Diamond-in-the-rough restaurants (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington: moving to, food, best)

[west336]

Pancho Villa's, on Eat Street in South Minneapolis (25th and Nicollet) is a good little Mexican dive that may or may not be such a secret, but their happy hour deals may as well be, because it's not NEARLY as busy as it should be for 2-1's on already cheap margaritas and Dos Equis (LATE into the night)! I also love the chips and dip as well as the rest of their food.

[kooks35]

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

Fat Nats Eggs in New Hope is good, they've also opened one in Brooklyn Park. I've only had breakfast there.

I'll second this

[Laggard]

Originally Posted by west336

Pancho Villa's, on Eat Street in South Minneapolis (25th and Nicollet) is a good little Mexican dive that may or may not be such a secret, but their happy hour deals may as well be, because it's not NEARLY as busy as it should be for 2-1's on already cheap margaritas and Dos Equis (LATE into the night)! I also love the chips and dip as well as the rest of their food.

You mean that place with the valet parking? The one packed to the gills every night?

[Laggard]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

Taco Taxi on E. Lake St. near Bloomington, next to Mercado Central, for amazing tacos. Get 'em Mexicano style.

And La Hacienda futher down Lake near 4th.

[MplsTodd]

I have a few:

1. Obento-Ya: a great little Japanese restaurant just north of Dinkytown on Como Ave. I'm not into sushi myself, but I really like their bento boxes (with salmon and tempura):

OBENTO-YA japanese bistro

2. Sorrentos: a great little old-style italian lunch place in the Soo Line Building (skyway level) in downtown. Nothing fancy, but great size portions. I especially like the Chicken Parm lunch, which includes chicken parm, pasta, salad and breadsticks for about $7.

3. Sapor: a great place to go for a special evening out. Located along washington Ave N at about 5th Avenue, this bistro restaurant offers a small, always changing menu nightly, but I've never been disappointed.

sapor - Google Search

4. Samba: a great little Brazilian restaurant in downtown Hopkins. Very reasonably priced, especially for lunches.
http://www.sambatasteofbrazil.com/

5. The Big 10: Located at 606 Washington Avenue SE in Stadium Village, this place makes the best sub sandwiches I've ever had. Plus you get free popcorn!

[QuantumIguana]

El Norteno, 40th Ave East and Lake Street. It's about the only Mexican place we go. First Wok 2 blocks west of 494 and Portland is good for a few things, I like the Orange Beef and the fried dumplings, my wife likes the Sesame Shrimp. The Himalayan, 24th Ave East and Franklin is good north Indian.

[Laggard]

Originally Posted by QuantumIguana

The Himalayan, 24th Ave East and Franklin is good north Indian.

Thanks. Always wanted to try this place. It's in a building that's been many different restaurants over the years so I was hesitant.

[MplsTodd]

Originally Posted by QuantumIguana

El Norteno, 40th Ave East and Lake Street. It's about the only Mexican place we go.

I just heard someone talking about this place last week. He gave rave reviews!

[1stpontiac]

A ways out for most of you, but Ginger Cafe in Ramsey is great. Thai, Vietnemese, and Chinese dishes. 6 of us went and everyone was very happy with the dishes (lots of sharing, so everyone tried everything).

[ocsid]

Originally Posted by kooks35

I'll second this

Fat Nat's is phenomenal. My favorite breakfast place. I usually get the turkey omelet, because it's made with real turkey, as opposed to the sliced deli stuff. Their French Toast is awesome as well.