I thought I’d try something a little different and do a recap of my 12 favorite foods for 12 months of 2023!

I go out pretty frequently, but sometimes it’s just drinks and an app or somewhere I’ve been before so it doesn’t always make sense to do a full on Hipster Hack review. In this format I’ll be able to highlight some of those other places that make foods I adore!

Sharing in no particular order…

1. Shirred Eggs, A-Side Public House

Shirred Eggs: 2 eggs baked in a prosciutto lined dish with cream, fontina & gruyere. Served with toast and greens

Shirred eggs is probably my new favorite way to eat eggs. Highly recommmend checking this place out. The food is great and it’s located in a converted fire house.

A Side Public House
754 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102

2. Ham & Gruyere Crepe, Sweet Paris

Ham & Gruyere Crepe: Smoked ham, gruyère, dijon mustard, fresh oregano, & béchamel sauce

This was my first foray into crepes, but will not be my last.

Sweet Paris
8265 Radio Dr., Suite K
Woodbury, MN 55125

2. Crudite, Saint Dinette

Crudite: Seasonal vegetables with aioli

I get it. Crudite isn’t anything special, but this aioli was one of my favorite things of 2023.

Saint Dinette
261 East 5th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101

4. Fried Green Tomatoes, Revival

Fried Green Tomatoes: Remoulade, Buttermilk, Cress

Do not sleep on the fried green tomatoes at Revival. A definite must have.

Revival
525 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102

5. Italian Donuts, Kitchen & Rail

Italian Donuts (Breakfast Style): Fried donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar, served with blueberry coulis and italian frosting

As someone who doesn’t normally indulge in sweets, I decided to take the plunge after reading the menu description and I am so glad I did. These donuts were by far our favorite dish.

Kitchen and Rail
3344 Promenade Ave.
Eagan, MN 55121

6. Taco Pizza, Ronnally’s Pizza

Taco Pizza: Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Mozzarella, Salsa, Sour Cream, Taco Meat, Tomatoes

We LOVE Ronnally’s and it’s no surprise that they’ve been a successful Woodbury restaurant for 50 years. Their taco pizza is a definite go-to for us.

Ronnally’s Pizza
1560 Woodlane Dr
Woodbury, MN 55125

7. Club Sandwich, Keys Cafe

Club House: Fresh roasted turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo served on multi grain toast

Club sandwiches are my desert island food so I don’t care what anyone says, yes this Keys Cafe club is one of my top foods of 2023. Perfectly prepared with quality ingredients, it’s a never fail. You can read a previous Hipster Hack about their breakfast options HERE.

Keys Cafe
1750 Weir Dr.
Woodbury, MN 55125

8. Bison Momos, Momo Dosa

Bison Momos: Humanely harvested bison from South Dakota, onions, ginger, spices wrapped in organic all-purpose flour wrapper. Served with tomato chutney and spicy mint cilantro chutney

Momo Dosa has hands down the best Momos around and if you’ve had them at another restaurant in the Twin Cities it’s actually likely that they were actually made in the Momo Dosa kitchen.

Malcolm Yards Market – Momo Dosa
501 30th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

9. Perfect Pickle Pizza, Young Joni

Perfect Pickle Pizza: Fermented pickles, mozzarella, fontina, smoked onions, chili, ranch dressing, potato chips, dill

Pickle pizza was all the rage this year, but to me the Young Joni version is the best. The addition of chips just adds the perfect amount of crunch without being too salty. You can read a previous Hipster Hack with other Young Joni pizzas HERE.

Young Joni
165 13th Ave. NE,
Minneapolis, MN 55413

10. Fried BBQ Piri Chicken, Estelle

Fried BBQ Piri Chicken: Amish chicken thighs potato salad, zucchini, chorizo

I don’t believe this version is on their menu anymore, but if you have the opportunity to try Estelle’s fried chicken in Saint Paul, do not hesitate!

Estelle
1806 St. Clair Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

11. Lobster Mac & Cheese, Smack Shack

Lobster Mac & Cheese: Taleggio, Sweet Corn, Breadcrumbs

The Smack Shack Lobster Mac has been one of my favorite dishes since first having it at the 1029 Bar in Northeast Minneapolis back when I began this blog. It doesn’t matter which location you go to, every Smack Shack is perfection.

Smack Shack – Bloomington
3801 Minnesota Dr
Minneapolis, MN 55435

12. Scallops, Spoon & Stable

Scallops: Spinach risotto, sour orange, romanesco, espelette pepper

It’s been almost a year since I had this dish and I still daydream about it. These scallops were buttery perfection and as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy risotto, I would gladly eat this daily.

Spoon and Stable
211 North 1st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401

And that’s a wrap!

My stomach and I cannot wait for all our adventures in 2024. Let me know what your top dishes were for 2023 in the comments!