There's great dining near Target Field. Here are just three spots to try.
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Chef Jim Kyndberg is going whole hog — literally — for Monday's Twins home opener. He's roasting a whole hog and putting that pork to very good use in sandwiches ($7) and tacos ($4, or two for $7). The fun begins on the restaurant's sidewalk patio at 11:30 a.m., and includes a meet-and-greet with Lift Bridge Brewing Co. owner Brad Glynn, who will be tapping his summery Mango Blonde ale. On other game days, the restaurant offers $10 burgers and $4 beers to Twins ticket holders.
31 S. 7th St., Mpls., 612-216-3473, firelakerestaurant.com
Fulton Brewing Co.
The popular brewery's popular taproom is the place for before, during and after game chatter over glasses of Lonely Blonde (American pale ale), Expat (rye Saison) and other expertly crafted brews. Outside, Fulton hosts a rotating roster of the city's busiest food trucks. The Twins' opening week schedule includes Simply Steve's (Monday), O'Cheeze (Tuesday), Gastrotruck (Wednesday), Tatanka Truck (Thursday) and Market Bar-B-Que (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
414 6th Av. N., Mpls., 612-333-3208, fultonbeer.com
Smack Shack
The cavernous, fun-loving home of the Twin Cities' tastiest lobster roll also manages to work fresh lobster into a devilishly good guacamole, and the lobster corn dog would be a top seller at the Minnesota State Fair. Lots of well-stuffed tacos and po'boys, too, and first-rate fried green tomatoes. Weekend fans should check out brunch: lobster scrambled eggs, crab Benedict, biscuits and andouille sausage gravy and, of course, lobster rolls.
603 Washington Av. N., Mpls., 612-259-7288, smack-shack.com
Rick Nelson • 612-673-4757
@RickNelsonStrib
