17 Best Restaurants in Blaine, MN

This article was written by local contributor Calvin Howard & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Calvin Howard

Jun 16, 2023 • 16 min read

When it comes to finding the best places to eat in Blaine, Minnesota, I've had my fair share of delicious meals throughout the years.

As someone who has lived in this vibrant city for quite some time, I can definitely say that the food scene here is diverse and offers something for everyone.

In this article, I'll be sharing my personal favorites and the hidden gems that you absolutely must try when you're craving some mouth-watering dishes.

So, grab your appetite, and let's dive into the culinary delights that this city has to offer with his list of the best restaurants in Blaine, Minnesota.

Hajime Sushi Restaurant

Hajime Sushi Restaurant is a stylish Japanese outpost with a full bar offering specialty rolls, traditional entrees, and a great happy hour.

I remember my first time going there; it was a Friday night, and the place was packed.

I had made a reservation but still had to wait in line for about 10 minutes.

The atmosphere inside was loud and lively – not what I initially expected from a sushi restaurant.

One of the things I love about Hajime is that you can see the chefs preparing the sushi near the bar, showcasing their artistry and skill.

I ordered the North Shore roll, and it was absolutely delicious.

My partner got the shrimp hibachi, and although he mentioned the rice didn't taste like the classic hibachi fried rice, the dish was still enjoyable.

Located in a strip mall, Hajime might not look like much from the outside, but the bright interior and the buzzing atmosphere make it a popular spot for local college students and residents alike.

The menu is extensive, and the happy hour deals are fantastic – I've had full meals with dessert for under $40 per person.

Recently, I tried their drinks for the first time and was impressed by their quality and strength.

The service is always excellent, and I've always had a great experience dining at Hajime.

Jawad Grill

I decided to try out Jawad Grill recently after hearing about their delicious Mediterranean dishes.

I was a bit surprised to see cheese curds on the menu but decided to give them a try since I was already there.

They were okay, but what really caught my attention was their creamy hummus – it stole the show!

I couldn't help but indulge in their pitas and gyros as well, which turned out to be the perfect lunch option.

Although the prices were a bit higher than I expected, the generous portions and the overall quality of the food made it worth every penny.

The ambiance at Jawad Grill was cozy, and I loved the fact that I could hear my food being prepared on the grill while I waited.

I also noticed that quite a few people were coming in for takeout orders, and more continued to arrive to dine in as well, which was a testament to the popularity of this Greek restaurant.

This was my first time ordering from Jawad Grill, and they've definitely exceeded my expectations – especially with their scrumptious falafel sandwich!

Red Kitchen

I have to say Red Kitchen has become one of my favorite spots for Asian fusion cuisine in the area.

I've been visiting this cozy little eatery quite often, and I must admit, I'm always impressed by their delightful dishes.

One thing I love about this place is how they're constantly trying out new dishes, and they really excel at it.

Their pork belly fried rice took me back to the days of dining at the OG Destiny Cafe in St.Paul.

The tender pork belly meat was cooked to perfection, and the fried rice itself was so flavorful.

I also enjoy their Bun Bo Hue, which is hands down the best I've had so far.

And don't even get me started on their lemon chicken wings and cream cheese wontons – always a treat!

Palmar Mexican Restaurant & Seafood

The other night, I finally had the chance to visit Palmar Mexican Restaurant & Seafood, a recently opened Mexican restaurant in town.

Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

My partner and I started with their Parillada Mexicana, which was more than enough for the two of us.

The dish was flavorful, and the side dishes they provided were just perfect.

I was quite impressed with their extensive menu, especially the seafood options.

On our next visit, I'm definitely trying their seafood dishes.

Speaking of seafood, my partner ordered the Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo, which had large, perfectly cooked shrimp in a delicious garlicky sauce with mushrooms and onions.

I couldn't resist stealing a bite!

We also tried their Octopus Tostada appetizer, and it was a bargain.

The octopus was extremely tender, accompanied by a wonderful array of finely diced veggies and sliced avocado.

Trust me, even if you're squeamish about octopus, this dish is worth a try!

Another thing worth mentioning is that they have their liquor license approved, so the variety of tequila and tap Mexican brews is fantastic.

I can't wait to go back and sample more of their menu and enjoy a refreshing beverage as well.

Misono Sushi & Asian Bistro

My friends and I often visit Misono Sushi & Asian Bistro because it's considered one of the best Asian restaurants in our area.

The food is always delicious and fresh, and I've never been disappointed.

During lunch breaks, my partner usually goes for their sushi lunch specials,

The last time we went there for dinner, I tried the chicken teriyaki with fried rice.

The teriyaki sauce was sweet and tasty, and their fried rice was absolutely delightful.

My partner opted for the chicken Pad Thai, which he thought was delicious and would definitely order again.

Some of our friends tried the hibachi plates, and they found them to be very filling and flavorful.

One of the things that set this place apart is their attentive service.

Although the sushi sometimes takes a bit longer to come out, we appreciate that because it shows that it's being prepared with care and attention to detail.

Carol's Restaurant

As someone who lives in the area, I can't help but find myself returning to Carol's Restaurant time and time again.

This old-fashioned, diner-style eatery has quickly become my favorite spot for traditional, homestyle American meals.

I remember the first time I visited Carol's for breakfast – the place was packed, but the wait was definitely worth it.

The food was exceptional, and the portions more than generous.

I've also had the pleasure of enjoying their lunch and dinner options, and they never disappoint.

I have a friend with Celiac disease, and the team at Carol's took every precaution to ensure their meal was safe and enjoyable.

And the desserts – oh, the desserts!

The sweet cream caramel rolls are to die for, but you'd better get there early as they sell out quickly.

Pho Viet 126 Vietnamese Restaurant

I recently dined at Pho Viet 126, a modest Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in a strip mall.

To my surprise, this unassuming spot turned out to be an absolute gem!

I've tried multiple dishes here, and I've never been disappointed.

One of my favorites has to be their Bahn Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich on a crispy, fresh, and delicious baguette.

Their rice vermicelli is another must-try dish.

I've also ordered from Pho Viet 126 through Doordash, and the experience was just as satisfying.

The bun bo hue had a strong shrimp paste flavor, which I personally enjoyed, and their special pho, although a little lacking in flavor, had a generous amount of meat.

Plus, the pricing was quite reasonable.

Rocky's Asian Bistro and BBQ

The other day I decided to finally give Rocky's Asian Bistro and BBQ a try, and I absolutely do not regret it!

I went there with my partner, and we ordered quite a feast.

We started with Chicken Spring Rolls w/ Peanut Sauce and Cream Cheese Wontons for appetizers.

For our main courses, my partner had the Smoked Pork Belly with Purple Sticky Rice and Hmong Pepper Sauce, while I indulged in the Crying Tiger Steak cooked medium.

I have to admit, I couldn't resist stealing a few bites of the Smoked Pork Belly from my partner's plate - it was that good!

Perfectly crispy, fatty, and cooked to perfection.

My Crying Tiger Steak was incredible as well, especially when paired with the Hmong Pepper Sauce.

Although, I think I'll try it medium-rare next time.

We're both big sushi fans, so we couldn't resist ordering the Caterpillar Roll.

It wasn't our favorite, but I'm sure we'll try a different roll on our next visit.

What really impressed me were the reasonable prices and the extensive menu, featuring a wide variety of Asian cuisines ranging from Hmong, Vietnamese, and Thai to Chinese-American classics and even Japanese-inspired sushi.

Invictus Brewing Company

The other day, I decided to catch a game at Invictus Brewing Company, a local brewpub with a modern, industrial vibe and plenty of indoor and outdoor space.

I ordered a pizza, which turned out to be really delicious, and sampled some of their variety of beers.

Interestingly, they also offer THC-infused takeaways and edible options for purchase.

Personally, I enjoyed the Margherita pizza and a green apple ale, and the amazing desserts.

I'm definitely looking forward to going back this summer and enjoying their outdoor space.

It's also the perfect spot to try a variety of delicious IPAs and satisfy your comfort food cravings with tasty dishes from Tipsy Steer.

Do keep in mind that Invictus is located right across from a hockey arena, so be prepared for an influx of parents and young kids coming in during game nights.

Giliberto's Mexican Taco

I recently had the pleasure of trying out Giliberto's Mexican Taco in Blaine, and it's a fantastic addition to our local dining options.

Having just moved from Roseville, MN, I was craving some authentic Mexican food, and Giliberto's definitely hit the spot.

One of the highlights of my visit was the chicken tamales.

They were delicious and had just the right amount of spice, which reminded me of the tamales I used to buy from a lady selling them from her car back in southern Los Angeles.

The fish taco was quite good too, and the tartar sauce's sweetness complements it.

What really stood out to me was the kids' meal, which was generously portioned, and the shrimp my friend had – they absolutely loved it.

Another favorite of mine was the shredded beef taco, and I opted for flour shells instead of corn.

I also appreciated the salsa bar at Giliberto's, which allowed me to customize my food to my liking.

UMBRIA Gourmet Pizzeria

One day, I found myself with some time to spare and decided to try out a pizza place near my home called UMBRIA Gourmet Pizzeria.

The modest little nook offers creative and build-your-own pizzas, as well as Italian-American, eats for takeout or delivery.

As a pizza lover, I was excited to see what they had in store!

My partner and I each opted for a personal pizza, which brought back memories of the old Pizza Hut personal pan pizzas.

We went for custom creations – I topped mine with pepperoni and banana peppers, while my partner chose chicken and pineapple.

The result was an absolute delight!

The pizzas were mouth-wateringly delicious, and I couldn't help but wish we had one of these pizzerias in every corner.

On a different occasion, I decided to try their GrubHub delivery service.

The pizza arrived with great flavor, but there was a minor issue with a melted lid on the plastic cup containing the marinara sauce.

I decided that the next time I order from UMBRIA, I'll just pick it up myself.

It's worth mentioning the incredible customer service at this place.

I even got to try their Vegan Thai Pizza, which was hands down the best pizza I have ever had.

The variety of vegan options is also quite impressive.

CRISP & GREEN

I recently discovered CRISP & GREEN, a fantastic new restaurant in town, and I couldn't be happier with my experience.

Just like the one in Maple Grove, this place offers delicious and nutritious meal options that make eating healthy and enjoyable.

I remember my first visit – I ordered the Greek salad with a few extra toppings, and it was probably the best salad I've ever had!

I did notice that they didn't have blue cheese crumbles like the Maple Grove location, but it didn't take away from the overall experience.

The atmosphere at CRISP & GREEN is perfect for sitting and enjoying a wholesome meal with friends or family, and the customer service is top-notch.

The employees are always friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better.

On my second visit, I decided to try something new and ordered the "Wild Child" grain bowl.

It was absolutely delicious, and I can't wait to go back and try their "Fiesta Bowl" as well!

Tipsy Steer Blaine

One of my favorite spots to hang out and grab a bite to eat in the area is definitely Tipsy Steer Blaine.

It's a lively place with TVs on most walls, so you don't miss any of the games while you're there.

What I love about their ordering system is that it's so convenient - you just pick a table and walk up to order your food, which they then bring to you.

Plus, you can order drinks directly from your phone at the bar.

Now, let's talk about the food.

The fire oven pizzas are absolutely amazing, with the perfect crust and just the right amount of toppings.

Their chicken sandwiches, like the Nashville hot, pack a punch in terms of flavor and spiciness.

But what really sets Tipsy Steer Blaine apart for me are their incredible milkshakes.

Even though they're on the pricier side at $8, they're completely worth it.

These shakes come with unique, eye-catching toppings like cotton candy, cookie sandwiches, and even a whole ice cream sandwich.

It's like getting a dessert and a show all in one!

Aside from their stellar food, Tipsy Steer Blaine also offers a variety of craft beers that always hit the spot.

Other restaurants nearby

Rusty Cow Family Restaurant (Circle Pines)

As someone who lives nearby, I can say that Rusty Cow Family Restaurant is a hidden gem in our neighborhood.

I first decided to visit this place after reading some positive reviews online, and boy, it did not disappoint.

I've been there a couple of times, and I've always had a great experience.

Every time I go for breakfast, I end up leaving full and satisfied.

Their Hungry Farmer plate, with hash browns, ham, bacon, eggs, and toast, is more than enough to keep me going throughout the day.

What I love about Rusty Cow is that they have a great variety of American diner entrees, and their portion sizes are very generous.

Their breakfast menu is particularly amazing, offering many options to suit any taste.

El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill (Circle Pines)

I remember the first time I walked into El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill, I was instantly greeted with the welcoming aroma of authentic Mexican cuisine.

The salsa had just the right amount of spice, which is a big deal for me since I've been to other Mexican restaurants where the salsa was quite bland.

On my first visit, I ordered the Burrito Fajita, and boy, was it huge!

I could barely finish it in one sitting, but the taste was amazing.

I've since tried other dishes like the Steak Burrito Mexicano, and while the meat wasn't as seasoned as I'd hoped, the overall experience is still enjoyable.

My partner, on the other hand, swears by their steak tacos.

One thing to note is that drinks can be a bit pricey here – a large margarita once set me back about $25 – but they definitely don't skimp on the alcohol content.

Guangzhou Restaurant (Spring Lake Park)

Guangzhou Restaurant has always been my top place for Chinese food.

Their menu has a large selection of Chinese dishes, and I love that the food is prepared fresh after ordering.

I appreciate that there are parks nearby, perfect for enjoying a picnic with their food.

One of my all-time favorite dishes from there is the Black Bean Chicken.

The savory sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables make it an irresistible meal.

Another must-try is their lemon chicken - the zesty sweet, and sour taste never disappoints, especially with the sauce served separately to keep the batter fried chicken crispy.

I've tried other Chinese restaurants nearby, but Guangzhou Restaurant remains the most consistent in terms of taste and quality.

I won't hesitate to drive past other places just to pick up their amazing fried rice.

Angkor Restaurant (Minneapolis)

When I first discovered Angkor Restaurant in our local shopping center, I didn't know what to expect from a Chinese-Cambodian eatery.

But since I'm a big fan of trying new cuisines, I decided to give it a shot, and it's now one of my go-to places for a flavorful meal.

I appreciated their honesty and decided to wait anyway.

The wait was definitely worth it!

I ordered chewy noodles and mussels to-go, and the flavor was exceptional.

Not to mention, my takeout was packaged very carefully, so I didn't have to worry about spills on my way home.

One thing I absolutely love about Angkor Restaurant is their ability to bring the heat when it comes to spicy food.

I tried their Lemongrass Chicken and Hot and Sour Soup, and both dishes were incredibly delicious.

The soup had a tangy kick to it, with plenty of pork and tofu, although I would've liked to see more mushrooms or tree ear fungus.

The stir fry had a vibrant color and was tasty.

I can't forget to mention the egg rolls and pot stickers.

The egg rolls were a unique, skinnier version, filled with a generous amount of pork and wrapped in a very crisp wrapper.

The pot stickers were standard fare but came with a delightful sauce.

Final Thoughts

Blaine has a fantastic variety of restaurants to cater to everyone's taste.

I particularly cherish the cozy atmosphere and comfort food at Rusty Cow Family Restaurant, and I can't forget the delightful weekend brunches at Carol's.

So, if you ever find yourself in Blaine, I highly recommend taking the time to explore and enjoy the diverse culinary scene our lovely city has to offer.

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