Minnesota

Oasis Cafe, Stillwater, Minnesota, 6/28/25

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building – 806 Main St. S., Stillwater, MN., 55082

The Oasis Cafe opened in 1957 as The Highway Man. It opened as a service station, diner, and  bait shop.   Originally it was open 24 hours a day but when Craig and Deb Beemer bought the restaurant in 2008 they moved the daily hours to 8am to 8pm.  In 2018 they expanded the restaurant to include the “Bait Shop Bar”, which is now the middle of 3 rooms carved into the hillside.  We were lucky to get stools at the counter in the original room, which has also been refurbished by the Beemers and that’s where the open kitchen is too.  There was a line to get in and I’m pretty sure there always is but it moves quickly.   A combination of seating types are available with counter, booth, table and patio available.  Our server Sarah was opinionated and helpful with ordering, when so many options looked appealing.  She was a delight and so friendly, as were all that we interacted with there.  Actually they try and make your visit fun for example, they have a variety of coffee mugs and like to joke with people about which mug they get. A Packers fan will most likely be given a mug with something about Vikings. If a couple is getting amorous they might place a lit candle on the table to add to the ambiance unless they stay in their seats too long and then it might be suggested it’s time to move on.  The amazing efficiency and friendliness in all the staff we met as well as the good and generous  portions of food made it a dining experience I look forward to to having again.  Hope you’ll find time to visit too! Continue reading →

Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis, 10/10/21

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exterior

Al’s Breakfast started in 1950 and has 14 seats at a counter.  They are in the Dinkytown neighborhood and don’t except credit cards.   They don’t have a freezer, microwave or deep fryer because they think meals taste best prepared without them and they don’t have room.  We found the line outside when we arrived and it moved fairly well.  As customers leave someone comes out and invites the number inside that they can now serve.  If your whole party is not there when you reach the door you will be move to the back of the line.  It’s all done in a very pleasant way.  Open everyday, they close at 1:00pm.  It is reported to be the most narrow restaurant in Minneapolis with a width of 10 feet.  It is built in a former alleyway.  Prior to Covid they let waiters line up inside behind stools when it was cold, now only vaccinated are allowed inside.  The food is worth the wait and hassle.  Behind the counter are boxes of yellow cards which are meals already paid for. Continue reading →

P.S. Steak, Minneapolis, 10/9/21

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exterior

P.S. Steak opened in 2019, an elegant steakhouse to add to the Minneapolis meat options.  Located in a classic building the dining room is dark with lots of brown leather in the roomy booths (now separated by plexiglass too) and dark walls decorated with mirrors and prints.  One wall has the refrigerated cases housing the aging meats, all prime cuts or better.  As you enter to your side is the large modern looking bar where customers can eat as well as drink.  The dining room is further down the hall with a much more clubby feel, with no music in the background.  The menu is mostly steaks but a number of potato choices are there as well as vegetables and seafood.  The one area it fell very short was in our server who really got up on the wrong side of the bed.  She poured the wine with no tasting, repeatedly asked about ordering appetizers, chastised us for ordering too many desserts.  It was surreal, as every other person who attended our table was friendly and pleasant.  I tried to not let it spoil a fun evening. Continue reading →

Boludo Nicollet, Minneapolis, 10/9/21

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street window

Buludo Nicollet is a small storefront off a street with only a to-go order/pick-up area.  They offer Argentinian dishes that Chef Facundo DeFraia learned from his grandmother.  The local newspaper food critic named him the “dough wisperer” and indeed he is.  They now have 2 locations since opening in 2018, there were a couple of outdoor tables for eating here whereas the downtown location has indoor seating.   They offer fresh made pizzas and empanadas as well as a couple salads and desserts.  It took about 20 minutes to make our order and it all came out at once.  It is well worth visiting for pizza and especially empanadas. Continue reading →

Demi, Minneapolis, 10/8/21

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outside

Demi serves only a tasting menu that concentrates on local ingredients and rare/special ingredients from around the world.  They are open Wed. to Sun. by reservation only.  They  offer wines by the bottle or have 2 levels of wine pairings as well as an alcohol-free option.  They charge a 21% hospitality charge on each check which is to provide a living wage for all team members. The 20 seat dining area is a large U-shaped walnut counter around a center prep area and a cooking area at the top of the ‘U’.  Lights are lowered on diners but bright in the center. Art is on the walls and music is in the background.  Chef/Owner Gavin Kaysen opened it in Feb. 2019.  Pacing and portion control are both very good and all the staff were friendly and helpful.  It is worth a visit but overall my impression was that the food had more design than flavor. Continue reading →

Matt’s Bar, Minneapolis, 10/8/21

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exterior

Matt’s Bar & Grill opened in 1954 as a regular burger bar until founder Matt Bristol created the “Jucy Lucy” from customer requests for 2 patties and 2 slices of cheese in the middle.  Upon eating this option he said, “that’s one juicy Lucy” and the name and legend were born.  Minneapolis now has many imitations but this was the original.  When you enter the smell of frying beef and onions engulfs you.  The burgers are made with fresh beef and filled with molten hot cheese.  They even warn you about a spurt when you get the burger.  They offer a regular burger but from the look of the grill the Jucy Lucy is the thing to get.  Fries are by full or half order.  It is cash or local check only and there are no reservations.  Parking is on the street and expect a line.  While you wait you can look around at the memorabilia and pictures on the walls.  Besides a full bar they have a number of tap beers. Continue reading →

At Sara’s Table/Chester Creek Cafe, Duluth, 11/9/17

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front
front

At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is a large place on a corner, that used to be Taran’s Market.  It attempts to use local products and grows some of its own in their garden.  When you enter you have the choice of doors, one to the restaurant and one to the bar.  A bit of the kitchen in visible when you enter the restaurant side, as are some shelves filled with souvenier and  books.  There is also a counter that sells baked goods and hand dipped ice cream as well as a small seating area near a fireplace.  The restaurant itself winds around in a “U” shape around the rest of the kitchen.  There are booths and tables and finally the end is a library room lined with filled bookshelves and windows to the parking lot.   Continue reading →