Illustration by Philipo Dyauli
Best Metro Coffee Shop
PILLLAR Forum Cafe and Commodities
As a coffee-slash-skate shop, Pilllar Forum is one-of-a-kind here in the Twin Cities. But it’s not just the coffee (nor the skate decks) that have made Pilllar such a favorite. This Central Avenue shop has also been hosting a ton of events—art openings, hardcore shows, you name it—positioning itself as a real community hub in Northeast. Come for the lattes and pastries; stay for the NA happy hour with Heggies and Hurricanes. pilllar.com/pages/forum –EC
Best Suburban Coffee Shop
Makwa Coffee
Come in for one of Makwa’s signature Ziigwan Sugar Maple cold brews, stay for the community. The family-owned Roseville coffee shop run by Jamie Becker-Finn, a state representative (DFL-42B) and Leech Lake Ojibwe descendant, hosts several events, including an excellent book club highlighting Indigenous authors, viewing parties for select soccer games, craft nights, pet adoptions, and showcases of local artisans. makwacoffee.com –ACG
Best Wine Flight
Aamodt’s Apple Farm
This cozy fall haven is an orchard, brewery, and winery all in one. Enjoy tasty wine slushies, golden cider flights, fresh honey crisp apples, and apple-flavored popcorn while you walk the beautiful grounds in Stillwater. –SK
Provided
Best Bloody Mary Mix
LoveJoy’s Bloody Mary Mix
When you think of a stellar Bloody Mary mix, flavor is paramount. LoveJoy’s, founded by St. Paul native Charles Lovejoy, delivers on that front with a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh horseradish, and a medley of spices. But what truly elevates LoveJoy’s is its dedication to simple ingredients. There’s no room for artificial preservatives or high fructose corn syrup in these bottles. LoveJoy’s also supports at-risk youth as part of its charitable giving. lovejoysbrand.com –TW
Best Underrated Thai Food
Khun Nai Thai in Uptown
This unassuming eatery sits on Minneapolis’ famous Eat Street on Nicollet Avenue. If you love yourself, you’ll try their pad thai, basil fried rice, and wontons. khunnaithaicuisine.com –SK
Best Dining Trend
Walk-Up Windows
They started as a way for restaurants to serve folks safely during the pandemic, but walk-up service windows have stuck around. Even new restaurants are adding them. A recent story from MinnPost notes that the windows—which you can find everywhere from the tiny Roundtable Coffee Works in St. Paul to Slice Brothers Pizza in Northeast to Heather’s in south Minneapolis—are especially convenient for folks walking dogs or who don’t want to lock their bikes. We agree: It’s good for restaurants and the people who love ’em. –EC
Best Coffee Flight
The Last Drop Coffee + Wine Bar in Graze Provisions and Libations
The Last Drop’s seasonal coffee flights provide the most scrumptious caffeine buzz for every time of year. Coffee and tea lovers unite—share a flight with your “tea-only” friend and split a pistachio cold brew and matcha lemonade for the best of both worlds. grazenorthloop.com/the-last-drop-cafe –SK
Best Comfort Food
The Nook
The Nook’s Juicy Lucy isn’t often mentioned in the same breath as the ones at Matt’s and the 5-8, and if you ask us, that’s a huge oversight. This St. Paul standard has one of the best cheese-stuffed burgers in town, if that’s your thing, and lots of other edible comforts, in case it isn’t. Classic chicken tendies, multiple varieties of cheese curds, and deep-fried green beans—excuse us, “Leprechaun Legs”—are just some of the fried-and-true classics to enjoy here. Plus, there’s bowling! crnook.com –EC
Best of Cannabis
Best THC Delivery Service
Nothing But Hemp
This hemp haven has free same-day delivery for Minnesota-made edibles, THC seltzers, CBD products, flower, and more. Nothing But Hemp has locations in St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Bemidji, Tower, Chaska, West St. Paul, northeast Minneapolis, Uptown, and more, so everyone can get in on this sweet and speedy delivery service. nothingbuthemp.net –SK
Best Minnesota-Made THC Seltzer
Zenn from Venn Brewing
Venn’s THC tonic, Zenn, was an early favorite, and they just keep getting tastier with each new flavor. And yes, you’ll feel nice and toasty, too. The Piña Colada transports you right to a sandy beach, while the Pacific Punch—think Hawaiian Punch with weed—packs a heck of a fruity wallop. Not a fruit fan? They also make Up Up Down Down, a canned cold press coffee with THC. vennbrewing.com –EC
Best Minnesota-Made THC Gummies
Minny Grown
What’s not to like about Minny Grown’s THC treats? The packaging is adorable, decorated with quintessential ‘sota scenes like Adirondack chairs next to a loon on a lake, and all the flavors have locally inspired names like “Boundary Waters Bluebeary” and “Paul Bunyan’s Pucker Watermelon.” They’ve got sweet and sour gummy options to satisfy any palate, and can help you get to sleep (“Hibernate,” with a blend of CBN and THC), jump-start your day (“St. Croix Sativa”), or just relax (“Midwest Sunset Mango”). minnygrown.com –EC
