Let's see. How to start this review. I guess. One word comes to mind. CHEEEEEEEESE!…read more I love cheese. Most ppl love cheese. Here is a heavenly place where there is load and loads of cheese! The shop is small but large enough to hold all the cheese! It's a great place to go and try a new cheese! Or an old cheese! They have a section with precut meats and dips. Overall a fresh clean and lovely cheese shop. The staff were kind and knowledgeable about cheese. They let us try different cheeses before we decided on the ones we did, they also have a small crate in the cooler section called 'cheese bites' which we grabbed 3. We are definitely planning on coming here again. We found cheese we love and can't wait to try more!

Honestly one of the best sandwiches I've ever had…read more The service is nice, kind, warm and friendly. It feels like you are a local, like they have known you forever. Clear easy communication and a wonderful selection of cheese and other deli type foods like sauces, tinned fish etc They have some seating outside but none inside. Wonderful experience!

This is specifically a review for their coffee and pastry bar. They have a walk up counter for…read morecoffee and also a variety of pastries (pop tarts, scones, etc). They have some of the best iced lattes I have tried in the twin cities! I typically get an iced miel and it is always made perfectly here. Pricing is very reasonable for the area. All of the pastries have always been delicious as well. A quick, easy spot to get coffee that you wouldn't immediately think about.

Located in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, Surdyk's Liquor and Cheese is an institution,…read morestarted as a liquor and grocery store in 1934, moving to this location in 1979. Now run by third-generation owners, it expanded to retailing fine wine and cheeses as well. I stopped in to buy some house gifts, and was pleasantly surprised by its very large selection of products, displayed in a way that it was enjoyable to do some 'window shopping'. In my case, I focused on the whiskey's and found what I was hoping for (from the Nikka distillery, a place I had visited a long time ago). But surprisingly it carried American made whiskey (in this case, from the Seattle area) for a price that was lower than what I had paid when actually visiting the distillery itself. I took the time to walk around a bit, noticing that they had an entire section devoted to just German and Austria wines. (Would have been shocked to find wines from Luxembourg, which is on my list). There were also a large beer refrigerated room, as big as any I've seen at big retailers. Of course, it had the beers from the Midwest that are hard to find where I live now (Leinenkugel, Hamm's, and Zywiec). Also noticed a small display of cigars, protected behind locked glass. Ended up getting two Westland Single Malt 750ml for $56.99 each. Checkout was identical to any large liquor store chain (like a grocery store checkout with employees who do checkout and are not really knowledgeable about the products sold).

Hands down, Kramarczuk's has the best food in Minneapolis! An old, Eastern European restaurant…read morewith a separate bakery attached to it. Has an iconic 50's vibe where wood paneling and booths are king. You order from the counter, pay at the cashier and find a table to consume delicacies made for kings. The Polish Pierogies are amazing a stuff full of meat and tender beyond belief. The Hungarian Goulash is amazing with tasty chunks of beef that is both tender and flavorful coupled with veggies that melt in your mouth. The Cabbage rolls are also very hefty and packed full of flavor. The only complaint (not really) is the huge amount of choices readily available for diners. Making decisions and controlling oneself will prove very difficult. The bakery is heavenly with fruit filled Danishes that caress the taste buds. The highlight is the Napoleanka Custard cake/pie which is one of the best tasting desserts known in history! The flaky crust coupled by the enormous amount of custard filling makes this an impossible item to resist. Kramarczuk's is a staple and cannot be missed!

Somehow I have made it 13 years in the Twin Cities and have never been here. We've heard about it…read moreof course but just just never got to it, partly because there's no reservations and I don't think there's any restaurant that's worth waiting in line for esp since we're usually a group of 5. Went at 2pm on a Friday and there was still a short line but at least there was no wait for a table. It was very old world when you enter - a busy diner feel but clean. Grab a tray and order whatever you want then pay at the end. You might want to save a table too before you lineup. It was everything we expected and more. 2 friends joined us and between the 4 of is we ordered most of the menu and enjoyed everything, no notes! Our favourites: cabbage roll, the grinder, beet salad, German potato salad and the Kramarczuk Torte. Will be back for sure!

Fantastic selection of cheeses and wine. And the most helpful and informed staff. The young woman…read moreat the cheese counter pointed me to the exact type of cheddar I love. And the young man in the wine store also listened to me and picked out the perfect red for me.

They have both a liquor store and a deli on location. I usually start with a walk through the…read moreliquor store where they have a nice selection of wine and beer. As well as a nice mix of whiskey with a few harder to find bourbons from time to time. I then move to their deli where they have a nice mix of meat and cheese. There is also a small seating area around the back of the deli where you can eat and enjoy a glass of wine on location. The staff here is wonderful as they seem happy to help and are knowledgeable about the products sold.

An actual Scandinavian Meat shop (and gift shop)…read more Full Stop. (also, the meat shop only takes cash or check, so be prepared) It was our family reunion - all the kids and grandkids. We did the American Swedish Institute, then hit Ingebretsen's for dinner supplies. What a great choice. Six types of herring. Swedish Meatball Meat. Julekage. Limpa Rye. Scandinavian sausages and cheese. Store made Lefse. Candy, Fish, Crisp Breads, Lingonberry jam. We loaded up, wheeled to my daughters house, and had a wonderful family meal.

A couple of observations from yesterday in both the food market and the gift store that may help…read moreyour business. I came yesterday with 3 girl friends to buy some provisions for the Norway vs England soccer FIFA game. Butcher was very helpful with the regular sarcasm they can dish out but I also feel I might have gotten scammed with my cash payment that is required. It could have been my error but something felt strange in our transaction. Then four of us were in the gift store at the check out counter and a gentleman walked in and asked if cash was required for the food just in the coolers right inside the door and the woman answered that in the market it was but I am not sure she answered his actual question. he immediately turned away and left as we all attempted to say they have a cash machine in the store but no mention from the gift store sales person. I felt sorry for him. We all enjoyed our items we did purchase but unfortunately Norway did not win but they did put up a good fight.

Hidden gem for lunch! This spot knows what it does and does it WELL. Sandwiches and salads taste…read morefresh, bread seems fresh baked and the cheese is delicious. Great prices and fast and friendly service. No where to sit though so takeaway only.

Been stopping by Nelson's for years! Need the perfect lunch...look no further!…read more Street parking available nearby! This is a no frills, but well-oiled machine of a deli! The line is usually out the door during the lunch rush, but don't worry...they'll get you through quick! Well-staffed with people that are excited to see you and excited to make you something delightful! Sandwiches (warm or cold) and salads are the name of the game! Choose your line, order it up as is or custom, and grab your soda/chips to make it a meal and you are set! On my latest visit, I had the Old Fashioned, which was perfect! Made a few swaps including a french roll, no tomatoes, add pickles! Perfect lunch size, great value, and quality ingredients! There's a reason people will wait in line for this spot! I can't recommend it enough!

I always go there to buy Salmon Roe which they seem to get in bulk and then repackage so I don't…read morehave to order it from Seattle or somewhere. I also get bulk whole leaf tea here. If you like canned eggplant spread, sweets, cookies, and sausages, this is the place for you. I make this myself so to me it seems like it tastes better. In the past they used to have fresh baked whole rye bread which was probably purchased frozen and proofed in the store. It was delicious but they now get fully baked from Chicago or NY and it lacks that great rye flavor. Service is always great and the place is clean and well organized.

Great Europeon grocery store with lots of dry goods, sweets and a deli. Arthur is the owner and…read morereally nice person. We always find some fun snacks or cookies here. It's tucked in a strip mall near the DMV.

There's a lot of great alcohol and knowledgeable service packed into this relatively narrow and…read moresmall space. It was actually overwhelming at time and all I was doing was asking about Imperial Stouts in what I thought were a few extra minutes on my way from A to B. I came in looking for Dark Fatha (Bent Brewstillery) and received an in-depth explanation of why they didn't carry it at the time. That segued into a discussion of related beers, which ended up with my purchase of a bottle of Surly Darkness that cost more than most bottles of non-wine clue wine that end up in our house. And based on the respect this place places on their wine, beer, and liquor, I'll "uncork" my Surly accordingly.

Ok. I am never satisfied when I enter or leave here. I worked in this industry. On many levels…read more From server and bartender to running a 4 Diamond Grand Award Property "behind the Redwood Curtain" to writing Food & Wine. Now I'm retired. I like Sangria and Irish Whiskey. I have my regular shop. But every now and then, In a Pinch, I hit up downtown Haskell's. Never Fails. The staff there seems miserable and seems company. I was in today. Treated like a turd in a punch bowl. The true face of Minnesota Nice - Haskell's. A reeking vertical grin. Spend your ducats elsewhere.

It's their annual Nickel Sale and I stopped in for a certain brand of wine that is currently "on…read moresale" (a Sicilian red wine I discovered a few years ago in a grocery store outside of San Francisco). I was inside the store for a minute or two, just browsing, and then a gentleman asked whether he could assist me. I made my request and he brought me right over to what I was looking for and offered a few bits of info about his experience with the wines. We were simpatico. Over time, I've always had wonderful experiences with the staff at this store and I love coming in here.

From the owner: Best selection of wine, spirits and beer from around the world.read more

We always have so much fun shopping here and my entire family loves stopping in when they are in…read moreSt. Paul. The entire staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and when Laurie the owner (a local celebrity!) is there it's a special treat - generously sharing tips, recipes and ideas for using all of the incredible produce, cheeses, nuts, spices they carry. The truffles are to die for! So lucky to have this treasure in St. Paul!

I visited based on a recommendation and I was not disappointed. I wanted to purchase a gift to…read moresupport local businesses over the holidays. I asked 'what screams 'Golden Fig' such that is will create a unique gift for a special foodie person. They recommended the hot chocolate mix and spices as they create both in house and are unique to their store. There are several options for each and I chose one chocolate and some homemade marshmallows to accompany and several slices that reminded me of far away travels. So fun. I had a ton of fun perusing the store. There were so many things to look at. Lots of holiday options but also a few staples if you just need a local grocer. Parking is on street but I found a spot right in front. Great experience.