For once the locals have disappointed me in recommending a place to eat! Every local I spoke to gave me chain restaurants that I can find in pretty much any major city. When I asked a few if they had anything they felt was special to Minneapolis they couldn’t recall anything. I knew this couldn’t be true. Luckily when I was watching the TV one day, I came across host Ali Khan of Cheap Eats who visited a restaurant called Hell’s Kitchen and I knew I had to go!
Even when we arrived at the airport we asked the information desk the best way to get to Hell’s Kitchen and he said he had never heard of it. Not sure why I was slightly surprised considering the recommendations others gave me. We ended up taking the light rail from the airport straight to Downtown Minneapolis. It was about 25 minutes or so to get there and was a very nice ride.
We had to walk a few blocks from the train station. It was pretty cold out and we weren’t exactly prepared. So we power walked hit a detour and went around another block. It took about 5 minutes to walk from the train and then we saw the sign. We quickly walked inside. Hell’s Kitchen is located in the lower level of the building. Rightfully so as it ties in with the cool theme. Before you head down the steps there is a statue that says “The way to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
It was still pretty early when we got there so we were lucky not to need a reservation. We were immediately seated. The staff was very nice and quickly brought us our tea so we could warm up! My friend and I both noticed we needed to charge our phones. Low and behold the table had an outlet for both a plug and USB. To make things even better, free WiFi.
The menu is very informative letting you know what is a Minnesota Icon(MN Icon). I wanted to try some items they are known for so the first thing I ordered was Toasted Sausage Bread, which my friend and I split. You are probably wondering what in the hell, but it was absolutely delicious! It has sausage, toasted walnuts, black currant spices, and black coffee. It is served with a banana peanut butter and two other peanut butters and a jam. We tried every combination we could.
I ordered another MN Icon, Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes. Freshly grated lemon zest, fresh berries, and ricotta cheese. The fact that they were known for this and the picture automatically sold me. It looked delicious and it was! My friend went with the Classic American Breakfast, two organic eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and bacon. She was also given some special hot sauce and ketchup that Hell’s Kitchen makes. She clearly forgot where she was though as she wasn’t expecting it to be as spicy as it was.
The decor was pretty cool and it is pretty light-hearted and family friendly. There were quotes on the walls that went with the theme. There were also different parts of the restaurant so it can hold plenty of people and also has a bar. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and even have a happy hour! Even that bathroom is cool with some very interesting photos. (You can see them in the video below.) There was even a little set up with Adirondack chairs, a vulture, and a little trailer!
So if you are ever in Minneapolis, make you way over to Hell’s Kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. The food is really good and very filling! The prices are also reasonable. I know I have to go back and try out their lunch and dinner menus. The dessert menu sounds tempting as well! I wish I had more of the Toasted Sausage Bread.
Have you ever been to Hell’s Kitchen?
Sarah Stierch
Ha! I actually went there for dinner and beers once during a conference. The place was packed and there was a band playing 90s grunge band covers. They had great tater tots. 🙂