The French have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to cooking: They bring an air of class and sophistication into kitchens that extends far beyond the lives they gracefully lead themselves.
In Minnesota, we get a little snippet of that within our dining scene. Below are places to bask in the cream and luxurious radiance of a French meal that might make you believe you’re sitting in a brasserie in the center of Lyon, or a country cafe near Provence.
Barbette
Situated in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood, this little gem has been around for almost 20 years. The bar is this unordinary shape consisting of high and low tops and the corner booths are meant for that third date where you’re comfortable enough to cozy up together. The menu ranges from Steak Au Poivre and Steak Frites, Steamed Mussels, and a dynamite happy hour that includes $4 beers and wine along with $5 snacks. You’re able to enjoy this from 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday and late night seven days a week. Don’t miss Neighborhood Night every Sunday and a special Prix Fixe menu every Monday from 5pm-10pm.
It’s an oldy, but a goody.
1600 Lake St W | Minneapolis | 612-827-5710
Sunday – Thursday: 8am-12am
Friday – Saturday: 8am-1am
Salut
With Salut, you have the option of two locations within the metro. Try their location on Grand Ave for classic frog legs and oysters, or settle into the 50th and France location for a more suburban, refined take on what our french relatives have to offer. Both locations offer a Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm. At the Grand location you can also munch on $6 Truffled Pomme Frites and $7 sandwiches, along with $2 Blue Point Oysters, also available at the Edina location. If you’re a seafood connoisseur and die for the selection of everything you can’t miss the Dom Perignon Grande Shellfish Tower at the Edina location. This includes a bottle of Dom and a selection of oysters, shrimp, mussels, lobster and crab. Save this for when the in-laws visit and prepare to wow.
Aside from the phenomenal happy hour, check each location out for lunch with mom or a dinner with friends to enjoy succulent crepes, hanger steaks or a quiche Lorraine.
Edina
50th & France | 952-929-FROG (3764)
Monday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 11pm
Sunday: 10am – 9pm
St. Paul
917 Grand Avenue | 651-917-2345
Monday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday: 11am – Midnight
Saturday: 10am – Midnight
Sunday: 10am – 10pm
St. Genevieve
“Quaint” is an understatement when talking about the adorable space that is St. Genevieve. In the style of a Buvette, Steven Brown has created a space that is meant to be enjoyed drinking champagne and ordering the appropriate dishes to soak of the bubbles. The wine menu is obscenely French so begin with a glass of champagne at the bar and begin with a tartine. If dinner is what you’re after, get seated in the dining room and pick your way through the bottle list and settle on a fruitful burgundy or chardonnay from Chablis to enjoy with the Tarte Flambée or Mussels. Make this an intimate evening as the dining room is on the small side and is meant for two people to enjoy each others company at a close proximity.
5003 Bryant Ave S | Minneapolis | 612-353-4843
Monday- Friday: 11am- 1am
Saturday- Sunday: 9am – 1am
Drinks only: 2pm – 4pm
Meritage
Meritage is a St. Paul staple – and just might be the best restaurant in the city. While paying homage to French classics, like New York Strip au Poivre, Steak Frites and Trout Meunière, Chef Russell Klein brings in the flavors of the season and stays true to the locality of the products he creates with. Open for lunch, brunch, dinner and a killer happy hour, Meritage is a place to not only check out once, but to put on the top of your list as a regular spot for a happy hour with coworkers, lunch with grandparents or that anniversary dinner you want extra special – they now offer the classic Duck a la Presse during dinner service which is done table side to give you the true chef experience.
410 Saint Peter Street | Saint Paul | 651-222-5670
Tuesday – Friday: 11am
Saturday – Sunday: 10am
Happy Hour: 3:30-5:30pm, Tues – Fri
Bellecour
Taking its cue from his mentors in Lyon, Gavin Kaysen has bought the classic French style of Daniel Boulud and Paul Bocuse into a whimsical Wayzata neighborhood. Visit the bakery for a croissant or macaron between the hours of 7am and 5pm Tuesday thru Sunday, or if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation in the 60 day booked out dining room, invite friends and relax. Let Nico Giraud assist in choosing your perfect bottle from the list that is 90% French and allow the server to guide your journey through a meal reminiscent of the classic brasserie in the town square of Lyon. Begin with the escargot en croute, follow that with the french onion soup and finish off with the bouillabaisse. Don’t forget to conclude the evening with one of Diane Yang’s desserts as she was nominated for a James Beard award this past year.
739 Lake Street E | Wayzata | 952-444-5200
Bakery:
Tuesday – Sunday: 7am – 5pm
Restaurant:
Tuesday – Thursday:
Dining Room: 5pm – 10pm
Bar: 4pm – 11pm
Friday – Saturday
Dining Room: 5pm – 10pm
Bar: 4pm – Midnight
Sunday
Dining Room: 5pm – 9pm
Bar: 4pm – 10pm
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