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CULINARY EXPLORATION IN MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS
MINNEAPOLIS = MINI APPLE
With the most food trucks per capita, and better variety than any other major city in the region, Minneapolis is the food truck capital of the mid-west. Every weekday in the warmer weather you can find the trucks around the city during the day and at tap rooms at night. What is a tap room, you ask? A Minneapolis word for a micro-brewery that can't serve food, thus promoting food trucks even more. Minneapolis is one of the better food cities in the country, and well worth the trip if you're up for a little cold weather adventure.
The Pig
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PIG'S PICKS
Where to find inside-out cheeseburgers, & fleets of food trucks in Minneapolis.
SURLY
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: BREWERY & PUB FOOD
WHEN: You're looking for a great beer hall and food
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
HOURS:
Sun - Thur: 11:00am–11:00pm
Fri & Sat: 11:00am–12:00am
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Hog Frites
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Chopped brisket
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Cynic, Belgian pale ale
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Bender, oatmeal brown ale
WHY: This is the microbrewery that started it all for Minneapolis. The man with the idea, Omar Ansari, started Surly with a small three-barrel system in his garage back in 2004. It took two years befoe he sold a single barrel, but in 2007 Surly was named the best microbrewery in the country. Go on any night and you can expect a packed house and to wait a bit for a table. During the nicer weather Surly has a large patio area to grab a specialty brew while you wait.
PEEP'S HOT BOX
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: CREATIVE STREET FOOD
WHEN: You find yourself lucky enough to be by the truck.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
HOURS:
Varies, check website.
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MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Menu changes frequently
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WHY: This is one of my favorite food trucks, their menu changes with the season and product availability. The dishes range from fried asparagus to banh mi sandwiches. Everything is chef inspired and you never know what is going to be coming out that window. A word of advice from the Pig, if you see this truck, get in line!
MATT'S BAR
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: STUFFED CHEESE BURGERS
WHEN: You want hot molten lava inside your burger
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Cash only
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HOURS:
Sun - Thur 11:00am–12:00am
Fri & Sat 11:00am–1:00am
MAP IT:
3500 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Jucy Lucy
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A cold tap
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WHY: The home of the original Jucy Lucy. What is a Jucy Lucy? It's not your slopy cousin from Cleveland, but rather a Minnesota specialty of a inside out cheeseburger. Yes, this little Minneapolis bar may not look like much when you stroll up, and that's the point, it isn't. It's a tiny bar with a tiny grill pumping out a huge Minnesota classic
QUANG
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: VIETNAMESE
WHEN: It's cold outside and you want a hot bowl of amazing soup.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sun 10:30am–8:30pm
Mon 11:00am - 9:00pm
Tue Closed
Wed - Fri 11:00am - 9:00pm
Sat 10:30am - 9:00pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pho
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Bahn Mi
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WHY: In my opinion, Pho is judged by the broth and theirs is deep and flavorful with great brown spice notes. The garnishes pull the ethnic specialty together. Don't miss out on their Banh mi, the bread is as good as I have seen. Quang is the best Vietnamese I have had in Minneapolis, or actually anywhere.
HI-LO DINER
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: AN OLD CLASSIC DINER WITH A TRENDY TWIST ON FOOD.
WHEN: You cant decide between a doughnut or fried chicken.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sun - Thur: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Fri & Sat: 8:00am - 12:00am
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Gary Cooper
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The Mini-Apple Bliss
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WHY: This is an old 1957 Diner that started life in Pennsylvania and somehow landed in Minneapolis. Their menu is creative and refreshing. I was obsessed with the Hi-tops which are doughnuts that enjoy life as a base to savory and sweet toppings. This was truly a unexpected treat.
BIRCHWOOD CAFE
PIG SCORE: 3.85 / 4.0
WHAT: UPSCALE HIPPY FOOD
WHEN: You want healthy homemade food that taste great.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday - Friday 7AM–9PM
Saturday & Sunday8AM–9PM
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Avocado Toast
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WHY: Everything is made from scratch, locally sourced and taste amazing. This is a great place for breakfast or lunch when your building up some local karma.
BUTCHER'S SALT
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: INSPIRED STREET FOOD
WHEN: You're downtown for lunch, and it's nice outside.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Salted browns with an over easy egg
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Sliders
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WHY: The passion of the owner is apparent, this is a great restaurant whether it is on four wheels or not. Butcher's salt delivers well-seasoned quality food over and over again.
WEBSITE: www.butchersalt.com
YOUNG JONI SPEAKEASY
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: SECRET BAR
WHEN: You're in the mood for a chill hangout.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
If the red light is on, they're open.
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Jesse "THE BODY" Ventura
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Good Grief
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WHY: It is a Minneapolis focused speakeasy. It feels like you just walked into your friends back shed for a drink, and he happens to be an amazing bartender.
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HOW TO GET IN: Walk around the main pizzeria and into the back alley. If you see a giant red neon bar of light, the speakeasy is open. Walk down and find the door.
BIBUTA
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHY: Yet another amazing Minneapolis food truck. Bibuta serves high-quality sushi from a food truck. Now I know this may feel a little like Russian roulette with food, but it's the best street sushi I have ever seen come out of a truck.
WHAT: STREET SUSHI
WHEN: You feel like something light and refreshing.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Poki bowl
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Sushi burrito
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HOT INDIAN
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: INDIAN STREET FOOD
WHEN: You want to try something Indian, but are new to the game.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicken Tikka Indurrito
WHY: This is a cool Indian fusion food truck. They take classic Indian dishes and turn them into approachable street food. Their standard is a burrito made with Rostis; a traditional Indian flatbread. These guys are ingenious and more importantly great cooks.
FOOD TRUCKS (SEASONAL)
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: EVERYTHING
WHEN: It's between April 1st and October 31st , and its lunch time.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS: April 1st - October 31st
Mon - Sat 11:00am - 1:30pm
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Choose from the many options
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WHY: Minneapolis supports a thriving street food market. The quality and diversity of the trucks is only matched by the quantity. Walk the streets Marquette and 8th between 11 am and 1 pm during the warmer months, pick a truck, and enjoy your lunch out on the streets of downtown Minneapolis.
PATISSIER 46
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: A FRENCH PASTRY
WHEN: You're feeling Frenchy
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sunday 7AM–2PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday - Saturday 7AM–6PM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tartine
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Baguette sandwich
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Any
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WHY: A local little French inspired bakery / café with a quaint atmosphere and top quality pastries. A fantastic place for a cup of coffee and a croissant.
STEEL TOE BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: CRAFT TAP ROOM
WHEN: You're looking for a place to hang with friends and grab a beer.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
HOURS:
Mon 3:00pm – 8:30pm
Tue - Fri 3:00pm –10:00pm
Sat 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Sun 12:00pm - 6:00pm
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Size 7
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Sommer Vice
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11:00am–12:00am
WHY: As they put it, a small craft brewery with dreams of staying small. A single location where they brew some top notch craft beer. It may be a little out of the way but a great place to unwind if you're looking for quality beer.
YO - YO DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: CRAFT DOUGHNUTS
WHEN: You have a hole in your life that only doughnuts can fill.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Mon - Sat 6AM–5PM
Sun 7AM–1PM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cookies & Cream
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Maple Bacon Long john
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WHY: These may be the best doughnuts in the Minneapolis area. Fun flavors, quality products and deliver on texture. Make sure you try the maple bacon long john, it has a full slice of bacon on top for a garnish.
TRU PIE
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: WOOD FIRED PIZZA
WHEN: You want a quality pizza.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Margherita Pizza
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WHY: This is a food truck with a real wood burning pizza oven in it. The pizza is as good as any wood fired pizza restaurant. I was surprised that pizza coming off a food truck rivaled that of VPNs, that is impressive. This is worth the wait, and worth tracking down.
UNITED NOODLES
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: ASIAN FUSION
WHEN: You want Asian, but are on a college budget.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
7 days 11:00am - 6:00pm
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MAP IT:
2015 East 24th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Char sui (BBQ pork)
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Takoyaki (Octopus dumplings)
WHY: It is actually called Unideli and it is located in United Noodles, the largest Asian market in Minneapolis. They have a creative menu that is very reasonably priced. After your done take a stroll through the market and pick up some of your cooking needs.
SEBASTIAN JOE'S
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: SMALL BATCH ICE CREAM
WHEN: You're looking for quality ice cream.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sunday - Thursday 7AM–11PM
Friday & Saturday 7AM–12AM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Nicolette Avenue pothole in a handmade cone
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Pavoratti in a handmade cone
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WHY: Handcrafting small batches of premium ice cream and waffle cones. It all started over thirty years ago with three Italian brothers who wanted to bring craft ice cream to the twin cities. The flavors are well thought out sophisticated flavors that even kids love.
STANLEY'S NORTHEAST BAR
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: A SECRET BAR INSIDE OF ANOTHER BAR.
WHEN: You're in the mood for a classic prohibition drink.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Saturday: 6pm - ?
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MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Davenport Double Standard
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Ottoman Old Fashioned
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WHY: This is a secret bar inside of a real bar. You could be in Stanley's for hours and never know there was a secret hidden in it. And once inside, you feel like you went back in time.
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HOW TO GET IN: Find the non-descript photo booth in the back of the bar. Go inside close the curtain and knock on the back wall. When the man on the other side greets you ask him to see some bar stools.
FULTON BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: URBAN TAP ROOM
WHEN: You want to go out for a drink after work with friends.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 3–10PM
Friday 3–11PM
Saturday12–11PM
Sunday 12–6PM
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Sweet child of vine
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Lonely blonde
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WHY: Fulton is the garage band equivalent of a microbrewery. They started 11 years ago in one of the owners single car garage. They are officially a tap room, which means you can purchase beer and growlers here, but not food. But that shouldn't bother you as they have paired up with a great selection of the top food trucks that park right outside nightly.
BOGART'S DOUGHNUT CO.
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: SMALL BATCH DOUGHNUTS
WHEN: High quality doughnuts are required.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday - Friday 6:30AM–12:30PM
Saturday & Sunday 7:30AM–12:30PM
MAP IT: (2 locations)
904 West 36th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Vanilla Bean Buttercream-Filled
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WHY: Handcrafted classic old-world doughnuts. They have yeast-risen, brioche dough, and rich cake doughnuts. It's a small location, this is not a Starbucks grab a pastry, a cup of coffee while you sit and do your work, this is a grab your dozen and coffee to go.
MUDDY WATERS
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: A COFFEE SHOP / BAR / GASTROPUB.
WHEN: You're not sure if you want coffee of a beer with your breakfast.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
7 days - 8AM - 2AM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Breakfast Pountine
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Breakfast Burger
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WHY: Because this place doesn't know what it wants to be, but does all three very well, and aren't we all a little like that at times? A great place to grab a beer and or a breakfast sandwich.
REVIVAL
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: SOUTHERN COMFORT
WHEN: You're looking for good fried chicken.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
7 Days 11AM - 10PM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Nashville Hot Chicken
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WHY: You want some amazing Southern comfort food like hot fried d chicken.
AL'S BREAKFAST
(DINKYTOWN)
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: DINER DIVE
WHEN: You need a cure for your hangover
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Cash only
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HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 6AM–1PM
Friday & Saturday 6AM–1PM, 6PM–1AM
Sunday 9AM–1PM
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
-
Corned beef hash
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A Classic Breakfast
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WHY: This nook in Dinkytown could be the smallest restaurant I have been in, it is only 10 feet wide and that includes the kitchen. Al's has been serving old school breakfast for over 60 years. The locals line up for their chance to get a stool, you will have to wait to get one of the 14 seats during prime time. Come in enjoy an quality breakfast and enjoy the tiniest restaurant in Dinkytown.
WORLD STREET KITCHEN
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: FUSION STREET FOOD
WHEN: You're looking for a burrito with flair and flavor.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
-
Red curry burrito
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WHY:These guys have a line from the moment they open the window. They build ethnic flavors in burrito formats making new adventures in food approachable. If you missed the food truck or it is off season they have a restaurant that serves similar food as well.
ANCHOR FISH & CHIPS
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: IRISH FISH & CHIPS
WHEN: You're feeling a wee bit of the Iris
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday Closed
Tuesday - Thursday 4–10PM
Friday 4–11PM
Saturday 10AM–11PM
Sunday 10AM–10PM
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried Cod & Chips
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A PiGuinness
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WHY: This is the real deal. Crispy, juicy fried cod with hand cut fries. Do yourself a favor and ask for extra tarter sauce right away.
BLVD.
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: UPSCALE BISTRO
WHEN: You're looking for a nice place to eat. may be a little pricey.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday - Saturday 11AM - 10PM
Sunday 9AM - 10PM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Blvd royal with cheese
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WHY: High-end local, but the Royal with cheese is amazing!
BAUHAUS BREW LAB
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: A good beer is in your future, duh.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sunday - Tuesday Closed
Wednesday - Friday 4–11PM
Saturday12–11PM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Wonderstuff, Bohemian Pilsner
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Wagon Party, West Coast Lager
WHY: The location is very cool, they are in an old abandoned industrial warehouse still adorned with the cranes and the tracks. Brauhaus is a local microbrewery that practices their art in a classic German style with a modern playful twist. Be on the look out for live music.
PARLOUR
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: GREAT UPSCALE BAR FOOD
WHEN: You're looking for a NICE dinner with friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Tuesday - Saturday 4PM–1AM
Sunday- Monday 4PM–12AM
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Cheeseburger
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WHY: They have really solid food, but the one thing that is above all others is there cheeseburger. It is AMAZING, slightly expensive, but amazing.
RED COW
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: SOPHISTICATED BURGERS
WHEN: You want burgers but are also with wine people.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Monday - Friday 11AM–1AM
Saturday & Sunday 9AM–1AM
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MAP IT: (2 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Manhattan 2.0
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Barcalona
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WHY: Red cow uses a special blend of 21-day dry aged ribeye, chuck, short rib, and brisket. The grind actually has pieces of the rib eye in it, I'm not kidding, they have large delicious pieces in the burger. The block has a great balance of fat to lean, so many young chefs forget fat is flavor. Red cow has two locations and puts out, burgers for people who can appreciate better quality.
THE MORAL OMNIVORE
(FOOD TRUCK)
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: VEG-CENTRIC STREET FOOD
WHEN: You want to impress that hippy vegetarian chick in your sociology class.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Varies, check website.
MAP IT:
Check website
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WHAT TO ORDER:
-
Curried mushroom fries
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WHY:
Vegcentric is a serious trend with the Millenials and Gen next. Moral Omnivore takes an ethical approach to food, a little meat goes a long way. They try to buy local and be as sustainable as possible while serving great food.
BLACK SHEEP PIZZA
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: COAL FIRED PIZZA.
WHEN: You're craving upscale quality pizza.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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HOURS:
Sunday - Thursday 11AM–11PM
Friday - Saturday 11AM–12AM
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MAP IT: (3 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Sicilian
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Fennel Sausage, Onion, & Green Olives
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WHY: Coal fired was how pizzerias started in this country, and it provides a deep rich fla to the finished pizza. Really robust flavors.
