Andy Montoya
In Minnesota, deep-fried cheese curds are a way of life. From dive bars to upscale restaurants, the beloved appetizer is on the menu. Some spots have perfected a classic version, while others take a more inventive approach, with unique flavors and housemade condiments. Although the fresh curds are usually sourced from Wisconsin, there is a key difference in preparation: in Wisconsin, deep-fried curds are breaded, while Minnesota curds are typically battered. Here are some of the best places to get cheese curds in Minnesota.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese curds made from Ellsworth cheese | A&W in Inver Grove, The Nook, Ellsworth Creamery Co-op, Burnett Dairy, Big Bore, Tavern 4&5, The Lowry, Blue Plate restaurants, Ferndale Market, HyVees |
| Cheese curds with unique flavours | The Newsroom, Foxy Falafel, Bap and Chicken, Brunson's Pub, Red Cow |
| Best battered cheese curds | Mouth Trap Food stand, The Nook, Shamrocks, Buffalo Tap, The Lowry, Blue Plate restaurants |
| Best breaded cheese curds | Wisconsin |
| Best cheese curds in Minneapolis | The Gold Nugget, Como Tap, Half Time Rec, McCoy's, Red Cow, The Nook, Shamrocks, Bebe Zito's, The Beacon Public House, Hazelwood, Spoon and Stable, 5.8 restaurant, Bulldog's, Northbound's, Mac's Fish and Chips |
| Best cheese curds in St. Paul | Stanley's, Town Hall Lanes, Busters, Bull's Horn Food & Drink, The Nook, Shamrocks, Groveland Tap, Foxy Falafel |
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Best cheese curds in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, cheese curds are a way of life. From dive bars to upscale restaurants, the beloved appetiser is on the menu. Some spots have perfected a classic version, while others take a more inventive approach, with unique flavours and housemade condiments.
If you're looking for the best cheese curds in Minneapolis, here are some top spots to consider:
Bull's Horn Food & Drink
Located downtown on Nicollet Mall, this low-key neighbourhood bar has a perfectly executed take on the classic cheese curd, served with Thousand Island dressing. The building has been a bar since 1935, so it feels like a longstanding fixture of the city.
The Newsroom
Also on Nicollet Mall, The Newsroom offers comfort food with an upscale twist. While not technically cheese curds, their deep-fried brie "curds" with housemade blueberry ketchup are too delicious to pass up. Enjoy the fun atmosphere, complete with newspaper-inspired decor and a street-side patio.
Red Cow
Red Cow has multiple locations in Minneapolis, including Uptown, North Loop, and 50th & France, as well as a spot in St. Paul. They've developed a cult following for their cheese curds, made with fresh Wisconsin cheese and served with a unique ""triple berry ketchup" dipping sauce.
Brunson's Pub
This East St. Paul dive bar is an awesome spot for cheese curds. They use a classic beer batter made with local Summit beer and offer globally-inspired condiments like balsamic aioli and sambal honey.
Groveland Tap
A neighbourhood burger spot in St. Paul, Groveland Tap is also known for its classic cheese curds, served with chipotle ketchup. Try the Ellsworth Lucy, a burger made with a curd-stuffed patty, for a cheesy overload.
The Nook and Shamrocks
Sister restaurants The Nook and Shamrocks, located just 1.5 miles apart, are often credited with serving up the best curds in the Twin Cities. The Nook has a legendary status among locals, but if you want to avoid the hype and crowds, head to Shamrocks, which offers the same menu without the wait.
Foxy Falafel
For a fresh take on cheese curds, try Foxy Falafel. Their gluten-free curds are tossed with dill for a bright herbal flavour and served with locally sourced honey.
Northbound Smokehouse
Northbound Smokehouse has a loyal following for its lightly smoked cheddar cheese curds. This unique twist on a classic will surely satisfy your cravings.
With so many options to choose from, you can plan your own "curd crawl" and sample the best cheese curds that Minneapolis has to offer!
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Best cheese curds in St. Paul
When it comes to the best cheese curds in St. Paul, there are several options to consider. Here is a list of some of the top spots:
Groveland Tap
Groveland Tap, a neighbourhood burger joint in St. Paul, is known for its classic cheese curds served with chipotle ketchup. They also offer the Ellsworth Lucy, a burger made with a curd-stuffed patty for an extra cheesy experience.
Brunson's Pub
Brunson's Pub is a neighbourhood spot that specialises in cheese curds with a unique twist. They combine a classic beer batter made with local craft beer with globally-inspired condiments like balsamic aioli and sambal honey.
Half Time Rec
Half Time Rec in the Como neighbourhood of St. Paul is known for its light and simple approach to cheese curds. Their curds are lightly fried without heavy seasoning, resulting in a squeaky texture that is highly regarded by cheese curd enthusiasts.
Red Cow
Red Cow is a popular choice for cheese curds, with multiple locations in Minneapolis and one in the Summit-University neighbourhood of St. Paul. While portions may be on the smaller side, they are known for their quality and flavour.
The Nook
The Nook, located north of Highway 94, is famous for its maple bacon curds. If you're looking for a non-traditional take on cheese curds, this could be the perfect spot for you.
Bull's Horn Food & Drink
This low-key neighbourhood bar in St. Paul serves perfectly executed cheese curds with Thousand Island dressing. The building has a long history as a bar, dating back to 1935, giving it a classic and comfortable atmosphere.
With these options in mind, you can explore and decide which cheese curds in St. Paul best suit your taste and preferences.
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Best fried cheese curds in Minnesota
In Minnesota, deep-fried cheese curds are a way of life. While fresh curds are usually sourced from Wisconsin, Minnesota's take on the dish differs in preparation: Wisconsin curds are breaded, while Minnesota curds are battered.
Red Cow
Red Cow has multiple locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and its curds have developed a bit of a cult following. The Hennepin Ave spot is particularly well-reviewed. The cheese curds are made with fresh Wisconsin cheese and served with a unique triple berry ketchup dipping sauce.
Bull's Horn Food & Drink
This low-key neighbourhood bar in Minneapolis has been described as having "perfectly-executed" cheese curds served with Thousand Island dressing. The building has been a bar since 1935, so it feels like a longstanding fixture.
The Nook and Shamrocks
Sister restaurants The Nook and Shamrocks, located in St. Paul, have been credited with serving up the best curds in the Twin Cities. The Nook has a lengthy wait, but Shamrocks, an Irish pub, has the exact same menu. The Nook's maple bacon curds are also recommended for those interested in non-traditional curds.
Brunson's Pub
This St. Paul dive bar serves up local cheese curds with a classic beer batter made with Summit beer, a local craft brew. They are served with globally-inspired condiments: balsamic aioli and sambal honey.
Groveland Tap
This St. Paul neighbourhood burger spot is beloved for its classic cheese curds, served with chipotle ketchup.
Foxy Falafel
This Middle Eastern cafe in St. Paul puts a fresh take on cheese curds: they're tossed with dill for a bright herbal flavour and served with locally-sourced honey. They're also gluten-free, unlike most deep-fried curds.
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Best cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair, held only a few days in August each year, is a haven for cheese curd enthusiasts. While there are many options to choose from, a few places stand out for their exceptional cheese curds.
One highly recommended spot is the Mouth Trap food stand, known for its delicious, crispy, and juicy cheese curds. Their curds are so good that people specifically look forward to them during the State Fair.
Another popular choice is the Mouse Trap Food stand at the Food Building, located at 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul. This spot has gained a reputation for serving up some of the best cheese curds in the city, with some even preferring them over the state fair options!
If you're feeling adventurous, the Gold Nugget in Minnetonka offers cheese curds that resemble those found at the state fair. Their curds are described as "squeaky," a telltale sign of freshness, and they are lightly fried without heavy seasoning.
For those seeking a unique twist on the traditional cheese curd, the Maple Bacon curds at The Nook are worth trying. This Irish pub, located at 492 Hamline Ave S, St Paul, offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that has gained a cult following. Their sister restaurant, Shamrocks, located just 10 minutes away on West 7th Street, serves up the same legendary cheese curds in a more relaxed atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Minnesota State Fair is a cheese curd lover's paradise, with Mouth Trap, Mouse Trap Food stand, Gold Nugget, The Nook, and Shamrocks being top destinations for this tasty treat. Each offers a unique take on the classic cheese curd, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
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Best cheese curds in the Twin Cities
When it comes to the best cheese curds in the Twin Cities, there are several spots that locals and tourists swear by.
First up is The Nook, a St. Paul institution that is often credited with serving up the best cheese curds in the Twin Cities. The Nook's sister restaurant, Shamrocks, located just 10 minutes away, offers the exact same menu, including the legendary cheese curds, without the wait. If you're looking for a twist on the traditional, Shamrocks' Bacon and Honey drizzled cheese curds are a must-try.
For those seeking a more inventive approach to cheese curds, Foxy Falafel in St. Paul serves up gluten-free cheese curds tossed with dill and served with locally sourced honey. Another spot worth mentioning is Brunson's Pub, a dive bar located in East St. Paul, which offers beer-battered cheese curds with a unique twist—they're served with globally inspired condiments like balsamic aioli and sambal honey.
If you're in the mood for a classic, no-frills cheese curd experience, Bull's Horn Food & Drink in downtown Minneapolis is the place to go. Their perfectly executed cheese curds are served with Thousand Island dressing and have garnered rave reviews from locals and foodies alike.
Last but not least, Red Cow, with multiple locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, has developed a cult following for its cheese curds. Made with fresh Wisconsin cheese and served with a unique ""triple berry ketchup" dipping sauce, these cheese curds are light and crispy, and definitely worth trying.
Whether you're looking for traditional cheese curds or something a little more inventive, the Twin Cities have plenty of options to satisfy your cheesy cravings!
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best places to get cheese curds in Minnesota include Red Cow, Bull’s Horn Food & Drink, The Newsroom, Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, Brunson’s Pub, Foxy Falafel, Groveland Tap, The Nook, Shamrocks, and Northbound Smokehouse.
Some popular spots for cheese curds in Minneapolis are Red Cow, The Beacon Public House, Hazelwood, Spoon and Stable, and 5.8 restaurant.
Shamrocks, Groveland Tap, and Foxy Falafel are some of the best spots for cheese curds in St. Paul.
Ellsworth Creamery Co-op, Burnett Dairy, and Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery are some popular non-restaurant cheese curds in Minnesota.
The brie cheese curds at Hazelwood in Bloomington and the maple bacon curds at The Nook are some popular non-traditional cheese curds in Minnesota.
