Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Minneapolis - St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Minneapolis - St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Hilltop

4.8

4.8 (1054)

$30 and under

American

Edina

About the restaurant

Thank you for your reservation.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

Deanvip

Dined on Dec 3, 2024

Denise always does a great job. The staff at Hilltop at the best and make the experience even better.

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Popular dish

French Onion

Bravi's Craft Mexican Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (103)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Shakopee

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Tamara

Dined 6 days ago

Bravi's never disappoints! Great Al Pastor and loved the Salsa flight. Next time I want to try the Ceviche!

Boca Chica Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1391)

$30 and under

Mexican

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Boca Chica Mexican Restaurant has served the flavorful, authentic cuisine of Mexico since 1964. It was then that Guillermo and Gloria Frias opened the doors to their new restaurant that seated only 28 patrons. Today, Boca Chica has grown substantially and is rated "one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Twin Cities," according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine’s March 2018 issue.

The authenticity of the food is maintained by making everything from scratch, the old-fashioned way, with fresh ingredients. Even the fiery salsa is still made with fresh tomatoes, chiles, and that special Frias family touch. Our menu includes some of the more traditional foods such as guisados, sopes, carne asada, chile rellenos, and tamales. Taste is never compromised. We also have a full bar featuring the city’s best selection of Mexican beers and premium tequilas. Voted "Best Margarita" by City Pages.

Top review

Mikevip

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Great authentic Mexican restaurant! Food is outstanding, service was a little slow but other than that we were very happy.

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Popular dish

Enchiladas de Pueblo

Scoreboard Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (454)

$30 and under

American

Minnetonka

About the restaurant

The Scoreboard Bar & Grill, which is located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, offers great food in a casual setting for dining. There is a kids� menu available for the little ones, as well as happy hour specials for the adults in your group. At the Scoreboard Bar & Grill, the flatbreads are a signature item, with many varieties like the BLT or the Buffalo chicken to tempt you.

Top review

Christine

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

Love this place! But you should bring back the roast beef commercial.

Dan’s Bar and Grill

4.7

4.7 (623)

$30 and under

Burgers

Red Wing

About the restaurant

CLASSIC FOOD with a TWIST is the fare at Dan’s Bar and Grill! The menu features country favoites with a little taste of the city! You’ll always find good food, well prepared and something for everyone! Our menu changes quarterly, so make sure you stop back often!

Top review

Donna

Dined 5 days ago

Great food and service. We were there to watch the Vikings game.

Ruscello - Nordstrom Ridgedale

4.5

4.5 (690)

$30 and under

Italian

Minnetonka

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (651) 900-6810 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Offering Brunch until 3pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

Top review

Connie

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

The perfect spot for a great lunch with friends. I recommend the gnocchi.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Happy Hour at the Ruscello!

The ' Wick Pub and Grill

4.4

4.4 (326)

$30 and under

Pub

Woodbury

About the restaurant

At The 'Wick Pub & Grill we honor the past with playful wit and delicious food and cocktails that our guests love. A place to gathered with friends and family to share a meal or partake in a pint or two. The menu features an array of pub favorites like the giant pub pretzel and a delicious selection of burgers such as the The 'Wick Burger and the Mushroom Swiss. The house specialties include Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Mac & Cheese and the Fish and Chips along with classics like the Grilled 20oz Ribeye or Broiled Walleye for a perfect evening out. Food-Pub fare-Burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads. There is a little something for everyone. We are known for our burgers but we also have healthy options your "summer body" would love. We have many vegetarian options and proudly serve the Beyond Burger which is clean vegan. We carry gluten-free buns and many of our items can be ordered to accommodate a gluten-free or gluten sensitive diet. The 'Wick Pub & Grill also features a wonderful Saturday-Sunday brunch, available from 10a-2pm. The menu features a Family Style, all you can eat brunch. Don't worry, if you're not that hungry we feature some lighter dishes like our Maryland Crab Cake Benedict or Breakfast Sandwich.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 10, 2024

As expected, very pleasant evening with good food, service and staff. One of our go to favorites!

Mallards - Shakopee

4.4

4.4 (257)

$30 and under

Cajun

Shakopee

About the restaurant

Award winning seafood, American and Cajun fare! Come enjoy our famous lobster roll, jambalaya, eclectic tacos, steaks & much more at Mallards! Check out our great Happy Hour!

#mallardsrestaurant #awardwinningseafood #southernhospitality

www.mallardsmn.com

Top review

Jeramie

Dined 5 days ago

Our server was very attentive and polite which made us feel very welcome. The food came out quickly and tasted great. We feel like this is one of the better dining options in Shakopee.

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Experience

Breakfast With Santa

Bennett's Chop & Railhouse

4.3

4.3 (1335)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

In every city, there is a natural gathering spot for city folk and neighborhood people in the know. This place in Saint Paul is know as Bennett's Chop & Railhouse. Located on West Seventh & Victoria, it is the perfect meeting place of uptown and downtown, of quiet neighborhood and big city lights.

It's called a chophouse because it specializes in a casual steakhouse atmosphere with top-of-the-line cuts of the finest meats. It is a Rail-house because it is on the old railroad line serving the city and rail drinks (as well as top brands) are served in the convivial atmosphere of the horseshoe bar.

And of course Bennett's is Bennett's because owners Joe and Meghan Bennett ensure that welcoming hospitality is always served. They have taken their decades of experiences with leading hospitality brands and translated it into an intimate venue where you're not only a customer, but more importantly, a welcome guest.

Top review

Karlynnvip

Dined on Dec 3, 2024

Bennett’s has a lovely neighborhood vibe. We especially like the free shuttle to the Excel center after dinner for events.

The Handsome Hog

4.3

4.3 (182)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Handsome Hog is a St Paul favorite nestled in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. We serve contemporary Southern cuisine and boast an award-winning dinner and cocktail menu. Handsome Hog has a pig-centric menu our Chef Matt Green created an inviting variety of salads, appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The bar offers a curated bourbon menu and inventive craft cocktails and mocktails. The Handsome Hog has an elevated ambiance with a casual and friendly neighborhood vibe.
Come in and try our dry-rubbed wings, woodfire-roasted mussels, or crawfish hushpuppies to kick off your evening. Move on to the pork spare ribs, Carolina BBQ sandwich, or our mouth-watering smoked beef brisket. Our smoked creme brulee, banana pudding, or specialty cocktails are the perfect way to wrap up your evening at Handsome Hog. We are looking forward to seeing you at Handsome Hog!

Top review

Matt

Dined on Nov 14, 2024

This reservations was booked for a business meeting and the group was extremely pleased. They enjoyed the food and the portions were "huge". Thank you for making a great experience for out of towners and showing the value of St. Paul!

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Popular dish

CHICKEN 'N WAFFLES

Popular dish

TENNESSEE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH

Popular dish

SPARE RIBS

Explore Diners' Choice best of Minneapolis - St. Paul