We check back in with Jessie Voigts today for more of her favorite Twin Cities restaurants. Missed Part 1? Check it out here.
More great eats in Minneapolis
1. Big 10 Restaurant and Bar
606 Washington Ave SE, 612-378-0467
Head up the road towards the University, and you'll find the best sandwich in the Cities. Yes! The Big 10 Restaurant and Bar is chock-full of sports memorabilia, and there is a bar area, but locals flock here for the delicious sandwiches. I recommend the Turkey Sandwich - on fresh baked sub buns, piled high with lettuce and onions, melted cheese, and a garlic mayonnaise that is out of this world. Yum!
2. Shuang Cheng Restaurant
1320 4th St. SE, 612-378-0208
Also near the University of Minnesota, in Dinkytown, is the best Chinese restaurant in the Cities. Forget everything you know about Chinese food, and ask the waiter for specials (written high on the wall, in Chinese). It will be worth your while! The roasted green beans are especially delicious, and we always end up with a whole fish to share at our table.
3. Crema Cafe
3403 Lyndale Ave S, 612-824-3868
For dessert, head down past (and east of) Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles for some delicious homemade ice cream at Crema Cafe. They have a cute courtyard for al fresco eating, as well as plenty of seats inside. On the weekends, they have music. But the big draw is their high-quality ice cream, with so many unique flavors.
4. Birchwood Cafe
3311 25th St E, 612-722-4474
This is the place to go for quality homemade food - their desserts (with a huge dollop of freshly whipped cream) put everyone else to shame. They get crowded at breakfast, but it is worth it. And their lunches? Delicious!
More great eats in St Paul
1. El Burrito Mercado
175 Cesar Chavez St., 651-227-2192
http://www.elburritomercado.com/
I remember when El Burrito Mercado was a small grocery store with a tiny area in which to eat. Now, they've expanded both the grocery store and the restaurant, and given the whole place a facelift. The outside is beautifully painted, and the inside is just full of the gorgeous colors one would expect from Mexico. The menu? Authentic Mexican food, and plenty of it. I love the Barbacoa, and get it every time. I have to say, even though I am completely stuffed from it, I still need to get some tortillas, fresh veggies, spices, and other items from the grocery on the way out. You shouldn't miss it!
2. Sawatdee
486 Robert St N, 651-528-7106
www.sawatdee.com
There are two locations, one near the stadium in Minneapolis, and this one, near the St. Paul Farmer's Market. My husband haunted this location for years, as his 4x a week lunch spot. Their buffet is lovely, and they also have a full menu. And, better yet, they don't smirk when I order "zero flames"...a plus in my book! Try the Massamun Curry. YUM!
3. Moscow on the Hill
371 Selby Ave, 651-291-1236
www.moscowonthehill.com
An old world Russian restaurant, this is a favorite of mine for a true Russian dining experience. Ukrainian dumplings, dolma, blini, tea smoked chicken, salmon - the choices seem endless (and are quite delicious!). This is a fantastic way to get your fill of Russian food without buying a plane ticket.
4. Little Szechuan
422 University Ave W, 651-222-1333 (also a location in St. Louis Park) http://www.littleszechuan.com/
The very best Chinese food in all of the Twin Cities, and highly recommended by our friend Chuck at Explore Minnesota. Even with our loaded food plans, we end up eating here twice.
Jessie Voigts is the publisher of Wandering Educators, a travel resource for global educators. Love to learn about the world? Head to http://www.WanderingEducators.com
Photos and text © Jessie Voigts 2011 All rights reserved, used with permission
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