As a Realtor one thing I hear from my “city” clients considering a move into the suburbs is that there are no “local” restaurants in the burbs’. Everything they see is a chain restaurant. While chain restaurants are fine (I love Panera-yum) my clients also want restaurants with that local-unique feel like they have in the city.
Having moved from Minneapolis into Eden Prairie myself, I can relate to what my clients are saying. On the other hand, once I gave it a chance, I discovered many local restaurants with that unique, one of a kind feel I craved and missed.
In Eden Prairie alone, there are quite a few contenders. To start with, who doesn’t know and love Lions Tap. It’s a Eden Prairie landmark right on Flying Cloud Drive. Tasty burgers and fries, what’s not to like? Lions Tap-16180 Flying Cloud Drive
Wowsie! Teque Arepa- 7733 Flying Cloud Drive has awesome Latin American food. That’s all I can say is people, get out there and try this place! It is fantastic! Empanada’s, Burritos and of course over 15 types of Arepa sandwiches to choose from (think bread that is corn based and resembles an English muffin cornbread.) Top it off with a smoothie.De-licious! Excellent, helpful service too.
Bakers Ribs-8019 Glen Lane-awesome down-home Texas style BBQ. I love the ribs, but my favorite is the beef brisket or pulled pork sandwich. Don’t forget the beans! They are always so friendly here you feel like one of the family.
I really enjoy Indian cuisine and Indian Palace-936 Prairie Center Drive offers a fantastic buffets lunch and a lovely sit down dinner. Freshly made food, good flavoring and the naan bread, Wow! I hear that Indian Spice House-8445 Joiner Way- has a great lunch time buffet too.
For a special evening out, try Campiello-6411 City West Pkwy. Sip a glass of wine, have some Steamed Mussels in Parmigianino Cream and enjoy the serene atmosphere and excellent service. For dinner, the Balsamic Glazed Ribs, tops my list of favorites and don’t forget the desert… yum! This D’Amico restaurant is open for lunch as well.
Want a quick bite? Don’t forget the gas stations! Really, I am not kidding! Greek Grill and Fry-8795 Columbine, my mouth waters as I think of the delicious Gyros. This is a very popular grab and go lunch spot.
Can you say Pho? I love this Vietnamese specialty soup and Taste of Asia- 12619 Valley View Road, has one of the best in town. Not in a gas station, but adjacent to Super America this is another hidden gem. Tucked away in the warehouse district, Eden Vietnamese-7130 Shady Oak Road is another tried and true Eden Prairie favorite.
Off to Mexico with Mama Aurelia’s-16388 Wagner Way. We’re lucky to have this fresh, delicious homemade Mexican restaurant right in the heart of Eden Prairie. Everything is good here from the fajita’s to taco’s.
Right next door is Tavern 4 & 5-16396 Wagner Way. A local pub with a modern somewhat hip atmosphere. Very popular at Happy Hour, people love the beer battered onion rings and tater tots. Rotating taps are both local and international and if your into Bourbon why not take a trip with the “Bourbon Flight.”
I can not forget Crumb-7910 Mitchell Road. As a Realtor I have ordered the sandwich platters and big bowls of salads several times for my Broker Open House’s. Rave reviews always follow. I love the Balsamic Chicken sandwich. Stop by JJ’s Coffee & Wine Bistro right around the corner- 7942 Mitchell Road and try the Coffee MJ.
Don’t forget Pizza! For take out or delivery Gina Maria’s-7416 Mitchell Road is a Eden Prairie
standard. If you want to sit down and enjoy your pizza (pasta too) the local family owned Detello’s Pizza and Pasta-6207 Dell Road, serves up yummy food in a kid friendly atmosphere.
Now maybe these places are not truly “local” but I am glad to see them come to burbia’. The all time favorite Punch Pizza-8353 Crystal View Road has one of the best Neapolitan pizzas out there and the St. Paul favorite, Red’s Savoy Pizza-582 Prairie Center Drive is now in Eden Prairie too.
In that same line of thinking, Sawatdee Thai Restaurant-13300 Technology Drive is another St. Paul and Minneapolis favorite now venturing into Eden Prairie and other suburbs. I love their Pad Thai and Spring Rolls.
Up next the little Somalian “take and go” restaurant/grocery store located in a strip mall on Anderson Lakes Parkway. I haven’t tried this place yet, but have enjoyed Somalian stuffed Flat bread-sabayaad, and sambusa before on my travels. I look forward to trying this place out.
See? Dining in the burbs can be unique and fun! You just have to look. There are a whole lot more local, Eden Prairie eateries to try out and don’t get me started on other suburban cities. Minnetonka: Hey…Golden Nugget and Yo-Yo Donut, Coffee Bar & Creamery-the best ice cream in town, Hopkins: Nacho’s Mexican Grill and Hoagies Grill for breakfast, Chanhassen:Na’s Thai Café and Axel’s…and well, on and on…
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