Guidebook for Bloomington/ Minneapolis/ St. Paul
Food Scene
Starbucks
704-708 W 98th Stnice local scene.
Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria
521 W 98th StGreat pizza and other Italian food. Sit down or take out
You know what to expect. This one is well run and has good food. Nice bar area
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Applebee's Grill + Bar
7901 1/2 Southtown CenterYou know what to expect. This one is well run and has good food. Nice bar area
Really good cheap Chinese. They will customize orders for you and make it fresh. Fast food great for take out or they deliver orders over $15. Currently take out and delivery only. Very nice staff.
Eddie Cheng
720 W 78th StReally good cheap Chinese. They will customize orders for you and make it fresh. Fast food great for take out or they deliver orders over $15. Currently take out and delivery only. Very nice staff.
Best pizza around. Cozy seating area, take out or delivery. My favorite pizza. Definitely a local fav.
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Broadway Pizza
2025 West River Rd NBest pizza around. Cozy seating area, take out or delivery. My favorite pizza. Definitely a local fav.
Chevys Fresh Mex
2251 Killebrew DrNice bar, outdoor seating during the summer. Good fresh Mexican
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. Great authentic Mexican food. Nice bar area. Fab Margaritas. Really good value. During the summer there is outdoor seating and on Friday and Saturday late afternoon into evening there is often a little band on the patio. Reservations for seating are a must these days due to limited seating for COVID regulations
El Loro Mexican Grill
8405 Lyndale Ave SThis is my favorite Mexican restaurant. Great authentic Mexican food. Nice bar area. Fab Margaritas. Really good value. During the summer there is outdoor seating and on Friday and Saturday late afternoon into evening there is often a little band on the patio. Reservations for seating are a must these days due to limited seating for COVID regulations
Voted Best Gyros in Minnesota. It's about $10 for a really great one with everything. Traditional or Chicken versions, roasted potatoes, salads and Baklava. Yum. There is seating but it is a small place. Basically lunches and most evenings. Not open Saturday evening or Sunday. They are a family owned business and they go to church on those times. Order on line and they will bring it out to your car. There is now indoor ordering and seating. This is an all time favorite of mine.
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Gyropolis
2325 W 90th StVoted Best Gyros in Minnesota. It's about $10 for a really great one with everything. Traditional or Chicken versions, roasted potatoes, salads and Baklava. Yum. There is seating but it is a small place. Basically lunches and most evenings. Not open Saturday evening or Sunday. They are a family owned business and they go to church on those times. Order on line and they will bring it out to your car. There is now indoor ordering and seating. This is an all time favorite of mine.
New location is by the Eddie Cheng in a free standing building. Great pastries and I love the tuna sandwich. sit down or take out. Good coffee too.
Panera Bread
1260 Promenade PlNew location is by the Eddie Cheng in a free standing building. Great pastries and I love the tuna sandwich. sit down or take out. Good coffee too.
There are all sorts of restaurants and a couple bars in here. Walburgers is the newest one, owned by the Walberg brothers. Restaurants range from fast food in the food court to some very nice sit down. Grab some food then go up to 3rd floor and see a movie then top it off with a drink at one of the bars up there.
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Mall of America Red Line Gate C station
There are all sorts of restaurants and a couple bars in here. Walburgers is the newest one, owned by the Walberg brothers. Restaurants range from fast food in the food court to some very nice sit down. Grab some food then go up to 3rd floor and see a movie then top it off with a drink at one of the bars up there.
Good Bar/ restaurant. Very good casual dinning. Summer time rooftop fun. The locals love this place.
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Willy McCoys
10700 France Ave SGood Bar/ restaurant. Very good casual dinning. Summer time rooftop fun. The locals love this place.
This is my favorite place to go for brunch. The girlfriends all insist on going here when they come into town to visit. It is Farm to Table. The owners of the restaurant also have the farm that the food comes from. They own the nursery across the street too. The food is tasty and a wonder of flavors. The menu varies daily with what is currently available on the farm. Of course the Mimosas and Bloody Marys didn't originate on the farm but they are still really good.
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Wise Acre Eatery
5401 Nicollet AveThis is my favorite place to go for brunch. The girlfriends all insist on going here when they come into town to visit. It is Farm to Table. The owners of the restaurant also have the farm that the food comes from. They own the nursery across the street too. The food is tasty and a wonder of flavors. The menu varies daily with what is currently available on the farm. Of course the Mimosas and Bloody Marys didn't originate on the farm but they are still really good.
Wonderful small Italian restaurant. Everything is made fresh and tastes delicioso. Nice size servings are a fair price. It is in my old neighborhood in Minneapolis but it is really worth the 5 mile drive.
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Prima
5325 Lyndale Ave SWonderful small Italian restaurant. Everything is made fresh and tastes delicioso. Nice size servings are a fair price. It is in my old neighborhood in Minneapolis but it is really worth the 5 mile drive.
Several guests have visited this place and give it great reviews. I have tried a few things from there and they certainly are good.
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A Baker's Wife's Pastry Shop
4200 S 28th AveSeveral guests have visited this place and give it great reviews. I have tried a few things from there and they certainly are good.
Family style Italian, very tasty. Fun atmosphere with tons of pictures and memorabelia on the walls.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Family style Italian, very tasty. Fun atmosphere with tons of pictures and memorabelia on the walls.
Fabulous food and experience. Middle Eastern food good enough that my Asserian ex felt like it was home cooking. They have BELLY DANCERS. Great wait staff.
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Mediterranean Cruise Cafe
12500 Nicollet AveFabulous food and experience. Middle Eastern food good enough that my Asserian ex felt like it was home cooking. They have BELLY DANCERS. Great wait staff.
This is actually a Bloomington location. It is right off of 494 and France Ave. It's casual but really good seafood.
Smack Shack
This is actually a Bloomington location. It is right off of 494 and France Ave. It's casual but really good seafood.
I haven't been to this one yet. YET. American and Cajun fare. Moderately priced. It has great reviews.
Mallards Restaurant
I haven't been to this one yet. YET. American and Cajun fare. Moderately priced. It has great reviews.
Big Bowl
3669 GalleriaFun dining experience. It's a locals fav.
Woolley's Kitchen & Bar
7901 34th Ave SGreat steak house.
Cô Tư Oriental Cuisine
Friends and I love this place. It is also recommended by guests.
Casual dinning. Good burgers and other sandwiches. I've had some good pasta dishes there too. Good drinks.
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Willy McCoys
10700 France Ave SCasual dinning. Good burgers and other sandwiches. I've had some good pasta dishes there too. Good drinks.
Snuffy's Malt Shop
Just Yum. Casual delish food. The malts are famous around here.
Luna Di Luna
8820 Lyndale Ave Sgood Italian food. Comfy surroundings
This place has been around forever and with good reason. Great food, good prices.
Sawatdee Bloomington
8501 Lyndale Ave SThis place has been around forever and with good reason. Great food, good prices.
Lucky's 13 Pub
Good food and drinks, casual
Aroma Indian Cuisine
Guests have told me that this is pretty good. I haven't been there yet.
Locals favorite secret. Comfy bar and best burgers around. I know people that have moved out of the area but make the drive to get a burger and fries.
Shantytown Grill
Locals favorite secret. Comfy bar and best burgers around. I know people that have moved out of the area but make the drive to get a burger and fries.
TGI Fridays
You know just what to expect here
Another one that has been here for years and with good reason. Very reasonable prices, good Indian food and a nice atmosphere.
Tandoor Restaurant
8062 Morgan Cir SAnother one that has been here for years and with good reason. Very reasonable prices, good Indian food and a nice atmosphere.
They make a pretty good gyro. (not quite as good as Gyropolis) This is basically take out. Reasonable price
Gyro's Grill
1710 E Old Shakopee RdThey make a pretty good gyro. (not quite as good as Gyropolis) This is basically take out. Reasonable price
Very Authentic, There is a place to sit but is great for take out. Not much for atmosphere, but you will get great food at a very reasonable price.
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Andale Taqueria
7700 Nicollet AveVery Authentic, There is a place to sit but is great for take out. Not much for atmosphere, but you will get great food at a very reasonable price.
Fine dining. Really good food and atmosphere. Good wine list. Great drinks. Deserts to die for
Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse
Fine dining. Really good food and atmosphere. Good wine list. Great drinks. Deserts to die for
Drinks & Nightlife
Cowboy Jack's
2397 Palmer DrHappening club.
Cowboy Jacks Bloomington
2801 Southtown DrHip place to go
Mystic Lake Casino
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NWWhy not?
I'm just highlighting this area not a specific place. There are so many great places to eat and drink around here.
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Uptown
I'm just highlighting this area not a specific place. There are so many great places to eat and drink around here.
Fabulous night club. This is where Prince often played. He would sometimes do surprise performances. Drive by Truckers and many many others play there.
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First Avenue
701 N 1st AveFabulous night club. This is where Prince often played. He would sometimes do surprise performances. Drive by Truckers and many many others play there.
Good appitizers, good food. Fun scene. During the summer they have a roof top bar.
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Willy McCoys
10700 France Ave SGood appitizers, good food. Fun scene. During the summer they have a roof top bar.
Sports Page
9014 Lyndale Ave STypical sports bar food and drinks. Local hang out because it's good.
Lucky's 13 Pub
good drinks and bar food.
Locals favorite secret. Good bar, resonable priced drinks, comfy, great burgers and food.
Shantytown Grill
Locals favorite secret. Good bar, resonable priced drinks, comfy, great burgers and food.
Recommended by another Bloomington host. He is younger than me and thinks that the place is great.
Nine Mile Brewing
Recommended by another Bloomington host. He is younger than me and thinks that the place is great.
shopping
Biggest Mall in the USA. We have not tax on clothing or shoes.
Everything that you would want to buy can probably be found here. There is also lots of restaurants, night life and movie theaters.
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Mall of America
60 East BroadwayBiggest Mall in the USA. We have not tax on clothing or shoes.
Everything that you would want to buy can probably be found here. There is also lots of restaurants, night life and movie theaters.
IKEA
8000 Ikea WayAbout anything that you would need to furnish your home.
Twin Cities Premium Outlets
3965 Eagan Outlets PkwyGreat stores, nice atmosphere
REI
750 American Blvd Wsporting goods and a climbing wall
Southdale Center
10 Southdale CenterThe first enclosed shopping mall in the world.
Target
2555 W 79th Sthas what you need.
Essentials
Very fresh food at a good price. It's a bit like a co-op feel. It has a great herbal section as well as a wonderful bakery and meat market. The summer time produce is local. The corn comes from Pahls farm.
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Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
2100 W 80th 1/2 StVery fresh food at a good price. It's a bit like a co-op feel. It has a great herbal section as well as a wonderful bakery and meat market. The summer time produce is local. The corn comes from Pahls farm.
Beautiful grocery store. Lots of really high quality fresh foods. Great fresh fruits and veggies, great cheeses, meats and yummy bakery. Excellent Deli.
Festival Foods
401 W 98th StBeautiful grocery store. Lots of really high quality fresh foods. Great fresh fruits and veggies, great cheeses, meats and yummy bakery. Excellent Deli.
Trader Joe's
4270 W 78th StMy main grocery store
CVS Pharmacy
6445 Richfield PkwyNational Pharmacy chain.
Cub Foods
1104 Lagoon Avegood super market grocery store with a pharmacy
Entertainment & Activities
I-Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Minnesota
1700 American Blvd EU.S. Bank Stadium
401 Chicago AveSuper Bowl of coarse. It's our newest stadium.
Skiing, snow boarding. It's a nice little place to go for the day or evening. They give lessons too.
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Buck Hill
15400 Buck Hill RdSkiing, snow boarding. It's a nice little place to go for the day or evening. They give lessons too.
Twins Ballpark
1 Twins WayTwins baseball of coarse, concerts too
I-Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd StGreat entertainment. Plays, musicals
Minnesota Orchestra
1111 Nicollet Mallwonderful world class orchestra
This is a very well known theater nation wide. Big name actors, great performances.
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I-Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd StThis is a very well known theater nation wide. Big name actors, great performances.
Fabulous venue for arts, music, conventions
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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington StFabulous venue for arts, music, conventions
Parks & Nature
This is a big park with lots of walking paths, 9 mile creek flows through it. There is Frisbee golf too. There are stages where plays and band perform.
Moir Park
10320 Morgan Ave SThis is a big park with lots of walking paths, 9 mile creek flows through it. There is Frisbee golf too. There are stages where plays and band perform.
This is the biggest in a chain of 3 lakes. Harriet, Calhoon and Lake of the Isles. You can walk, skate or bike all three. There is also Canoe rental No motor boats on these lakes. These are 3 of our gems. Lake Nokomis is a wonderful experience too.
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Lake Harriet
4135 W Lake Harriet PkwyThis is the biggest in a chain of 3 lakes. Harriet, Calhoon and Lake of the Isles. You can walk, skate or bike all three. There is also Canoe rental No motor boats on these lakes. These are 3 of our gems. Lake Nokomis is a wonderful experience too.
Good concerts at the band shell, nice walking path around the lake. July 3rd fire works
Normandale Lake Bandshell
5901 W 84th StGood concerts at the band shell, nice walking path around the lake. July 3rd fire works
Bloomington Off-leash Dog Park
Nice place. lots of open are and a wooded area and a stream.
Local favorite. Pretty views, lots of open space to picnic and play. There are walking and biking paths around the lake. It is about 3 1/2 miles around it. You can sail, canoe and kayak on the lake- no motorized boats.
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Lake Nokomis
Local favorite. Pretty views, lots of open space to picnic and play. There are walking and biking paths around the lake. It is about 3 1/2 miles around it. You can sail, canoe and kayak on the lake- no motorized boats.
Getting Around
Catch the train and go down town or to the ball fields. This is how I go to the Twins games.
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Mall of America Transit Station
Catch the train and go down town or to the ball fields. This is how I go to the Twins games.
Minnesota History Center
345 W Kellogg Blvdtons of info and interesting things