Tongue In Cheek

I like what they do here. I'll disclose that although they are getting all the stars from me, it is not because this is a fancy, fine-dining spot with white table cloth service and perfect food. It is because it is an unassuming storefront that offers some inventive, high quality food and drink in a setting that would appeal more to a hippie than a hipster. And they do it while keeping high standards for what comes out of the kitchen. Where too many places are chasing the most popular concepts of the moment, Tongue In Cheek gives off a bit of an irreverant vibe and does the anti-establishment thing of doing what feels like whatever they want but in a good way. The staff seem to be proud of this and they should be. It can be busy so getting a table reserved is a recommendation for popular times. They do serve weekday brunch which is a plus for those of us that work non-traditional hours and need a good breakfast and bar place during the week. And don't discount sitting at the bar as it is a bit eclectic and has a nice rhythm all its own. Kudos to them for having their own craft cocktail menu with some inventive creations but also for cocktails that are a few bucks south of pricing at almost every other cocktail bar around.As for food, the menu seems to be driven in a blue collar foodie direction. Nothing super hoity-toity but they do a respectable (albeit nontraditional) version of ramen and a reasonable cheeseburger and fries. While it is not dive-bar cheap, nothing is these days and I respect them for staying true to their food in these trying times as evidenced by them keeping an onsen style egg in their ramen without additional surcharge pricing in these days of $10/dozen eggs! They could have just as easily stopped putting the egg on their ramen and charged the same and people would have continued to order it. But those of us that pay attention and really come for the food take note of these kinds of details that maintain kitchen integrity. And these details matter to me. I believe they are celebrating their 10th or 11th year in business and I am glad they are part of the MN dining scene. The Twin Cities is better for it being here. If you are in the area, don't miss a chance to stop in here for an adult beverage, a bowl of ramen, and a nice dose of kitchen integrity.

This is a great restaurant, one of the best Saint Paul spots.Consider:- $4 Teasers: single bite menu items. Satisfying, intricate bites.*- 2oz Cocktail teasers / flights. Batched cocktails ensure consistently delicious drinks .. and that they can pour them into multiple tiny, attractive glasses for you to taste!- Good ethnic inspired items. I like their ramen, it's not traditional but to my palette it does compare favorably- Fun, causal ambiance; well-prepared food, that you would expect at a more upscale spot- Not cheap but good value for the quality, delicious meal you'll get!Tips:- *Teasers really are single bite. You can try to share, but a little awkward. I will add that the lineup hasn't changed much over the years - Consider the chicken piccata, yum. If you recognize a menu item, expect a good execution of said dish- We like the fried sponge cake for desert Favorite St Paul spots: The Nook, The Emerald Lounge, Moscow on the Hill, SK Coffee (the one 550 Vandalia St), Peking Garden, and yes -- Tongue in Cheek!!

We had an OUTSTANDING brunch at Tongue in Cheek to celebrate my wife's birthday. Service was fast and friendly, nice environment and delicious food. Drinks: Cocktails were all good. We got the Yo Adrian and Espresso Martini (but with tequila - but wouldn't get this again). Teasers: We got the East Fried Pride (pork belly, stone fruit, peanut) and it was sooooo good. My wife and I were each able to have a healthy sized bite of this. My dad got the Blues (blueberry, bleu cheese, peanut) and said it was a "flavor explosion" in his mouth. His teaser was suited for just one person. Entrees: 3/5 of us ordered the Heeeere's Johnny braised pork egg Benedict and all loved it. 1 person got the Classic breakfast (pretty standard, nothing special TBH) and 1 got the Weekend at Bennie's cold smoked salmon Benedict and loved it. Dessert: We got the Ode to Dome and another berry type dessert (can't recall the name). Both were scrumptious. We even got one for free as a birthday treat! We can't wait to come back and try more.

This was our first time at Tongue in Cheek , and we got the date night special. You get two drinks, two teasers, 4 shareables, and a dessert for $85!We ordered Sangria and a Ron Swanson for our drinks which were both great. Then for teasers we got the SGT. Peppers and Bacon & Egg- we split them even though they are meant as an amuse-bouche. The shishito peppers were fried and really yummy and the egg yolk was also fried but still gooey in the middle- both tasty. All four Shareables were so delicious! My favorite was the fries, the cheese sauce was SO good but a very close second was the Fried Chicken Buns. Then, for dessert we got the fries pound cake that had a raspberry sauce and it reminded me of the taste of funnel cake, so good. Will definitely be back to try brunch and their cocktail flight!

Came here for brunch with friends while we were in town for a wedding. The vibe here was great. The music playlist was on point. The customer service was the best I experienced in my whole trip to St. Paul. Since I am allergic to pork the food option for me here was sparse. However they were so accommodating and I had one of the best burgers and salads I've here had. All my friends loved their food. I would gladly come back to here the next time I am in town.

Came here to celebrate the birthdays of two friends and we were not disappointed! I started with the drink flight.. some I liked, others I didn't and so other people drank those and they liked them so much, they ordered the full sized versions, so win/ win I guess lol. The food was astounding. I started with the egg and bacon, pork belly and the pork bao buns. Absolutely no complaints here! Will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in this area!

Unique restaurant with a variety of cuisines...excellent flavor, texture, staff...very modern, a range of ambiance depending on your mood...just delicious. I went back again with my wife because I loved it the first time and she loved it. Hope in the wall elegance, try it once at least.

This restaurant has been recommended to me numerous times so I finally visited. The ambiance in the restaurant itself was very underwhelming and my seat was uncomfortable and tilting to the side. But... the FOOD. This was one of the best meals I've ever had. I had the Steamed Pork Buns and the Pork Ramen Bowl, both which were definitely Asian "fusion" style and a blend of various East Asian dishes (not authentic). The pork belly was crispy and flavorful, and the bun itself was light and fluffy. Everything in the ramen bowl was all I could ever ask for - the flavors and texture were perfectly balanced - spicy, sweet, and savory. Hands down recommend - you won't be disappointed!

Another great spot on the Eastside of St Paul! I love the cool laid back atmosphere of this place. Definitely need to go again and try the cocktail or mimosa flight! I recommend all the teasers, but especially loved the East Fried Pride. They offer really great date night and brunch specials. Service was friendly and we were very pleased with our visit!

Yummm! The fries and fixins' were very delicious, and not something I've had before. Everyone in the group really enjoyed their meal. The chicken and pork buns were very flavorful. The Ramen was very good, and my friend was able to modify the ingredients. The noodles were cooked well and the broth was full of flavor- sweet and robust. The service was friendly and attentive. Our server checked in with us regularly. The atmosphere is upbeat and filled with abstract artwork. My eyes were busy the whole time. The one complaint is the organization of the menu. It is not very intuitive. We will be back for some more ramen soon!