Author: local researcher

Introduce your grandchild to phosphates and malts at this historic landmark dining car parked in downtown St. Paul. Decidedly unfancy, and a local favorite, Mickey’s menu features standard diner fare, and the booths feature mini jukeboxes with old-timey selections. Not recommended on weekends or during peak lunch hours as this wee location has just four booths and a counter, but the wood paneled classic car makes for an intimate nostalgic trip and a potential for celebrity-sighting.

Contact no:(651) 222-5633

Location:36 Seventh Street, West, St. Paul, MN 55102

Learn more here.

Just a walk over the pedestrian bridge from the Walker’s Sculpture Garden and overlooking Loring Park is Joe’s Garage; a cool restaurant with large (garage door style) windows and a great rooftop patio for the warmer months. Joe’s Garage features a tasty family brunch on Sundays 10am to 2pm, and their regular, non-breakfasty menu has an entire section devoted to flavored mashed potatoes! Choose a topping and share as an appetizer: Joe’s potatoes can be topped with (of course) gravy, but how about bratwurst or red Thai curry sauce? There are definitely new spins on this standard dish to tempt your picky eater.

Contact no:(612) 904-1163

Location:1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more here.

Izzy’s makes such rich and delicious ice cream that it’s used at some fine restaurants around the Twin Cities, but for the true sampling of their amazing flavor selection, head down to Izzy’s St. Paul parlor. Scoops can come in smaller sizes and, in addition to making the standard flavors taste brand new Izzy’s serves up surprising flavors that are amazing, such as cotton candy, salted caramel, and green tea. And some of the flavors that sound as delicious as they are include hot brown sugar, strawberry cheesecake, dulce de leche, and banana macadamia nut. Mouth watering yet? Well take the lucky grandchild over to Izzy’s ice cream for a scoop. Even in the wintertime, what kid doesn’t like ice cream? This eco-conscious ice cream shop now generates a quarter of its power with solar panels.

Contact no:(651) 603-1458

Location:2034 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Learn more here.

Oh yes, let’s go to cupcake, please! The name’s a pleasure to say, but their baked goods are even better to eat and our mouths are already watering. Dozens of gourmet cupcakes widen eyes in anticipation of glorious sugar rushes. And if we must have a meal before our dessert, there are salads, pizza, and some cafe fare, too. Cupcake’s creator is a pastry chef who has worked weddings and at the Ritz-Carlton. Luckily now we get to enjoy his delectable expertise in a much more casual, friendly setting.

Contact no: (612) 378-4818

Location:3338 University Avenue, South East, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Learn more here.

Uptown’s Chino Latino is worth a gander with grandchildren old enough to see and reach over the table. With chic, urban decor, a loud two tier atmosphere and extra-colorful drinks served in pineapples and jello-molds (just get one minus the hooch for your accomplice), their menu features food from around the equator. The entrees get pricey, but you can keep it simple with a sampler of three sides, tacos, and desserts, which are decadent and delicious. A fun, tastebud-kicking place for adults and sophistikids.

Contact no:(612) 824-7878

Location: 2916 Hennepin Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Learn more here.

 

It’s a dangerous name that might trigger all sorts of snack fantasies in your grandchild’s head (which no mortal store could live up to)… but Candyland is still worth a trip, specializing in dreamy snacks of the old-fashioned variety. Delectable popcorn flavors, chocolate covered nibbles, taffy, lollipops, and hard candies deliver a rainbow of flavor sure to tickle any grandchild’s tastebuds. Candyland has three locations in the Twin Cities.

Contact no:(612) 292-1191

Location:27 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Learn more here.