Nice places to eat north of the Twin Cities?

January 5, 2006 1:10 PM

North-of-Minneapolitans: I want to get a gift certificate for my bro/sis-in-law for a restaurant where they can get away from the kids and have a good, longish meal. I want the place to be somewhere conducive to conversation rather than shouting over crowds/jukeboxes, but they're not diners who will be wowed by a great wine list. They live in North Branch (which shows up on that map as "Branch") and I'd like to find places within a half-hour. Suggestions?.
posted by blueshammer to Food & Drink (7 answers total)

You'd think I'd know this, since I edited a restaurant directory in the Twin Cities for years, and my folks live not that far south of North Branch, but sadly, I have never heard tell of a decent restaurant there.

I did find this general list (note that some are in Detroit, not MSP so there must be more than one North Branch).

You say they're not real picky about food, but if they're at all interested in what they eat, you will likely have to go more than a half-hour from North Branch. Stillwater, Roseville, those cities all have fine places. Also, how much were you planning on spending?

You could cheat and give them an Entertainment dining coupon book, but I suspect that most if not all of the places in it will require them to leave the North Branch area and come into the Twin Cities.

I guess I'd ask them or a friend where they like to go. Obviously you could just give them a gift card that can be spent on anything, but I understand the desire to give them a night out.
posted by GaelFC at 1:36 PM on January 5, 2006

I asked a similar question and was told to try the Chowhound message boards. I posted a few questions there and received a wealth of good information.
posted by purephase at 1:37 PM on January 5, 2006

There are a few cities nearby that would have places to eat try Forest Lake or Pine City perhaps?

But really North Branch is only about 45 mins or so outside of Minneapolis where there are hundreds of choices.
posted by Gooney at 2:00 PM on January 5, 2006

Lots of Minneapolis postings on the Midwest discussion board at Chowhound.
posted by WestCoaster at 4:30 PM on January 5, 2006

If they're willing to drive into the Twin Cities northern suburbs, and are not super-adventurous but want to be dressed up a tad and feel like they're enjoying a night out, I recommend Kozlak's Royal Oak in Shoreview. Beautiful place, attentive service, definitely not the kind of place they'd take their little one (except maybe for brunch), and the food runs to prime rib, chicken, chops...nothing intimidating, but good, solid American formal dinner fare.
posted by GaelFC at 5:03 PM on January 5, 2006

Heh. I have nothing to add, except for a compliment on using the term "Minneapolitans."

It made me chortle. :-)
posted by drstein at 6:20 PM on January 5, 2006

For options in the twin cities:

Pane Vino Dulce - in south minneapolis - excellent food, very unusual - kinda euro atmosphere and staff. fun - our very favorite.

King and I Thai - downtown minneapolis - Great Thai food - fun outing - easy parking (valet).

Heartland - St.Paul (st. clair ave) - Lenny makes a great meal out of all organic mostly locally grown ingredients - the venison ribs are unbelievable - cool place, great atmosphere.

112 eatery - downtown Minneapolis - small, cozy - unbelievably well prepared food - hidden gem

Anenome - eat street (nicollet ave s.) Minneapolis - new, nice atmosphere good staff - very cool.

Udupi - North Minneapolis suburbs (hilltop) - exquisite southern indian fare. - India Palace in Roseville rocks too.

Cafe Alma - University Ave - Minneapolis... very quite - very good.

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if i were you ... im just guessing, i think heartland would be the call - its a really nice little place that could appeal to the most selective epicurean and also to a wool socks and red flannel wearing rural minnesotan.

I bet there is an awesome little restaurant in Osceola - but can't speak from experience.
posted by specialk420 at 8:49 PM on January 5, 2006