Minneapolis Favorite: Barbette
June 19, 2007
Barbette is definitely in my Top 5 for favorite restaurants in Minneapolis, MN. Everything about it is enjoyable: the service, the atmosphere, the food, the drinks (specifically the martinis), the wine selection, the price.
I finally made it in for brunch on Sunday. The coffee was exceptionally strong and tasty- very chocolately (similar to the Birchwood Blend made by Peace Coffee…another favorite). I tried the Eggs Florentine…WHOA. I didn’t think I liked tomatoes. I have to retract that statement if I’ve ever made it. The oven dried, marinated tomatoes made the dish. They had a rustic, earthy, full flavor that went really well with the light lemony hollandaise and perfectly poached eggs.
Other favorites:
• they make the best vodka dirty martini
• delicious carrot cake
• their menu changes frequently
• their wines are affordable and typically very good
• their fish selections are always incredible
• fries are always crispy and served with an incredible saffron aioli
• they purchase as much as they can from local companies (yay!) and typically the foods are organic when possible
I could go on and on…
Owner Kim Bartman is rumored to be opening a new restaurant in NorthEast pretty soon, called the Red Stag. Should be excellent based on the success of both Barbette and Bryant Lake Bowl.
Barbette
1600 W Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-5710
July 10, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Just sitting at Barbette.. just enjoyed an exquisite quiche.. great place..
i am staying in Minneapolis for three months, well, this is the first place where I find what I was looking for. Are there other places to recommend, from someone, who knows the little differences?
I’ll be happy to give recommendations for Zurich (Switzerland) and also NYC (which I know quite well)..
Enjoy!
July 10, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Heck yes!
Barbette is top notch- I was there again last night and the copper river sockeye salmon special was to die for. But I have several other favorites. I’d recommend checking out (in no particular order):
1.Bryant Lake Bowl is only about 10 blocks away and it’s the same owner. It’s very unique and quite a lot of fun. They have excellent beer on tap, a good wine selection, and their food is fantastic. It’s a little more bar food type (sandwiches, salads, a handful of entrees).
2. You should also check out Spoon River – although the decor leaves something to be desired, Brenda Langton is an excellent chef. The pate is quite good, and you can expect excellent steaks and fish. (see review)
3. Brenda’s other restaurant is also highly recommended – Cafe Brenda. This one is all vegetarian and fish. Definitely try the croquettes…unbelievably delicious. and good fish.
4. Town Talk Diner is a low key local treasure. Excellent fries! (see review)
5. if you like sushi, Sushi Tango is my absolute favorite. it’s also in the Uptown area. If you go on a Monday, Tuesday or Thurs night, sit at the bar with Moon- she’s an excellent bartender. she’ll tell you exactly what you need to order – just tell her that you would like what she usually orders.
(see review)
6. i haven’t been to Gigi’s, but i’ve heard that i must go. it’s in south minneapolis, i think on 38th and Bryant.
7. Gardens of Salonica has the best Greek food in town. it’s across downtown minneapolis in northeast – a MUST go to when you’re here. it’s also ridiculously affordable.
8. Birchwood Cafe for lunch or brunch. great coffee and good food.
10. close to Birchwood is excellent Thai at True Thai. i used to live 1 block away and it was TOO tempting.
11. JP american bistro has excellent entrees, if not a little pricier than the other places on this list.
12. OH- I can’t believe i forgot about 112 Eatery. You have to make reservations for this place or you may not get in. it sounds like you’re familiar with NYC bistros and i think this is as close as it gets to that in MPLS. the cauliflower fritters are excellent and the lemon press chicken for 2 is amazing.
13. also in uptown is Lucia’s. check it out. similar to Barbette in style and only a couple blocks away.
14. French Meadow is great for breakfast, lunch, brunch. the original organic, local place in minneapolis.
15. for good pizza, check out one of the 4 Pizza Luce places around town.
16. Galactic Pizza is also really good, and if you’re in the zone, get delivery so you can see the crazy costumes they wear.
17. right by French Meadow is a new bagel/lunch place called Common Roots Cafe. I was there this morning and I think it has great potential.
18. Restaurant Alma is a place I haven’t been to and I’m ashamed to admit it. It’s supposed to be top notch. anyone who’s been there swears by it.
19. Cafe Lurcat is pretty good too, although I’d go to all the other ones on this list before this one. If you do go, order the sea bass. Although it sounds boring and unoriginal, it’s not. It’s fantastic.
20. for excellent service and food, try Zelo downtown. the atmosphere might be a little overzealous and posh, but it’s worth it. anything on the menu is worth ordering, especially the fish entrees. (also, if you sit outside on a Monday or Wednesday night, ask for Daniel as a server and he’ll take excellent care of you – tell him I sent you. he’s a good friend.)
21. other restaurants downtown worth trying are Vincent (French), Babalu (Caribbean), and Cue (American) and you can check out the new Guthrie there.
i can also tell you places you must avoid at all costs for food (these are in the uptown area as i assume you are relatively close to there):
• Figlio (except they have a phenomenal happy hour)
• Chino Latino
• Amore Victoria
• Stella’s
• Sawatdee
• La Bodega
• Kincaid’s (everyone in mpls/st paul swears by this restaurant but it’s no better than a mediocre hotel restaurant)
If you get through these (and I hope you do), let me know and I’ll see what else I can come up with.
July 10, 2007 at 3:31 pm
and yes, i would love some recommendations in both zurich and nyc. not sure when i’ll be getting to zurich anytime soon, although you never know!
may be in nyc this fall, so any recommendations are appreciated.
February 21, 2008 at 4:18 pm
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