Along with my New Years Goals and my MN todo List, one of my goals this year was to try more local dining options. The last few weeks I’ve hit up a bunch of new (to me) places. Here are a few quick thoughts about them.
Common Roots Cafe – I checked out this spot after my visit to the Walker. We were going to go to The Bulldog, but changed our minds as the atmosphere wasn’t exactly conducive to a conversation. My date told me that the bagels were phenomenal, so we ordered one to share. I also had a beer at that time, I believe it was a Surley but can’t really remember. Unfortunately, the bagels were stale so I didn’t really get the full experience. I returned last Saturday as I was meeting a friend for some web design work and this time I ordered coffee and a egg and cheese bagel. This time the bagel was phenomel. I told one of my co-workers from Conneticut that if she wanted a good bagel this is a great place. It has a wonderful atmosphere, plenty of tables, and the food, when it’s fresh, is tasty.
Longfellow Grill – I went here last Saturday after visiting the winter carnival. My plan had been to check out the Blue Door Pub but it was packed, and since I was by myself I didn’t feel like waiting for a table to open. I had been intrigued by the sweet potato fries ever since I read about Ed’s fry day, so I decided to check it out. The first thing I have to say is that the employees here are wonderful. I sat there for about 2 hours and chatted with the bartender, the manager on duty, and a couple of the servers about everything from cell phones to the inauguration. They had an excellent selection of beer, and the food was fabulous. I ordered the Turkey Burger and the sweet fries and it was one of the best meals I’d tasted in a while. I would definitely recommend checking them out if you haven’t already.
Wilde Roast Cafe – I took a date here last Sunday. After driving by it and circling for what seemed like forever(I really don’t know NE Minneapolis at all), I finally figured out where to park and headed in. I will admit it wasn’t what I excepted, it’s like Common Roots in that you order at the counter and then they bring you your food. We had the artichoke dip and rosemary chicken pizza, both of which were wonderful. Apparently if you order two entrees you can get a bottle of wine for 1/2 price, we didn’t take advantage of this, but it definitely an option if you are looking for an inexpensive night out. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite place I tried recently, but definitely worth a trip sometime.
Herkimer - I met @artallen for a drink after my incredibly ridiculous experience at work Tuesday. I didn’t try any of the food, but did try a couple of their beers. I enjoyed the Alt beer, though it wasn’t as hoppy as I would have liked. I also tried the Sky Pilot Cellar Beer, which was good. I wouldn’t say I found my favorite beer here, but will definitely return. I’ve been told the food there is great, so I plan on going there earlier some night so I can test this for myself.
I’ve been keeping busy the last few weeks, and loving all the new things I’ve been doing. Have you tried anything new recently?
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Yes, go back to the Herkimer asap for food. It’s some of my fave bar food in the Cities. Nothing fancy, but I always always love it. The Deluxe Mac is a great burger; their veggie burger is awesome, and their homemade mac and cheese is perfect, AND they’ll add any meat you want them to (hot dogs, bacon, etc.).
They’ve sponsored my softball team for the last 4 years, and I play on a shuffleboard league there. I think I’ve spent more time at the Herk than any other bar in the Twin Cities and could talk about it for days. Wow, fangirl much? Maybe.
I’ve been meaning to try the Longfellow Grill too, and I’m excited to hear how friendly they are. I’m hitting up the Highland Grill next weekend, so hopefully their sister shops are just as great.
When you order a large coffee and you’re planning on sitting down and staying a while.. The Wilde Roast Cafe gives you a huge glass of very strong coffee. Makes me shaky shake.
The Herkimer is a pretty fun place with a 2-4-1 happy hour 3pm-6pm during the week.
I love the Herk! Try their dark brew…
Mad love for the Herkimer from everyone. I’m wondering if I should have done a solo post for it. Maybe once I try the food I’ll write up a full review.
The Herk has a decent patio during the summer (if you don’t mind LynLake traffic), and their mini-falafel burgers are soooo goooood.
I also love Common Roots. When I lived in that hood, I would work there all the time. They are good people with awesome food.