St. Louis Park and Golden Valley have a lot of great restaurants. But where do the locals like to hang out? Here we show you some of our truly local restaurant picks!
The Classics
They’re classics for a reason. These restaurants have been in business for several generations and have remained our go-to favorites.
Bunny’s Bar & Grill
Bunny’s has been an award-winning neighborhood favorite for over 80 years! This popular sports bar has built their reputation on serving great breakfast, lunch and dinner. On weekends, the line for brunch will often be out the door and, with over 30 TVs, the place is always packed on game days. Fresh-popped popcorn is always available, and you can try your luck at pull tabs which support the local sports teams. They offer fresh salads, pizza and pasta, juicy burgers, homemade soups, sandwiches and more. There are over 20 craft beers on tap and they’re known for their take on a Bootlegger, a Minnesota original, as well their Old Fashioned and “Bunny” Mary. Bonus: Bunny’s is open late nights, Sun – Wed until 12 am and Thurs – Sat until 1 am!
JJ’s Clubhouse
For over 25 years, JJ’s has been the place to hang out with friends and family in Golden Valley. With wall-to-wall TV’s (23 screens), it’s also the perfect spot to watch your favorite sporting events. A classic American menu includes favorites such as pickle fries and cheese curds, pizzas and over 14 different types of burgers. On weekends, enjoy traditional brunch offerings until 2 pm, complete with JJ’s Big Ole’ Bloody Marys and screwmosas. Bring your pup and relax on their tree-shaded patio. Or grab a basket of fresh-popped popcorn and join them for weekly trivia and bingo. Bonus: JJ’s has multiple happy hours all week long. Enjoy special pricing from 2 – 6 pm and 8 pm to close daily!
Park Tavern
The Park Tavern has been a landmark in St. Louis Park for over 60 years. A family-friendly restaurant and bar, it features 20 lanes of bowling, an arcade that the kids will flip for, billiards and darts. Known for their award-winning burgers and made-to-order pizzas, the Park Tavern offers classic American fare in a casual setting. Start with cheese curds or fried pickle chips, then grab a sandwich with tater tots, fish & chips or one of the nightly specials. The main dining room features wall-to-wall TV screens, perfect for cheering on your favorite team. A spacious patio is home to live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night all summer long, plus bocce ball and cornhole. Join them for bingo on Tuesday nights, trivia on Mondays and Wednesdays and cosmic bowling every Friday and Saturday night. Bonus: They serve a killer weekend brunch from 8 – 11:30 am. Their signature breakfast pizza made with bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and hashbrowns is always a hit.
Schullers Tavern
Billed as “The Last Real Roadhouse,” this family-owned local hangout has been serving up salads, sandwiches, and the best black angus tavern burgers since 1929! Try the Juicy Lucy – a burger stuffed with double the cheese – a Minnesota classic. Wing lovers will have a hard time choosing between the 9 different varieties, while pizza lovers can order their favorite pie for dine-in or takeout. A newly built patio is perfect for summer and fall dining. Looking for entertainment? Live bands take the stage every Saturday night from October through April. Bonus: Schullers is home to MN’s smallest liquor store!
Yangtze Chinese
A casual dining spot, Yangtze has been serving an award-winning dim sum brunch every weekend since 1982. You’ll want to try the shrimp or chicken dumplings or go for the steamed egg custard buns or the BBQ pork buns. Their lunch and dinner menu features classic Hunan, Szechuan, Mandarin & Cantonese dishes.
The Newbies & Teenagers
Whether they’ve been in business for just a few years or over 15 years, these restaurants shine and continue to attract an avid local following.
Best of India
Best of India is a hidden gem with a loyal following. Opened in 2005, Chef Autul Mondal serves up a selection of classic dishes, as well as novel creations, made with fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. Each dish is individually prepared and spiced to enhance its particular aroma and flavor. Equipped with a traditional oven, the restaurant serves a variety of tandoori delicacies, as well as dishes made with chicken, lamb and seafood, plus numerous vegetarian and vegan offerings. There are so many delicious offerings, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to order.
Good Day Café
This family-owned café in Golden Valley has been serving up brunch since 2007. Start your day with a mimosa – they have seven unique offerings, including the GDC Grand Mimosa made with Grand Marnier or the Man-Mosa spiked with Fireball whiskey! The Café offers a wide variety of omelets, pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast, and baked goods. Their oversized apple souffle pancake, made with Granny Smith apples smothered in a cinnamon sugar glaze, was even featured on the Food Network show “Best. Breakfast. Ever.”
Kip’s Irish Pub
Since 2005, Kip’s Irish Pub has been a popular gathering place. With seating for up to 225 patrons, it’s the perfect setting for both St. Patrick’s Day and everyday celebrations, as well as business lunches or an evening out with friends. The menu is loaded with Irish favorites, including shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage, fish & chips, roast chicken boxty, Reuben’s and Rachel’s, and even Irish spring rolls. In addition to salads and sandwiches, you’ll find delicious entrées such as wild mushroom risotto, grilled salmon and Guinness braised beef short ribs. Sports lovers will appreciate the 7 big screen HD TVs scattered throughout the space. A large seasonal patio, one of the biggest in the west metro, features new furniture and a modern glass firepit.
The Block Food + Drink
This American eatery, opened in 2019, has quickly made a name for itself. They’re known for their broasted chicken, boozy shakes, and vegan options. A highlight is their year-round “paw-tio” and special dog menu, an instant hit with the four-legged crowd. Join them for weekday breakfast or their weekend brunch and biscuits breakfast bar and try one of their signature bloody marys or mimosas. The restaurant prides itself on giving back to the community, offering discounts to healthcare workers on Tuesdays and teachers on Thursdays.
Yum! Kitchen & Bakery
Chef Patti Soskin believes in creating traditions through sharing a meal. She’s been serving up made-from-scratch eats, seasonal favorites and signature cupcakes, cookies, and cakes at her café and bakery since 2005. The eatery is known for its signature “Patticake” – a chocolate cake with cream cheese buttercream frosting, but the scones and muffins are equally delish! The menu includes an array of soups (Matzo ball!), salads and sandwiches, as well as entrées such as roast chicken, beef tenderloin and salmon. Enjoy some refreshing, fresh-squeezed lemonade or even a glass of wine or beer. It’s the type of place that people want to come back to over and over again – and they do!
