Being a Minnesota native, one of the biggest proponents of my occasional homesickness while at college is the plethora of amazing eats the Twin Cities has to offer. Here are my top twelve, in no particular order:
1. Glam Doll Donuts
Best. Donuts. Ever. Glam Doll is a Minneapolis classic—their upbeat 50s-style branding, unique (and delectable) flavors and quirky donut names make it a must-have for any Twin Cities visit and a fan favorite among all ages. Not to mention they make great coffee, too.
2. Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar
When I think of Stella’s, I think of delicious rooftop meals in the summertime. In the heart of Uptown, Stella’s Fish Café offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes that make Minnesota feel more like an oceanside vacation.
3. Rose Street Patisserie
This bakery is the closest I’ve ever gotten to the perfect French café experience. Equipped with colorful macaroons, beautiful baguettes, flaky croissants and fluffy quiche (plus so much more), you can count on their friendly staff to make your visit a sweet one. It’s also incredibly aesthetically pleasing—such a beautiful dining area!
4. Snuffy’s Malt Shop
Snuffy’s is a classic for any Minnesota native, offering a 1950s vibe and mouth-watering burgers with comfort in every bite. The malts are to die for, nonetheless. This little diner never gets old.
5. Black Coffee & Waffle Bar
If you know any Minnesotans, odds are you’ve seen an Instagram post or two at Black Coffee & Waffle Bar. Not only are their waffles pretty, they taste good too! Black also offers Dogwood Coffee—and incredible coffee roaster based in Minneapolis. Their extravagant waffles paired with a tangy coffee make the perfect breakfast.
6. Cossetta’s
Cossetta’s has been a staple in St. Paul and is full of history. Having been around since the early 1900s, Cossetta’s is known for its wide array of authentic Italian eats. They also have a market where you can buy imported Italian products, like quality cooking ingredients for your own kitchen.
7. Spyhouse Coffee
Spyhouse is a must-visit every time I’m home— I would do anything to put a Spyhouse on my college campus in Madison. Aside from their amazing coffee beverages, Spyhouse is a caffeine haven for students, night owls and coffee-lovers alike. Curling up with a book in their cozy shop with a foamy cappuccino is my kind of night. (Pro Tip: If you visit the location on Nicollet, Glam Doll Donuts is just right down the street!)
8. Crisp & Green
Newer to the Twin Cities, Crisp & Green has been a hit. With a clean-cut, minimalist vibe in their dining areas, Crisp & Green is a go-to for the perfect salad paired with a glass of kombucha. My favorite is their “No Prob Cobb” signature salad.
9. Original Pancake House
I know OPH isn’t only found in Minnesota, but for some reason, a breakfast at OPH always screams “home.” It’s the perfect place to catch up with hometown friends over a stack of perfectly-made pancakes and bottomless coffee.
10. Penny’s Coffee
Also newer to the Twin Cities, Penny’s has been a popular caffeine stop for coffee-lovers all over the Twin Cities. With pretty marble tables and a bar-vibe, Penny’s always makes me the perfect latte (every time). Their baristas truly embrace latte art, making not only a perfect coffee drink but a beautiful one, too. Penny’s also offers delicious crepes—peep their banana Nutella crepe in the photo above!
11. Sebastian Joe’s
Anyone from the Twin Cities knows how delectable Sebastian Joe’s ice cream is. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, a visit to Sebastian Joe’s guarantees you a fresh cup of ice cream that is sure not to disappoint. My favorite flavor is “Oreo”—the BEST cookies and cream ice cream I’ve ever had.
12. Punch Pizza
I could write the longest love letter to Punch Pizza, but for the sake of word count, I’ll keep this brief. Punch Pizza is, hands-down, my favorite place to eat. Nothing compares to it (trust me—I’ve looked). Melt-in-your-mouth Neapolitan pizza paired with a perfectly-crafted salad (and olive oil/balsamic to dip your crust in) makes for the perfect meal. If you have enough room afterward, their chocolate hazelnut panini is to die for... but so is everything at Punch.
