While Grand Ave, West Seventh, and Lowertown seemingly get all the glory, Payne-Phalen is a paradise of diverse food options, packed with mom-and-pop soul. From taquerias to Thai, red sauce Italian, there is something for everyone along inside this under-sung neighborhood.
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8 Eateries to Explore in the Eastside’s Payne-Phalen Neighborhood
From fried chicken to pho

Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant
A neighborhood Italian icon, Yarusso Bros has been around since the 1930s. Not much has changed at the family owned spot, with lunch specials topping out at $10. Portions are hefty with meatballs that almost seem to fill the plate and pizzas that will surely need to be shared with family and friends.
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Eastside Thai Restaurant
Pho and curry are the stars of the show at this Payne-Phelan Thai mainstay. The pho broth is perfect to slurp on on a cold Twin Cities day, and one can’t go wrong in ordering any of the various curry dishes (but the Thai Red Curry is difficult to beat).
Tongue in Cheek
A restaurant that prides itself on the humane and sustainable raising of its products is one to stand behind. The steamed pork buns with a stone fruit salsa is the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and the cocktail flight allows for the creative libations to be tried in small doses.
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Magnolias Restaurant
Magnolia’s restaurant has an entirely separate “Chicken To-Go” menu, so you know this is a serious fried chicken situation. If not in the mood for chicken though, a killer hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and pan gravy inside this classic family-style diner.
Bymore Taqueria
This comfortable, counter-service taco joint that packs a punch, Bymore is the Payne-Phalen spot for everything Mexican. Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas fill the menu, with a self service topping bar that houses the spots homemade salsa.
Brunson's Pub
A beloved local watering hole, Brunson’s Pub gives patrons a place to enjoy outstanding food at even more outstanding prices. The savory Brunson wings are made from chicken thighs and served in a multitude of flavors, while the pulled bacon BLT elevates the classic with avocado and garlic aioli.
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I ❤️ Pho
Home to a beautiful, traditional banh mi, I Heart Pho. Located on the east side of Maryland Avenue. Owned by the same people behind University Avenue’s icon iPho by Saigon deliver a menu of Vietnamese staples, such as the very popular sandwich along with seven types of pho, and broken rice.
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