Over the last couple of years, I have visited Surdyk's less and less (but probably won't stop until…read morethey no longer carry the one wine only they seem to have). Compared with the other two wine stores I frequent (one big box and one independent, both in uptown), it's so much less friendly and the "consultants" seem less knowledgeable than me. The other day, I asked two ostensibly "wine consultants" about the difference between two producers of red Burgundy (at about the same price point), and neither knew. So I didn't buy either (but went uptown to another place where the consultant easily explained between two producers and then suggested an altogether different one, based on my preferences). Today, I did a pickup of my favorite plus some beer, went into the store, and the tall blonde woman was downright abrupt. Really, do better.

The cheese shop is phenomenal. Such an awesome selection. Liquor has great service. Always helpful…read morestaff.

Kramarczuk's was my first time trying Ukrainian food, and they have a lot of easily accessible…read moreoptions, so I didn't know what to get and just trusted them. I got the borscht soup, and they complemented it with bread. It's a nice flavorful soup. I went during summer, but during the winter this would definitely hit the spot. My favorite was the cabbage roll with tomato sauce. I got half tomato and half onion, but the tomato sauce was my favorite part. I also had to get a perogi. I've had a couple of these before, but this one tasted amazing. I didn't try any, but they also have hot dogs made with their sausages, and I had some at the Twins game, so I'm assuming they taste amazing too. Service is great, and it's all cafeteria style.

A TC institution! Excellent meat shop. Solid cafeteria style restaurant…read more The goulash is really good comfort food, worth getting some to take home. The mushroom pierogi are so also good, but sadly only available for eat in. Otherwise, most of the menu is available for takeout. The booth seats are old, so a bit saggy, so that's good to be aware of that if you have issues with seating and plan to eat at the restaurant (older folks, people with back problems, this is for you...).

They have both a liquor store and a deli on location. I usually start with a walk through the…read moreliquor store where they have a nice selection of wine and beer. As well as a nice mix of whiskey with a few harder to find bourbons from time to time. I then move to their deli where they have a nice mix of meat and cheese. There is also a small seating area around the back of the deli where you can eat and enjoy a glass of wine on location. The staff here is wonderful as they seem happy to help and are knowledgeable about the products sold.

I love this place. The wine and spirits side is open and airy with a comfortable feel. The staff is…read morepretty knowledgeable about just about anything, and I have never been steered wrong in a recommendation when I could not make up my mind. My favorite side is the cheese/deli side. I enjoy Surdyk's, but they seem to have cut back on their product offerings, so I have been coming down here to France 44. They have a wonderfully curated selection of cheese of all varieties. You want soft cheese. If you are unsure of a cheese you might be interested in, the cheesemongers will certainly provide you with a description, and even allow you to sample before you buy. To complement your cheese, there is a nice array of cured meats, crackers, olives, etc to add to the cheese-eating experience. One thing I would add is that this establishment is not unlike shopping at Target. You enter to pick up one or two items, and you leave with much more than you intended.

An actual Scandinavian Meat shop (and gift shop)…read more Full Stop. (also, the meat shop only takes cash or check, so be prepared) It was our family reunion - all the kids and grandkids. We did the American Swedish Institute, then hit Ingebretsen's for dinner supplies. What a great choice. Six types of herring. Swedish Meatball Meat. Julekage. Limpa Rye. Scandinavian sausages and cheese. Store made Lefse. Candy, Fish, Crisp Breads, Lingonberry jam. We loaded up, wheeled to my daughters house, and had a wonderful family meal.

A couple of observations from yesterday in both the food market and the gift store that may help…read moreyour business. I came yesterday with 3 girl friends to buy some provisions for the Norway vs England soccer FIFA game. Butcher was very helpful with the regular sarcasm they can dish out but I also feel I might have gotten scammed with my cash payment that is required. It could have been my error but something felt strange in our transaction. Then four of us were in the gift store at the check out counter and a gentleman walked in and asked if cash was required for the food just in the coolers right inside the door and the woman answered that in the market it was but I am not sure she answered his actual question. he immediately turned away and left as we all attempted to say they have a cash machine in the store but no mention from the gift store sales person. I felt sorry for him. We all enjoyed our items we did purchase but unfortunately Norway did not win but they did put up a good fight.

Been stopping by Nelson's for years! Need the perfect lunch...look no further!…read more Street parking available nearby! This is a no frills, but well-oiled machine of a deli! The line is usually out the door during the lunch rush, but don't worry...they'll get you through quick! Well-staffed with people that are excited to see you and excited to make you something delightful! Sandwiches (warm or cold) and salads are the name of the game! Choose your line, order it up as is or custom, and grab your soda/chips to make it a meal and you are set! On my latest visit, I had the Old Fashioned, which was perfect! Made a few swaps including a french roll, no tomatoes, add pickles! Perfect lunch size, great value, and quality ingredients! There's a reason people will wait in line for this spot! I can't recommend it enough!

Favorite lunch spot in the metro! Nelson's serves sandwiches (hot and cold), salads, pasta salads…read moreand even specialty hot dogs! Their sandwiches are fresh and delicious! Huge portions too! The lunch combo is my go to. They have limited hours and usually a line at peak lunch hour but it goes super quick. The staff is always friendly and they have never messed up an order of mine! The store itself has a small parking lot but there is no seating available inside. They are located just a block or two away from Como park which has picnic tables available to have a nice lunch outside!

We haven't been there for several years. We always bought the Russian Red Caviar. It was so good!…read moreWe will go back!

Great options from sardines and smoked mackerel(Tik Tok trend!) to garlicky Korean carrots and…read moreNapoleon cake that you must try!!! Take your time to walk up and down the aisles and don't be scared to grab something that looks "unusual" in American culture. You will be happily surprised!! Grab one of each candy, a jar of marinated tomatoes, some frozen pierogis...etc and have a fun night with friends trying new treats. Stop by the deli counter yet and get some cheeses and meats for a charcuterie board! Don't be put off by the lack of customer service, they are busy stocking and ringing up customers. It is a small and family run store happy to have your support.

Ok. I am never satisfied when I enter or leave here. I worked in this industry. On many levels…read more From server and bartender to running a 4 Diamond Grand Award Property "behind the Redwood Curtain" to writing Food & Wine. Now I'm retired. I like Sangria and Irish Whiskey. I have my regular shop. But every now and then, In a Pinch, I hit up downtown Haskell's. Never Fails. The staff there seems miserable and seems company. I was in today. Treated like a turd in a punch bowl. The true face of Minnesota Nice - Haskell's. A reeking vertical grin. Spend your ducats elsewhere.

There's a lot of great alcohol and knowledgeable service packed into this relatively narrow and…read moresmall space. It was actually overwhelming at time and all I was doing was asking about Imperial Stouts in what I thought were a few extra minutes on my way from A to B. I came in looking for Dark Fatha (Bent Brewstillery) and received an in-depth explanation of why they didn't carry it at the time. That segued into a discussion of related beers, which ended up with my purchase of a bottle of Surly Darkness that cost more than most bottles of non-wine clue wine that end up in our house. And based on the respect this place places on their wine, beer, and liquor, I'll "uncork" my Surly accordingly.

It's their annual Nickel Sale and I stopped in for a certain brand of wine that is currently "on…read moresale" (a Sicilian red wine I discovered a few years ago in a grocery store outside of San Francisco). I was inside the store for a minute or two, just browsing, and then a gentleman asked whether he could assist me. I made my request and he brought me right over to what I was looking for and offered a few bits of info about his experience with the wines. We were simpatico. Over time, I've always had wonderful experiences with the staff at this store and I love coming in here.

From the owner: Best selection of wine, spirits and beer from around the world.read more