Foodie Travels USA: 9 Best Restaurants (right now) in the Twin Cities Gateway
Story by Stacy Brooks
The Twin Cities Gateway is one of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area’s best kept secrets. Each of the nine communities that make up Minnesota’s Twin Cities Gateway—Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview—has its own unique vibe. They also have something in common: great restaurants.
With its abundant dining options, narrowing down this list of great restaurants was no simple task. To select which eateries to feature, I focused on restaurants known for scratch-cooking (such as house-made soups, baked goods, smoked meats) that consistently prove they’re good at what they do (whether that’s burgers, curries, or pastries). I also included a wide range of cuisines (Mexican, Asian, Scandinavian, classic American, modern American with global influences) as well as a mix of casual and upscale places. Finally, to suit current times, I also made sure that these restaurants are currently open and offering to-go options.
From elegant white tablecloth establishments to low-key sports bars, and everything in between, here are the nine best places to enjoy a meal in the Twin Cities Gateway right now.
Barley John’s Brew Pub in New Brighton pairs local brews with sandwiches, pizza, and creative daily specials. Beers are brewed on-site, and include a smooth Wild Brunette Wild Rice Brown Ale, subtle Stockyard IPA, and seasonal selections. The artichoke dip includes wild rice to give the classic a Minnesota twist, soups are made from scratch, and the beer-marinated bratwursts are custom-spiced. The restaurant is currently open for lunch and dinner Mondays through Fridays and for dinner on Saturdays.
Bricks Kitchen & Pub in Blaine serves elevated pub fare like Wagyu beef sliders, bourbon shrimp, and a Rueben sandwich piled high with house-smoked pastrami. Pizzas are topped with specialty ingredients like fennel pollen and speck ham. The menu also offers a range of gluten-free and vegetarian items. The ever-changing tap list highlights craft brews, and some cocktails include local spirits. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and online ordering is available for takeout.
Club 300, located in Anoka’s historic former post office, is an elegant fine dining establishment serving Jamasian cuisine—a term coined to describe the menu’s blend of Jamaican, Asian, and American dishes. Whether you order the jerk chicken, red curry, or biscuits and gravy, you’ll be treated to bold flavors and beautiful presentations. Dinner is served Wednesdays through Saturdays, and brunch is offered on Sundays.
Fiesta Cancun Grill & Bar in Lino Lakes offers an encyclopedic array of Mexican fare in generous portions. From nachos to ceviche, burritos to enchiladas, seafood to steak, whatever you’re in the mood for is on the menu. For special dietary needs, there are plenty of vegetarian options, as well as salads, a la carte items, and build-your-own platters. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and online ordering is available for takeout.
Check out the full article at Foodie Travels USA, here.
