle pepper mayo. There is no chance you will not be full at the end of this meal and quite possibly ready for a nap. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 728-5408
(612) 728-5408

La Loma Tamales - Mercado Central

Copy Link
It seems a little unfair that La Loma has such good tamales. How can one not crave those delicately wrapped meats and vegetables with their soft cornmeal shell that just begs you to destroy their perfection with your fork? It really doesn’t matter which you choose, Chicken, Pork, Vegetarian, Oaxacan, or Sweet Corn, each is as good as the next and each deserves to be eaten over and over again. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-5430
(612) 728-5430

Pupuseria El Centro

Copy Link
Since opening in 2009, Pupuseria El Centro has made a name for itself as the pupusa capital of Lake Street. While it would be a good idea to eat some pupusas (a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese), ordering a horchata at this small eatery is an absolute must. Horchata is a nut and rice based drink common through Latin America and Pupuseria El Centro’s horchata is creamy and sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla. [Photo]
1532 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 721-0013
(612) 721-0013

La Poblanita

Copy Link
Priding itself on affordability and quantity, La Poblanita is a tiny Lake Street eatery with a lot of character and some damn tasty sopes (thick corn tortillas). Hand crafted and cooked with corn meal made on site, La Poblantia’s sopes are durable enough to withstand the heaping’s of meat, beans, and crema that sit atop them. Grab some napkins though; you will not escape this meal without some dirty hands. [Photo]
1617 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-0383
(612) 728-0383

T's Place

Copy Link
The Twin Cities is not known for its Ethiopian restaurants, but T’s Place chicken curry is helping to change that reputation. Owner and chef Tee Belachew simmers chicken, vegetables, and 27 spices in coconut cream for an aromatic sweet and spicy concoction. If the heat is too much to handle, be sure to wash your chicken curry down with one of their African beers. [Photo]
2713 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-724-8868
612-724-8868

Sonora Grill

Copy Link
The most difficult thing about going to Sonora grill is not eating every taco on the menu. Seriously. Sonora Grill offers six different Sonoran style tacos from chicken to roasted mushrooms and each one is as good as the next (look for the word Caramelo on the menu). If you have to choose just one taco, go for the shrimp and side of fries. [Photo]
3300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 722-2500
(612) 722-2500

Also featured in:

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Chiang Mai Thai

3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
A staple of the Minneapolis Thai dining scene, Chiang Mai Thai is an upscale, bamboo-decorated Thai Restaurant with complex flavors and a sophisticated drink selection. While their menu is substantial, try Chiang Mai’s sweet green curry both to get the most for your money and to understand what this restaurant does best: spicy yet simple Thai food. [Photo]
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 827-1606
(612) 827-1606

Origami Uptown

1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
No matter how you roll it, Origami in Uptown makes fresh, delicious sushi. Head in during their abundant happy hours times, and order any one of their maki rolls, sashimi or nigiri options. Their fish is fresh and delicately cut, and their rice is soft, sticky, and well seasoned. Just make sure to save room for an obligatory sake bomb. [Photo]
1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 223-8666
(612) 223-8666

Darbar India Grill

1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Darbar has an expansive menu of Indian favorites from paneers and masalas to curries and vindaloos. While it is your choice of meat, vegetable, and sauce combination for the entree, you must, must order their bread basket sampler to go alongside. Darbar offers 11 different naan (Indian flat bread) options that are hand tossed and baked in a clay oven. Ordering their bread basket means sampling three of these fluffy masterpieces and soaking up all that leftover sauce. [Photo]
1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-3300
(612) 822-3300

It's Greek To Me

626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Located at the corner of Lake and Lyndale, It’s Greek to Me has been a staple of the Twin Cities dining scene for 25 years. Their menu has a plethora of Greek dishes, including many vegetarian and seafood options. Whatever entree you choose, start with their saganaki appetizer, which is a plate of Kasseri cheese that is dipped in egg batter and lit ablaze at your table, colloquially known as flaming cheese. [Photo]
626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-9922
(612) 825-9922

Los Andes

317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Often overlooked in favor of Mexican and Central American food, Los Andes caters to those craving the flavors of Ecuador and Colombia. In particular, stop by Los Andes any time of day to fill up on empanadas. Stuffed with meat or cheese, these empanadas are corn dough based and fried to a golden perfection. Add a few dabs of Los Andes’s unique habanero salsa (called ají) and then grab a napkin to wipe the sweat off your forehead. [Photo]
317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(317) 952-5378
(317) 952-5378

The Rabbit Hole @The Midtown Global Market

920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
The simplicity and familiarity of the Rabbit Hole’s charred green beans amongst the whimsical fantasy of the restaurant’s decor makes for a perfect juxtaposition. Charred with black bean sauce, garlic, caramelized onions, and almonds, each bite is a salty crunch of goodness. The beans will be gone so quickly that you might as well order a second plate before you start. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 208-0428
(612) 208-0428

Safari Express

920 E Lake St, #134, Minneapolis, MN 55407
There is no escaping it; Safari Express’s camel burger is both unique and delicious. The camel meat is marinated overnight in a laundry list of spices before landing on plates throughout Midtown Global Market. Thrill seekers and hamburger lovers alike will enjoy both its exotic spices and toppings that include pineapple, lettuce, tomato, cheese, red onion, and mayo. [Photo]
920 E Lake St, #134, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 874-0756
(612) 874-0756

Manny's Tortas - Mercado Central

1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Here is a simple way to make you very happy. Walk up the counter at Manny’s Tortas in Midtown Global Market and order a Cuban torta. This Mexican sandwich features pork tenderloin, ham, and cheese and is topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, jalapeño peppers, refried beans, and chipotle pepper mayo. There is no chance you will not be full at the end of this meal and quite possibly ready for a nap. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 728-5408
(612) 728-5408
An extreme closeup of a torta

La Loma Tamales - Mercado Central

1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
It seems a little unfair that La Loma has such good tamales. How can one not crave those delicately wrapped meats and vegetables with their soft cornmeal shell that just begs you to destroy their perfection with your fork? It really doesn’t matter which you choose, Chicken, Pork, Vegetarian, Oaxacan, or Sweet Corn, each is as good as the next and each deserves to be eaten over and over again. [Photo]
1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-5430
(612) 728-5430

Pupuseria El Centro

1532 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Since opening in 2009, Pupuseria El Centro has made a name for itself as the pupusa capital of Lake Street. While it would be a good idea to eat some pupusas (a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese), ordering a horchata at this small eatery is an absolute must. Horchata is a nut and rice based drink common through Latin America and Pupuseria El Centro’s horchata is creamy and sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla. [Photo]
1532 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 721-0013
(612) 721-0013

La Poblanita

1617 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Priding itself on affordability and quantity, La Poblanita is a tiny Lake Street eatery with a lot of character and some damn tasty sopes (thick corn tortillas). Hand crafted and cooked with corn meal made on site, La Poblantia’s sopes are durable enough to withstand the heaping’s of meat, beans, and crema that sit atop them. Grab some napkins though; you will not escape this meal without some dirty hands. [Photo]
1617 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 728-0383
(612) 728-0383

T's Place

2713 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
The Twin Cities is not known for its Ethiopian restaurants, but T’s Place chicken curry is helping to change that reputation. Owner and chef Tee Belachew simmers chicken, vegetables, and 27 spices in coconut cream for an aromatic sweet and spicy concoction. If the heat is too much to handle, be sure to wash your chicken curry down with one of their African beers. [Photo]
2713 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-724-8868
612-724-8868

Sonora Grill

3300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
The most difficult thing about going to Sonora grill is not eating every taco on the menu. Seriously. Sonora Grill offers six different Sonoran style tacos from chicken to roasted mushrooms and each one is as good as the next (look for the word Caramelo on the menu). If you have to choose just one taco, go for the shrimp and side of fries. [Photo]
3300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 722-2500
(612) 722-2500

Chiang Mai Thai

3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
A staple of the Minneapolis Thai dining scene, Chiang Mai Thai is an upscale, bamboo-decorated Thai Restaurant with complex flavors and a sophisticated drink selection. While their menu is substantial, try Chiang Mai’s sweet green curry both to get the most for your money and to understand what this restaurant does best: spicy yet simple Thai food. [Photo]
3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 827-1606
(612) 827-1606

Origami Uptown

1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
No matter how you roll it, Origami in Uptown makes fresh, delicious sushi. Head in during their abundant happy hours times, and order any one of their maki rolls, sashimi or nigiri options. Their fish is fresh and delicately cut, and their rice is soft, sticky, and well seasoned. Just make sure to save room for an obligatory sake bomb. [Photo]
1354 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 223-8666
(612) 223-8666

Related Maps

Darbar India Grill

1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Darbar has an expansive menu of Indian favorites from paneers and masalas to curries and vindaloos. While it is your choice of meat, vegetable, and sauce combination for the entree, you must, must order their bread basket sampler to go alongside. Darbar offers 11 different naan (Indian flat bread) options that are hand tossed and baked in a clay oven. Ordering their bread basket means sampling three of these fluffy masterpieces and soaking up all that leftover sauce. [Photo]
1221 W Lake St, #106, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-3300
(612) 822-3300

It's Greek To Me

626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Located at the corner of Lake and Lyndale, It’s Greek to Me has been a staple of the Twin Cities dining scene for 25 years. Their menu has a plethora of Greek dishes, including many vegetarian and seafood options. Whatever entree you choose, start with their saganaki appetizer, which is a plate of Kasseri cheese that is dipped in egg batter and lit ablaze at your table, colloquially known as flaming cheese. [Photo]
626 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-9922
(612) 825-9922

Los Andes

317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Often overlooked in favor of Mexican and Central American food, Los Andes caters to those craving the flavors of Ecuador and Colombia. In particular, stop by Los Andes any time of day to fill up on empanadas. Stuffed with meat or cheese, these empanadas are corn dough based and fried to a golden perfection. Add a few dabs of Los Andes’s unique habanero salsa (called ají) and then grab a napkin to wipe the sweat off your forehead. [Photo]
317 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(317) 952-5378
(317) 952-5378