Tandem Bagels

Watch out Brueggers, there is a new bagel shop in town! And its not looking to be a sellout.
Tandem Bagels could possibly spice up the competition. But how can a new bagel bakery move into a modern 21st century economy where bagels have been around forever? Well, they do it by creating sophisticated and unique sandwich combinations.

Alike other bagel shops, their menu incorporates the simplistically good baked bagels with cream cheese as well as breakfast pleasers with eggs and bacon. But, in addition there are over 5 other handcrafted sandwich creations that include a turkey with avocado spread and cilantro mayo, red herring, and a pizza bagel toasted hot and fresh. Many of their options are great for diets too, with healthy vegetable combos and gluten free ingredients.

Another cool aspect to this bakery is their homemade breads and dessert worthy pastries that are always overflowing their display cases. The flavors are tounge-tingling and go smoothly with a hot, steamy cup of coffee.

The inside has a very casual, cafe ambiance with attractive black oak tables and chairs. Also hightop bar seating right next to the window to watch people and cars wiz by the busy Downtown street. A very different, but humbling decoration that sits next to the tables are book filled shelves for some quiet entertainment.

Tandem Bagels is genuinely priced when it comes to most for their bagel options, but their signature creations are slightly overpriced. While very good down to each bite, one bagel with toppings can run over $7.

I will never hesitate to go here when I need a fresh cup of coffee and a quick, flavorful breakfast or, because of the calming atmosphere, when I'm in need to get some work done. This bakery and coffeehouse is a hip, modern joint ready for a long history in Mankato.

Tav On The Ave

A fun place on Madison Avenue! Tav provides great food and an incredibly friendly waiting staff- probably the nicest around town. They always have courtesy to chat and hangout with their customers.
When I look at the menu, I can never decide what to order. They have multiple choices to choose from that are more than delicious.

Their appetizers top most other places around Mankato with dishes including battered state fair cheese curds, quesadillas, buffalo wings, nachos, hummus dip, and much more. Tav never disappoints when I come there just for a couple drinks and some appetizers to share.

If I can get past theses above choices, the menu is also original and full of variety. They have mexican tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, fish, meatloaf, steak, and signature roll-ups. Each plate is creatively presented and full of hearty flavors.

The inside has nice booth seating in the back area, for a quieter scene as well as bar seating and hightop tables in the front for a energetic evening. Great place to watch a football or hockey game with some friends!
 

Dino's Pizzeria

Dino's is the best gourmet pizza in the city! Their recipes reflect the authentic look and style of a New York pizzeria. They are topped with decadent ingredients and baked fresh.
Each pizza made here is big on both taste and size- the large barley fits on the table.
The pies have crispy crusts and are covered with a flavorful homemade red sauce. There is also a couple pies that use different sauces for the base including an alfredo and buffalo chicken.
If I'm ever craving a delicious, hot pizza, Dino's is the first restaurant on my mind.

Along with their pizzas are toasted sub sandwiches and original pasta dishes. So there is no shorting of options- just classically good Italian food.
The restaurant has a balanced medium of classy flavors to compliment the elegant crowd, as well as simplistic hearty flavors for the younger ages. In addition, the inside is designed family friendly for all ages to come in and enjoy.

Prices here are average for pasta, but a bit pricey for a pizza pies and subs. Although, the portions are large and the pizza is full of more flavor than every other restaurant in Mankato.

Staff here are all in their 20's and incredibly friendly. They are knowledgeable of the food industry and create a good mood around the tables- always ready to help, but not over persistent.

The owners have been around for many years and have opened multiple restaurants in the Mankato area, so they've got fine experience creating a successful business with good food, atmosphere and service.

Blue Bricks Bar and Eatery

Blue Bricks is as great of a restaurant as it is a fun part of the Downtown bar scene. Their extensive menu includes appetizer choices ranging from cheese curds, calamari rings, and jalapeño poppers to dragon shrimp and buffalo wings. Their kitchen also allows for various entrees including salads, pastas, quesadillas, steaks, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and soups. At this place, anyone with a picky appetite can find a meal that they can enjoy!
And even though there are a ridiculous amount of dishes to choose from, each one is prepared well and accompanied with delightful flavors.
Along with their fantastically broad menu, they have friendly staff who are used to a busy evening of serving drinks and entertaining customers as on every weekend they are a key part of many college students party destinations.
The prices here are fair and the inside has a variety of seating including hightop bar stools, nice sit-down tables and chairs, and leather lounging couches. The decor is finished with dark wood and lit by neon bar signs adding to its cool, everyone have a good time atmosphere. Blue Bricks is where I love to go when I want to be around good people and eat some great food!