Larissa’s guidebook
Restaurants
If you are looking to eat with someone with dietary restrictions, I indicate in my reviews if a place is good for gluten-free or dairy-free eaters or people who need to request special dietary modifications.
Marna's Cafe is in downtown Robbinsdale. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks including espresso beverages, fruit smoothies, wine and beer. This is a mid-priced cafe with a casual feel. Currently they offer some small plates in tapa style. Try the yucca fries, squid salad, Chafrito. In July 2019 they are moving across the street into a big space and will start offering full sized plates. The food is really good and the service is friendly. If you have food allergies, talk to staff and they are helpful and can make to order.
6 locals recommend
Marna's Eatery and Lounge
4154 W Broadway AveMarna's Cafe is in downtown Robbinsdale. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks including espresso beverages, fruit smoothies, wine and beer. This is a mid-priced cafe with a casual feel. Currently they offer some small plates in tapa style. Try the yucca fries, squid salad, Chafrito. In July 2019 they are moving across the street into a big space and will start offering full sized plates. The food is really good and the service is friendly. If you have food allergies, talk to staff and they are helpful and can make to order.
First Crack is a local breakfast and lunch place in the strip mall between West Broadway and Bottineau Boulevard. They offer a combination of standard breakfast fare and their own specialties like the Seoul Benny with kimchi and Korean pot roast. Prices are reasonable and by Twin Cities standards, affordable. Coffee is all you can drink and they put several serve yourself flavors out and offer both regular creamer and non-dairy. They are responsive to requests to accommodate food allergies. Atmosphere is casual and they tend to fill up on weekends.
First Crack Cafe
4080 W Broadway AveFirst Crack is a local breakfast and lunch place in the strip mall between West Broadway and Bottineau Boulevard. They offer a combination of standard breakfast fare and their own specialties like the Seoul Benny with kimchi and Korean pot roast. Prices are reasonable and by Twin Cities standards, affordable. Coffee is all you can drink and they put several serve yourself flavors out and offer both regular creamer and non-dairy. They are responsive to requests to accommodate food allergies. Atmosphere is casual and they tend to fill up on weekends.
This is typical diner fare, food is plentiful, prices are good, service is friendly. If you want to see where the locals are regulars, this is that kind of place. They are only open from 6 am to 2 pm, serving breakfast and lunch. I recommend the Eggs Benedict, seafood omelette and Egg House Favorite for breakfast. Coffee is regular drip coffee with cream and sugar on the table. Lunch is soup, salad, sandwiches and burgers. We've been going here for several years and the waitress knows what we mean by the usual.
Egg House Cafe
6418 Bass Lake RdThis is typical diner fare, food is plentiful, prices are good, service is friendly. If you want to see where the locals are regulars, this is that kind of place. They are only open from 6 am to 2 pm, serving breakfast and lunch. I recommend the Eggs Benedict, seafood omelette and Egg House Favorite for breakfast. Coffee is regular drip coffee with cream and sugar on the table. Lunch is soup, salad, sandwiches and burgers. We've been going here for several years and the waitress knows what we mean by the usual.
Wuollet Bakery is the kind of bakery I grew up going to on the weekend with freshly made muffins, pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies, breads, danishes, macaroons and a full selection of coffee drinks. Wedding cakes are one of their specialties. The seating inside is limited but you can usually sit down. You can get a dairy free espresso or coffee drink but options for gluten free are extremely limited.
10 locals recommend
Wuollet Bakery
4139 W Broadway AveWuollet Bakery is the kind of bakery I grew up going to on the weekend with freshly made muffins, pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies, breads, danishes, macaroons and a full selection of coffee drinks. Wedding cakes are one of their specialties. The seating inside is limited but you can usually sit down. You can get a dairy free espresso or coffee drink but options for gluten free are extremely limited.
Athens is set up with tray service so this is basically good, Budget-friendly Greek food. Located in the strip mall between Bottineau Boulevard and West Broadway it is a short distance from the main downtown of Robbinsdale. You'll find the usual Greek salad, gyros, falafel and fountain drinks, always fresh and made to order.
Athens Cafe
4080 W Broadway AveAthens is set up with tray service so this is basically good, Budget-friendly Greek food. Located in the strip mall between Bottineau Boulevard and West Broadway it is a short distance from the main downtown of Robbinsdale. You'll find the usual Greek salad, gyros, falafel and fountain drinks, always fresh and made to order.
El Toro serves lunch and dinner and has drink specials. It is what most people expect of a full-service Mexican restaurant from menu to decor. Food is good and plentiful, prices reasonable and you'll always get as many tortilla chips as you want. Staff does speak Spanish which is something I personally require in a Mexican restaurant. Located in a strip mall in downtown Robbinsdale.
11 locals recommend
El Toro Mexican restaurant
4080 W Broadway AveEl Toro serves lunch and dinner and has drink specials. It is what most people expect of a full-service Mexican restaurant from menu to decor. Food is good and plentiful, prices reasonable and you'll always get as many tortilla chips as you want. Staff does speak Spanish which is something I personally require in a Mexican restaurant. Located in a strip mall in downtown Robbinsdale.
Typical Mexican Ice Cream Shop on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Traditional Mexican ice cream flavors, popsicles, aguas frescas and fruit salads like mangonada. I hadn't seen some of these flavors since I was in Mexico. Mango with chili pepper, sandia y limon, pistachio and many more. If you are dairy-free, there are many fruit popsicles but you need to ask as things aren't labeled this way. Looking at the menu, you will notice popsicles with cream cost more so ask for price and ingredients.
La Michoacana Neveria
417 E Lake StTypical Mexican Ice Cream Shop on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Traditional Mexican ice cream flavors, popsicles, aguas frescas and fruit salads like mangonada. I hadn't seen some of these flavors since I was in Mexico. Mango with chili pepper, sandia y limon, pistachio and many more. If you are dairy-free, there are many fruit popsicles but you need to ask as things aren't labeled this way. Looking at the menu, you will notice popsicles with cream cost more so ask for price and ingredients.
Mai Thai Restaurant
3839 Lakeland Ave NThai food, lots of options for gluten free.
Ecuadoran food. My favorite meal is the encocado. Not too many places where you can find this well made. For a more affordable family option, get a whole chicken to share. If you drink, this will be a mid to high range night out.
63 locals recommend
Chimborazo
2851 Central Ave NEEcuadoran food. My favorite meal is the encocado. Not too many places where you can find this well made. For a more affordable family option, get a whole chicken to share. If you drink, this will be a mid to high range night out.
Locally sourced food that will suit carnivore, vegan or gluten-free eaters. For gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast, this place can't be beat. Love the righteous pancakes and super red green earth. Good selection of coffee and tea drinks.
23 locals recommend
Seward Cafe
2129 E Franklin AveLocally sourced food that will suit carnivore, vegan or gluten-free eaters. For gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast, this place can't be beat. Love the righteous pancakes and super red green earth. Good selection of coffee and tea drinks.
If you happen to be in Golden Valley, located just off 169, this Thai restaurant has good food with clearly labeled menus for those who have food allergies. Best of all they offer a number of gluten and/or dairy free desserts too.
Nong's Thai Cuisine
2520 Hillsboro Ave NIf you happen to be in Golden Valley, located just off 169, this Thai restaurant has good food with clearly labeled menus for those who have food allergies. Best of all they offer a number of gluten and/or dairy free desserts too.
Muddy Paws does just cheesecake but remarkably they also offer vegan and gluten-free cheesecake. Open from just 10-2 pm, you can go in and get a slice but the bulk of their business seems to be for special order events where you get a whole cheesecake. With tons of flavors, if you're into cheesecake, don't miss Muddy Paws in Saint Louis Park.
Muddy Paws Cheesecake
3359 Gorham AveMuddy Paws does just cheesecake but remarkably they also offer vegan and gluten-free cheesecake. Open from just 10-2 pm, you can go in and get a slice but the bulk of their business seems to be for special order events where you get a whole cheesecake. With tons of flavors, if you're into cheesecake, don't miss Muddy Paws in Saint Louis Park.
One of the few places where you can treat a birthday guy or gal to a gluten-free and/or dairy free slice of cake or tart that is already sitting in the display case waiting for you. With an espresso, expect to pay around $13. Customers order in line and then get a famous person placard instead of a number to set on the table so staff knows where to bring your food. Tending towards the fresh, kind of gourmet, the prices reflect that and you can easily spend $50 for 2 adults and a kid for breakfast. Their espresso is always good. Really all the food is good. I just balk at the prices for a full meal because I like cheap eats but on a day when I need dessert, this is my place.
104 locals recommend
French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
2610 Lyndale Ave SOne of the few places where you can treat a birthday guy or gal to a gluten-free and/or dairy free slice of cake or tart that is already sitting in the display case waiting for you. With an espresso, expect to pay around $13. Customers order in line and then get a famous person placard instead of a number to set on the table so staff knows where to bring your food. Tending towards the fresh, kind of gourmet, the prices reflect that and you can easily spend $50 for 2 adults and a kid for breakfast. Their espresso is always good. Really all the food is good. I just balk at the prices for a full meal because I like cheap eats but on a day when I need dessert, this is my place.
Serving locally grown, healthy food that tastes great, it's not fancy but it's good quality. You can get a sandwich for around $12 and they have gluten free slices. Staff will explain ingredients if you have allergies. Espresso is good too. Located in Uptown on Lyndale.
42 locals recommend
Common Roots Cafe
2558 Lyndale Ave SServing locally grown, healthy food that tastes great, it's not fancy but it's good quality. You can get a sandwich for around $12 and they have gluten free slices. Staff will explain ingredients if you have allergies. Espresso is good too. Located in Uptown on Lyndale.
Hoa Bien used to be a hole in the wall cafe and it has really expanded to a medium sized restaurant with a banquet room on the light rail at Lexington and Snelling Ave. in Saint Paul. Serves Vietnamese food of high quality at reasonable prices. I'm a big fan of the Bun Rice Noodle salad bowls which will run you up to $9.95. If you're still hungry, have one of the sweet coconut desserts for $4.95. With the exception of the flan, they are all dairy free and gluten free.
Hoa Bien Restaurant
1105 University Avenue WestHoa Bien used to be a hole in the wall cafe and it has really expanded to a medium sized restaurant with a banquet room on the light rail at Lexington and Snelling Ave. in Saint Paul. Serves Vietnamese food of high quality at reasonable prices. I'm a big fan of the Bun Rice Noodle salad bowls which will run you up to $9.95. If you're still hungry, have one of the sweet coconut desserts for $4.95. With the exception of the flan, they are all dairy free and gluten free.
This will set you back with tasting events up to $129 per person and you need to reserve in advance but if you want a gourmet experience that can accommodate people with food allergies and is close enough to walk back to Cozy Nest on a fine evening, this is the place. They also have wine pairing events for around $100 per person. The food is amazing.
Travail Kitchen Catering
1930 Hennepin AveThis will set you back with tasting events up to $129 per person and you need to reserve in advance but if you want a gourmet experience that can accommodate people with food allergies and is close enough to walk back to Cozy Nest on a fine evening, this is the place. They also have wine pairing events for around $100 per person. The food is amazing.
This is an award winning cupcake shop. Whether you want a fancy gourmet cupcake or a gluten free vegan cupcake that is indistinguishable from a wheat filled gourmet cupcake, you will not be disappointed. Open 10-8 most days, 11-7 sundays.
Nadia Cakes
11650 Fountains DrThis is an award winning cupcake shop. Whether you want a fancy gourmet cupcake or a gluten free vegan cupcake that is indistinguishable from a wheat filled gourmet cupcake, you will not be disappointed. Open 10-8 most days, 11-7 sundays.
Good family friendly pizza place with on tap beer and cider. This has some of the best gluten and vegan pizza available in town too. Every week they have trivia night and the restaurant donates profits on certain evenings to various local schools.
15 locals recommend
Parkway Pizza Northeast
2851 Johnson St NEGood family friendly pizza place with on tap beer and cider. This has some of the best gluten and vegan pizza available in town too. Every week they have trivia night and the restaurant donates profits on certain evenings to various local schools.
Downtown pizza restaurant popular with anyone who loves pizza. Gluten and vegan pizza options for those who need to indulge. One of several throughout the Twin Cities, if you are heading to Uptown or Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, you will find other locations. Try the gluten free dairy free brownie dessert. Fantastic!
99 locals recommend
Pizza Luce
2200 E Franklin AveDowntown pizza restaurant popular with anyone who loves pizza. Gluten and vegan pizza options for those who need to indulge. One of several throughout the Twin Cities, if you are heading to Uptown or Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, you will find other locations. Try the gluten free dairy free brownie dessert. Fantastic!
I love Brazilian food and for pigging out this place is incredible. Waiters run around with large skewers of grilled meats. The salad bar is big and has hearts of palms, olives, asparagus and things you don't get everywhere. Most of the food is by nature, gluten and dairy free and the staff will gladly direct you to the foods you can eat.
Located in an outdoor mall in Maple Grove, it's a great place to go if you want to shop and avoid inner Twin Cities traffic. They do close between lunch and dinner, I suggest checking their hours before showing up. This place is spendy but ideal for special occasions when you have a big appetite.
Rodizio Grill - Maple Grove
12197 Elm Creek Blvd NI love Brazilian food and for pigging out this place is incredible. Waiters run around with large skewers of grilled meats. The salad bar is big and has hearts of palms, olives, asparagus and things you don't get everywhere. Most of the food is by nature, gluten and dairy free and the staff will gladly direct you to the foods you can eat.
Located in an outdoor mall in Maple Grove, it's a great place to go if you want to shop and avoid inner Twin Cities traffic. They do close between lunch and dinner, I suggest checking their hours before showing up. This place is spendy but ideal for special occasions when you have a big appetite.
Grocery Stores
Small grocery store that is great if you want to find everything quickly and get done. It has a nice selection of fresh produce, all your basic staples and for those looking for gluten free or dairy free options, they always have non-dairy creamer, vegan yogurt, vegan cheese and gluten free bread in stock. Located next to the Webber Park Library and just a block off of Memorial Parkway, it is a pleasant, short drive through Minneapolis.
10 locals recommend
north market
4414 N Humboldt AveSmall grocery store that is great if you want to find everything quickly and get done. It has a nice selection of fresh produce, all your basic staples and for those looking for gluten free or dairy free options, they always have non-dairy creamer, vegan yogurt, vegan cheese and gluten free bread in stock. Located next to the Webber Park Library and just a block off of Memorial Parkway, it is a pleasant, short drive through Minneapolis.
Hy-Vee is an employee owned full size grocery store with a deli, bulk section, meat, fish, fresh produce, dairy, bakery, ethnic food and natural food sections as well as a large personal body care and makeup section and flowers and plants. Located a mile from our house, it is the closest large grocery store.
27 locals recommend
Hy-Vee
8200 N 42nd AveHy-Vee is an employee owned full size grocery store with a deli, bulk section, meat, fish, fresh produce, dairy, bakery, ethnic food and natural food sections as well as a large personal body care and makeup section and flowers and plants. Located a mile from our house, it is the closest large grocery store.
Cub Foods is the other large grocery store, located just up Highway 100 off the Brooklyn Boulevard/152 exit. Deli, bakery, natural foods, dairy, meat, fish, ethnic foods, household supplies.
14 locals recommend
Cub Foods
250 57th Ave NECub Foods is the other large grocery store, located just up Highway 100 off the Brooklyn Boulevard/152 exit. Deli, bakery, natural foods, dairy, meat, fish, ethnic foods, household supplies.
This is an old fashioned butcher shop with fresh cuts of meat, sausages and a frozen selection as well. Very popular with locals. Closes by 6 pm so get what you need before dinner.
Hackenmueller Meats
4159 W Broadway AveThis is an old fashioned butcher shop with fresh cuts of meat, sausages and a frozen selection as well. Very popular with locals. Closes by 6 pm so get what you need before dinner.
Best Middle Eastern Grocery store in the Twin Cities and a restaurant. Where to go when you need espresso with cardamom, halal meat, hummus, Turkish delights, gallons of olive oil. We've always found the staff to be very helpful and no matter who you are, you will feel welcome here.
40 locals recommend
Holy Land
920 E Lake StBest Middle Eastern Grocery store in the Twin Cities and a restaurant. Where to go when you need espresso with cardamom, halal meat, hummus, Turkish delights, gallons of olive oil. We've always found the staff to be very helpful and no matter who you are, you will feel welcome here.
Dong Yang Oriental Food
725 45th Ave NEKorean Grocery store also includes a Korean cafe hiding in the back.
Little India International Market
1835 Central Ave NEIndian food of all kinds, fresh, frozen, dried, desserts to go.
Pharmacies
Walgreens
627 W Broadway AvePrescriptions, personal care products, candy, etc.
Pharmacy and the usual personal care products, convenience store foods. ATM inside.
50 locals recommend
CVS
2001 Nicollet AvePharmacy and the usual personal care products, convenience store foods. ATM inside.
Shopping
This is a collection of independently owned stores and restaurants all under one roof. Excellent place to find a unique international gift, please a group of people who can't agree on what kind of food they want to eat but can all sit together in the food court, or even just have a drink and people watch. This space holds frequent free, public music performances.
179 locals recommend
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake StThis is a collection of independently owned stores and restaurants all under one roof. Excellent place to find a unique international gift, please a group of people who can't agree on what kind of food they want to eat but can all sit together in the food court, or even just have a drink and people watch. This space holds frequent free, public music performances.
If you're heading to the Western suburbs, Ridgedale Mall is a normal sized mall with Nordstrom, Macy's and JC Penney's. It has everything you would expect from a mid-sized mall including enough bathrooms. Outside the main mall there are also a number of other shops and car dealerships.
52 locals recommend
Ridgedale Center
12401 Wayzata BlvdIf you're heading to the Western suburbs, Ridgedale Mall is a normal sized mall with Nordstrom, Macy's and JC Penney's. It has everything you would expect from a mid-sized mall including enough bathrooms. Outside the main mall there are also a number of other shops and car dealerships.
Minnesota's largest mall has most anything you might look for in a mall, sometimes in duplicate and triplicate. On a bad weather day, it's a great place to walk for miles and people watch, catch a movie, eat out at either fast food or full-service restaurants, go to a comedy club, an aquarium or an amusement park. Remember where you park because this is one parking lot you don't want to roam around looking for your car.
476 locals recommend
Mall of America
60 East BroadwayMinnesota's largest mall has most anything you might look for in a mall, sometimes in duplicate and triplicate. On a bad weather day, it's a great place to walk for miles and people watch, catch a movie, eat out at either fast food or full-service restaurants, go to a comedy club, an aquarium or an amusement park. Remember where you park because this is one parking lot you don't want to roam around looking for your car.
This is the closest Target. It has some groceries, household goods, clothing, personal care products, and a pharmacy. Located in a small suburban strip mall with a number of other useful shops.
177 locals recommend
Target
900 Nicollet MallThis is the closest Target. It has some groceries, household goods, clothing, personal care products, and a pharmacy. Located in a small suburban strip mall with a number of other useful shops.
Unique vintage store finds and a vinyl record shop tucked into a separate room. Located in the heart of downtown Robbinsdale.
Finds On Broadway
4180 W Broadway AveUnique vintage store finds and a vinyl record shop tucked into a separate room. Located in the heart of downtown Robbinsdale.
Mercado Central on Lake Street has the largest Latin American food court in the Twin Cities and stores catering to the local Latino population. Whether you're looking for a quinceañera dress, Mexican grocery store, soccer jersey, or a snack, you'll find it here.
16 locals recommend
Mercado Central
1515 E Lake StMercado Central on Lake Street has the largest Latin American food court in the Twin Cities and stores catering to the local Latino population. Whether you're looking for a quinceañera dress, Mexican grocery store, soccer jersey, or a snack, you'll find it here.
Hmongtown Marketplace in Saint Paul serves the large local Hmong community and anyone else with an interest in Asian imports. Shopping features food markets, Hmong cuisine stalls, clothing, jewelry, even quality handmade garden tools.
6 locals recommend
Hmongtown Marketplace
217 Como AveHmongtown Marketplace in Saint Paul serves the large local Hmong community and anyone else with an interest in Asian imports. Shopping features food markets, Hmong cuisine stalls, clothing, jewelry, even quality handmade garden tools.
First Somali Mall in the US. The fabric stalls with African textiles will woo sewers. Prices aren't always listed so you may need to talk with shopkeepers. Somali food is delicious and their espresso is a great pick me up.
6 locals recommend
Karmel Mall
2910 Pleasant AveFirst Somali Mall in the US. The fabric stalls with African textiles will woo sewers. Prices aren't always listed so you may need to talk with shopkeepers. Somali food is delicious and their espresso is a great pick me up.
Looking for a locally made gift to remember your trip to MN? Everything in the store is crafted in MN.
7 locals recommend
Minnesota Makers
4180 W Broadway AveLooking for a locally made gift to remember your trip to MN? Everything in the store is crafted in MN.
Hospital and urgent care
North Memorial Health Hospital
3300 Oakdale Ave NClosest emergency room
Attractions
Artist Allen Christian's House of Balls is filled with art work sculpted from bowling balls and is like no other place.
6 locals recommend
House of Balls
1504 7th St SArtist Allen Christian's House of Balls is filled with art work sculpted from bowling balls and is like no other place.
The MIA with its international galleries of art from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe has a surprisingly large collection and features traveling art shows as well. Admission to the museum is by donation while special events and shows have tickets. The museum shop is a great place to pick up a unique artsy gift.
524 locals recommend
Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave SThe MIA with its international galleries of art from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe has a surprisingly large collection and features traveling art shows as well. Admission to the museum is by donation while special events and shows have tickets. The museum shop is a great place to pick up a unique artsy gift.
Acres and acres of gardens ranging from flowers to fruit trees. The University of Minnesota tests out new plant breeds to see whether they will withstand the extreme climates in this zone. If you are lazy, you can drive through. Walkers will have a beautiful, very long walk with opportunities to stop and have a picnic.
93 locals recommend
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum DrAcres and acres of gardens ranging from flowers to fruit trees. The University of Minnesota tests out new plant breeds to see whether they will withstand the extreme climates in this zone. If you are lazy, you can drive through. Walkers will have a beautiful, very long walk with opportunities to stop and have a picnic.
Prince fans know Paisley Park as his home and studio. It is now open to the public as a museum.
106 locals recommend
Paisley Park
7801 Audubon RdPrince fans know Paisley Park as his home and studio. It is now open to the public as a museum.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory are open to the public with a suggested donation. The zoo is a series of buildings connected by outdoor walkways which can be swamped on beautiful days. The Conservatory is popular year round and is a welcome escape from the cold in the middle of winter when one can't take a tropical vacation. In the spring there is a flower show. Also notable at Como is the Merry Go Round, picnic areas and Como Town Amusement Park.
278 locals recommend
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook DrComo Park Zoo & Conservatory are open to the public with a suggested donation. The zoo is a series of buildings connected by outdoor walkways which can be swamped on beautiful days. The Conservatory is popular year round and is a welcome escape from the cold in the middle of winter when one can't take a tropical vacation. In the spring there is a flower show. Also notable at Como is the Merry Go Round, picnic areas and Como Town Amusement Park.
All my Relations Gallery features contemporary American Indian artists. Located on Franklin Ave in a part of Minneapolis known as the American Indian Cultural Corridor.
All My Relations Gallery
1414 E Franklin AveAll my Relations Gallery features contemporary American Indian artists. Located on Franklin Ave in a part of Minneapolis known as the American Indian Cultural Corridor.
Minnehaha Falls is simply spectacular. Surrounded by a large park with lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as Sea Salt Eatery, a playground, gazebo for public events and music and lots of picnic areas.
613 locals recommend
Minnehaha Falls
4801 S Minnehaha DrMinnehaha Falls is simply spectacular. Surrounded by a large park with lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking as well as Sea Salt Eatery, a playground, gazebo for public events and music and lots of picnic areas.
Great place to take the kids on a rainy, snowy, cold day.
235 locals recommend
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg BlvdGreat place to take the kids on a rainy, snowy, cold day.