Punch Pizza - Saint Paul

If I ask my kids where they want to go to dinner their answer nine times out of ten is Punch. If you are looking for the best Neapolitan style pizza in the the Twin Cities then Punch is where you want to go. They take their pizza very serious here. From the 800 degree wood fired oven to the authentic dough and ingredients Punch will make you feel like you are in Naples Italy. You can choose your own toppings or pick from one of their 18 classic pizzas. If you're extra hungry try the excellent artichoke dip or fresh salad. You can get their pizza to take out, but I think it is so much better when it comes right out of the oven. They offer several interesting affordable wines by the glass, carafe and bottle. Punch is family friendly, but I've seen it get very busy. If you are in a hurry try the restaurant on Grand Avenue. You give up the table service, but you get your food much quicker. At the moment there are six Punch locations. Highland Park, Eden Prairie, Lake Calhoun, Northeast, Wayzata and Grand Avenue. A seventh punch location is opening on the University of Minnesota campus at Stadium Village. I can't think of a better place to start the evening if you are holding Minnesota Gophers Hockey tickets.

Bario - St. Paul

Both Bario Tequila Bar locations are definitely two of the Twin Cities hottest spots right now. I've been to both, and both are great, but I must say I favor the Saint Paul location a little over the Minneapolis location on Nicollet Avenue. The space in Saint Paul is a lot bigger and it's always been easy for me to get a spot at the bar and parking is not a problem. When you go, sit at the bar for better service. They have several house margaritas. You can't go wrong with any of them. The food has also been consistently excellent.

If you go, you have to try the chips and guacamole and the black bean & chicken tostada. They've done an awesome job balancing flavor and texture. If you're holding Minnesota Wild tickets stop at Bario before or after the game for a great sports bar alternative and if it's packed the Bulldog is right next door. Bario St. Paul is located at 235 E. 6th St. across the steet from Smith Park near the corner of Wacouta & 6th. Bario's phone number is 651-222-3250 and you can make your reservations on open table.

Vikings Packers game at the Metrodome - Minneapolis

My buddies from Milwaukee were in town this past week and we were not able to score any Vikings Packers tickets for the big game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. We decided to watch the game at the Groveland Tap in Saint Paul. The place was packed and the crowd was rowdy. My friends were impressed with the huge tap beer selection. They likened the Tap to a good old Wisconsin Tavern without all the cigarette smoke and Packer fans.

Groveland Tap - St Paul

It seems the the Groveland Tap in Saint Paul has been trending upwards the last few years. They offer a very impressive selection of beer on tap and a very good bar-food menu. I've been there the last two Thursdays for taco night. The tacos are simple and great. Hard or soft, beef or chicken and served with a side of sour cream and salsa. I'm no hot sauce afficianado, but I'm now hooked on the Marie Sharps habanero pepper hot sauce from Belize. I would say the hard chicken is my favorite, but I like all of the four combinations. There is a different special every night except Saturday. It seems like Taco Thursdays is the most popular. Some other highlights off the menu are the fried cheese curds, which I think are some of the best in town, nachos, perogies, the Juicy Lucy and Philly Cheese Steak.

The Groveland Tap is located in the Mac-Grovland neighborhood of Saint Paul just off the corner of St Clair and Fairview. They feature a large game area and it's a great place to bring the kids.

Tsunami Sushi - Minneapolis

I have checked out Tsunami Sushi a couple of times since they've open and have yet to post due to the fact it seemed they were still working out some kinks. I've received multiple reports from others, some great and others not so great. I was lucky enough to score some Owl City tickets for the show at the Cabooze a week from Saturday. I will give Tsunami another go before the show and let you all know what I think.

Bellanotte - Minneapolis

Another downtown Minneapolis night spot bites the dust. Bellanote, located in the Block E entertainment complex downtown Minneapolis, recently announced it is closing it's doors. A long time favorite destination for those attending events at Target Center, cited the changing economic climate as a major factor. Personally, I can't say I was ever a huge fan and they seemed to be trending downwards the last few years. It will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to jump into such a large space in this economy. It would be an ideal location to take advantage of the new Minnesota Twins ballpark, Target Field. Also, the Timberwolves can only get better.

Tsunami Sushi - Minneapolis

I was informed by a friend that Tsunami Sushi is opening in the old azuki Sushi spot near the University of Minnesota campus. The azuki ownership moved back to New York and a couple of the sushi chefs from Saji Ya in Saint Paul are opening up in the same location with a new menu. I'm hoping they will still have the New Orleans roll. I will check it out this weekend and report back with more information next week.