We scoured our archives for the best dishes featured in Maple Grove Magazine throughout the past year, added some tweaks and updates from these local restaurants—many of which are finalists in this year’s Best of Maple Grove categories as well—and pulled together one delectable dining guide that crosses all categories of cuisine. Bon appétit!
Toam Yum
Sawatdee
Some Minnesotans may overlook any soup that isn’t a hearty, cream-based soup. Those folks are missing out on a fabulous possibility at Sawatdee. Toam Yum is a spicy, broth-based soup that originated in Thailand, but is now popular all over the world. When translated, Toam Yum means hot and sour. Given that lemongrass, Thai chili and mushrooms are the key components, it’s easy to appreciate the flavorful nature of this soup. Served with rice and your choice of chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, or a seafood combination, Toam Yum is a great starter option, or it can stand alone as its own healthy and fulfilling meal. $13-$18.00 a bowl.
7885 Main St. N.
Rise & Shine Burger
Lookout Bar & Grill
For a true neighborhood game day experience, the Lookout takes the cake. Get cozy in the wood-paneled bar and dining area, and tune in to one of the big-screen TVs. While you’re at it, try the Rise & Shine Burger—a fresh twist on a classic. This half-pound burger is grilled to perfection and topped with thinly sliced ham, creamy cheddar, lettuce, tomato and a golden fried egg ($10.49). And what’s an egg burger’s perfect mate? A Bloody Mary, of course, made with the Lookout’s signature Mary mix. For a little pre-game cheer, come to the Lookout early on Sundays, when Bloody Marys and other signature drinks are just $1.99 from 10 a.m. to noon. That’s what we call happy hour.
8675 Pineview Lane N.; 763.424.4365
Sunday Brunch
Granite City Food and Brewery
It’s typical Sunday brunch and more at Granite City Food and Brewery. But don’t let ‘typical’ fool you. Typical means luscious prime rib, fresh, gooey and huge caramel rolls, baked Reggiano hashbrowns and more. The more means guests will have the chance to enjoy assorted soups and salads, biscuits and gravy, and a build-your-own omelet station. Oh, the choices. $17.95.
11909 Main St.; 763.416.0010
Spicy Shrimp
Broadway Pizza
Although they offer New York-style and authentic Chicago-style deep dish crusts, because Broadway Pizza is acclaimed for their thin crust pizza, you should probably start with that on the bottom. As far as toppings go, one of their most unique pizzas is the spicy shrimp, upon which you will find shrimp tossed in buffalo sauce, artichokes, onions, tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with a creamy red sauce. “I just love the artichokes,” says manager Michael Schrauth. Speaking of vegetables, Broadway piles the spinach on their Spinoccoli pizza. Along with creamy spinach sauce, this unique pizza sports chicken, broccoli, garlic, tomato, mozzarella and, of course, spinach $14.49- $19.79.
7951 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; 763.416.4446
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Daily Dose Café and Espresso
Hungarian paprika is the signature flavor in this specialty soup from Daily Dose. It gives the soup “a little spice, a little color,” says staff member Curt Medina. Hungarian paprika, which is zestier than standard paprika, adds a bolder, sweeter taste. Sliced mushrooms provide the other central flavor, as well as the soup’s visual appeal‒a dash of dill weed is also a tasty addition. Medina recommends any of the panini sandwiches, like The Big Cheese or Cuban, as companion lunch items. As one of many specialty soups offered at Daily Dose, Hungarian Mushroom is available once or twice a month. Check out their Facebook page for an updated list of soups of the day. $3.50 a bowl.
15517 Grove Circle N
Eggs Benedict
Kopper Kettle
Even Humpty Dumpty can get on board with the egg specials at the Kopper Kettle. We’re suckers for a tasty eggs Benedict, and the Osseo hotspot doesn’t disappoint. It sticks to the classic dish; two perfectly poached eggs atop a slab of ham and divided between two English muffin halves. The tops are blissfully coated with to-die-for Hollandaise sauce for $8.95. Or, try it Ivan style and replace the ham with hearty corn beef hash. $8.95. Brinner lovers rejoice; breakfast is served all day, every day.
225 Central Ave., Osseo; 763.425.6900
Happy Hour
3 Squares Restaurant
With a 17-table patio complete with an outdoor fireplace, 3 Squares is excited to offer a fresh menu this summer. General manager Tim Walker says the roasted pear salad is a consistent customer favorite. And, with three happy hours a day (8–11 a.m., 3–6 p.m., and 9 p.m.–1 a.m.), there’s no excuse not to spend time basking in the summer breeze.
12690 Arbor Lakes Parkway; 763.425.3330
