Wine & Dine at These LGBTQ+-Owned Restaurants
Wine & Dine at These LGBTQ+-Owned Restaurants
By Jess Hoffert
Minnesota’s dining scene has never been more diverse, and we’re proud to feature a growing number of restaurants, breweries and other establishments helmed by members of the LGBTQ+ community. Show your rainbow pride by digging in at these awesome spots in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Duluth and beyond.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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Hot Indian
Hot Indian
Executive chef Janene Holig helps conjure up the magical flavor combinations at this kicky Indian quick-service spot. While it no longer has any brick-and-mortar locations, Holig serves her palate-expanding food seasonally at the Minnesota State Fair and a stand at Target Field. She also recently opened Bussin Birria at Mall of America, a spot that specializes in braised beef and chicken tacos that are filled with fried cheese and dipped into consommé.
Must try: The Indurrito made with house roti (flatbread), rolled up and stuffed with your choice of fillings. Go spicy with the lamb and pickled aioli.
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Joan's In The Park
Joan's In The Park
Susan Dunlop and Joan Schmitt’s fine dining treasure in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood feels classy without a hint of pretentiousness. Book early to score a table at the 40-seat, white-tablecloth restaurant, serving artfully plated four-course meals.
Must try: Save room for the signature brown butter pudding with chocolate caramel, whipped cream and citron salt.
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Muffin Top Cafe
Muffin Top Cafe
This chill coffee mecca near Minneapolis’ Loring Park just got a fresh makeover and gorgeous back patio, but don’t worry: Married owners Sam Turner and Dion Coker kept your faves on the menu. Full-bodied roasts and lightning flash-roasted espresso will give you the morning jolt you need.
Must try: You can’t go wrong with any of the namesake muffin tops, served in a rotating variety of flavors.
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Nicollet Diner
Nicollet Diner
Also owned by Sam and Dion, and adjacent to Muffin Top Cafe, the only 24/7/365 restaurant in Minneapolis whips up diner staples (think pancakes, burgers and thick milkshakes). The menu also offers craft cocktails, spiked shakes, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
Must try: The house-made biscuits and gravy are some of the finest in town.
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Lush
Lush
With a mission of creating an inclusive and welcoming space, LUSH has just one request: “Be kind and have a good time.” The lounge and theater serve up live music, drag shows and other live performances, plus a weekend drag brunch. A second location of Betty and Earl’s Biscuit Kitchen has opened at LUSH (the first is at Rosedale Center’s POTLUCK Food Hall), with a menu that includes a variety of “small plates,” salads, sandwiches and those signature handmade, fresh-baked, southern-style biscuits.
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Urban Growler
Urban Growler
Opened in St. Paul in 2014, the first women-owned microbrewery in the state features a bustling beer garden and a fabulous mix of traditional and specialty brews dreamed up by the team of Jill Pavlak and Deb Loch.
Must try: The Wisconsin perch fish fry (Fridays only) comes with sides of fries, slaw and pumpernickel rye bread. Pair it with the smooth Cowbell Cream Ale.
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Wise Acre Eatery
Wise Acre Eatery
Get a taste of rural Minnesota at this farmer-owned eatery in South Minneapolis. Scott Endres and Dean Engelmann raise grass-fed poultry, pork and beef, and grow produce year-round on their 142-acre farm in tiny Plato, Minn. It all makes its way to this Nicollet Avenue hotspot that continues to earn accolades.
Must try: Any of the veggie-centric tapas items, like beets with bean puree, sheep’s milk cheese, garlic chips and mint.
Duluth & The North Shore
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At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe
At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe
Married couple Barbara Neubert and Carla Blumberg have run this local institution since 2003, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, all with menus that highlight options for those with special dietary needs.
Must try: The melt-in-your-mouth salmon pesto omelet with house-smoked salmon, Havarti cheese, spinach and house-made pesto.
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The Boat Club
The Boat Club
Lake Superior views star at this fine dining spot owned by Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson. Part of the historic Fitger’s Brewery complex, the restaurant features daily happy hour specials including half-price tap beer, plus half off bottles of wine on Mondays.
Must try: The “world famous” lobster bloody mary with a petite lobster tail, sriracha bacon and other garnishes.
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Vanilla Bean Restaurant
Vanilla Bean Restaurant
Also owned by Jason and Jeff, this breakfast-all-day favorite has been open in Two Harbors since 1998; a Duluth outpost opened in 2018. Both locations serve riffs on Minnesota traditions such as wild rice porridge and walleye eggs benedict.
Must try: The cranberry club with turkey, ham, bacon, cucumber, tomato and spinach, all served on toasted cranberry wild rice bread slathered with house cranberry mayo.