Hey, Twin Cities! Our Best Of list got a lot bigger this year\u2014now, with 160 categories, there\u2019s even more to celebrate (and discover!) around town. Last year, we broadened our annual Best Restaurants Readers\u2019 Poll by adding retail, arts, culture, entertainment, and services; for 2026, we added even more. How it works: We started collecting nominations in November via a write-in ballot online. Then, in early January, we opened voting on the top 10 finalists in each category and invited readers, users, and followers through our newsletters and social channels to cast votes to name Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners. (Rest assured, the software ensures no ballot stuffing.) So, here it is\u2014the results are in. Congratulations to this year\u2019s favorites!<\/p>\n
Jump to:<\/p>\n
Fun + Leisure<\/p>\n
Our readers know their way around town and generated a list of must-dos. Looking for ideas for date nights, outings with friends, or kid-friendly spots? Start here!<\/p>\n
Annual Festival<\/p>\n
Boutique Hotel<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
\n\tSilver\u2014St. James Hotel, 406 Main St., Red Wing, 651-388-2846
\n\tBronze\u2014Hotel Alma, 528 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-466-0169
<\/p>\n
Bowling Alley<\/p>\n
BLB\u2019s $38 entr\u00e9e\/beer\/bowling Cheap Date Night is one of the best ways to spend a Monday in town.
\n\tSilver\u2014Park Tavern, 3401 Louisiana Ave. S., St. Louis Park, 952-929-6810
\n\tBronze\u2014Elsie\u2019s, 729 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-378-9701
<\/p>\n
Concert Venue (Non-Stadium)<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-8388
\n\tSilver\u2014Armory, 500 S. 6th St., Mpls., 612-315-3965
\n\tBronze\u2014Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299
<\/p>\n
Cooking Class<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Cooks of Crocus Hill, 877 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1333; 210 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-223-8167 <\/p>\n
There\u2019s something for everyone, from the total kitchen newbie to the baking aficionado to the accomplished chef ready for a challenge. <\/p>\n
Farmers\u2019 Market<\/p>\n
Check out the new indoor market space on Prince Street. <\/p>\n
Historic Site<\/p>\n
Historic Theater<\/p>\n
Wander into the Amber Room or out on the Endless Bridge for preshow photos. <\/p>\n
Indoor Mini Golf<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-432-0228
\n\tSilver\u2014Puttshack, 700 N. 3rd St., Mpls.; Southdale Center
\n\tBronze\u2014Puttery, 240 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-493-1102
<\/p>\n
Jazz Club<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299 <\/p>\n
Still strong after 40 years! Plus, check out what\u2019s coming next on page 20. <\/p>\n
Local Podcast<\/p>\n
Museum<\/p>\n
Neighborhood\/City to Explore<\/p>\n
Performing Arts Company<\/p>\n
Pickleball Courts<\/p>\n
Game, set, tie! Two local courts trade perfectly placed shots for the crown. <\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, 3300 NE 5th St., Mpls., 612-230-9870; 8401 83rd Ave. N., Mpls., 763-298-2255
\n\tSilver\u2014Pints and Paddle, 15450 Grove Circle N., Maple Grove, 763-340-1212
\n\tBronze\u2014Minneapolis Pickleball Club, 1200 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-208-7564
<\/p>\n
Place for a Date Night (Non-Restaurant)<\/p>\n
Place to Go Apple Picking<\/p>\n
Place to Take Out-of-Towners\/Visitors<\/p>\n
Radio Station<\/p>\n
Staycation Hotel<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400 <\/p>\n
Check out the Hewing\u2019s recent refresh in honor of its 10th anniversary. <\/p>\n
Take the Kids (Non-Restaurant)<\/p>\n
No matter the weather outside, it\u2019s always a luxurious 80-ish degrees in the conservatory. <\/p>\n
TV Station<\/p>\n
Drinks + Nightlife<\/p>\n
The nomination list for this category was long\u2014trust us, it took a lot of votes to make the final cut. If you haven\u2019t been to these local hot spots, it\u2019s about time you got out there and hit the town.<\/p>\n
Bloody Mary<\/p>\n
Brewery\/Taproom<\/p>\n
Casino<\/p>\n
Do you feel lucky? You are, because win or lose, Mystic Lake has some of the best pho in Prior Lake! <\/p>\n
Champagne\/Sparkling Selection<\/p>\n
Best beignets in Minnesota\u2014but you\u2019ll be too full to order them after your steak, so here\u2019s a crazy idea: beignet appetizer? <\/p>\n
Distillery<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Earl Giles, 1325 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5305
\n\tSilver\u2014O\u2019Shaughnessy Distilling Co., 600 Malcolm Ave. SE, Mpls., 763-338-0914
\n\tBronze\u2014Tattersall Distilling, 1777 Paulson Rd., River Falls, Wisc., 534-248-8300
<\/p>\n
Dive Bar<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Cuzzy\u2019s, 507 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-339-6211 <\/p>\n
Old-school North Loop, the last of the last\u2014raise a glass to history! And then another! <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014The 1029 Bar, 1029 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-379-4322
\n\tBronze\u2014Grumpy\u2019s, 2200 NE 4th St., Mpls., 612-789-7429
<\/p>\n
Drag Show<\/p>\n
Espresso Martini<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Red Rabbit, 201 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-767-8855; 788 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-444-5995
\n\tSilver\u2014Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
\n\tBronze\u2014Mr. Paul\u2019s Supper Club, 3917 B Market St., Edina, 612-259-8614
<\/p>\n
Game Bar<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for Can Can\u2019s forthcoming \u201cBack 18\u201d mini-golf course, with 18 new (but equally wacky) holes. <\/p>\n
Gay Bar<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014The Saloon, 830 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-332-0835 <\/p>\n
History, heritage, mayhem, love\u2014est. 1977. <\/p>\n
Girls\u2019 Night Out<\/p>\n
Happy Hour<\/p>\n
Red Cow\u2019s North Loop locale recently got a whole new vibe created by MartinPatrick 3. <\/p>\n
Hotel Bar<\/p>\n
Liquor Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Surdyk\u2019s, 303 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3232 <\/p>\n
Pro tip: Start with a cocktail at Sidebar at Surdyk\u2019s, and then do your shopping. <\/p>\n
New Bar in 2025<\/p>\n
Old Fashioned<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
\n\tSilver\u2014The Lexington, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-289-4990
\n\tBronze\u2014Mr. Paul\u2019s Supper Club, 3917 B Market St., 612-259-8614
<\/p>\n
Rooftop Bar<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Brit\u2019s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3908 <\/p>\n
The rooftop at Brit\u2019s Pub might just make a pro lawn bowler out of you. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Hewing Hotel, 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400
\n\tBronze\u2014The Lexington, 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-289-4990
<\/p>\n
Sports Bar<\/p>\n
Wine Bar<\/p>\n
Winery<\/p>\n
Zero-Proof-Friendly Bar<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Hai Hai, 2121 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-223-8640
\n\tSilver\u2014Earl Giles, 1325 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5305
\n\tBronze\u2014All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507
\n\tBronze\u2014Porzana, 200 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-489-6174
<\/p>\n
Food + Dining<\/p>\n
There\u2019s so much good food to love in the Twin Cities! How do you pick your favorites? Our readers flooded this category with nominations\u2014these stars came out on top.<\/p>\n
Bakery<\/p>\n
Barbecue<\/p>\n
Breakfast\/Brunch<\/p>\n
Dash in for a no-reservation-needed pastry-and-fancy-coffee to-go order if you want to surprise and delight a friend. <\/p>\n
Budget Eats<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Red Cow, 6 MN locations
\n\tSilver\u2014Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739
\n\tBronze\u2014Kramaczuk\u2019s, 215 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3018
<\/p>\n
Burger<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
\n\tSilver\u2014Red Cow, 6 MN locations
\n\tBronze\u2014Matt\u2019s Bar, 3500 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-7072
<\/p>\n
Cheese Shop<\/p>\n
Chicken Wings<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls.
\n\tSilver\u2014Monte Carlo, 219 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-5900
\n\tBronze\u2014Runyon\u2019s, 107 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-332-7158
<\/p>\n
Chinese<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Saturday Dumpling Co., 519 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-281-5499; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave SE, Mpls.; 5401 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-281-0507 <\/p>\n
There\u2019s a fresh new breakfast menu at SDC\u2019s south Minneapolis location. Three words: congee hash browns. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Tea House, 2425 University Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-8866
\n\tBronze\u2014Rainbow, 2739 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.
<\/p>\n
Coffee House<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Nina\u2019s Coffee Caf\u00e9, 165 Western Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-292-9816
\n\tSilver\u2014Rustica, 3220 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-822-1119; Downtown Mpls., Edina, Wayzata
\n\tBronze\u2014FRGMNT Coffee, 5 metro locations
<\/p>\n
Date-Night Dining<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Bar La Grassa, 800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-3837 <\/p>\n
Focaccia like clouds! Hot, irresistible clouds! <\/p>\n
Donut Shop<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Bogart\u2019s Doughnut Co., 904 W. 36th St., Mpls., 612-886-1670; 5003 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 612-259-8225 <\/p>\n
No summer visit to Bogart\u2019s is complete without a swirl of soft serve to complement your donut. <\/p>\n
Food Truck<\/p>\n
French<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Meritage, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670
\n\tSilver\u2014B\u00fbcheron, 4257 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-255-5632
\n\tBronze\u2014Barbette, 1600 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-5710
<\/p>\n
French Fries<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Red Cow, 6 MN locations
\n\tSilver\u2014Parlour, 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-354-3135; 267 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-207-4433; 200 Water St., Excelsior, 952-247-4790
\n\tBronze\u2014Meritage, 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670
<\/p>\n
Fried Chicken<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Nashville Coop, 6600 Penn Ave. S., Richfield, 612-584-3245; Northeast Mpls., Stadium Village, St. Paul\u00a0
\n\tSilver\u2014Bull\u2019s Horn Food and Drink, 4563 34th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-208-1378
\n\tBronze\u2014Abang Yoli, 12934 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-247-0655
<\/p>\n
Greek\/Mediterranean<\/p>\n
Do yourself a favor and download the Christos catering menu, today\u2014the fastest healthy, fancy, instant dinner party in town. <\/p>\n
Ice Cream Shop<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Sebastian Joe\u2019s, 1007 Franklin Ave. W., Mpls., 612-870-0065; 4321 Upton Ave. S., Mpls., 612-926-7916; 4301 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-238-3777
\n\tSilver\u2014Grand Ole Creamery, 750 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-293-1655; 4737 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-2261
\n\tBronze\u2014Bebe Zito, 704 W. 22nd St., Mpls., 612-315-5180; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave. SE, Mpls.; 9000 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, 763-326-1966
<\/p>\n
Indian<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014India Palace, 6 metro locations
\n\tSilver\u2014Dancing Ganesha, 1100 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-338-1877; 8124 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park, 952-426-0201; 11628 Fountain Dr., Maple Grove, 763-600-6314
\n\tBronze\u2014Namaste Caf\u00e9, 2512 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-827-2496
<\/p>\n
Italian<\/p>\n
Japanese\/Sushi<\/p>\n
Korean<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Minari, 323 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-259-8914
\n\tSilver\u2014Abang Yoli, 12934 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-247-0655
\n\tBronze\u2014Hoban Korean BBQ, 2939 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7214
<\/p>\n
Late-Night Menu<\/p>\n
Nothing hits quite like Luc\u00e9\u2019s baked potato pizza at 1 am. <\/p>\n
Mexican\/Latino<\/p>\n
Pro tip: Put a cooler in your car; get quarts of guacamole and taco fillings after your dinner. You\u2019ll eat well all week. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Oro by Nixta, 1222 NE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-200-8087
\n\tBronze\u2014Nico\u2019s Tacos, 2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7688; 2260 Como Ave., St.Paul, 651-450-8848; 4959 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-216-1188
<\/p>\n
Middle Eastern<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Holy Land, 2513 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-781-2627 <\/p>\n
Olive to see a great olive selection\u2014and Holy Land\u2019s spread is the GOAT. <\/p>\n
New Restaurant in 2025<\/p>\n
Patio<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t find anything prettier than the magnificent green-leaf canopy soaring above Frost\u2019s on a summer\u2019s eve. <\/p>\n
Pizza<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Pizza Luc\u00e9, 9 MN locations
\n\tSilver\u2014Wrecktangle Pizza, 703 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-444-4420; Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-448-5247; Graze Food Hall, 520 N. 4th St., Mpls., 612-280-6931
\n\tBronze\u2014Punch, 12 metro locations
<\/p>\n
Plant-Based<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507
\n\tSilver\u2014Francis, 2422 Central Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-208-6870; 3900 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-704-8825
\n\tBronze\u2014J. Selby\u2019s, 169 N. Victoria St., St. Paul, 651-222-3263
<\/p>\n
Restaurant with Live Music<\/p>\n
Sandwich Shop<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Cecil\u2019s Deli, 651 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-698-6276
\n\tSilver\u2014Marty\u2019s Deli, 400 Lowry Ave. NE, Mpls.
\n\tBronze\u2014Lu\u2019s Sandwiches, 2624 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 10 NE 6th St., Mpls.; 309 SE Oak St., Mpls., 612-587-2694
<\/p>\n
Seafood<\/p>\n
Best place in town when 50 people spontaneously want a meet-up\u2014there are tables inside, outside, and everywhere. And you can even bring your 50 friends\u2019 50 dogs for an unforgettable night admiring the waterfall! <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Smack Shack, 603 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-259-7288; 3801 Minnesota Dr., Bloomington, 952-333-7722; Rosedale Center, 651-348-2632
\n\tBronze\u2014The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 50 S. 6th St., Mpls., 612-333-2277
<\/p>\n
Soul Food<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Brasa Premium Rotisserie, 600 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-3030; Hopkins, St. Paul, Southwest Mpls.
\n\tSilver\u2014Soul Bowl, 428 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 651-567-7044
\n\tBronze\u2014Mama Sheila\u2019s House of Soul, 3744 Bloomington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-389-9772
<\/p>\n
Southeast Asian<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls.
\n\tSilver\u2014Diane\u2019s Place, 117 14th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-489-8012
\n\tBronze\u2014Hai Hai, 2121 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-223-8640
<\/p>\n
Steak<\/p>\n
Summertime Seasonal<\/p>\n
Supper Club<\/p>\n
Taco<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Nico\u2019s Tacos, 2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls., 612-345-7688; 2260 Como Ave., St.Paul, 651-450-8848; 4959 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-216-1188
\n\tSilver\u2014Oro by Nixta, 1222 NE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-200-8087
\n\tBronze\u2014Centro, 1414 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-345-5527; Roseville, Whittier Mpls., and St. Paul
<\/p>\n
Thai<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Gai Noi, 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls. <\/p>\n
Gai Noi serves stellar Thai dishes, but don\u2019t overlook chef Ann Ahmed\u2019s Lao cusine, like the spicy laab and green papaya salad. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Coconut Thai, 3948 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-288-2888; 720 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-348-7250
\n\tBronze\u2014Sawatdee, 607 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-338-6451; St. Paul, Maple Grove, Bloomington
<\/p>\n
UK\/Irish Pub<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Brit\u2019s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-3908
\n\tSilver\u2014The Anchor Fish and Chips, 302 13th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-676-1300
\n\tBronze\u2014The Local, 931 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-452-2222; 1607 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-247-0200
<\/p>\n
Vietnamese<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739 <\/p>\n
On your way out the door, grab some sweet coconut rice cakes or caramel flan to go. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Que Viet, 2211 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-781-4744
\n\tBronze\u2014eM Que Viet, 1332 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-4363
<\/p>\n
Waterfront Dining<\/p>\n
Gold-Winning Twin Cities Legendary Establishment<\/p>\n
1\u2014Matt\u2019s Bar, 3500 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls., 612-722-7072
\n\t2\u2014Cossetta Alimentari, 211 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476
\n\t3\u2014Quang, 2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-870-4739
\n\t4\u2014Mancini\u2019s Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-224-7345
\n\t5\u2014Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-7297
<\/p>\n
Gold-Winning Top Restaurant in Mpls.<\/p>\n
1\u2014Spoon and Stable, 211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-224-9850
\n\t2\u2014Diane\u2019s Place, 117 14th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-489-8012
\n\t3\u2014Bar La Grassa, 800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-3837
\n\t4\u2014Owamni, 420 S. 1st St., Mpls., 612-444-1846
<\/p>\n
Owamni, now known as Ind\u00edgena by Owamni, is starting a new chapter at the Guthrie this spring! <\/p>\n
5\u2014All Saints, 222 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-259-7507 <\/p>\n
Gold-Winning Top Restaurant in St. Paul<\/p>\n
1\u2014Cossetta Alimentari, 211 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476
\n\t2\u2014Estelle, 1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul, 651-330-9648
\n\t3\u2014Gus Gus, 128 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-645-4128
\n\t4\u2014Myriel, 470 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-340-3568
\n\t5\u2014Mancini\u2019s Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-224-7345
<\/p>\n
Shops + Style<\/p>\n
Consider this your go-to guide for local shopping and style inspiration, handpicked and delivered with a stamp of approval from your in-the-know neighbors.<\/p>\n
Antiques\/Vintage Furniture and D\u00e9cor Store<\/p>\n
A maximalist\u2019s dream\u2014and a rite of passage for any vintage shopper. Look high, look low\u2014it\u2019s all about the hunt. <\/p>\n
Appliance Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Warners\u2019 Stellian, 9 MN locations, 877-431-2100
\n\tSilver\u2014Ace Hardware, locations throughout MN, 888-827-4223
\n\tBronze\u2014All, Inc., 185 Plato Blvd. W., St. Paul, 651-227-6331; 12955 Hwy. 55, Plymouth, 763-465-0222\u00a0
<\/p>\n
Cannabis Store<\/p>\n
Consignment\/Resale Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Turn Style Consignment Stores, 9 MN locations
\n\tSilver\u2014Arc\u2019s Value Village, 2751 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, 763-544-0006; 6528 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-861-9550; 10546 France Ave. S., Bloomington, 952-818-8708
\n\tBronze\u2014Nu Look Consignment, 4956 Penn Ave. S., Mpls., 612-925-0806
<\/p>\n
Eyewear Boutique<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Spectacle Shoppe, 2405 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; New Brighton, St. Paul, and St. Louis Park <\/p>\n
Did you know Spectacle Shoppe has the largest collection of reconditioned vintage frames in the state? You betcha! <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Eyebobs, International Market Square, MOA, Ridgedale Center, and Rosedale Center
\n\tBronze\u2014InVision Distinctive Eyewear, 867 Grand Ave., St. Paul; Galleria, Minnetonka, North Loop
<\/p>\n
Flower Shop\/Florist<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Bachman\u2019s, 6 metro locations, 612-861-7311
\n\tSilver\u2014Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769
\n\tBronze\u2014Ergo, 516 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-292-9562
<\/p>\n
Frame Shop<\/p>\n
A North Loop mainstay for nearly three decades\u2014shh, there\u2019s also a little loft filled with vintage wares. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Nash Frame Design, 3107 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-924-0809; 861 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 952-224-5063; 17418 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-955-7588\u00a0
\n\tBronze\u2014Frameworks Gallery, 2022A Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-3372
<\/p>\n
Furniture and Home D\u00e9cor Store<\/p>\n
Garden Center<\/p>\n
Talk about a one-stop shop\u2014indoor, outdoor, and gifts galore. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Gertens, 5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights, 651-450-1501
\n\tBronze\u2014Mother Earth Gardens, 2318 Lowry Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-0796; 3738 42nd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-724-2296
<\/p>\n
Gift Shop<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Patina, 9 metro locations, 612-823-9700
\n\tSilver\u2014General Store of Minnetonka, 14401 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-935-7131
\n\tBronze\u2014I Like You, 1955 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-208-0249; 416 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-340-9710
<\/p>\n
Grocery Store<\/p>\n
Independent Bookstore<\/p>\n
You can support this local gem in person or buy from Magers and Quinn online! <\/p>\n
Independent Lighting Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Southern Lights, 12550 Frontage Rd. W., Burnsville, 952-686-6072
\n\tSilver\u2014Muska Lighting, 2772 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville, 651-227-8881; 14797 Martin Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-934-6730
\n\tBronze\u2014Michael\u2019s Lamp Studio, 3101 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-926-9147
<\/p>\n
Independent Pet Store<\/p>\n
Local Fine Jewelry Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014R.F. Moeller Jeweler, 5020 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-6166; 2065 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-6321
\n\tSilver\u2014JB Hudson, Galleria, 612-274-7181
\n\tBronze\u2014Continental Diamond, 1600 Utica Ave. S., Mpls., 952-593-5602
<\/p>\n
Local Shoe Store<\/p>\n
Trust us\u2014if you\u2019ve got an upcoming trip filled with hiking or city walks\u2014come here for your kicks. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Mill City Running, 411 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-378-6001; 767 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-330-3649
\n\tBronze\u2014Red Wing, 16 MN locations, 800-733-9464
<\/p>\n
Luxury Home Goods Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Ampersand, Galleria, 952-920-2118
\n\tSilver\u2014MartinPatrick 3, 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329
\n\tBronze\u2014Vivid Home, 100 2nd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-874-3282; Galleria, 952-855-7581
<\/p>\n
Men\u2019s Fashion Boutique<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Jaxen Grey, 226 Washington Ave. N., Mpls.; Galleria, Ridgedale Center, Woodbury <\/p>\n
Insider tip: Upstairs at the North Loop location, Jaxen Grey has a clearance room. <\/p>\n
Outdoor Furniture Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Room and Board, 7010 France Ave. S., Edina, 866-401-7785; 4600 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley\u00a0
\n\tSilver\u2014By the Yard, 3283 Bluff Dr., Jordan, 877-220-0448; 8046 Wedgewood Ln. N., Maple Grove, 763-496-1019; 9140 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, 651-386-1485
\n\tBronze\u2014Yardbird, 451 Industrial Blvd. NE, Mpls., 877-927-2846\u00a0
<\/p>\n
Outdoors\/Recreational Store<\/p>\n
Paint Store<\/p>\n
Record Store<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-870-9300
\n\tSilver\u2014Down in the Valley, 8020 Olson Memorial Hwy., Mpls., 763-544-0033; 13633 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, 763-420-7451
\n\tBronze\u2014Cheapo Records, 2600 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-827-8238; 71 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-644-8981; 170 89th Ave. NE, Blaine, 763-574-2308
<\/p>\n
Shopping District<\/p>\n
Shopping Mall<\/p>\n
Tile Store<\/p>\n
Vintage Clothing Store<\/p>\n
The perfectly organized collections upstairs are full of treasures that span eras and decades. <\/p>\n
Silver\u2014Rewind, 2852 NE Johnson St., Mpls., 612-788-9870
\n\tBronze\u2014Up Six Vintage, 189 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-917-0470
<\/p>\n
Vintage\/Antiques Shopping District<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Stillwater
\n\tSilver\u201450th & Xerxes
\n\tBronze\u2014Selby & Fairview
<\/p>\n
Women\u2019s Fashion Boutique<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Evereve, 8 MN locations, 877-290-6262
\n\tThe beauty here is the curated mix of private-label and notable department store brands.
\n\tSilver\u2014Sweet Ivy, Galleria, 952-456-6598
\n\tBronze\u2014Jenny in the City, 520 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 612-471-6346
<\/p>\n
Weddings\u00a0+ Events<\/p>\n
Planning your perfect day or a party to remember? Our readers are your BFFs and weighed in on their favorite resources\u2014all tried and true.<\/p>\n
Bridal Boutique<\/p>\n
Caterer<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Chowgirls, 336 NE Hoover St., Mpls., 612-203-0786 <\/p>\n
Chowgirls keeps its menus seasonal so they always feel fresh and of the moment. <\/p>\n
Dessert<\/p>\n
DJ<\/p>\n
Event Space<\/p>\n
When you want classic, old-school elegance, the capital city is calling. <\/p>\n
Events Planner<\/p>\n
Florist<\/p>\n
Hairstylist<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Sloane\u2019s Beauty Bar and Medspa, 3617 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-922-0219; 44th & France, Excelsior & Lake, North Loop
\n\tSilver\u2014Lady Vamp Artistry, 777 Smith Ave. S., St. Paul
\n\tBronze\u2014Urban Village SalonSpa, 134 Western Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-330-8404
<\/p>\n
Jeweler for Engagement\/Wedding Rings<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014R.F. Moeller Jeweler, 5020 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-6166; 2065 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, 651-698-6321
\n\tSilver\u2014Shane Co., 11300 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-546-2900; 8404 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, 651-702-9900
\n\tBronze\u2014Tiffany and Co., Southdale Center, 952-922-0066
<\/p>\n
Makeup Artist<\/p>\n
Menswear<\/p>\n
Decades ago, Anthony Adler resurrected the roots of his great-grandfather and grandfather\u2019s business to bring timeless wares and style to today\u2019s gents. <\/p>\n
Mother of the Bride Apparel<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Nordstrom, MOA, 952-883-2121; Ridgedale Center, 651-900-6800
\n\tSilver\u2014Wedding Shoppe, 1196 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-298-1144
\n\tBronze\u2014DUGO, 3939 Market St., Edina, 952-746-4440
<\/p>\n
Photographer<\/p>\n
Private Dining<\/p>\n
The private dining space at Mr. Paul\u2019s has its very own bar where you can belly up for a Sazerac. <\/p>\n
Services + Essentials<\/p>\n
Home repairs? Financial services? Wellness experts? The people have spoken\u2014here are their top picks worth adding to your little black book.<\/p>\n
Auto Dealership<\/p>\n
Bank<\/p>\n
Barbershop<\/p>\n
You can\u2019t go wrong with any of these classic barbershops! C\u2019mon, live a little with a cut and a shave. <\/p>\n
Cosmetic Dentistry<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014St. Paul Family Dentistry, 1050 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-488-5522
\n\tSilver\u2014Holger Dental Group, 17601 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, 952-222-5266; 120 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-238-5102
\n\tBronze\u2014New Brighton Family Dentistry, 2459 NW 15th St., New Brighton, 651-631-3100\u00a0
<\/p>\n
Cosmetic Dermatology<\/p>\n
Located at International Market Square\u2014schedule your service around lunch in the eight-story atrium. <\/p>\n
Credit Union<\/p>\n
Custom Closets<\/p>\n
Organization goes beyond the closet\u2014hello, pantries, laundry spaces, and project rooms. <\/p>\n
Custom Home Builder<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Hartman Homes, 865 Hartman Cir., Hudson, Wisc., 715-377-1555
\n\tSilver\u2014Sustainable 9, 3511 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-234-4194
\n\tBronze\u2014John Kraemer and Sons, 4906 Lincoln Dr., Edina; 240 Minnetonka Ave. S., Wayzata, 952-935-9100
<\/p>\n
Estate Law Firm<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Schromen Law, 319 Ramsey St., St. Paul, 651-571-2515
\n\tSilver\u2014Stone Arch Law Office, 6009 Penn Ave. S., Mpls.; 683 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 612-712-5191
\n\tBronze\u2014Sandahl and Damhof, 3500 American Blvd. W., Bloomington; 203 Cooper Ave. N., St. Cloud, 612-448-3898
<\/p>\n
Family Law Firm<\/p>\n
Fitness Club<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Life Time, multiple metro locations\u00a0
\n\tSilver\u2014YMCA, multiple metro locations, 612-230-9622
\n\tBronze\u2014Planet Fitness, locations throughout MN
<\/p>\n
Fitness Studio: Boutique<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014The Grind Mpls, 323 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-466-1376; 3944 Market St., Edina, 612-919-7273
\n\tSilver\u2014Orangetheory Fitness, multiple metro locations
\n\tBronze\u2014R\u00eave, 775 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 120 N. 1st Ave., Mpls.
<\/p>\n
Full-Service Spa<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Watershed Spa, 514 SE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-331-4182
\n\tSilver\u2014Spalon Montage, 3909 Market St., Edina; 600 Market St., Chanhassen; 8375 Seasons Pkwy., St. Paul, 952-915-2900
\n\tBronze\u2014Woodhouse Spa, 1595 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, 651-432-0047; Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Woodbury
<\/p>\n
Hairstylist<\/p>\n
HVAC<\/p>\n
Interior Design Firm<\/p>\n
Though Ellington and Co. is relatively new, the principal designers here have been making the Twin Cities beautiful for decades. <\/p>\n
Landscaper<\/p>\n
Did you know the Tangletown folks run the restaurant, Wise Acre, across the street? <\/p>\n
Laser Hair Removal<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, 3601 Minnesota Dr., Edina, 952-920-6545
\n\tSilver\u2014Mill City Laser, 322 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-900-0204
\n\tBronze\u2014TC Skin and Laser, 10260 Viking Dr., Eden Prairie; 234 Water St., Excelsior, 612-419-2252
<\/p>\n
Med Spa<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Petal and Stem, 796 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 12-615-7836
\n\tSilver\u2014Sloane\u2019s Beauty Bar and Medspa, 3617 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-922-0219; Edina, Excelsior & Lake, North Loop
\n\tBronze\u2014Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, 3601 Minnesota Dr., Edina, 952-920-6545
<\/p>\n
Outdoor Space<\/p>\n
Pain Management Clinic<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014Twin Cities Pain Clinic, 6 metro locations, 952-234-8580
\n\tSilver\u2014Nura, 7400 France Ave. S., Edina; 2104 Northdale Blvd. NW, Mpls.; 707 Bielenberg Dr., Woodbury, 763-537-6000
\n\tBronze\u2014Minnesota Spine Institute, 2780 Snelling Ave. N., Roseville, 612-712-9203
<\/p>\n
Remodeler<\/p>\n
Roofing Company<\/p>\n
Sauna Studio<\/p>\n
Watershed helped take sauna and bathhouse culture to the next level in the TC. <\/p>\n
Senior Living<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014English Rose Suites, 6 metro locations, 612-368-5547
\n\tSilver\u2014Ebenezer Senior Living, locations throughout MN, 612-874-3460
\n\tBronze\u2014Arbor Lakes Senior Living, 12001 80th Ave. N., Maple Grove, 763-575-7021
\n\tBronze\u2014Friendship Village of Bloomington, 8100 Highwood Dr., Bloomington, 952-831-7500
<\/p>\n
Solar Power<\/p>\n
Gold\u2014All Energy Solar, 1264 Energy Ln., St. Paul, 800-620-3370
\n\tSilver\u2014TruNorth Solar, 3735 N. Dunlap St., Arden Hills, 612-888-9599
\n\tBronze\u2014MN Solar, 9841 13th Ave. N., Plymouth, 320-444-5696
<\/p>\n
Teeth Whitening<\/p>\n
Tree Service<\/p>\n
Veterinarian<\/p>\n
Wealth Management<\/p>\n
Window Company<\/p>\n
OK, Twin Cities, that\u2019s a wrap! Didn\u2019t see your favorites here? Keep your antennae up for our 2027 Call For Nominations later this year. We want to hear from you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hey, Twin Cities! Our Best Of list got a lot bigger this year\u2014now, with 160 categories, there\u2019s even more to celebrate (and discover!) around town. Last year, we broadened our annual Best Restaurants Readers\u2019 Poll by adding retail, arts, culture, entertainment, and services; for 2026, we added even more. How it works: We started collecting<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":48685,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[2554,1505,2806,304,69,4075,4073,4071,4074,4072,4658,37227,192,262,7807,1900,4656,150],"class_list":["post-48684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-minnesota","tag-best-restaurants","tag-community","tag-drinks","tag-features","tag-food-drink","tag-minnesota","tag-minnesota-dining","tag-minnesota-food","tag-minnesota-grocery-stores","tag-minnesota-restaurant","tag-mpls-st-paul-editors","tag-museums-and-galleries","tag-news","tag-nightlife","tag-readers","tag-shopping","tag-the-lists","tag-things-to-do"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/vive.im\/@dc\/117415178615574826","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48684"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48684\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}