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3 terrific brunch spots in the Twin Cities

Plan your weekend with Esker Grove, the Lexington and Martina.

By Rick Nelson

February 2, 2018 at 5:25PM
Customers dine at The Lexington in St. Paul.
Customers dine at The Lexington in St. Paul. (Tom Wallace — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Esker Grove
The Walker Art Center's sunlight-filled restaurant is the place for chef T.J. Rawitzer's eclectic, playful twists on daytime favorites. Vivacious cocktails, great people-watching, and yes, that raised doughnut is worth its $4 price tag. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
723 Vineland Place, Mpls., 612-375-7542, eskergrove.com

The Lexington
Chef/co-owner Jack Riebel is preparing all kinds of splendid brunch goodness, including a beef sandwich smothered in smoked beef fat gravy, buckwheat crepes with crab and scrambled eggs, and a Hawaiian-themed breakfast poutine. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1096 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-289-4990, thelexmn.com

Martina
At this talked-about Linden Hills newcomer, chef Daniel del Prado embraces brunch with bruschetta with pickled shrimp and charred avocado, a crab Benedict, the city's most-Instagrammed double-patty cheeseburger, almond flour pancakes, and more. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4312 Upton Av. S., Mpls., 612-922-9913, martinarestaurant.com

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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