Drink & Dine 2017

DRINK &DINE

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

Top breakfast spots near the University These classic breakfast joints make great alternatives to coffee and bagels on the go.

It’s 9 a.m. You’re awake with money in your pocket, and you’re incredibly hungr y — what do you do? Here are three recommendations for breakfast spots around campus that’ll change up your routine of bagels or McMuffins.

around campus not start with Al’s?

The Dinkytown staple has been around since the 1950s and ser ves classic breakfast food: Eggs, bacon, toast, waf fles and more. It’s not all that expensive, and it’s possible to walk out without spending more than $10.

There’s a catch, though. The restaurant only seats 12 people so tr y getting there early or be prepared to stand outside and wait awhile. The store’s hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. ever yday besides Sunday when it opens at 9 a.m., but it’s usually packed.

Al’s Breakfast, Dinkytown

Tony’s Diner, Dinkytown

BY MIKE HENDRICKSON mhendrickson@mndaily.com

Could any list about breakfast spots

This is another great place to eat

CARTER JONES, DAILY

Quinn Collins pays his server, Will Harris, at Al’s Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 25, 2017. Harris, a University alum, has worked at Al’s for six years. “I’m not using my degree because I enjoy working here so much,” Harris said.

breakfast near the University.

The restaurant has classic options plus seven dif ferent kinds of omelettes.

Tony’s Diner doesn’t just ser ve breakfast though, as it’s open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. They ser ve breakfast all day; if you want a Denver Omelette at 1:30 a.m., go here.

The prices can be a bit high for a college student, and it won’t be a quick process as it’s a sit-down restaurant, but it’s a good meal nonetheless and you can have breakfast whenever you want.

West Bank Diner, West Bank Live on West Bank and don’t want to commute on the other side of the Mississippi? This is a great option for a cheap breakfast. The meals are already inexpensive, but students get a 10 percent discount.

The diner opens at 7 a.m. and doesn’t close until 9 p.m. during the week and is open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Breakfast is served all day for the late risers.

The menu is creative with meals ranging from belgian waffles to beef hash.

Where to dine around campus when you want to class things up These three lavish dining options are a little spendy but so worth it for the food.

BY JOE CRISTO jcristol@mndaily.com

It’s likely that whoever is reading this ar ticle is strapped for cash. If you can af ford to go out, it better be cheap and come in huge portions.

But every once in a while, you probably crave something a little bit more nuanced.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Raising Cane’s as much as the next person. But “fancy” food and traditional American street food don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Here’s a list of all the best places to visit when you feel the need to live lavishly. u See LAVISH DINING Page 3

Thursday, February 9, 2017

University area has plenty of cheap bars for eclectic dive lovers Plus, it has arcade games and a pool table.

Cheap and eclectic bars with character can be found near campus for individuals 21+.

Grumpy’s Bar and Grill

BY RAJU CHADUVULA rchaduvula@mndaily.com

The best thing about turning 21 — aside from being able to drink and buy alcohol legally — is experiencing Minneapolis’ eclectic bar scene.

While bar-hopping can be costly, it’s fun, and few bars are as worthwhile as Twin Cities dive bars.

Dive bars have character, and life. And luckily the University of Minnesota area offers plenty of options.

Sporty’s Pub and Grill This bar is a popular haunt for residents of Southeast Como.

On the corner of Como Avenue Southeast and 22nd Avenue Southeast, this Sporty’s offers a rotating draft beer list as well as a solid menu of bar fare — solidifying Sporty’s rank as one of the area’s best dive bars.

While it’s a trek from campus, Grumpy’s is well worth the extra effort.

Located on Washington Avenue on West Bank across Interstate 35W, it’s a classic spot for those looking for a change of pace.

The bar area is attached with a narrow hallway on the side where local musicians often perform.

If casual ambiance with great beer choices and a makeshift porch is what you’re looking for, then Grumpy’s is your bar.

Near campus dining for more lavish, classy meals Lavish dining u from Page 2

Brewer’s Table

Brewer’s is one of those peculiar little restaurants called a “gastropub.” The food is either classic American with a twist or some futuristic brand of European flair.

It is expensive, but if you decide to forego the beer, the price is manageable and well-worth it.

DISHES TO TRY: Octopus, the short rib, the lamb tartare.

Viking Bar

Restaurant Alma

The Viking Bar re-opened last year and was met with a warm welcome from the campus community.

Always a popular spot for college students, the bar is located on West Bank next to Hard Times Cafe on Riverside Avenue.

Though this bar might be a little costlier than the other two, it’s still a solid choice for a Saturday night.

Restaurant Alma has an almost mythical stature amongst the foodie masses. It really is

ZACH BIELINSKI, DAILY

Viking Bar owners Patrick Johnston, Aaron Britt and Amy Britt pose for a portrait in their Cedar Riverside bar on the evening of May 28. The Viking Bar reopened under new management on May 25 after closing its doors 10 years ago.

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pretty good.

Don’t feel like paying for the “Three Course Prix Fixe” menu? The cheaper but noless classy Cafe Alma can satiate your taste for quality food for a lower cost.

DISHES TO TRY: Soft egg and caviar, cnion agnolotti, the scallops.

Caspian Bistro Caspian is not obviously “fancy.” The food is delicious and well-manicured, but it’s incredibly affordable.

Still, the food is so well-prepared that you may want to really dole out a lot of cash to try some of everything.

DISHES TO TR Y: Chelou kabab koubideh, the gyros entree, joojeh kabab.

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

Restaurants for when parents are picking up the tab If your parents don’t prefer students’ budget dining, check out these Twin Cities joints.

BY NATALIE RADEMACHER nrademacher@mndaily.com

When the rents offer to take you out to eat, choose wisely: This is your chance to break out of the budget-friendly places near campus.

The Twin Cities has dozens of restaurants close

to campus that are a bit out of a poor college-kids’ budget.

To ensure your parents have a good meal when they come to visit — and to make sure you can properly enjoy parent-funded food — here are some restaurant suggestions that won’t be too hard on a parents’ bank account.

restaurant is only a few light rail stops away from campus. While Gordon Ramsey may not be there yelling at the kitchen staf f, the All-American food is still great. Along with breakfast ser ved all day, the restaurant also features their takes on local favorites, like hot cakes and Juicy Lucys.

Loring Pasta Bar

Kafe 421

This fancy Dinkytown restaurant is a per fect place to take the family when they come to campus. Besides delicious food, there is also live music enter tainment most evenings. The Dinkytown institution has a brunch buf fet on Sunday mornings, which is a great way to enjoy a nice meal with parents before they return home after visiting for the weekend.

Another campus favorite, this Dinkytown café is a quaint little restaurant that ser ves seafood, burgers, pasta and steak.

The prices can be a little spendy for a college student so it is a good place to go for special occasions.

“To ensure your parents have a good meal when they come to visit — and to make sure you can properly enjoy parentfunded food — [these] ... restaurant[s] won’t be too hard Hell’s Kitchen on a parents’ bank account.”

Located downtown, this delicious

Little Szechuan The Stadium Village restaurant is known for having authentic Chinese food. Named one of the top 50 Chinese restaurants in the

“The twin cities has dozens of restaurants ... that are a bit out of a poor college-kids’ budget.”

U.S. by CNN, this restaurant offers large entrees including authentic Chinese dishes and Chinese-American food. Whether you finish the entrée or end up with leftovers for later, you’ll be sure to get your parents’ money Dworth.

Milkjam Creamer y Located in Uptown, this ice cream shop can be a trek for students at the University. About half of the shop’s options are vegan, and all of the flavors have a unique twist, like the Uma Thurman or the Black. This trendy little shop is a fun place to go for dessert if you want to take advantage of your parents paying.

Instagram-worthy: Dining hall Daily tips on how to make your dining hall meal plan stand out on your social media feed.

most social media love out of your meal swipes.

BY MADDY FOLSTEIN mfolstein@mndaily.com

If you’re lucky enough to live near Centennial Hall, you’re probably well aware of the glories of late night dining.

At Late Night, you can expect pizza, tacos and ice cream — all the junk food you would crave in the middle of a cram session.

But this fare is often visually disappointing. Save the pizza ’grams for Lucé, babes.

Looking to impress your friends with a new Instagram post of all the great food you’re eating in the dining hall? Don’t have the funds to splurge on a truly good (looking) meal?

It’s OK — you can get by on the dining hall fare. Besides, the classic white plates make anything look chic.

Here are some tips for getting the

“... Brighter colors mean better Instagram posts.”

Avoid Late Night

Go for a sundae The soft-ser ve machines are tr uly the danger of the dining hall. Ever yone will — at some point during their freshman year — realize that, yes, they can have ice cream at any hour of the

day (provided that UDS has a working machine).

Pile on the toppings — lots of sprinkles, Oreo crumbles and chocolate drizzles — for a nicely-layered visual.

If you’re really feeling crazy, add whatever dessert option is available that night — brownies, cookies, etc. — for an even more decadent dessert.

Tr y “that dish” You know the stand that’s really trying to serve some semblance of real food instead of burgers and fries every night? Even though “real food” always seems to turn into a sad version of Indian or Mediterranean cuisine?

It might seem a little fishy, but I’ve seen way more fresh fruits, vegetables and colorful foods at that stand than at any others in the dining halls. Brighter colors mean better Instagram posts.

Your diet (and your feed) will thank me.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

University area locations to satisfy your sweet tooth These four places around campus are here for your next sugar-ladden craving.

BY DAVID CLAREY dclarey@mndaily.com

Lost in the endless healthy eating and fitness trends in the world today is one core need of every college student: sweet-tooth satisfaction.

Do you enjoy a kale and flax shake? Then this is not for you. But if you like the fine, sugary things in life, then this is for you. No matter what end of campus you live near, there’s a place where you can find a delicious snack for only a couple of bucks.

Meat and Dairy Salesroom – St. Paul Campus Tucked away on the oft-ignored side of

campus in the Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, you can find some of the best ice cream offered anywhere on campus.

A wide selection of cheeses and meats are available in the salesroom, but the real treat to pick up on here is the delicious ice cream — handmade by students, faculty and staff.

The money is used to fund research or facility maintenance, so you’re probably investing in the next dairy discovery.

Daily’s recommendation: The coffee cappuccino chip is to die for, but if coffee-flavored ice cream isn’t your thing, try out the salted caramel.

and low-cost treats. Word to the wise though, make sure you bring cash to pay — no cards allowed.

Daily’s recommendation: keep it classic with a vegan blueberry muffin. If you aren’t feeling the baked goods, take a chance on the fantastic french toast.

Annie’s Parlour - Dinkytown

This Dinkytown staple has been around for ages and offers up a classic diner experience.

Juicy burgers and fries are popular u See SWEET Page 8

Hard Times Café – West Bank Don’t fret if you’re a vegan, there’s options for you. This counter-culture coffee shop standout is known for a stand-offish staff, but don’t let that deter you from their wide assortment of baked goods.

The restaurant offers dozens of vegan

Bradley Taylor at Sss-Dude Nutz Donutz in Dinkytown Wednesday.

SAM HARPER, DAILY

Athletics facilities: Culinary gems These joints are for when your adrenaline is high and you are feeling adventerous.

BY EMILY POLGLAZE epolglaze@mndaily.com

Loud crowds, big plays and food — all are hallmarks of college game days.

With all of the stress and energy exerted, you’re going to get hungry in the midst of it all. You can plan ahead and fill up before the game, but sometimes concessions will have to do.

The usual suspects — hot dogs, soda, pretzels — are not difficult to find. Any concession area emblazoned with maroon and gold will likely have these options.

But what if none of that suits your mood? Maybe the adrenaline has you feeling adventurous and you’re ready to tr y something else?

The four main sports venues on campus — the Sports Pavilion, Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena and TCF Bank Stadium — all have other options that are worth seeking out if you’re feeling something unique to satisfy the mid-game hunger pangs.

Sports Pavilion With only small breaks in the action in most of the Sports Pavilion’s events, you may not have the time to babysit any actual food — this is where Maui Wowi comes in.

The smoothie stand, which is located behind section 108, often has long lines, but for good reason.

Mango Orange and Strawberry are the most common flavors and though a bit pricy, the smoothies are substantial in size and are a healthier alternative to options elsewhere.

Maui Wowi can also be found in almost all other sports venues with different flavors, so it’s always a stable option. The workers are also friendly and efficient, a good trade-off for the demand.

“The four main sports venues on campus — the Sports Pavilion, Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena and TCF Bank Stadium — all have other options that are worth seeking out...”

Williams Arena With the traditional feel of the Barn, stick with a staple — ice cream.

Kemps locations can be found at many of Minnesota’s venues, but the best are the two inside Williams Arena.

There’s a variety of flavors like strawberr y, mint chip and cookies and cream, and Kemps gives you bang for your buck.

For around $5 you can get a dish of ice cream with ver y generous scoops, the small mountain-type of generous.

The treat is just enough of a sugar rush at halftime to keep your your energy up.

Mariucci Arena A ver y distinct smell permeates the air in this building at every hockey game.

It’s warm, it’s comforting and sweet – all thanks to Go Nuts.

Go Nuts is a stand located on the west side of Mariucci’s concourse that won’t disappoint.

Similar to your typical roasted haunt, Go Nuts offers a variety of options, whether you prefer roasted or glazed, peanuts or almonds.

You can purchase a cone or elect to go bigger and take some home. Either should satisfy any sweet tooth.

If you find yourself a fan of the stand, not to wor r y: There’s also one u See ATHLETICS Page 8

Thursday, February 9, 2017

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

University area joints to satisfy your sweet tooth Sweet u from Page 6

here, but it’s impossible to ignore the retro tin can malts.

Daily’s recommendation: the strawberr y malt (or whatever flavor is your thing.) It’s more ice cream than anybody should have in one sitting, but you’ll only regret it when you are stuck on the couch for hours.

Sssdude Nutz – Dinkytown This eclectic doughnut shop offers the craziest doughnuts around campus and the names to boot. Relatively new to the area, Sssdude Nutz features ar tistic doughnut flavors and a laid-back atmosphere – you’ll frequently walk in on folks playing video games.

Daily’s recommendation: OH Fu$ck Yah! This donut is smothered in chocolate frosting but littered with toffee and a caramel drizzle. It’s an unbelievable donut experience.

Honorable mentions If you find yourself outside of the proximity of the U, don’t worr y. There’s plenty of other options, still within a short drive, that are worth a mention.

The Minneapolis-based Glam Doll Donuts recently opened shop in Nor theast Minneapolis and of fers an ar ray of crazy donuts, similar to Sssdude Nutz. They even of fer a mac-and-cheese donut.

If you want to find more ice cream there’s an array of choices, from the St. Paul- based Izzy’s Ice Cream Café; to Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream in Uptown.

This is all just a star t. Explore the dif ferent options close to campus and around the city. There’s bound to be a place to satisfy any sweet tooth need.

“Lost in the endless healthy eating and fitness trends in the world today is one core need of every college student: sweet-tooth satisfaction.”

Hidden gems of the University of Minnesota’s athletics facilities Athletics u from Page 7

at TCF Bank Stadium during football season.

TCF Bank Stadium T C F h a s e x p a n d e d i t s c o n c e ssions over the years since its opening.

With options like gyros, Philly cheesesteaks and tamales, it’s hard to pick just one.

But one of TCF’s best offerings is actually outside the stadium.

D&D Cheese Curds, which operates in the

West Plaza and has a trailer on-site, is great for the food and atmosphere.

Its location is right near all the action from the Spirit Squad, marching band and team entry. Grabbing a bite to eat before entering the game saves time and enhances experience.

As for the curds, D&D does the classic item right. There’s a solid ratio of breading to cheese, and there’s also different varieties like jalapeno and bacon to spice things up.

You can purchase a cup if you’re feeling a light lunch or a bucket for maximum grub.

Whichever you choose at any game you may be at, there’s plenty of options to keep you satisfied and you’ll never have to eat the same thing twice.