Seeking recommendations for girlfriend lunch get together

[KayeBerry]

I am meeting a friend for lunch on Monday, January 2nd and we are stuck for a place to meet. I'm in Bloomington, she's in St. Paul. She suggested MOA but the restaurants there don't impress me.
I'm open to anything, prefer moderate price (I'm buying). Thanks for any help.

[KayeBerry]

Sorry to be so long in following up on my original query but I've been without a computer for three weeks. We didn't make it to lunch on the 2nd but we did go to dinner at Hoban. [Nowhere near where I had originally asked about.] I've made it to Wise Acre since that time and like the food but didn't think much of the service. I'm still planning to try Blackbird Cafe,
Thanks for all the suggestions.

[sandylc]

Blackbird?

[AnneInMpls]

Depending on where she is in St. Paul, something near the Crosstown might work. How about Al Vento (haven't been for years, but liked it way back), Punch (Highland Park), or one of those hip places on 46th & Grand (King's, Cafe Ena, etc.)?

Or if you're both up to venturing into south Minneapolis, how about something Asian on Eat Street (Nicollet near 26th or so). For slightly upscale with alcohol, I like Peninsula, Christos, and Jasmine (the fancy place on 26th). I also love Jasmine Deli and Pho Tau Bay, but they're both very basic and very cheap.

Big caveat: double-check on all of these to make sure they're open on the 2nd.

[The Dairy Queen]

Jasmine 26 (the " fancy"place on 26th) is a great recommendation, except they are closed on Mondays. I'd like to point out, though, that this place isn't so fancy that you have to dress up or anything like that. You could still wear jeans, etc. and the food is very affordable.

I always go to Peninsula on Eat Street on Mondays when I show up at Jasmine 26 to find the door closed. Doh!

~TDQ

[gildeddawn]

People might disagree with me pretty violently on this, but I'd say Salut on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. It's got a lot of nice lunch options and a pretty fun atmosphere. You could also try the Longfellow Grill if you're looking for a more diner-y experience.

[mtullius]

Moderate price is a bit of a relative term.... it would help you get better recs if you were more specific.

But off the top, some great places for lunch in St. Paul:

-Ngon Bistro (10 bucks or so for most lunch entrees)
-Brasa (ditto)
-Meritage (the burger is fantastic, the fries are pretty great too; just a bit pricier, maybe 12-15)

[KayeBerry]

Great feedback -- I'd say $20/person including drinks, etc. (but not including the tip).

[soupkitten]

lots of our best and most favored restaurants are closed on mondays. i know meritage is one of those.

[mtullius]

Right, SK-- I forgot about the Monday thing. At least Ngon and Brasa are open on Mondays.

[KayeBerry]

Thanks for the heads up on Meritage -- I was leaning in that direction. Guess I'll have to try it another time.

[semanticantics]

Blackbird Cafe. It's casual / come as you are, but the food is more refined than most casual places.

Wise Acre might be another option. Both places are in S. Mpls.

[KayeBerry]

Thanks for the suggestions.