Best Shepherd's Pie In Minnesota
Like many of our greatest dishes, shepherd's pie came about due to its affordability and accessibility to the lower classes. It has since been elevated to new heights since it came about in Great Britain in the late 18th century. Hearty and delicious, the stew-like dish has all the best parts of a classic Minnesota hot dish - potatoes and other veggies, typically ground beef and typically served in deep dish or a ramekin. Chances are grandma never made it quite like you'll find at these local restaurants.
The Anchor Fish & Chips
302 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 676-1300
www.theanchorfishandchips.com
The fish and chips might be the best in the state (they do kind of advertise it in their name), but the shepherd's pie is certainly no slouch either. As you can imagine, the same care goes into making this classic deep dish as it does their perfectly-battered cod. They don't stray from the original recipe, just locally-sourced beef and veggies simmering under mashed potatoes, but man is it good. There's not really much more to say. It's just so darn good it's almost frustrating when you want to describe it in more detail. Sadly, the Anchor food truck doesn't serve shepherd's pie, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye out for it when it hits the road every spring.
An ode to all things British, Brit's has been the go-to for pub food in downtown Minneapolis for years. Now, the Brits may not be known internationally for their food, but that's a bum rap. It's wholesome, it's tasty, and it goes great with beer. The shepherd's pie here is the classic ground beef and vegetables, but with a tomato and rosemary sauce that is so bright and compliments the heavier meat so well that you won't be able to stop until it's gone. It's the perfect warm-up dish during the winter, but is never bad during the summer when you can enjoy it before a game of lawn bowling on the upstairs patio.
Merlins Rest Pub
3601 Lake St E
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 216-2419
www.merlinsrest.com
Quaint, cozy and perfect for shepherd's pie. There are no frills necessary when it comes to enjoying this delicious meal, and you'll be more than comfortable enjoying it here. This classic British pub makes there "Cottage Pie" with cheddar cheese mash over some of the most satisfyingly-savory ground beef you can find. It's best when washed down with cold beer during happy hour. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Merlins Rest Pub offers a great atmosphere to enjoy the delicious eats.
Morrissey's Irish Pub
913 Lake St W
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 465-8555
www.morrisseysuptown.com
A hipper version of your average Irish pub, the food at Morrissey's helps it stand out in a sea of Uptown restaurants and bars. Made with ground sirloin, and some of the most mouth-watering gravy and topped with champ potatoes, the shepherd's pie is the kind of dish that will make you forget all about the food trends sweeping the menus at nearby hot spots.
Related: Best Irish Bars In Minnesota
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
