122629 Mon Mar 29 20:22:03 -0800 2004 11 8 Midwest 0 666858 I recently experienced the pure joy of a visit to the Nook for a Lodge Burger followed by a stop at Izzy's for a pecan praline cone. While not good for the waistline, it was just about as good as it gets. Any similiar combos that just hit the spot? Mon Mar 29 20:22:03 -0800 2004 0 Gino 1 666860 Mind clueing us in as to where exactly in the midwest these estblishments are located? Mon Mar 29 20:55:18 -0800 2004 666858 0 Chino Wayne 2 666865 Uhmmmm...St. Paul. Mon Mar 29 22:52:54 -0800 2004 666860 0 Sven 2 666868 My apologies. Both are in the St Paul-Minneapolis area. Tue Mar 30 09:25:43 -0800 2004 666860 0 Gino 1 666871 I've had a couple decadent, but unusual one-two combos recently. I'm not sure I'd recommend them to others though: Last trip to the Nook, I "1-2 comboed" myself just there: Jucy Lucy followed by the Lodge Burger (each with fries). I don't regret it one bit, except for the congealed grease and cheesy goo that I still can't get off my steering wheel from the drive back to work. Milwaukee: The legendary 1-2-3 combo: Shoulder/outside BBQ combo at Speed Queen (including all 3 pieces of wonder bread), followed by a decadent corned beef on rye from Jake's Deli 30 minutes later. On the way from there, to check out a possible spot for dinner, I stumbled across Philly Way and worked down a cheesesteak. Needless to say, I never needed the dinner spot, but was glad I did a 5 mile run on the lakefront before lunch. Good thread. I'm looking forward to hearing more. Tue Mar 30 10:36:13 -0800 2004 666858 0 MSPD 2 666872 I had the outside sandwich at Speed Queen yesterday - as always, out of this world. Reminds me of the way Arthur Bryant's used to be. I have eaten at Jakes, and the Philly Way, but not on the same day. Next time you're in Milwaukee, try the Coney Island, 530 W National Ave, and Jacques's Cafe 1102 S. 2nd ave. (Try the sampler platter, or the salami sandwich.) I will be in St Paul in a week - any recs? Tue Mar 30 12:09:04 -0800 2004 666871 0 Mel 3 666873 My recommendation would be to scroll down. There has been a great deal of discussion about the following in the Twin Cities: Ice Cream Mexican Burgers/Jucy Lucy Thai Wings Vietnamese Ribs (at 128) Indian Breakfast Ecuadorian You should find plenty to keep you sated. Tue Mar 30 12:14:24 -0800 2004 666872 0 Sven 3 666874 If you're just looking for casual neighborhood stuff, my best recommendation is the "one-two" combo that started this thread. Lodge Burger or Jucy Lucy at Casper & Runyan's Nook, corner of Randolph and Hamline Avenues in St. Paul followed by ice cream at Izzy's, Marshall Avenue just east of Cleveland. Other than that, I've been hitting El Burrito Mercado a lot lately for authentic Mexican at lunchtime. Concord Ave 1/2 block east of Robert St. Everything is great there. I finally got around to trying the flan out of the tiny refrigerator next to the chow line -- it was really, really good that day. Punch (Cleveland Ave) for neopolitan pizza or Red's Savoy (terminus of Hwy 52 at 94, east edge of downtown) for classic thin crust are the benchmarks for pizza in St. Paul. If you were heading out Eagan way (south suburbs) I would send you to Brianno's (takeout only). If you are looking for more upscale options, may be appropriate to start a new thread. Tue Mar 30 12:43:18 -0800 2004 666872 0 MSPD 4 666876 The Lodge burger at the Nook is a great. I had one recently and was blown away by that thick slice of sharp aged cheddar. Unheard of at most burger joints. If your going to Burrito Mercado you want to make a quick trip up to Jerabek's Bakery for the second of that 1-2 combination. Great coffee and outstanding cakes, pastries, cheesecake and cookies. From Burrito Mercado take George St. west to Stryker and turn right. It's on the corner of Stryker and Winifred. Tue Mar 30 12:54:18 -0800 2004 666874 0 Sven 4 669438 The NOOK is the best neighborhood bar in St. Paul. I live in Highland and feel very fortunate to have such a great place so close to home. Vegetarians, never fear. It is possible to get a the best veggie burger around due to the benefits of the old grill and the PJ Murphy's bun. And the staff is great too. Tue Aug 17 08:51:36 -0700 2004 666874 0 Ellen 1 666889 Please post location, it makes it easier to determine which threads are relevant to which readers. Tue Mar 30 18:59:43 -0800 2004 666858 0 Alice 1 666957 For a great one-two combo I recommend the "Lonely Guy" burger at Bullwinkle's (1429 Washington Ave S Minneapolis, MN) followed by the wonderful hand-crafted beers at Town Hall across the street (1430 Washington Ave S). I think they call it the lonely guy because it's loaded with onions, garlic and pepper-jack cheese. Be sure to drown your fries in hot sauce! Or not, depending on your taste. Sat Apr 03 12:51:45 -0800 2004 666858 0 Doghouse Reilly