Best Cheese Shops in Minnesota
Cheese comes in all sorts of sizes, shapes, aromas and flavors. While our neighbors to the east might be known as cheeseheads, we here in Minnesota have some of the best cheese shops around. At these five shops in Minneapolis, Lilydale, Faribault and St. Paul, you can find beer, wine, sausage, sweets and more, but most importantly, you will find cheese.
Lake Wine & Spirits
404 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 354-7194
www.lakewinespirits.com
New to the area last year, Lake Wine & Spirits on Lake Street in Minneapolis is home to a hearty wine shop with a nice cheese selection. You can find a cheese to pair with anything in its store, and if you need help, just ask. The staff is happy to assist you. The selection ranges from bries to blues and everything in between. In addition to cheese, the cheese shop features gourmet salts, olive oils, chocolates and crackers. If you're shopping for someone else, ask about the gift baskets - something anyone would appreciate for their birthday, a housewarming party or just because.
Sunfish Cellars Wine & Spirits
803 Sibley Memorial Highway
Lilydale, MN 55118
(651) 552-5595
www.sunfishcellars.com
Sunfish Cellars Wine & Spirits in Lilydale has quite the selection of cheeses. Its list of cheeses is long and mighty with the likes of Red Dragon Welsh Cheddar, Northern Lights Blue Cheese, Drunken Goat semi-soft cheese from Spain and Bent River Camembert from right here in Minnesota. You will find cheeses from all over the world and some that were made in our own state. This cheese shop also offers classes on wine, wine and cheese or beer and cheese taught by experienced sommeliers and cheesemongers. Check out the website for details and how to attend an upcoming class.
The Cheese Cave
Just south of Minneapolis about 45 minutes in the town of Faribault lies a cheese store with lots to offer. Crackers, spreads, olives, vinegars, oils and meats are some of the offerings, but the cheese is sure to please. From cheese curds to Swiss cheese and Amablu to Coco Cardona goat cheese, this place has it all. If you can't make it into the shop yourself for a little taste test, but you know what you like, The Cheese Cave offers online shopping. With your first order, The Cheese Cave will throw in a complimentary cheese tasting just for you.
Surdyk's
303 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-9757
www.surdyks.com
With countless awards, radio ads with one of the most catchy jingles and a history that starts back in 1934 with a family, a list with the best cheese shops in the state wouldn't be complete without Surdyk's. When you first walk into the cheese shop at Surdyk's on Hennepin in Minneapolis, it can be a little overwhelming because of the vast selection of nearly every cheese under the sun. But have no fear, just ask the friendly faces behind the counter for a little help or a suggestion. They are eager to share their knowledge and love of cheese. Surdyk's is one of those places you'll go into for a wedge of cheese and come out with a bottle of wine, a six pack of locally brewed beer, a box of chocolates and a healthy wedge of cheese.
St. Paul Cheese Shop
1573 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 698-3391
www.stpaulcheeseshop.com
Not only does St. Paul Cheese Shop have a fantastic selection of cow, goat and sheep cheese, it serves some of the best sandwiches you'll find in a cheese shop (think 'The Cheesemonger' with sopressata, provolone and pepper onion relish and a veggie sammie filled with blue cheese, fig and black tea preserves, garlic confit and mixed greens). You will also find all types of cheddar, mozzarella, stilton, gouda, Swiss, taleggio and more inside this little joint. If you're over on the west side of town, you can always stop into its sister store France 44 Cheese Shop at 44th and France in Minneapolis for your cheese fix.
Related: Best Chefs Heating up the Culinary Scene in Minnesota
Amber Ranzau lives on the edge of Uptown in Minneapolis and is a gal about town. She frequents the local restaurant scene, loves to support new and local businesses, follows the latest and greatest fashion and design trends, and she does all of this while working as an interior designer, spending time with her man, The Specialist, and taking care of her two goldfish Felix and Petunia and their tankmate Huey the Snail. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
