Weekend Happenings: Good Eats In The SW Metro - Part I

Let's face it.  This time of year, late winter, is not Minnesota at its best.  By this time, most of us are up to our eyeballs with cold temps and bad roads.  They don't call it cabin fever for nothing.  And sadly, there's not much going on in the area as well.  It's as though everyone is holed up inside and toughing it out until those first green sprigs poke thier heads out. 

But this just happens to be the perfect time of year for a date night to our local area restaurants!  What better way to beat the blahs than to try some new and delicious local eateries.  And our SW metro area has some great places to eat.  We've compiled a list of some of the SW Metro's best restaurants.  Some are well known local favorites and others more obscure but definitely worth the try.  We'll be going alphabetically by town and will split this into more than one post since the number of eateries are so large.  So chack back regularly and if we've missed on of your local haunts, please comment and let everyone know!

Chanhassen

Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant
(952) 934-6126
7874 Market Blvd
Urban Spoon Rating:  90% (288 likes)
Cost:  $
In the mood for a Mexican getaway? With this local favorite, there’s no need to say adios and head South of the border. Feel the flavor and spice of Mexico in the heart of Chanhassen at Rey Azteca’s. Move to the Mariachi band as you munch on authentic dishes like Carne Asada, Burritos Rancheros and Enchiladas Supremas. Wash it down with one of their seriously strong Margaritas or toss back a shot of Tequila. Either way, this bustling bar and restaurant will have you feeling like a fiesta. - Source:  Metromix

NA's Thai Cafe
(952) 949-1125
566 W 78TH St
Urban Spoon Rating:  91% (212 likes)
Cost:  $$

Pleasant cafe in Chanhassen is one of the top Thai restaurant in the Twin Cities. So many options at NA's. Will have a hard time choosing what to eat at this excellent friendly overlooked family run place. There are 3 generations involved. It's lacking in ambience but makes up for it with tasty zesty good food. Curry is very good - especially the Fish Curry. Prices are reasonable. Food high quality. If you're going to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater - we would skip having dinner there, just get tickets and have your meal at Na's instead.  - Source:  Dan & Roxanne's Minnesota Eats blog


School II Bistro & Wine Bar (952) 949-0000 600 Market St Ste 170
Urban Spoon Rating:  91% (105 likes)
Cost:  $$

Coffeehouse, restaurant and music venue all wrapped up in one beautiful destination.  At a time when many venues are discontinuing music, the School II is forging full-steam ahead offering music four nights a week! Enjoy a full bar, wine and barista offering plus a beautiful menu. - Source:  Metromix



Chaska

Tommy's Old Fashioned Malt Shop
(952) 227-0263
2 Riverbend Place

Urban Spoon Rating:  84% (87 likes)
Cost:  $

Overall, Tommy’s accomplished what I believe they set out to be, a throwback joint that serves good classic burgers and malts. If I lived in Chaska I would end my nights at Tommy’s with my lady friend and ensure a happy end to the evening. - Source:  MN Food Bros. blog



Chaska My Love Restaurant

(952) 368-0350
127 W. 4th Street
Urban Spoon Rating:  90% (28 likes)
Cost:  $

You know a mexican place is good when it's filled with local latinos.  Chaska My Love serves up excellent, authentic mexican food at outstanding prices.  You won't find tacos filled with lettuce and cheese at this walk-up-and-order joint.  Located in a strip mall in downtown Chaska, come hungry and brush up on your spanish so you can read the menu.  Yeah, it's that authentic.

Eden Prairie

Lions Tap
(952) 934-5299
16180 Flying Cloud Dr
Urban Spoon Rating:  88% (924 likes)
Cost:  $

I'm in the process of updating my "Best Burgers" list and I may have to seriously think about adding the Lions Tap to my personal Top Ten favorite burgers. It's a little bit of a drive out to the Lions Tap, but the trip is worth it. The Twin Cities have a number of very good burger places, but the Lions Tap may be the best of them all.  - Source:  Road Tips blog


Wildfire Eden Prairie
(952) 914-9100

3020 Eden Prairie Center
Urban Spoon Rating:  89% (458 likes)
Cost:  $$$

The Wildfire restaurant serves American comfort food in a post-modern supper club attached to the Eden Prairie shopping mall. Upscale casual contemporary American steak chop & seafood supper club. Wildfire is a great place to get your red meat craving fixed - from crusted aged wood-fired grilled steaks, chops, prime rib to BBQ. Also does good chicken, seafood, big salads, pizzas and sandwiches. They cover a wide range of food options and price levels - from affordable pizza and sandwiches to high end meat cuts. Highlights: Burgers sandwiches pizza and salads for around $10.  Source:  Dan & Roxanne's Minnesota Eats blog


Punch Neapolitan Pizza
(952) 943-9557
8353 Crystal View Rd

Urban Spoon Rating:  86% (249 likes)
Cost:  $$

One of our favorites since moving to Minneapolis. The wood fired oven and fresh ingredients always come together perfectly. Always nice to be able to watch your pizza put together. The Punch salad is a must with the meal- just be sure you share!  - Source:  Urban Spoon review