Editor’s note: This isn’t the first time we’ve shared a story about fried cheese curds. We’ve explained what they are and how to enjoy them and how to enjoy them beyond just poutine. Now our intrepid contributor Stacy Brooks tells us where to find them in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
In the Midwest, deep fried cheese curds are a way of life, and nowhere is that more apparent than the Minneapolis-St. Paul dining scene. 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 the preparation: in Wisconsin deep fried curds are breaded, while Minnesota curds are typically battered. Ready to try this cheesy Midwestern specialty? Here are the best places to get deep fried cheese curds in Minneapolis and St. Paul, organized from west to east to make it easy to plan a multi-stop curd crawl.
Minneapolis
Low-key neighborhood bar Bull’s Horn Food & Drink feels like it’s been around for generations—although the restaurant launched in 2017, the building has been a bar since 1935. The perfectly-executed cheese curds are served with Thousand Island dressing.
With newspaper-inspired decor and a street side patio on downtown’s Nicollet Mall, The Newsroom is a fun destination indoors and out. Expect comfort food with an upscale twist, like the deep fried brie “curds” with housemade blueberry ketchup (although they’re not technically cheese curds, they’re too delicious to leave off the list).
Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room serves elevated bar fare, and has a covered, heated dog-friendly patio that’s open year round (there’s even a three-course dog menu). Humans can opt for hand-battered cheese curds served with a spicy jam.
St. Paul
Counter-service Middle Eastern cafe Foxy Falafel has a fresh take on cheese curds—they’re tossed with dill for a bright herbal flavor and served with locally-sourced honey. As an added bonus, the curds are gluten free (unlike most deep fried curds, which are made with a wheat-based batter).
Groveland Tap is a neighborhood burger spot that’s also beloved for its classic cheese curds, served with chipotle ketchup. Another cheesy option is the Ellsworth Lucy, a burger made with a curd-stuffed patty.
The cheese curds at Bap and Chicken exemplify the casual restaurant’s Korean-American menu. Served with a kimchi crema, they’re a flavorful take on a Midwestern favorite.
The Nook and Shamrocks are often credited with serving up the best curds in the Twin Cities (the sister restaurants have similar menus and are only 1.5 miles apart). Pick from the classic version, or try the Nook curds, which include honey-glazed bacon. Heat lovers should order the flaming hot cheese curds, which are tossed in a spicy batter, dusted with ghost pepper, and served with a side of spicy honey.
Neighborhood spot Brunson’s Pub specializes in cheese curds that combine a classic beer batter (made with Summit beer, a local craft brew standby) with globally-inspired condiments: balsamic aioli and sambal honey.
Multiple locations
Can’t choose between Minneapolis and St. Paul? Red Cow has Minneapolis locations in the North Loop, Uptown, and 50th & France neighborhoods, plus a location in St. Paul’s Summit-University neighborhood. Their cheese curds are beer-battered and served with triple berry ketchup.