The Loop West End - Carte

Petite Leon

➤ 3800 Nicollet Ave, 55409, Minneapolis, United States

Carte • Pub • Tapas • Drinks • Mexican

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"Been meaning to try this place out for a while. The wife and I met up with a friend for dinner on a Friday night. We had a reservation for 6 PM but were running late. Called the restaurant to let them know and they were very accommodating. Good start and already a pleasant experience with their customer service.Once we got there, we were seated right away and the server came over with waters and helped us decide on some drinks. She was super friendly and courteous. Ordered a couple of drinks to get the evening started.The place has a old school casual vibe. Bar seating with a bunch of tables and booths that gives a classy vibe without being pretentious.We ordered the Piquillo Peppers for a snack and then ordered a bunch of appetizers. The peppers stuffed with goat cheese were excellent. The eggplant tostadas we also very good although a little on the oily side. The beets had a great balance of flavors between the creamy whipped feta and the serrano. The broccoli was the weakest of the apps I felt. It wasn't bad but not really standout either.For entrees, we shared the Steak Frites and Pollo al Carbon. Both of which were good. Even though a lot of places make Steak Frites or a similar dish, the béarnaise aioli and bordelaise chili sauce that came with this were what set it apart. Definitely would have that again and this would be something that would come to mind whenever I think of Steak Frites. The chicken was moist, cooked perfectly, boneless while retaining the shape of bone-in. The piri-piri sauce covering it had subtlety of flavor and enhanced the chicken in the best way. Definitely a delightful take on chicken.We finished off the meal by sharing a slice of the basque style cheesecake. Definitely a big enough of a piece to share between three people. I enjoyed the bitter basque style although it could have used a little more flavoring. The cream cheese overpowered the other flavors and even though the crumble helped, it wasn't enough.Overall, the service was great, most of the food was very good and the cocktails were enjoyable. I would go back for the peppers and the steak and give some of the other appetizers a try."

Colita

➤ 5400 Penn Ave. S, Minneapolis, United States

Carte • Tapas • Tex-mex • Mexican • Barbecue

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"Excellent! Charlie was a really good waiter. Was friendly without overdoing it and was right there when needed. Started with the Masa Crisp which had some amazing guacamole and salsa. Next we moved onto the tempura shrimp taco which was so crunchy and tasty that I could of eaten another plate full. The jalapeños are fried like the shrimp and almost end up sweet. Next was the chicken Tinga which was my husband’s favorite. A little heat and tender chicken combine for a tasty tostada. We also tried the pork ribs in the tamarind sauce. These were good, but we both preferred the other items we had much better. The carrot purée was outstanding though. It was like eating carrot air. Last thing I wanted to mention are the drinks. Tried two the heartbreaker and the Dani and both were delicious. My husband had the five suns and really enjoyed that one also. The way the drinks are presented is really special also. Lastly at Charlie’s recommendation we tried the churros....OMG you must try these. Warm churro with homemade caramel and dulce de leche cream. So good!!!"

Patisserie Margo

➤ 4510 Valley View Road, Edina, MN 55424, United States

Carte • Lunch • Bakery • Catering • Breakfast

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"I visited here with my toddler daughter for a quick snack and feel like I found a hidden gem. We tried their blueberry muffin. It was light and fluffy and not too sweet. Packed to the brim with blueberries too. I also got a small latte. In all the total came out to under $7, which is what a latte alone would cost you most places. I will definitely be back and I recommend people give this place a chance if you?re looking for a local coffee shop to support."

Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe

➤ 3403 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55408, United States Of America

Carte • Cafe • Gelato • Ice Cream • Ice Cream Shop

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"Title: A Scoop of Europe in Minneapolis: Sonny’s Ice Cream Café ReviewImagine walking into a bustling European alleyway, surrounded by jovial chatter and the scent of freshly churned ice cream. That's precisely the feeling Sonny’s Ice Cream Café in Minneapolis brings to life, transporting you across continents with just a step through its doors. Our experience at Sonny's warrants a hearty endorsement, a remarkable 4.5 stars out of 5.Sonny’s outdoor seating, nestled in a quaint alleyway, immediately evokes a feeling of European summers. The setting is perfect for those warm, languid afternoons where time seems to slow down, letting you savor each delicious bite of your chosen treat. If you're a dog owner, rest assured, your furry friends are most welcome in the outdoor seating area.Stepping inside, the café offers an extensive selection of ice cream flavors, a delightful dilemma for any sweet tooth. The staff are more than willing to let you sample, an opportunity we recommend you take to fully appreciate the range and depth of flavors on offer.The indoor setting is charming, with art adorning most of the walls, giving the café a vibrant and fun atmosphere. However, the interior lighting could use some enhancement to truly highlight the wonderful decor and art, as it leans towards the darker side, often driving patrons to the more lit outdoor area.The café frequently witnesses a steady stream of customers lining up, testament to the quality of Sonny’s ice cream, the unique ambiance, and efficient service. Despite the queues, the staff are quick to serve, ensuring a smooth and satisfying customer experience.In conclusion, Sonny’s Ice Cream Café is a must-visit if you find yourself in Minneapolis. Whether you're an ice cream aficionado, in search of a cool respite from a warm day, or simply seeking a unique, charming spot to relax, Sonny's ticks all the boxes. The magic they've spun with their European alleyway ambiance, art-filled interior, and delectable ice cream flavors is truly a treat to all senses. We hope to see a brighter interior in the future, for it's the only tweak needed in this otherwise stellar establishment."

The Dampfwerk Distillery

➤ 6311 Cambridge StreetMN 55416, St. Louis Park, United States

Carte • Pizza • Drinks • Cocktail • Beverages

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"If you haven 't been... go. If you 've been once... go again. It 's different and better every time. The cocktail lounge is cool, hip and funky without being pretentious. The team is knowledgeable, friendly, and beyond talented in their ability to match a cocktail to your particular tastes (e.g. You know what I feel like? ... The cocktails? Visiting multiple times is a must so you can try each of the offerings on their menu (which changes periodically . Each offering on the menu is remarkably complex, layered, and accessible. Every cocktail begins with one or more of their spirits, all of which are crafted onsite in gleaming copper and stainless steel at the attached distillery. They are mixed in front of you with fresh juices, teas, and bitters (again, all made onsite . I have been a regular, and I always have a little anxiety when the menu changes, and I have to say goodbye to old favorites. It usually takes no more than one or two visits to fall in love with the new, thematic offerings. Take some time, soak up the ambiance, chat with your bartender, nibble on a charcuterie board. Don 't leave without buying a bottle to take with you. The whiskey is beyond compare and the gins (all three of them! are sublime. As the weather grows chilly, the German herbal liqueurs are perfect in front of the fire. I keep a stock of The Pfeffersack and Pfefferminz as thank yous and gifts for friends. For those special people, a bottle of Rabbit in the Rye (pour an ounce and breathe deeply all is well . Pro tip, the bottles themselves are a work of art and make a great vase or a vessel for olive oil or home made maple syrup. So. If you 're looking for a great first date destination, or a refuge to treat yourself and let the stress melt off with a quick snack and a favorite craft cocktail, this is the place. You will not find anything like it in the cities. Why are you wasting your time reading this review. Enter the address in your google maps and jump in the car. If you see me at the bar, I 'll buy you a pour. Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board, Rabbit in the Rye, Chocolate Spirit Pairing, Flash Grilled Salmon"