rosevillefoodfan

Keys is a great choice for low-priced eats in a typical diner atmosphere. There are many locations around the Twin Cities metro, but the Roseville one tops my list in terms of best dining experiences. They have a very expansive menu, offering up breakfast favorites (great eggs!) to lunch choices (soups are terrific, sandwiches fresh) to dinner options. I’ve never had a bad meal at Keys; the only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is that the food doesn’t really stand out. It’s good, but not the best you’ll ever have.
Pro: Lots of choices, inexpensive
Con: You might have to wait for a table, and going in the evening risks finding the bakery out of their tasty rolls and cookies

The Loon sits in a prime location in downtown Minneapolis where patrons enjoy drinks and sandwiches before Timberwolves games and shows downtown. But the real winner here is the chili. The Loon has lots of varieties, and I’ve tried them all; if you like chili, you have to stop in and try it. Get there early though, by 7:30 or 8:00 the place gets pretty crowded.
Pro: Best chili in town
Con: Can be busy and loud

Pizza Luce is a classic choice for pizza in downtown Minneapolis. Just blocks from First Ave. and Target Center, the location is great for pre-show or pre-game meals. The pizza is outstanding, as are the sandwiches. If you like artichokes, try the hearts they pile on the pies here; the only regret you’ll have is not doing it sooner. I have noticed that sometimes when I swing by for a bite before a Wolves game the bartender looks hopelessly overworked, and patrons sometimes wait long periods for their bar drinks. If you’re just in the house for the pizza, however, you shouldn’t have any issue with the service.
Pro: Good pizza, sandwiches
Con: Often busy, bar understaffed

Pizza Nea is usually regarded as one of the better pizza joints in the Twin Cities. If you like Neapolitan pizza, you’ll find something you enjoy here. The Margherita is a classic, though be sure to try the white pizzas as well. I didn’t love the caesar salad, but my companion liked the caprese salad. Prices are fairly inexpensive, and parking abounds; this is a nice spot to stop by in NE Minneapolis.
Pro: Inexpensive, classic Neapolitan pizza
Con: Bad caesar salad

I’ve only been to French Meadow for breakfast and lunch, but it’s always been so good that visiting here for dinner is on my short list of things to do. There are a host of vegetarian and vegan options, but I almost always go for one of their terrific wraps. The chicken caesar wrap is as good an interpretation of that dish as I’ve ever had. Don’t go here in a time crunch, though: seating can be hard to find and service can be slow. Also, their beverages are overpriced compared to their food.
Pro: Organic choices, great wraps
Con: Long waits, expensive beverages

Barbette is a nice choice for locals who support organic and local farmers, as the restaurant uses such ingredients whenever possible. In addition, you’ll be treated to a nice atmosphere which often includes live music by some pretty notable local acts. The menu is French-inspired, and I can personally recommend the duck. The only complaint I hear when I bring people here is how limited the menu is; be sure to check it over before you bring a date here.
Pro: Nice atmosphere, including live music
Con: Limited menu choices

I’ve been to Pazzaluna on many occasions ranging from romantic nights out to family meals to wine and dessert with friends. Their pasta is terrific, the wine list fairly decent, and the desserts top notch. Located in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Pazzaluna can make a great date spot on the right night; but be warned: if there’s a Wild game over at the arena, this place is going to be swarming with loud-mouthed sports fans. Plan accordingly.
Pro: Very good pasta, nice wine selection, good date spot
Con: Though the restaurant can feel romantic on a quiet weeknight, it is overrun with loud hockey fans and suburban theater-goes on the weekends

Curran’s serves typical diner fare but for very inexpensive prices. I’ve been there over a dozen times, and I cannot recall an instance in which I paid more than $8 for lunch or breakfast. They make a good omelet, but my favorite meal here is the hot beef plate: a tasty roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy for under $6! I also have to commend the staff; it’s typically busy, with lots of kids and demanding elderly patrons, but they manage to always show up to refill your coffee or get you whatever you need. Perhaps the only downside to a joint like this is that it’s bound to be busy, and getting seated on a Sunday can be near-impossible.
Pro: One of the most inexpensive meals to be had in Minneapolis, terrific and friendly staff
Con: Can be hard to find a seat on weekends; loud

Rocco’s Pizza isn’t going to blow you away; it’s just straight-ahead, greasy, pizzeria pie. My favorite is the pepperoni, but if you like olives, try the green; Rocco’s are a little salty, but it goes well with the spicy sauce. Whatever you do, order the pizza fries, which is a pizza crust with garlic butter and cheese cut into strips and served with dipping sauce: I don’t think I’ve ever had a better appetizer at a pizza place. Probably the best thing about Rocco’s is the pricing and specials; they’re always running some deal, and students can get nice discounts, too. Don’t bother ordering delivery though; it has always taken much longer than I was told on the phone.
Pro: Cheap pizza, great pizza fries
Con: Slow delivery times

Of all the Chinese food options in Roseville, Chin’s is the one I go back to the most. The sweet-and-sour chicken is always cooked just right, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Don’t skip the soup, though; both the egg drop and the hot and sour are highlights, as are the eggrolls. Every noodle dish I’ve had has been good, though I’ve had mixed experiences with some of the veggie-heavy ones. Prepare to wait a while for your food, even when the restaurant is empty.
Pro: Fairly inexpensive, soup, eggrolls are great
Con: Service can be slow, some dishes are hit-or-miss