Fantastic concept all around! Located just 45-minutes from the Twin Cities, Nordic Harbor is a gem…read moreof a find offering overnight rooms, a market, rooftop patio and even pontoon rentals. My very first visit here was for Mother's Day when my mom suggested we check out the market and rooftop patio. I am so glad we did because I was instantly hooked by the entire experience from the cleanliness to overall transformation from a former beat down motel into a luxurious space. The market contains gelato, espresso drinks, cases of drinks from boozy to normal, Nordic Harbor apparel, frozen pizzas, little snacks such as cheese and meats and an opportunity to make your own charcuterie board. Think of the market as your home base or check in if you plan on renting a room. There is also a very nice bathroom in here. My favorite part? The intimacy. Nordic Harbor isn't trying to be the loudest, most overpopulated spot on the lake, rather, everything is crafted with intention and the Nordic theme of cozy and quiet in mind. I came back for Memorial Day weekend and did a 1-night overnight with a full 8-hour pontoon rental and everything was seamless. I booked every component of this trip online and it was even given a personalized call from the owner, Nic, when I had a few lingering questions. A special code will be provided via email to access your room on the lockbox as opposed to a key. Each room amplifies the Nordic "Hygee" concept mentioned above which includes a quaint space with no clutter. The room even comes with a binder book that helps describe the room layout with the goal of keeping clutter out. I appreciated the slippers, eye masks, Nespresso machines, dish wear, patio, coffee mugs, electric fire pit and quiet hours. Additionally, the entire bathroom was a vibe from the heated floors to the LED mirror to the hanging eucalyptus to the luxurious shower head and shower spray with full products available to use. This has been my favorite shower to date!! The market, outdoor patio and pontoon rentals are open to the public so there is a good chance that people you encounter might not necessarily be spending time overnight and that is the beautiful thing about this place! Our pontoon rental was seamless - zero issues. We had great assistance learning the ropes of the boat and then it was all very independent once the keys were given which we appreciated. Needless to say, I will be returning again for sure. Thank you, Nordic Harbor!

This was our first visit to Nordic Harbor as we'd heard about it from a few different people and it…read morewas great; we'll definitely be back! The roof top vibe was very fun and inviting. We enjoyed the blankets strewn throughout and the stunning view of the lake and sunset. The bar tender was very friendly and we enjoyed talking to her.

Sis and I took a last-minute Thursday late afternoon roadtrip up Hwy 8 due to a FB Marketplace…read morepickup. It was dinnertime and I asked the Seller a restaurant they recommend in the area. She told us The Northern and to make sure to order the cheese curds. Looking at the menu before hitting the road again, sis and I knew the place was for us: burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Pulling into the parking lot was easy. Even though looked full, we were still able to find a spot. I want to note the gorgeous view of the red barn/farm across from the pond when pulling in. I noticed a patio on the North side of the building, which would put this farm in your view. We did have about a 20 minute wait for a table for 2. The restaurant looked busy from what I could see. Once we were brought to out table, I then noticed that the bar seating was pretty much open. Had I known, we might have elected to just sit at the bar. However, I asked for menus right away so that we could at least ponder it during that 20 minutes. We were sat at a high top right near the kitchen door. Being able to see all the food come out, I changed my mind on what I was going to order almost 10 times. We asked for the cheese curds as soon as we were greeted by our waitress. OMGosh! They were in the shape of cubes, deep fried to golden perfection. The outside had perfect firmness from the fryer. The inside was gooey, salty white cheese. Perfect just by itself. It did come with a ranch dipping sauce that was just so yummy. It reminded me a seasoned sour cream. The waitress didn't know the brand of the cheese curds (ie. Ellsworth) but did say the ranch was homemade Sis ordered the Great Northern Burger with French fries. She's a fan of BBQ sauce, bacon and onion rings on a burger. Fries were nicely seasoned, long, soft and semi-skin-on (not crinkle or steak fries). Burger was huge and worth the $15.99 price tag. I settled on the BOTM, the Nacho Burger, with tator tots. Toppings included nacho cheese, Fritos chips, bacon, diced/sliced jalapenos. The tator tots were one of the best I've ever had. Again, seasoned nicely. And the perfect ratio of hard outside crunch to soft inside potato. The Nacho burger was huge too....and messy with the nacho cheese. The Fritos did get a little soggy at the end. The bacon was under the melted cheese. And there were plenty of jalapenos hidden under the meat patty. Those were easy to discard so I could control how many fiery peppers were in my mouth at one time. Was service slower than normal? Yes. Was the service friendly? Yes. Was it worth the wait? Also YES! I would definitely recommend (I already have to my coworkers.) for anyone who loves gourmet burgers. They also have a nice variety to the sandwich, wraps, tacos and flatbread menu. I will just have to take the 40 minute drive again to try something else.

Embracing my Swedish/ Norwegian side checking out the lovely town ofLindström today. Well known as…read morethe town with the teapot water tower just north of Forest Lake. Along with a tasty lunch in Chisago. @thenorthernlaketavern wrapped up our visit with a tasty lunch. We enjoyed the chicken and garlic flatbread, and a mushroom Swiss burger with tots. Uffdah what a fun day! Hoping everyone can find some Hygge in your days.

Always in search of a nice speakeasy experience, we came across Anoka Hardware Store while in…read moreMinneapolis before heading off to visit friends. It was a bit of a trek through rush-hour traffic from our hotel but so completely worth the trip. Discretely located through a door marked only by a red light above it we were warmly greeted by gentleman behind the hardware counter. We were prepared to answer with the password to let us in but for some reason it wasn't asked. No big deal. You are then sent through a door into the beautifully dimly-lit space of the speakeasy. There is plenty of seating, with small tables and some booths. We were shown to our table and greeted by one of the great, friendly hostesses. Drinks are ordered directly at the bar with one of the attendants. You immediately pay for your order which will then be brought to your table. Different but really a nice idea. The music was also nicely unique, with a mix of oldies from the 50's and 60's. An old black and white James Cagney movie played silently on one wall. In terms of the cocktails I have to say these are some of the most delicious and finely crafted drinks I've enjoyed. I began with the Start Your Engine, a delicious gin-based drink. My wife had an absolutely fantastic smoked Old Fashioned, smoked in a large box for a minute or two. Wow! Probably the best we've ever tasted. My second drink was another gin cocktail, the Last Word, which I'd been wanting to try for some time. A fine gin supported by green Chartreuse and lime, this was simply sublime. Highly recommended. The bar and menu is quite varied and extensive, so you're sure to find something to your liking. The space has a great vibe and mellow ambiance. Sufficiently dark, cozy and very nicely and eclectically decorated. Service was outstanding and informative. Reservations are recommended. Like many such places you are "limited" to 90-minute timeframes, which sometimes seems like not enough but ultimately works quite well. The quality of the cocktails, space and service all make for a really enjoyable time. Well worth many visits.

Minneapolis's best kept secret ;) a hardware store with a lot to offer. I especially enjoyed the…read morebeautiful charcuterie board and the breakfast at Tiffany's drink - wasn't too alcoholic, it was sweet and yummy. Ambience is spot on, a beautiful spot. Your reservation is timed, but you can hang out front afterwards if you'd like! Also, love the shovel supplies.

Stopped in for fried chicken lunch at the Stone Inn on a Wednesday. Had a long drive afterwards so…read moreskipped the beers on tap. Fried chicken was excellent. Good enough so that I changed dinner plans and skipped a favorite restaurant so I could eat my chicken leftovers for dinner instead. Off my beaten path but if even sort of in the neighborhood will return.

I'm always on the hunt for something a little different, normally when I'm in Minnesota I'd get the…read morewalleye but my friends suggested this place and wow! They have this chicken that is simply amazing. The place is typically Minnesota lake restaurant, the service was fast and friendly. I would eat here again and again.

Wonderful, intimate spot in Minneapolis. On our last night before returning home, Flora Room seemed…read moreas if it would fit the bill for our cocktail fix. Relatively easy to find, though you do have to hunt a little bit, Flora Room sits behind a nondescript metal door leading down a short hallway to the entrance. Take a long moment to allow your eyes to adjust if you're coming before sunset; this space is DARK. It's also perfect. Once your "night vision" kicks in you're surrounded by a nice bar, numerous bistro-style tables and booths. Candles adorn the tables creating a nice, cozy place to settle in for drinks. Once seated in comfortable chairs at a table, we were quickly greeted and provided with menus. The cocktail selection is relatively "small" but really nicely varied. Prices seemed a tad steep but frankly, given the quality of the drinks I'd say quite worth it. I started out with the Evita, a nice flavorful gin-base cocktail topped with a nice egg white foam. Very tasty. My wife opted for the Tapaculo, with gin, mezcal, pineapple, banana and bitters over ice. Also quite good. There are also bites available from the associated restaurant I can't recall the name of mine but I can say it was delicious. Bread-like bites with a really tasty dipping sauce. To close out the visit I selected Palo, a smoked aged rum cocktail that was really nice and rich. My wife chose the Nahualito with rum, walnut, amontillado and white chocolate. All should be on your radar. Flora Room really fit the bill for a nice, intimate speakeasy-style spot to spend time. Dark and cozy. Savory cocktails and friendly service will stand out and make you want to return. I know we'll seek it out if we return to Minneapolis again. I hope so.

Went on a Wednesday after dinner and it was surprisingly busy! There is valet parking, which helps…read morea lot I loved the moody greenery (dark green walls, floral prints). Our booth was comfortable and felt cozy. We had some snacks and drinks. The fries came out pipping hot (burned my fingers) and we ordered extra sauce for the second round because they were delicious. I also really liked the empanadas- they were filling with a nice amount of sauce. Two of our group also enjoyed they oysters (with optional add-on caviar). The bartender was able to customize my espresso martini to my taste (I like it creamy- I know, controversial). I will definitely be going back!

I tend to reserve 5 stars for like life changing meals, but this place is a 5/5 on a number of…read morefronts. A few notes to set the scene I went today for lunch on a lovely 70 degree Spring day after getting a haircut across the street to check some work emails, grab a beer and quick lunch to go order. Full disclosure: I'm slightly biased bc I grew up about a mile away and just moved home recently, so any cool vibey place in the old neighborhood has a special place in my heart. That said, it has a very cozy/hip neighborhood feel and understated sophistication for what is a pretty residential and quiet area of St Paul The 5/5 elements... Scott (who I think may be the owner?) is super cool, was serving/tending bar and running around to manage the patio while chatting me up & giving great recs on beer/food based on my half hearted description while I multi tasked on work nonsense. Awesome guy, and reason enough to check this place out The vibe/softly playing music and entrancing Twin Cities flyover footage playing in the background on the TV at the bar was oddly soothing Ordered brisket tacos, brussels sprouts, and fried chicken sandwich for myself + a friend to go. Yamahama, I'm not gonna cheat and double check the menu, but the brussels have a delicious umami flavor from either duck fat or facsimile that perfectly balances the acid from the balsamic/vinegar situation. Fried chicken sandwich is a KILLER, highly recommend. Friend loved the brisket tacos as well Highly recommend this place should you find yourself near Merriam Park in St Paul for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Must try spot. Cheers

The interior of this place is incredible, such a cute spot with moody lighting, intimate seating,…read moreand vibey music. It's a great place for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were good, and they also have a solid selection of beer on tap. The food portion are a bit small imo but I will say the Mac and cheese was pretty darn tasty!

Stopped in for a beverage... was greeted warmly and offered a table in the dining room or bar-side…read more I enjoy hijacking the TouchTunes so opted for the bar. Nice ambiance and good beer selection. Beer was cold and tasted as it should. Added steak bites and was pleasantly surprised. Tender, cooked perfectly -garnished with two sauces and onion strings. Will definitely return- menu selections are fantastic.

Reuben was overcooked. Corned beef was shredded and more resembled crispified leftovers more fit…read morefor hash than a sandwich. Fries were fine for what they are. Kid ordered the Cajun pasta. It's not a large portion for 24 bucks. And while the server didn't think it was overly spicy, it was more like hot Cheetos. Hot for the sake of hot and definitely not good for some tastes. One more chicken pasta, a side salad, and soup....add four drinks and the total came to $120 after the requisite credit card fee. After all this.....it's taken me 5 years of living in the are to try this place. It's gonna be another 5 years to try it again.

Through word of mouth, found this intimate gem that offers a dining experience once a month at…read moretheir establishment. The chef and bartender design and develop new and fresh ideas for the menu each month. The Prime Rib sandwich was a sell out hit. The wild mushroom flatbread was tasty and a nice crispy crust. The craft cocktail concoctions were especially enjoyable. Loved the Christmas Cookie cocktail with the sugar cookies dessert option. Will definitely be going back on another month.

Outstanding Restaurant!!!…read more Stonehouse Catering offers a "First Friday" where every first Friday of each month they have food and drinks. If you haven't been to a first Friday you are missing out! The food is to die for! I have to say my prime rib sandwich was one of the best I've ever had. What really pulled this dish together was the au jus sauce. The ahi tuna had a rich mix of textures and flavors. I had the maple old fashioned and the blend was delicious. The crème brûlée was amazing! A great treat to the end of our night. Would highly recommend! We will definitely come back to First Fridays at Stonehouse, and I would highly recommend this place to others!

Expect the unexpected. I was skeptical of the high reviews,…read morebut something about them made me want to try it. I was definitely not disappointed. The burgers are as good as everyone says. The bartender (Ashley) was awesome and a sweetheart. She was quite busy with the volleyball teams outside, but she juggled everything very well, First and foremost, it looks like a sports bar. Don't be put off by that, or an almost full parking lot. There is table service inside and there may be folks on the deck or playing sports outside. I didn't have a chance to try anything else but the pizzas look fantastic and quite a few were ordered by regulars, so they must be good. If you're in the area, I highly recommend this place!

Placed out in the country side, road house style environment. Offering outdoor seating, &…read morevolleyball courts. The waitress we had was very nice! After a rather long day of volleyball competitions my back was killing me, and mentioned needing to find a chair with some support, (she giggled) and said "she knows what I mean", as she was a volleyball girl herself. Ordered a sun tea, which they didn't really have but she had an idea, turned out to be the best iced tea I've had in a while.

Very good food, and a cool atmosphere. Service was also very…read moregood. We sat up at the bar and had the Bluefin tuna, pork belly rice bowl, and the Parmesan truffle fries. And for desert we had the Beignet croissant. And margaritas.

Stillwater Proper was really good! We stopped on a Friday…read moreafternoon for lunch and were seated right away. Our waiter was amazing! Super knowledgeable of the menu and drink list. I chose the walleye entree, my daughter had a burger, fries and Brussel sprouts. I wasn't that thrilled with the walleye but everything else was good. The restaurant itself was very clean and it was easy to find parking nearby. If it the area, I would definitely come by again.