Patrons enjoy drinks, dinner and picture-perfect weather recently on the patio of Lola’s Lakehouse on Lake Waconia.

Lake country dining, suburban edition: Where to eat and drink near Lake Waconia

Discover dockside dining, charming main streets, sizzling fusion and killer barbecue in Waconia, Victoria, Minnetrista and St. Bonifacius.
Don't Miss

5 new restaurants still coming before the State Fair

July 24
Mushroom terrine at Black Duck Spirits & Hearth in Minneapolis.
Recapping the fresh crop of cool spots that are opening soon across the Twin Cities.

Two groundbreaking Minneapolis breweries are joining forces in the North Loop

July 23
Bartender Connor Gomer pours beer at the Fulton Beer Taproom on Tuesday. This fall the taps will also carry Finnegans beer; the breweries are forming
The founders of both breweries say it's the urban brew duo you didn't know you needed.
Taste
July 26
The honey cake is made specially by a local baker for Bean.Co, a new coffeeshop in Maple Grove.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week

Mini hamburger sliders from a pop-up, a pho place in the skyway and a vegetarian Reuben from a meat-lovers' restaurant were among our favorite finds.
Eat & Drink
July 25
Chef Yia Vang poses for a portrait in his new restaurant Vinai in Minneapolis a week before it opens to the public.

A sneak peek at Yia Vang's dream restaurant Vinai

Every detail is personal at the chef's Minneapolis restaurant, which opens next week.
Eat & Drink
July 25
Chicago's Union Station provides a perfect happy hour backdrop.

From St. Paul to Milwaukee and Chicago, here's where to eat if you're traveling by train

Amtrak's new Borealis rail line gives us a chance to taste the Upper Midwest.
Eat & Drink
July 23
Ray J's famous wings are heading north.

Ray J's bringing its famous wings to Rogers, changes at Kim's in Uptown, and more restaurant news

Plus, changes at Kim's in Uptown, cocktail pop-ups, the possibility of pizza, and beating Bobby Flay in this week's restaurant news.
Eat & Drink
July 23
Shanelle and Chris Montana of DuNord Craft Spirits will reopen their landmark cocktail room and a new New Orleans flavored restaurant on Lake Street.

Du Nord distillery owners bringing new restaurant, cocktail room to Lake Street in Minneapolis

Chris and Shanelle Montana are recommitting to the vitality of East Lake Street.
Eat & Drink
July 21
A red basket that contains a sandwich with fried chicken tenders poking out of the shiny bun and pink sauce dripping off of it, and a handful of golde

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week

Checking out a hot chicken place, brewing company, Italian bistro, health-conscious eatery and a sun-filled coffee shop.
Eat & Drink
July 18
Joe Westerberg pours a beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth, the brewery credited with pushing the city into the modern taproom era.

What is Duluth's superior beer? We rank the Twin Ports area's many breweries.

The nine most popular taprooms to visit include older favorites and popular newcomers.
Taste
July 17
Summer is an excellent season to delve into the world of naturally fermented wines.

5 pét-nats to pack in your picnic basket

Get to know these fizzy, natural wines — they're perfect for summer meals.
Taste
July 17
Twin Cities eateries are ready for all your summer picnic needs.

These 5 Twin Cities area spots offer gourmet delights for summer picnics

Whether a romantic outing, playdate with the kids or a grassy hang with friends, there's a basket for you.
Taste
July 16
With a little help from industry friends, Baaska Tegshbileg pulled off a sold-out sushi pop-up on a 90-degree day at Picnic, after storms knocked out

Storms leave Twin Cities restaurants with soggy hangovers, a new eatery for St. Anthony Main, and more

Plus, pickles for everyone, bar openings and more restaurant news.
Taste
July 15
The menu at Torsk, inside Bar Brava, is inspired by Scandinavian flavors with forays through Europe, like with this Austrian pork schnitzel.

Inside north Minneapolis' natural wine bar, where the only constant is change

Bar Brava is now hosting Torsk, a new Nordic popup serving up smelt, potato bacon dumplings and more.
Eat & Drink
July 12
The restaurant closed after Sunday night's service on June 30, after one more Pride weekend.

Eli's Food & Cocktails closes in downtown Minneapolis, other businesses up for sale

The northeast Minneapolis location will remain open.
Eat & Drink
July 12
The crêpe cake from Oh Crêpe! in Edina is a showstopper.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities and beyond this week

A new location of a favorite restaurant, sampling at the Taste of Minnesota, crêpes for Bastille Day and pizza in Lake Country made for an eclectic – and delicious – week.
Eat & Drink
July 11
Deep-fried Ranch Dressing from LuLu's Public House.

Minnesota State Fair unveils the 33 new foods for 2024

Come for the deep-fried ranch dressing, stay for the crab boil wings. There are plenty of tasty reasons to look forward to this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Eat & Drink
July 11
Country fried steak with peppery breakfast gravy dripping off the top, served with a biscuit, hashbrowns and some scrambled eggs.

Minnesota group bringing fine dining to Wisconsin Dells area, and more restaurant news

Plus: There's more hot chicken on the way, new locations for Hope Breakfast Bar and Puralima, Campiello will become an Irish pub and more restaurant news.
Eat & Drink
July 11
The bar greets you when you enter Chilango, across from Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.

Review: Chilango is chef Jorge Guzmán's Mex-Tex playground

The Minneapolis restaurant pushes the boundaries of south-of-the-border cuisine — with some caveats.
Eat & Drink
July 10
Hats (and caps) off to a great first year from Spilled Grain.

6 Minnesota breweries win U.S. Open Beer awards

St. Louis Park's Haggard Barrel also took a trophy after only just hitting the market in January.
Variety
July 10
A toast with four glasses of beer over a summer bonfire.

10 beers to sip at your summer bonfire

From crushable lagers to more contemplative brews like barrel-aged ales, there's a beer for every mood.
Eat & Drink
July 9
Bardo chef/owner Remy Pettus in the bar of his restaurant. "This is literally a dream come true," he said. "It's so enjoyable and rewarding when thing

Former Minneapolis chef Remy Pettus dies at 41

He had recently left the restaurant industry to pursue another passion: writing.
Eat & Drink
July 8
Paul and Gwen Mangiamele, owners of the new Steak and Ale, are photographed in Burnsville on July 3.

Classic Steak and Ale chain reopens in Burnsville, 16 years after it closed

The family-friendly steakhouse is launching a revival from Minnesota, and the first location — salad bar and all — is attached to a suburban hotel.

Eat and Drink

Complete coverage of the Twin Cities dining scene with Minneapolis and St. Paul restaurant reviews.