With Thanksgiving right around the corner, food is on everyone’s mind this month. Now that we’re smack in the middle of fall, with winter howling at our coattails, we’re all in the mood for something warm.
We’ve scoured the local joints to choose some of our favorite side dishes and appetizers. These are perfect for the cooler weather. Plus, if you’re planning a big Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll probably be all cooked out and need a night out on the town. Or, maybe you can get some ideas of your own and try a new holiday recipe this year.
Some of these dishes are great on their own, and some are best as sides. Either way, we’re sure you’ll enjoy any of these local faves.
Onion Rings
Maple Tavern
No matter what time of year you stop into Maple Tavern, you can expect a great atmosphere. While they’re known for their sand volleyball in the summer, fall is a great time to stop playing games and enjoy one of their hearty dishes.
The onion rings come beer battered and fried golden brown with a spicy mustard dipping sauce. They’re excellent with a burger or sandwich, or as a late night appetizer with your favorite dark beer.
Brisket Chili
Z’s Smokin Bonez
Come fall, is there anything better than a big bowl of chili? If it’s hearty enough--and the brisket chili from Z’s Smokin Bonez definitely is--you have yourself a meal. If you go for a smaller portion, you can make it a side or appetizer (although you may want to follow it up with a salad).
The brisket chili is made from Z’s own brisket recipe, and is topped with mac and cheese and a handful of Fritos to add a little crunch. “It’s a warm, hearty comfort food for the colder weather,” says owner Dave Zapf, the “Z” himself.
Ok, so maybe you should just make this one a full meal.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Highlander Restaurant
There aren’t many foods more synonymous with fall than sweet potatoes. The folks at Highlander Restaurant at Rush Creek Golf Club have created a seasonally offered sweet potato soufflé that is one of their most popular fall dishes.
“It’s a good winter dish,” says manager Bruce Michaelson. “Obviously sweet potatoes are popular around Thanksgiving and the holidays, and it is a great alternative to regular potatoes or fries.”
Beef Taco Flatbread
Malone’s Bar and Grill
“Mexican is hot right now,” says manager A.J. Stevens. To jump on the trend, Malone’s added a beef taco flatbread to their menu, although it’s a recipe they can’t take credit for themselves.
The favorite dish of one of their regular customers is a taco pizza. He would ask the chefs to make the dish especially for him when he came into Malone’s, and the staff decided to add it to the menu. Now, all Malone’s customers can enjoy the beef taco flatbread. Who knows, it might just net them a few new regulars.
Nachos and Beans
El Rodeo Mexican
Mexican food is a great alternative during the holidays when classic Americana meals are all the rage. Nachos and beans are a tasty snack any time of year, but especially when it’s cooler outside.
It’s a great dish to share, so you can start your meal out with some nachos and then move on to your main course. Everything at this family owned restaurant is made from authentic Mexican recipes, so you know you’re getting the real thing.
Soup and Espresso
Daily Dose Café & Espresso
Coffee shops are good any time of year, but once the weather cools off, there really is no better place to hang out. At Daily Dose you can not only order your favorite espresso on a cold day, but they also specialize in homemade soups.
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or just want a snack, consider grabbing a bowl of chicken and wild rice, Italian sausage with cheese tortellini or one of their soups of the day. The list is always changing, so you’ll never get bored. The soups are great on their own, or can be paired with a sandwich or salad.
Baked Beans
Lookout Bar and Grill
Adding a smoker to their repertoire was a game changer for the Lookout Bar and Grill. With a new menu that specializes in authentic barbecue dishes, you can be sure you’ll find homemade baked beans offered as a side dish. And don’t be fooled, barbecue isn’t just for summer.
According to manager Mike Kinnan, “Barbecue is good all the time. Fall is all about barbecue.”
It’s hard to argue with that logic. Their baked beans are hand smoked and include 20 percent pork, including their own mix of spices for extra zing.
Guinness Beer Cheese and Pretzels
Claddagh Irish Pub
The hearty food of Ireland is a perfect fit for the cold weather of Minnesota. At Claddagh Irish Pub, they feature all the classic Irish fare with their own twist.
Claddagh’s beer cheese and pretzels is the perfect mix of flavors, and a great dish to share as a starter or happy hour snack. You know you’re getting an authentic Irish experience when Guinness is involved, so why not order a pint to go with it?
