Izzy's Ice Cream on Marshall Avenue has run a small-batch ice cream counter in Saint Paul since 2000. The Izzy scoop, a tiny extra flavour on top of any cone.
Signature dishes: Two-scoop Izzy
Must order: A two-scoop cone plus an Izzy scoop of salted caramel.
Tip: Summer line wraps around the block by 19:00. Solar-powered scoop shop and the second location in Minnehaha is faster.
Address: 2034 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104, Minneapolis
Punch Neapolitan Pizza on Grand Avenue has fired Vera Pizza Napoletana pies in the Twin Cities since 1996. The first Italy-certified pizzeria in the Midwest.
Signature: Margherita pizza, Toto pizza
Order: The Margherita pizza and the Toto with prosciutto and arugula.
Tip: Walk-ins only; wait list moves fast. Nine Twin Cities locations spread the load.
Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Falls has run a seasonal seafood counter in South Minneapolis since 2007. Lobster rolls, po'boys, oysters at the park pavilion.
Signature: Lobster roll, Po'boy
Order: The lobster roll with butter or the shrimp po'boy.
Tip: Seasonal May to October only; weekend line runs an hour. Walk the falls while you wait.
The Anchor Fish and Chips on 13th Avenue NE has run an Irish-pub fryer in Northeast Minneapolis since 2009. Beer-battered cod, hand-cut chips, no reservations.
Signature: Fish and chips, Shepherd's pie
Order: Beer-battered cod, hand-cut chips and a cup of mushy peas.
Tip: Cash and cards both fine; lunch line shorter than dinner. Late kitchen Friday and Saturday.
Luke Shimp's Red Rabbit on Washington Avenue has run a North Loop Italian-American room in Minneapolis since 2017. Wood-fired pizza, cacio e pepe, full bar.
Signature: Wood-fired pizza, Cacio e pepe
Order: The pepperoni pizza and the cacio e pepe with toasted breadcrumbs.
Tip: Happy hour 15:00 to 17:00 weekdays runs $5 pizzas at the bar.
Blue Door Pub on 42nd Avenue has run a stuffed-burger pub in South Minneapolis since 2008. The Blucy with blue cheese inside, South Side's Matt's Bar counterpunch.
Signature: Blucy stuffed burger, Tater tots
Order: The Blucy with blue cheese and bacon, tater tots on the side.
Tip: Weekends pull a wait; sit at the bar for faster service. Six other Twin Cities locations.
Punch Neapolitan Pizza on Grand Avenue has fired Vera Pizza Napoletana pies in the Twin Cities since 1996. The first Italy-certified pizzeria in the Midwest.
Signature: Margherita pizza, Toto pizza
Order: The Margherita pizza and the Toto with prosciutto and arugula.
Tip: Walk-ins only; wait list moves fast. Nine Twin Cities locations spread the load.
Thomas Boemer's Revival on Nicollet runs Southern fried chicken in Minneapolis since 2014. James Beard semifinalist; brined birds with biscuits and pimento cheese.
Signature: Fried chicken, Buttermilk biscuits
Order: The Tennessee Hot fried chicken with biscuits and pimento cheese.
Tip: Walk-ins fill the bar by 18:00; the Saint Paul Selby location has shorter waits.
