"Beer is more a fourThe food makes it a five starJust a cozy placeNorthbound is pretty unique, at least in Minnesota. They are a full fledged brewery, but they also have an in-house kitchen and a full bar. Forager in Rochester is the only other one that comes to mind with this trifecta. The beers at Northbound are solid, but I don't put them in the very upper echelon. The Anniversary Ale 2024 that I am sipping on now is fantastic.Love the food here. The Porketta, the Wild Rice Burger, the wings, etc. All awesome. Northbound really knows how to smoke some meat. I'm here pretty regularly. If I lived within walking distance, it would probably be weekly."
"Went to A-Side for the first time yesterday and LOVED it! It is in a converted firehouse and in nice weather they open the garage doors so you get to enjoy the breeze while being out of the sun. They also have a patio as well. Overall this place has a terrific ambiance.The menu isn't big but has a great range of choices including some tasty appetizers. We started with a couple of very well-crafted cocktails and the charcuterie board which was one of the best I've had in a while. Beautiful cheeses, quality fruits, nuts, and jams. It also included some French Saucisson, smoked salmon and a wonderful pate. We also ordered their side of French bread which was good as well and came with a whipped rosemary-sea salt butter.We then decided to share the French Onion Steak Sandwich with fries. The beef was incredible! Very flavorful and tender, plenty of cheese and fresh greens too on a soft roll. Definitely a knife and fork sandwich however.Between the atmosphere, great service and well-prepared quality food this was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it!"
"Great area to go for lunch or a dinner party. Staff is very nice and there's a lot of options. The owner Jillian is very sweet and friendly. The design is very unique and has 4 sections to sit at, every area has a different design and vibe. Recommend anyone to swing by even for just the food!"
"The menu here always has something for everyone! I love to be able to order different things to share and their menu makes that easy to do. The Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect dip, it is cheesy with just a little spice and comes in a cup big enough to share with multiple people. The totachos are good but as a nacho lover I would get the nachos every time! The nachos are by far easier to eat with your hands too. I recommend the pork and chicken on top of these. The pickle pizza is a MN delicacy. The pickles are some of the best pickles out there!Fat Pants is always hosting events and is generally a fun place to hangout! Another plus is on top of the beer they offer, they also have wine and cocktails on the menu!"
Ashley B.
Oct 26, 2024
We've travelled to almost every southern state and ate our way through their best BBQ along the way. This place most closely resembles the quality & technique of the southern states, with a northern twist. They are doing BBQ their way! We ordered the Alabama white sauce wings, and a platter. We also tried quite a few of their beers, including the award-winning Doppelbock. All of them were fantastic and no matter what your preferred style, I think you'll enjoy it! Everything was fall off the bone, extra saucy and tangy. Well developed flavors overall. When the meat is cooked right, it makes it easier to enjoy and experience their unique flavors. Although the wings are named "Alabama" white sauce, the flavor just makes sense in mayo and ranch loving MN! LOL. Creamy, unique, and delicious! Loved pairing everything with pickled things and bright slaw! Their house made pickles were nummy!Street parking, large tropical ambiance patio. Friendly service. I believe there was a single server holding down the whole place at one point and he was killing it!
Visit Restaurant PageAmanda U.
Mar 1, 2025
Loved our dinner! We had the Valentine's Day special which was grilled shrimp and steak. Reasonably priced. Great place for a more upscale but still fairly casual date night. Street parking. Very friendly service. Dinner took a little longer to get to the table but it was Valentine's Day so to be expected.
Visit Restaurant PageLucy N.
May 23, 2024
Bear cave is a hidden gem in the heart of Hopkins. No stop to Hopkins is complete without bear cave. I've come here on numerous occasions and loved my experience each time. There are multiple levels of fun here -- all with self serve beverages via taps on the wall. As you come in, you check in up front with the host and you get a card that keeps track of your tab. Weave your way through each level -- don't miss the bear in the basement, and make sure if it's a sunny day to try out one of their outdoor spaces, either the rooftop or the patio. They also have fireplaces which make for a cozy night spot. I love the self serve aspect because it makes it easy to try a bunch of different things and really figure out your favorite before committing to a full drink. I also like the flexibility to be able to get just half a drink if you want. I've yet to try the food here, but what better excuse to have to return!
Visit Restaurant PageShawn A.
Sep 28, 2024
Prices are reasonable. Their draft beer selection would satisfy all with the extensive variety. The food was just ok, I tried the flatbread portion of the menu. The service is nothing exciting. Just adequate and ok. But nothing to make you feel like you're special. Bottom line a good place to have a few drinks.
Visit Restaurant PageJessica N.
Jul 15, 2023
Solid restaurant in Maple Plaine! They have live music, trivia and the restaurant is fairly large. Decent size indoor and outdoor seating. I love that they offer drinks outside of their brewed beers. Complete spirit lists as well as other domestic beers. We've tried a variety of items on the menu- but honestly have only been happy with their pizza. Their pizza is Detroit Style and comes with a side of the marinara which is so fresh and flavorful. The small is large enough for two. Staff is always friendly. Definitely would recommend calling for a reservation Friday or Saturday's
Visit Restaurant PageMadison B.
Jan 22, 2025
Came here on a Monday night about 2 weeks ago! Server was great and it wasn't busy about 6pm. Burger was just okay. Was dry and couldn't really taste the sauces that was on it (flammin blueberry burger). Loved the fries and that they were different than your standard fry. My friend loved the duck wontons. Would love to come back and try a different entree.
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"The atmosphere is fun, the drinks/beer are decent, the food is hit or miss, the bartenders and staff are usually friendly. It's on our date night / happy hour rotation."
"Love to see Noah behind the bar, he is the absolute best! Super fast, friendly and a good guy the best bartender you could ask for. Thank you MCs for hiring great employees; the kitchen is awesome too always hot and done perfectly the pasta is super tasty, I love it. Thankyou"