2012 Tasted Good: The Best New Restaurants That Opened In Minnesota
When it comes to picking or choosing a new restaurant to dine at, it really comes down to keeping it simple. Let's face it, the Twin Cities harbors some of the most recognizable dining establishments in the Midwest and we Minnesotans like to try out every new spot that pops up. The increase in new restaurants around the metro area signals a growing interest for inventive bites. Check out this list to see what 2012 brought to the mouths of Minnesotans.
Maruso Street Food and Cocktails
715 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333-0100
www.marusompls.com
Maruso Street Food and Cocktails is an exciting newcomer to the Twin Cities dining scene. The owners and staff have put together a unique concept that offers simple meals at affordable prices. With this said, the chef has provided a list of menu options that combine various interpretations of street food from around the world. This Hennepin Avenue locale prides itself on making everything on the menu from scratch while delivering a flavorful experience.
Icehouse
2528 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 276-6523
www.icehousempls.com
Icehouse is a new restaurant that claims to make many of its recipes from scratch as well. This particular restaurant, unlike some of its counterparts on the list, has managed to intertwine great food with live music. Its location on Nicollet Avenue has made it an attractive destination for partying it up in the nightlife scene. The gastropub serves food portions in small plates, your favorite cocktails and a high-end beer selection.
Birdhouse On Hennepin
2516 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 377-2213
www.birdhousempls.com
Birdhouse on Hennepin Avenue is an alternative location for dining out. If you are the kind of person that is health conscious and avoids fast food, then this is the place to be. The portions are modest, the plates served are vegetarian friendly and a majority of the options are organic. Birdhouse's dishes are tailored to be low in calories while providing a rich, nutritious meal, a plate hard to come by these days. Ultimately, the owners want their clients to become more aware of what foods can help their body and not hurt it.
JJ's Company + Wine Bistro
1806 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 522-8000
www.jjscoffeecompany.com
JJ's Company + Wine Bisto already had a previous location in Eden Prairie. With its most recent addition to the Lake Calhoun area, JJ's has become a popular venue because of its close proximity to the lake. The layout and lighting is ideal for romantic dinners due to its cozy and intimate interior. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will dazzle newcomers looking for any recommendations. Enjoy a good selection of wines and tasty entrees at moderate prices. And if you can, grab a table by the fireplace.
Royal Orchid
4022 Central Ave. N.E.
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
(763) 789-9999
www.thebestthaifood.com
Royal Orchid reopened this year to bring the same great food to the Twin Cities as before. It has been serving the growing and diverse communities in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for over 20 years. The Thai restaurant has existing locations in Roseville and in the Baker Center skyway in downtown Minneapolis. With a brand new location in Columbia Heights, Royal Orchid is looking to reinvigorate and inject a more authentic touch to its Thai cuisine that represents its very own cultural heritage.
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Anthony Carranza is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota related to tech, social media, news, and local happenings around the Twin Cities. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
