In MSP from Berkeley

[girlfromberkeley]

We're visiting family in Minn/St. Paul for the next few days. We're going to the Heartland for dinner tomorrow night. Any suggestions on "must go" places in the area? We don't need fancy, we just like good eats and good vibes.

[AnneInMpls]

I really love taking visitors to the Midtown Global Market. It's small, but it has a nice selection of local ethnic eateries and markets. Try the Somali food from Safari for a nice introduction to that cuisine. And you can get fabulous single-source Ames Farm honey at the "Farm in the Market" stand in the center. (And the best chickens in town, if anyone is cooking.)

On a nice day, there's nothing better than visiting Minnehaha Park with a stop at Sea Salt for a fish sandwich, oysters, and beer. There are long lines during mealtime, but it's not too bad in the middle of the afternoon. There's also a fish place (Tin Fish?) at Lake Calhoun, thoughI hear the food isn't as good. But the lakes are great.

If you like chocolate, try some truffles from B.T. McElrath or some bars from Rogue Chocolatier. B.T. McElrath's chocolate is available all over town, but Rogue is hard to find (they're new and small). Try Surdyk's in Minneapolis, and Golden Fig in St. Paul.

You gotta get some ice cream while you're here. In St. Paul, my favorite is Izzy's, but some like Grand Avenue Creamery (me, I'm not a fan, but they say the vanilla is the best flavor). In Minneapolis, try the Pumphouse Creamery, Sebastian Joe's, or Crema Cafe. More info (and Places links) in this thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/124617

And you might want to check out a Jucy Lucy. I've never had one, but they are a local speciality. See this thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/423633

Have a great visit!

Anne

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Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Sea Salt Eatery
4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe
2034 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104

Chocolate Fig
790 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Surdyks Liquor and Bistro 2go
303 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[keg]

Sea Salt is on par with Sea Breeze Deli - maybe a little above. The real plus is the tap beer and the proximity to St. Anthony Falls.

I wouldn't particularly recommend either Surdyks or Golden Fig unless you're looking for deli and prepared foods.

If a completely time warping cocktail is on your list go to Nye's. You'll never forget it, and understand more about Minneapolis roots than anywhere else.

Lucia's in Uptown is a long time advocate of local sourcing and a very nicely focused. Lake fish is a high light.

A far out institution is Kramarchuk's in North East. Old style polish sausage mecca. They have steam tables and micro waves in force here, but it's very real if not outstanding.

[KTFoley]

FYI, the proximity you have in mind is Minnehaha Falls.

[AnneInMpls]

Yup, Keg is right - Nye's is very "old Minneapolis". The food isn't that good, but the atmosphere is wonderful. If you go to Nye's, eat first at Kramarczuk's, which is across the street. (And Surdyk's is a block away, in case you need chocolate - they carry both B.T. McElrath and Rogue.)

Anne

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Nye's Polonaise Room
112 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Kramarczuk Sausage Co
215 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN

[rp1760]

Zander Cafe on Selby Avenue is an interesting dining choice. Try the Chef's Choice - just tell them what you favor and they will create dish. Then fo next door and pick nice bottle of wine from Solo Vino.

[mcgeary]

Zander went out of business a couple of months ago, sad to say.