The Twin Cities, made up of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are often overshadowed by larger metropolitan areas when it comes to the national food scene. However, one prominent food influencer “Chef Reactions” recently visited the area and was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the culinary experiences he encountered. Known for his straightforward and honest reviews, this culinary content creator set out to explore some of the best eateries the region had to offer, making stops at iconic restaurants, local hidden gems, and a vibrant market. His journey highlighted the depth and diversity of the Twin Cities’ food culture, one that is often overlooked but rich in both tradition and innovation.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at his experiences, from a lavish brunch at a historic hotel to a taste of Eastern European delicacies, to the city’s beloved Jucy Lucy. Along the way, he discovered not only great food but also the unique stories and cultural history that make the Twin Cities’ food scene so special.
A Warm Welcome at The Saint Paul Hotel
The journey began with a stay at the iconic Saint Paul Hotel, an establishment known for its elegance and storied history. Built in 1910, this hotel has been a cornerstone of St. Paul’s downtown district, hosting countless celebrities, dignitaries, and business leaders over the decades. The influencer, who tends to avoid overly glamorous experiences in favor of more authentic, down-to-earth dining, admitted that he was curious to see whether the hotel’s reputation for sophistication extended to its brunch menu.
For his first meal in the Twin Cities, he dined at The Drake, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, for brunch. The menu offered classic brunch items with a refined twist, and his selections included the Eggs Benedict, priced at $19.95 USD, and a plate of fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, costing $14.95 USD. He also indulged in a cup of coffee for $4.00 USD and paired it with fresh-squeezed orange juice for $5.00 USD.
The Eggs Benedict, one of his favorite brunch dishes, impressed with its perfect balance of creamy hollandaise sauce, runny poached eggs, and tender Canadian bacon atop an English muffin. Meanwhile, the Buttermilk Pancakes were light and airy, a simple dish elevated by their impeccable execution. Though these dishes are common brunch staples, he praised the restaurant for focusing on quality ingredients and flawless preparation.
The influencer was also pleasantly surprised by the luxurious atmosphere at The Drake. With its high ceilings, soft lighting, and plush furnishings, the restaurant exuded a sense of calm and refinement that set the tone for the rest of his trip. While he generally prefers a more laid-back dining experience, he appreciated the elegance of this meal and described the service as “attentive without being intrusive.”
Exploring Cultural Diversity at the Hmong Market
After the sophisticated brunch at The Saint Paul Hotel, the next stop on his Twin Cities adventure took him to a completely different setting—the bustling and vibrant Hmong Market. Located on the east side of St. Paul, this market is a cultural hub for the city’s Hmong community, which represents the largest concentration of Hmong Americans in the United States. The market offers a wide array of food stalls, shops, and services, making it a lively destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Hmong cuisine and goods.
The influencer’s mission at the Hmong Market was simple: find some of the best street food the market had to offer. He made his way to Moon’s Kitchen, a popular food stand known for its stuffed chicken wings. Priced at just $7.00 USD for two, these stuffed wings have gained a reputation for being one of the must-try items at the market.
Stuffed with noodles and herbs, the wings are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior that gives way to a flavorful, savory filling. The influencer described the wings as “a bite-sized explosion of flavor,” praising the combination of textures and the balance of spices. He was particularly impressed by the affordability of the dish, noting that it was an incredible value for such a delicious and filling snack.
While the stuffed chicken wings were the highlight of his visit to the Hmong Market, he took time to explore some of the other food stalls and sampled various treats along the way. From sweet sticky rice to fresh spring rolls, the market offered a rich variety of flavors that showcased the complexity and depth of Hmong cuisine. The influencer expressed his admiration for the vibrant community spirit present at the market and encouraged his followers to visit and support the local vendors.
A Taste of Eastern Europe at Kramarczuk’s Deli
The next stop on the tour took the influencer across the river to Minneapolis, where he visited Kramarczuk’s Deli, a beloved Eastern European eatery that has been serving the community since 1954. Located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Kramarczuk’s is known for its homemade sausages, pierogi, and other traditional Eastern European fare. The deli has become a local institution, offering a nostalgic taste of home for the city’s Polish, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European communities.
At Kramarczuk’s, “Chef Reactions” sampled a variety of dishes, starting with a Potato Cheese Pierogi for just $2.00 USD. Pierogi, a type of dumpling filled with various ingredients, are a staple of Eastern European cuisine, and the influencer was eager to try this version, which was filled with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese. He described the pierogi as “comfort food at its finest,” praising the soft, doughy exterior and the rich, cheesy filling. For someone who values simple, hearty dishes, this pierogi hit all the right notes.
Next up was the Ukrainian Sausage, priced at $8.25 USD. Made in-house using traditional recipes, the sausage was grilled to perfection, with a slightly smoky flavor that paired perfectly with the side of sauerkraut he ordered for $3.00 USD. The influencer was blown away by the quality of the sausage, calling it “one of the best sausages I’ve ever had.” The sauerkraut, with its tangy, fermented flavor, provided a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage, rounding out the meal.
Kramarczuk’s Deli left a lasting impression on the influencer, who described it as a “national treasure.” He appreciated the deli’s commitment to preserving the culinary traditions of Eastern Europe and recommended it as a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience authentic, no-frills food in the Twin Cities.
An Elevated Dining Experience at Saint Dinette
For his next meal, the influencer returned to St. Paul to visit Saint Dinette, a modern American restaurant located in the trendy Lowertown neighborhood. Known for its creative takes on classic comfort foods, Saint Dinette has gained a reputation as one of the city’s top dining destinations, attracting foodies from all over the region. The restaurant’s menu is eclectic, with dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of North America, from Montreal-style smoked meats to Southern-style shrimp and grits.
The influencer’s meal at Saint Dinette was a feast of flavors, starting with a Peach Crepe, priced at $14.00 USD. The crepe was light and delicate, filled with sweet, ripe peaches and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. He described the dish as “simple but elegant,” praising the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of sweetness and acidity.
Next, he tried the Choripan, a $16.00 USD dish inspired by the popular Argentine street food. The choripan consisted of a grilled sausage served on a crusty baguette, topped with chimichurri sauce. The influencer appreciated the bold flavors of the dish, noting that the chimichurri added a bright, herbal contrast to the rich, savory sausage. It was a departure from the Eastern European flavors he had enjoyed earlier in the day, but one that he welcomed with open arms.
Chef Reactions also sampled the Pork Belly, priced at $12.00 USD, which was cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior. He paired this with an Omelette, priced at $16.00 USD, which he found to be a delightful blend of fluffy eggs, herbs, and a cheese filling that gave it a luxurious texture. While omelettes are typically seen as a standard breakfast item, Saint Dinette’s version elevated the dish, making it one of the standout moments of the meal.
Another highlight of his experience at Saint Dinette was the Crudo, priced at $18.00 USD. This dish offered a fresh and vibrant contrast to the heavier pork belly and omelette. The crudo, which consisted of thinly sliced raw fish seasoned with citrus and herbs, was a delicate and refreshing palate cleanser. The influencer praised the restaurant’s ability to balance rich, hearty dishes with lighter, more refined options, showcasing the kitchen’s versatility and creativity.
Saint Dinette left a strong impression on the influencer, who appreciated the restaurant’s ability to elevate familiar comfort foods while maintaining a casual and welcoming atmosphere. He noted that while the prices were higher than some of the other spots he visited, the quality of the ingredients and the care put into each dish made it well worth the cost.
The Iconic Jucy Lucy at Matt’s Bar
No visit to the Twin Cities would be complete without trying one of its most famous culinary creations: the Jucy Lucy. This cheese-stuffed burger is a Minneapolis institution, and while there are several places that claim to have invented it, Matt’s Bar is often credited as the original creator. Located on Cedar Avenue, Matt’s Bar has been serving up Jucy Lucys since the 1950s, and it remains one of the most popular spots in the city for locals and tourists alike.
The influencer was eager to see if the Jucy Lucy lived up to the hype, and he wasn’t disappointed. Priced at $10.25 USD, the burger featured a molten core of American cheese that oozed out with each bite. He described it as a “messy, cheesy, glorious experience,” noting that the simplicity of the burger—no fancy toppings, just meat and cheese—was what made it so special.
In addition to the Jucy Lucy, the influencer also tried a classic Cheeseburger, priced at $4.75 USD, and a half order of French fries for $5.95 USD. While the cheeseburger was less dramatic than the Jucy Lucy, he appreciated its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to burger-making. The fries, crispy and golden, were the perfect accompaniment to both burgers, rounding out a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Matt’s Bar, with its unpretentious atmosphere and focus on doing one thing exceptionally well, earned high marks from the influencer. He praised the restaurant for sticking to its roots and maintaining the same recipe that has made the Jucy Lucy a Twin Cities legend. For anyone visiting Minneapolis, he said, a trip to Matt’s Bar is an absolute must.
A Love for State Fair Food
Although much of the influencer’s trip focused on established restaurants and local markets, he also took time to visit the Minnesota State Fair, a beloved annual event that draws crowds from across the Midwest. Known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the fair is famous for its wide array of foods, many of which are served on a stick.
The influencer, who is usually skeptical of fair food, was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of offerings at the Minnesota State Fair. From deep-fried cheese curds to corn dogs and even unique creations like deep-fried pickles, the fair offered a little bit of everything. One of his favorite dishes was the classic Pronto Pup, a type of corn dog that has been a fair staple for decades. He described it as “surprisingly good for fair food” and praised the batter for its light, crispy texture.
While he didn’t spend as much time reviewing specific dishes from the fair in this video (see his State Fair video here), the influencer’s overall impression was that the food exceeded his expectations. He appreciated the creativity of some of the more outlandish offerings, as well as the opportunity to indulge in classic comfort foods in a fun and festive environment.
Reflecting on the Twin Cities Food Scene
As the influencer wrapped up his trip to the Twin Cities, he took a moment to reflect on the diverse culinary experiences he had encountered. From the refined brunch at The Saint Paul Hotel to the street food at the Hmong Market, the traditional flavors of Kramarczuk’s Deli, and the innovative dishes at Saint Dinette, the Twin Cities offered a wide range of flavors, cultures, and dining styles.
One of the things that stood out to him most was the sense of community that permeated the food scene. Whether it was the vendors at the Hmong Market sharing their family recipes or the staff at Matt’s Bar proudly serving up the same Jucy Lucy they’ve been making for decades, there was a deep connection between the food and the people who made it. The Twin Cities, he noted, are home to a thriving food culture that celebrates both tradition and innovation, and it’s this blend of old and new that makes the region so special.
While he acknowledged that the Twin Cities might not have the same level of national recognition as other food-centric cities like New York or San Francisco, he emphasized that it was a destination worth visiting for any food lover. The variety of cuisines, the emphasis on quality ingredients, and the passion of the chefs and restaurateurs made the Twin Cities a hidden gem in the American food landscape.
Chef Reactions left the Twin Cities with a newfound appreciation for the region and its food. His journey through the area’s restaurants, markets, and fairgrounds not only filled his stomach but also gave him a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary richness of the area. He encouraged his followers to explore the Twin Cities for themselves, promising that they would be just as pleasantly surprised as he was.
In the end, the influencer’s trip to the Twin Cities wasn’t just about the food—it was about discovering a community that is proud of its culinary heritage and eager to share it with the world. Whether it’s a fancy brunch at a historic hotel, a savory sausage at a local deli, or a deep-fried snack at the state fair, the Twin Cities have something to offer everyone, and this visit only scratched the surface of all the amazing food experiences waiting to be discovered.