Mark and Michelle's Favorite Twin Cities Restaurants

For what it's worth, here are some of the restaurants we like to visit. This list represents some of our favorites. Obviously, we differ somewhat in our opinions about some of the establishments, as noted our individual opinions (one to five stars). Comments about this web site? Send us an email.

These restaurants are all located in the Twin Cities metro area -- home of the Mall of America. They are listed in no particular order, because that would be way too hard. We'll add more of our favorites in the future. Now you can add your own favorites by clicking here!

Restaurant	Michelle's Opinion	Mark's Opinion
The Town Talk Diner -- Breakfast and lunch. Old time counter seating with under 20 stools. Neighborhood place. Great breakfast! Pancakes are a specialty, but everything is very good. 27th & East Lake Street -- ph: 612-728-3737	N.A.	*****
Savoy Inn & Pizza -- Family italian bar restaurant with some af the best pizza around. Kind of a dive but we love it! 421 E 7th St (Lafayette Freeway & E 7th St) ph: 651 227-1437	*****	*****
Carmelo's - Italian. Goes to the head of the list. Casual, of course the pasta's homemade. It was quality similar to Kincaid's but prices $8-$14. Can't wait to go back. Snelling & St. Clair in Highland Park. ph: 699-2448	*****	*****
Mister Q's - Vietnamese. Excellent food. Quiet, classy atmosphere. Relatively inexpensive. Located in Eden Prairie at 13997 Anderson Lakes Pkwy. ph: 934-3925	*****	****
Burnsville Cinema Cafe - A great concept! Watch a movie on the big screen while you munch on pizza, hamburgers, or a chicken sandwich. We love the waffle fries and the Sam Adams beer! The movies are cheap, and the food is reasonable. Try it, you'll like it! ph: 894-8810	*****	*****
Kincaid's - Fine Dining. Absolutely Fantastic. Reservations strongly recommended. 8400 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. ph: 921-2255	*****	*****
Sawatdee. "The best Thai food in the Twin Cities" 8501 Lyndale Ave. So., Bloomington. ph: 888-7177	N.A.	****
Camranh Bay - Vietnamese. Michelle says the "Happy Pancake" is sure to make you happy, too. 8244 Commonwealth Dr. in Eden Prairie. ph: 943-1127	***	***
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter - Wonderful German food and beer. A fun place to go with a group. Located in the country near Stillwater. Well worth the long drive! Call for directions. ph: 439-7128	*****	*****
Rick's Ol' Time Cafe - Great breakfast place. Don't let the rough exterior (and interior) fool you. 3756 Grand Ave. So. in Minneapolis.	****	*****
Buca Little Italy. Excellent Italian food. Huge portions. Try the garlic mashed potatoes. Go with a large party, it's more fun to share. 2728 Gannon Rd, St. Paul. ph: 772-4388 - Also located in Downtown Minneapolis and Eden Prairie.	*****	*****
Da-Afghan. Afghani, Greek and Indian Cuisine. 929 West 80th St. in Bloomington. ph: 888-5824	**	***
Tandoor - Impeccable Indian Cuisine. Somewhat new to Bloomington. The lunch buffet is great! Located at 8062 Morgan Circle, Bloomington (in the small shopping center near the Southtown Red Lobster). ph: 885-9060.	***	*****
Vescio's - Italian. Homemade pasta is a specialty. 4001 West Hwy 7 in Saint Louis Park. ph: 920-0733	***	****
Steak and Ale - We've recently rediscovered this Bloomington restaurant. Excellent salad bar. Usually busy - which makes it fun - yet it's divided into smaller dining rooms so it's quiet and comfortable. 2801 Southtown Drive, Bloomington, ph: 884-0124	****	*****
Sarno's Two Guys From Italy. Try the fresh mushroom pasta. 7495 France Ave. So., Edina. ph: 831-3031	****	***
Kimson - Vietnamese. Our family loves the lemon chicken. 8654 Lyndale Ave. So., Bloomington. ph: 885-0230	*	***
White Castle - Cheap breakfast. I'm getting too old to eat the burgers and fries, but the breakfast isn't bad -- really! You can get real eggs fixed how you like them, toast, sausage or bacon, and hash browns for around two bucks. Reservations not necessary. 9600 Lyndale Ave. So. in Bloomington.	Michelle doesn't appreciate White Castle	*****
Rio Bravo, Eden Prairie. Very tasty Mexican, loud enough to bring the kids. The salads are especially huge and flavorful.	****	** Food is good, nice portions, but too salty

Other Stuff

Are you into Home Brewing? Check out the WindRiver Brewing Company, based in Eden Prairie, MN. They have some of the best beer kits and advice around. The English Tavern Bitter is exceptional! Call them at 612/942-0589.