Minneapolis boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a plethora of restaurants that have captured the hearts and palates of locals.
Here are five beloved establishments that stand out for their exceptional cuisine, unique atmospheres, and deep connections to the community.
1. Matt’s Bar
Signature Dish: The Jucy Lucy Established in 1954, Matt’s Bar is a cornerstone of Minneapolis’s dining history.
This unassuming establishment is famed for inventing the Jucy Lucy, a burger with molten cheese encased within the patty.
The simplicity of the menu, focusing primarily on this iconic burger, has drawn both locals and visitors alike.
The atmosphere is quintessentially dive-bar: dim lighting, wood-paneled walls, and narrow booths that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
2. Bar La Grassa
Signature Dish: Gnocchi with Cauliflower & Orange Located in the bustling North Loop neighborhood, Bar La Grassa is a haven for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker, the restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring both fresh and dried pastas.
The ambiance is both intimate and lively, with an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand.
3. Owamni
Signature Dish: Bison Taco on Wild Rice Crust Owamni has garnered national acclaim for its modern Indigenous cuisine.
The restaurant’s menu is devoid of colonial ingredients such as dairy, wheat, and cane sugar, focusing instead on native foods sourced from Indigenous and BIPOC producers.
4. Hai Hai
Signature Dish: Vietnamese Street Foods Situated in Northeast Minneapolis, Hai Hai brings the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia to the Twin Cities.
Chef Christina Nguyen’s innovative approach has earned her a James Beard nomination, reflecting the restaurant’s excellence.
5. Wrecktangle Pizza
Signature Dish: Very Nice Breakfast Pizza Wrecktangle Pizza has redefined the pizza scene in Minneapolis with its Detroit-style pies.
The pizzeria gained national recognition by winning Good Morning America’s “United States of Pizza” competition.
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