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Marvel Bar

One of the Twin Cities’ first true mixology-meets-speakeasy bars, it’s located directly below The Bachelor Farmer (how convenient) in the North Loop section of downtown, serving cutting-edge cocktails. Open late by MSP standards (midnight on weekdays, 1 a.m. on weekends), this is a perfect nightcap after a dinner upstairs or Spoon and Stable, across the … Continued

The Bachelor Farmer

Brunch! Come for brunch, without question, but there’s no shame in coming for dinner either. The menu tends to lean toward the owners’ Nordic roots – as well as the region of the North (please, don’t say Upper Midwest) utilizing the produce, grains and proteins from the surrounding area. But make no mistake, on a … Continued

112 Eatery

One of my favorite places in Minneapolis, I’ve sent dozens of people here and never heard a complaint. It’s a little rustic, a little modern, a little Italian and a little New American. As much as I love their sweet & sour crab salad, prawns with rooster mayo and lamb ribs, I’m just as much … Continued

Hell’s Kitchen

They call themselves the “New American Breakfast” and I say go, especially if you’re staying downtown. There’s usually live music during weekend brunch in the subterranean space. The food has both a quirky sense of humor but also a few touches you won’t find outside of Minnesota, like grains and corn dishes featuring Native American … Continued

Salty Tart

I knew Michelle Gayer when she worked at Charlie Trotter’s, and have excitedly followed her career to Minneapolis. Just about every time I’m back in town, I swing by the Midtown Global Market to pop in and grab something from the pastry case (it all looks great). If nothing else, get a macaroon and call … Continued

Spoon and Stable

New York City’s loss is the Twin Cities’ gain. Bloomington native Gavin Kaysen moved back home in 2014, after spending eight years working for Daniel Boulud in New York, running the kitchen at Cafe Boulud, among others. He brings French-inspired dishes but with top-quality American ingredients, all served in a very chic converted office building … Continued

Wise Acre Eatery

How committed is Wise Acre to its produce? They actually farm themselves, so “farm-fresh” isn’t just a marketing term. I’ve been for both dinner and brunch, and have been pleased both times, seeing how they  use only what’s in season and what’s available. Wise Acre Eatery 5401 Nicollet Ave. S.; 612-354-2577

Tilia

Tilia is the kind of restaurant you want to eat in as much as possible, because so much of the menu sounds delicious, and there’s no way you could possibly sample it all on one visit. It’s only a 15 minute ride from downtown, in Linden Hills, near Lake Harriet. Steven Brown is a veteran … Continued

Midtown Global Market

There is some fine noshing to be done here, including Salty Tart (see separate listing on my City Guides) and one of my favorites, The Left Handed Cook. Definitely pace yourself here, and maybe do a snack at two or three different places. I wish we had something like this in Chicago! Midtown Global Market … Continued

Haute Dish

Imagine a great neighborhood bar. Then imagine that bar with a real chef in back, working with the best purveyors he can find, cranking out his own charcuterie and creating boldly-flavored meats and sausages that pair exceedingly well with those wonderful local and regional beers. It’s the kind of place you want to eat at … Continued

Butcher & The Boar

A beer garden in the summer is a great way to spend the afternoon eating sausages, charcuterie and other offal-friendly fare. There is also great seafood here, but you must try the sausages and meat-centric menu. Butcher & The Boar 1121 Hennepin Ave.; 612-238-8888