“Best” is a label that gets thrown around a lot. “Mom, this vegetable medley is the best!” “Grandma, you got me another wool sweater for my birthday? You’re the best!” “In the mood for a romantic comedy tonight, honey? Hugh Grant is the best in the business!”
But to truly be “the best” at something, you have to earn it. That’s why we asked our readers to vote for what they thought was the best Maple Grove had to offer in 25 different categories. You were asked to be a judge as local restaurants, parks, daycares, hair salons and grocery stores went head to head. But in the end, only one per category could claim a blue ribbon—and the right to be called “the best”.
Best Home Furnishings
After winning Best Interior Designer in 2009, A Place Called Home kept its reputation with a similar title this year. Owned by David and Margo Bakken, this store on Main Street won the Blue Ribbon thanks to a unique selection of decorations, including dinnerware, centerpieces and other home accessories. Staff uses a hands-on approach to helping customers find the best accents to complement their home. As a bonus, David—a successful interior designer—is full of tips on the latest home décor trends for every season. A Place Called Home, 7889 Main St., 763.773.4663 Red Ribbon: Pottery Barn White Ribbon: Ethan Allen
(Source: David Bakken, Co-owner of A Place Called Home, 763-773-4663 or DandMBakken@aol.com)
Best Brunch
What’s the only thing that could make Granite City Food & Brewery’s reigning best brunch even better? Serving it twice a week. Not only is an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday ($14.99; $5.99 for kids), but GC also added one Saturday ($10.99) from 9 a.m.-noon. Sunday’s brunch is still the main attraction, including French toast made with Grand Marnier and a fresh strawberry glaze, a prime rib carving station and custom made eggs Benedict. But you’ll find an endless array of scones, fresh fruit, GC’s special Reggiano hash browns, scrambled eggs and many other items both weekend mornings/days. Granite City, 11909 Main Street, 763.416.0010 Red: Champps White: 3 Squares Restaurant
(David Valera, kitchen manager 763.416.0010)
Best Burger
Granite City Food & Brewery doesn’t skimp when it comes to producing a meaty burger. A half-pound of ground Angus beef is the status quo, and the two most popular burgers—the Bedda Chedda Burger ($9.29) and the Bleu Peppercorn Burger ($9.59)—also feature two thick slabs of smokehouse bacon. Kitchen manager David Valera sums it up best: “They’re huge.” So now we know what it takes to reign supreme with the best burger in town: Bring on a beefy burger that looks like it can bite back! Granite City, 11909 Main Street, 763.416.0010 Red: Champps. White: Pittsburgh Blue
(David Valera, kitchen manager 763.416.0010)
Best Floral
It’s officially a three-peat for Donato’s Floral, which has conquered this award for the third consecutive year by offering the best variety of plants and bouquets in the business. Moving from its old location of Main Street to Kirkwood Ln. hasn’t cost this family-owned business any popularity, as owner Maria Donato and her staff continues their consistent commitment to providing topnotch floral arrangements and gifts for all seasons and occasions. Donato’s Floral, 7351 Kirkwood Ln. N., Ste. 118, 763.416.0488 Red: Maple Grove Floral White: Byerly’s
(Maria Donato: 763.416.0488, maria.donato@yahoo.com)
Best Hair Salon
For the second consecutive year, MarcDaniel Salon has won the battle of producing beauty. Whether it’s carefully crafting the latest hair styles, applying the perfect makeup for the bride to be on her wedding day or pampering customers with the best manicures and pedicures in town, MarcDaniel’s specialists will make you glow. MarcDaniel Salon, 7884 Main St., 763.416.0027 Red: Willow Salon White: Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa
(Daniel Link: 763-416-0027 Daniel@marcdanielsalon.com mention very good for photos)
Best Pet Grooming
Petco’s slogan is “Where the Pets go”. But it’s the clean-cut condition they leave in that has garnered this local pet haven its second consecutive win in this category. Petco takes pride in pampering pets, who are treated like members of the family. Of course, once they’re done, it doesn’t hurt that there are endless aisles to stroll through for a shopping escapade. Petco, 8010 Wedgewood Ln. N.,763.420.5230 Red: PetSmart White: Shaggy Dog Grooming
(General Manager Lee Knauf or manager Tracy Syring 763.420.5230)
Best Landscaper
Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery has installed, cultivated and preserved Maple Grove properties for over a century now. Yet the fifth-generation family business continues to up the ante as the years go on, with its second consecutive first-place finish in this category as proof. Not only does Lynde keep The Shoppes and Fountains at Arbor Lakes looking beautiful each spring and summer, but its staff uses the same precision and innovative outdoor décor on residential homes. Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery, 9293 Pineview Ln., 763.420.4400 Red: Fair’s Nursery White: Mark’s Lawn Service
(Mindy Krueger: mindy@lyndegreenhouse.com, 763.420.4400 ext. 215)
Best Place to Work Out
With a long list of exercise classes, an endless stock of equipment, a LifeSpa and even a Child Center to entertain the kids, Life Time Fitness has proved it can fit the needs of nearly everyone with its second straight title in this category. Its location near the Maple Grove Community Center and the neighboring malls make it a convenient stop for many Maple Groveans. Life Time Fitness, 12601 82nd Ave. N., 763.420.8282. Red: Anytime Fitness White: Snap Fitness
(Lifetime PR Guy: Kent Witf: office 952-229-7211 and cell 612-718-4865. Overall contact for Lifetime is Fitness Department Head Kathy Bennethum 763-420-1865)
Best Place to Hike/Bike
The largest park reserve in the Three River Parks District with about 5,000 acres and 20 miles of paved trails connected to the North Hennepin Trail Corridor, Elm Creek Park Reserve is second to none in the area for hiking and biking for the second straight year. The Eastman Nature Center is a must-see landmark that will open your eyes to your beautiful surroundings. Elm Creek Park Reserve, 12400 James Deane Parkway, 763.694.7894 Red: Rice Lake White: Weaver Lake
Best Community Festival
Maple Grove Days has blossomed into one of the largest community celebrations around with an annual attendance of about 30,000. Highlighted by the Pierre Bottineau Parade—now 20 years in the making—the Rice Lake Classic Run, an inspiring art fair, a midway full of food and fireworks, it’s easy to see why Maple Grove Days won this award for the second year in a row. Maple Grove Days, maplegrovedays.com Red: Arbor Lakes Autumn Art Fair White: Farmers Market
(Deb Syhre, President of MGCO and MG Days chair, Dsyhre.mgco@embarqmail.com or 763-420-7258.)
Best Happy Hour
There are plenty of ‘happy hours’ to fill your day at Champps Americana, which captured the popular vote for the best food and drink specials in town. Every day from 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close, you can find select mixed drinks, domestic and premium taps and domestic bottle beers for only $2, a recent and popular change from what used to be 2-for-1 drinks. All other drinks are $1 off, and bar bites—half orders of appetizers such as buffalo wings, southwest nachos, cheese sticks and mini burgers—range from $2.99-3.99. Champps, 13521 80th Circle N., 763.494.4515 Red: 3 Squares Restaurant White: Houlihan’s.
(General manager Jason Burt 763.494.4515 or jburt@winerco.com. Corporate marketing dept for photos: Sarah Bell 720-529-7320)
Best Night Out
It’s hard to beat free live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and that’s exactly what keeps the night scene rockin at The Lookout Bar & Grill, a family-owned restaurant for over 50 years. You can dance the night away, play bar bingo, bar trivia, throw darts, play volleyball or horseshoes outside or rent out a banquet room for a private party. “Every night, there’s something going on,” says owner Michael Kinnan. To top it off, tap beer and call drinks are only $2 during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 p.m.-close Sunday through Thursday, making The Lookout the best party in town. The Lookout Bar & Grill, 8672 Pineview Ln. N., 763.424.4365. Red: Dave & Buster’s White: Pittsburgh Blue
(Owner Michael Kinnan 612-581-0490)
Best Outdoor Dining
The largest outdoor patio in town is a hot draw during the summer months, giving The Lookout Bar & Grill the clear edge in this category. Live music, volleyball, horse shoes a children’s play area and a fire pit help provide a lively, wide-open outdoor atmosphere unique to Maple Grove. “It’s an acre and a half of something to do,” says owner Michael Kinnan. The Lookout is also continuing to improve its patio area, adding more tables, more seating, overhead patio lights, four stand-up bars and a basketball court. The Lookout Bar & Grill, 8672 Pineview Ln. N., 763.424.4365 Red: Granite City White: 3 Squares Restaurant
(Owner Michael Kinnan 612-581-0490)
Best Pizza
A move from Wedgewood Lane to a newer, bigger location on Elm Creek Boulevard last January may have given Broadway Pizza a more recognizable venue, but the pizza they serve is a rich, tasty tradition that has been around the block and back. Broadway has been a pizza powerhouse in the Twin Cities for 55 years and Maple Grove for over 13, with its Classic Deluxe—sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and onions—as the neighborhood favorite. Broadway Pizza, 7951 Elm Creek Blvd. 763.416.4446 Red: Frankie’s White: Angeno’s
(Owner Mike Schrauth 763.416.4446)
Best Ethnic Food
Sawatdee introduced Maple Grove to Thai food nearly a decade ago, and customers keep paying back the favor by coming back for more. This restaurant keeps its ethnic touch with its menu yet localizes its atmosphere with live music (starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 8 p.m.) ranging from oldies to acoustic to jazz. You won’t find a better Pad Thai anywhere, and Supenn’s Fresh Spring Rolls—with shrimp, chicken, silver-thread noodles and veggies—are a local hit. Happy hour includes $3 appetizers and $2 drinks from 3-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. There is also a Sushi 2-for-1 happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Sawatdee, 7885 Main St. N. 763.494.5708 Red: El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant White: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
(Owner Stacy 612.554.5803 or vangiestacy@merchantship.net)
Best Coffee
Even with two locations in town, Caribou Coffee’s baristas stay plenty busy year-round. Coolers are a clear local favorite in the summer, Caramel High Rises are Caribou’s most popular flavored espresso drink and Northern Lite Lattes provide customers with a tasty, low-calorie option. There’s also a wide variety of coffees available by the pound and fresh roasted, ranging from the mild Daybreak Morning Blend to the medium Caribou Blend to the dark Mahogany. Caribou Coffee, 8073 Wedgewood Ln. N., 763.494.4422; 12880 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.494.3450 Red: Starbucks White: Dunn Bros
Best New Restaurant
The best-kept secret in town no longer, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has hit the spot since opening its first Minnesota location in Maple Grove last August. It’s fast, casual style allows you to get your food within about two minutes after you order, yet it doesn’t taste like fast food. The meat is slow cooked and slathered with time-tested sauces, the way barbecue should be. You choose between eight tender meats and 11 side dishes, with the most popular being the pulled pork sandwich platter ($8.75; with two sides and a drink). Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 11631 Fountains Dr., 763.416.2271
(Owner Jason Stewart: 763.416.2271 or cell 763-516-0047)
Best Playground
The Maple Grove Community Center’s Maple Maze Indoor Playground is a kid’s playground paradise. Kids 12 and under can crawl through four climbing levels in the ceiling high playhouse and jet down the variety of different slides. There is also a play area with a ball pit, slide and climbing structure for toddlers 3 and under. The maze is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, 763.494.6000 Red: Weaver Lake Park White: Elm Creek Park Reserve
(Debbie Coss, Maple Grove Park and Recreation’s Special Events Coordinator: dcoss@ci.maple-grove.mn.us or 763-494-6535 or Patty Anderson: panderso@ci.maple-grove.mn.us.)
Best Place to Take Kids
Without a doubt, the Maple Maze Indoor Playground is the number one attraction for kids at the Maple Grove Community Center. But there’s also a basketball court, swimming pool, ice skating rink and outdoor playground for little ones to enjoy. The community center is a popular birthday party destination with rooms to reserve and party packages offered. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, 763.494.6000 Red: Chuck E. Cheese’s White: Dave & Buster’s
(Debbie Coss, Maple Grove Park and Recreation’s Special Events Coordinator: dcoss@ci.maple-grove.mn.us or 763-494-6535 or Patty Anderson: panderso@ci.maple-grove.mn.us.)
Best Consignment Store
A year after winning the title of Best New Shop, Clothes Mentor proved there’s no better place in town to buy and sell your gently-used clothes. This resale shop specializes in buying and selling quality used clothing for women, including everything from modern maternity ware to designer purses from Coach or Louis Vuitton. Clothes Mentor will also pay you cash on the spot for your brand-name fashions and accessories. Clothes Mentor, 13641 Grove Drive, 763.494.4584 Red: Plato’s Closet White: Once Upon a Child
(Owners Mark and Barb Hoon: 763.286.1353 Barb cell; 763.286.1301 Mark cell)
Best Baby Shop
Babies “R” Us takes the cake for all your baby needs with endless aisles stocked with cribs, strollers, car seats, bedding, clothes, toys, diapers, formula, video baby monitors, the list goes on. Babies “R” Us also accommodates parents and the newest member of the family with an in-store and online gift registry and monthly events that include breast feeding and car seat safety workshops. Babies “R” Us, 12750 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.494.5747 Red: Edelweiss Baby White: Pottery Barn Kids
(Manager Tony Frazier, 763.494.5751 or tony.frazier@toysrus.com)
Best Daycare
Step By Step Montessori School of Maple Grove offers a carefully planned environment for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Using the Montessori Method, children learn to develop social relationships and self-help skills from programs based on self-directed, non-completive activities designed to help develop a strong self-esteem. Individual and group instruction is mixed to fit with each student’s learning style. Step By Step Montessori School of Maple Grove, 16601 73rd Ave. N., 763.557.6777 Red: Primrose School of Maple Grove White: New Horizon Academy
(Rose Minor 763.557.6777)
Best New Shop
What’s better than having Nordstrom’s designer collections and top clothing apparel, shoes and accessories nearby? Getting it all for 50-60% off. Nordstrom Rack, which opened in Maple Grove last September, can dress the whole family, while also offering bath and beauty products and home accents, as well as in-store tailoring and fairly-priced gift boxes. Nordstrom Rack, 12745 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.898.5300 Red: Bluebird Boutique White: Flourish Wellness Spa
(Store manager Stephanie Johnson 763.898.5300 or Stephanie.e.johnson@nordstrom.com)
Best Auto Repair Shop
Maple Grove Auto Service has been a staple in town for 30 years
Serving Maple Grove since 1980, Maple Grove Auto Service is a staple in the community. Owners Conrad Grev, Mark Boelter, and Doug Schoberg know their customers and are ingrained in the city, serving in Rotary and the North Hennepin Area Chamber, while also volunteering in youth related programs. Grev says their large size, long hours and quality of personal is what separates their shop from competitors. Maple Grove Auto Service uses only ASE Certified Technicians and is a AAA Approved Repair Shop with a Top Shop rating since 2000. They offer everything from oil changes to engine repairs, and they’ll even throw in a loaner car while they work on yours. Maple Grove Auto Service, 9225 Wellington Ln., 763.425.8575 Red: Maple Grove Tire & Service (Goodyear) White: Precision Tune Auto Care
(Owner Conrad Grev 763.425.8575)
Best Grocery Store
With endless aisles of assorted products, Byerly’s is a grocery shopper’s dream. But at this one-stop-shop, you can also stop and grab a cup of coffee at Caribou, deposit a check at US Bank, buy flowers or a gift at Bachman’s, pick up a prescription at PrairieStone Pharmacy or grab a bottle of wine at the Wines & Spirits Shop. Byerly’s, 12880 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.416.1611 Red: Cub Foods White: Trader Joe’s
(Corporate contact Aaron Sorenson 952.927.3663 or Aaron.sorenson@lfhi.com)
