This little café is locally owned and serves an eclectic mix of Middle-Eastern and American cuisines including falafel, shawarma, cheeseburgers and burritos. All the food is made to order and really delicious. Start with the authentic and creamy hummus or mouthwatering baba ganouj before ordering your choice of meal, all at an extremely affordable price point. If it’s coffee you’re craving, Lori’s coffee house is located right next door and serves up a variety of beverages at a great price.

Beautiful restaurant that serves tasty locally sourced foods ranging from classic chicken salad sandwiches to crispy and light Italian inspired fritto misto (mixed fried seafood and vegetables). Dinner entrees run $13 and up, so if you find yourself on that college student budget, try visiting for lunch or brunch where entrees are between $10 and $17. For something special, visit on any Sunday night and treat yourself to the Chef’s Three-Course Tasting Menu, which includes a starter, main course and dessert from a special limited menu, all for $27.

After too many bowls of instant ramen and microwaveable mac and cheese, we know you’re craving some made from scratch comfort foods. Colossal Café is your saving grace. They make everything by hand, including the bread for all of their scrumptious sandwiches. The flappers (pancakes) are thick yet fluffy and topped with local Three Rivers Farm pure maple syrup. Don’t miss the apple, walnut and brie flappers topped with honey-brown sugar syrup, apples, walnuts and thick slices of creamy brie cheese. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Nelson's offers a variety of Midwestern meats and cheeses that can be packed inside a sandwich or adorn a custom salad. Delicious and convenient, you can stop in to create something for a quick lunch or you can order ahead from the array of diverse party trays for anything from business meetings to graduation parties.

This small Vietnamese restaurant has an authentic menu and attentive staff. The pho is subtle, yet flavorful, and their rice plates and vermicelli noodle salads are a great quick lunch or dinner option for those late nights spent studying.

A pub with a wide variety of tap beers and Irish-American fare including wood fired pizzas, burgers, and salads. The pizzas are a favorite for most so choose your favorite or make your own with the wide array of different toppings from artichokes and kalamata olives to fresh basil and feta cheese. Stout’s has a one of the best craft beer lists on this side of town.

With nine Twin Cities locations, locals know Keys Café, but this location is the one that started it all in 1973. This old school cafe makes all their food and baked goods from scratch and serves it up with a smile. Try the huge, fluffy pancakes or omelets stuffed full with your choice of fresh veggies and/or meats. Don’t miss one of their famous caramel rolls.

St. Paul’s answer to Sea Salt Eatery or Tin Fish, Como Dockside is the new restaurant in the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Check out lakefront views and live music while ordering New Orleans-inspired dishes like beignet dogs, pimento cheese, and gumbo. Plus they've got a full liquor license for a classic St. Paul style martini.