I Visited The TWIN CITIES of Minneapolis-Saint Paul

[@ahajimo]

I’m just more impressed that a KZbin video about the Twin Cities didn’t just show Minneapolis the whole time. A lot of love was also shown to St. Paul!

[@mm_A]

Came here to say this! During the Super Bowl there were KZbinrs - standing in front of the state capital - saying they were “here in Minneapolis” 😂

[@sunnyblossom_711]

being invited by the Saint Paul Saints, going to the State Fair, and having the place he stayed at be the Saint Paul Hotel definitely helped with the STP-heavy experiences

[@pandooju]

Holy shit! You went to the Hmong Village? I wasn’t expecting that at all man. You’re always open to visit here anytime you feel so. We appreciate you!

[@Alexk-cp8xq]

IKR? surprised and delighted he was on the east side!

[@Clippertonusmc]

Hmong Village is awesome!

[@Pinwin42]

I've never been there, but been told to go many times by my SEA friends.

[@KyzylReap]

Great place, love visiting when in up there.

[@danielkretsch8204]

Very close by the the Hmong market is Cheng Heng which is the absolute best restaurant. They serve amazing Cambodian food and have won "best spring roll" awards, my favorite dish of theirs is the #38 Kor Koo soup 😋

[@josephschultz1880]

Minnesota is a hidden gem for food and art. Lots of great places. Glad you enjoyed your time here.

[@irutks]

Kramarczuk's totally deserves that 100 out of 10 rating, especially for that plate of food you had! 😋🤤

[@maryB1142]

It’s awesome food and authentic plus historic for NE Mpls

[@LandOfSkyBeerWaterscom]

That sausage looked awesome

[@JR-kx4lv]

Been going there since I was a kid and my family would get the polish sausage, which makes me ask.. is it actually urkranian sausage? Friends and family have always called it polish sausage (being polish and from NE mpls)

[@Darbman62]

I could eat a thousand of the pierogis.

[@sunnyblossom_711]

@@JR-kx4lv no, there are all kinds of sausage with Polish sausage (kielbasa) being one type. there's also Italian, Ukrainian, etc etc. so it's not an either or, they're different types of sausages

[@mday53]

I live in St. Paul. This is the best review of the Twin Cities I've ever seen.

[@chefreactions]

not a ton of st. paul reviews i suppose?

[@onomatopoeia162003]

o/ in the southern part of the state :)

[@laurashrodeanderson7283]

It was so refreshing for you to highlight a lot of St Paul!! EVERYBODY does Minneapolis, but some of us know St. Paul is also incredible!

[@Bennate2838]

As someone who grew up in the Twin Cities, wow. You really hit so many wonderful points beyond the State Fair, and the effort you put in to really getting know this place, by some of our community highlights, is so commendable. I can only attest to the quality of this video as a local who knows what's what, but I can definitely imagine that the locals of every place you visit have the same to say. You're that guy. 10/10

[@KarenAndGavin]

This is actually very awesome and appreciated to see as a person who grew up and lives in Minneapolis. St. Paul doesnt get enough recognition but i feel like the entire twin cities is slept upon. There is so much culture and amazing things to do as well as the huge music scene. Thank you

[@janellvircks1444]

The Pianist at the St Paul Hotel is Chris Lomheim. He's crazy talented and I think he's been playing tea time there for over 20 years. Love that you were here and thanks for featuring St. Paul. I live blocks from Matt's. Your video is a nudge to get back over there. It's a must. Thanks for visiting. I hope it was fun. There is much more than the state fair!!

[@ZooterOne]

I was in Minneapolis for the first time a couple months ago. We only had a few hours so we went to that Keith Haring exhibit at the Walker - it's absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended.

[@Gina-y6q]

As a Polish person whose family has been visiting Kramarczuk's for 60 years, I love that they were included. Was also baffled by your pronunciation, but willing to let it slide.

[@xoashx34]

Just here to say THANK YOU for showing Saint Paul so much love in this video. We got some cool things happening on this side of the river.❤

[@PaulAdler11]

Chef reactions has been KILLING it lately 🫡

[@chefreactions]

lol appreciate it

[@dianehovland9579]

Thanks for the great vids on Minnesota. People think this is only a flyover state. I think it’s worth the visit to MN

[@joshuaanderson7405]

We want everyone to keep thinking it is.

[@Lisa-ym1si]

Shhhhhhhhhhh! Zip it! ;)

[@SirMikan]

@@joshuaanderson7405 It should be discovered, not advertised.

[@visionary4787]

As a lifelong Twin Cities resident, I absolutely loved your take on our vibrant culture! You captured the charm of St. Paul and Minneapolis perfectly, from the historic St. Paul Hotel to the delicious Juicy Lucy debate. It’s refreshing to see someone appreciate our local gems, like Moon’s Kitchen and the Farmers Market. And yes, the state fair is a must-nothing beats fried food on a stick! Your enthusiasm for our community shines through, and it’s clear you had a blast. Come back soon; there’s always more to explore! Thanks for showcasing the heart of our cities! 🌟

[@vorpalrabbit4927]

Wasn't expecting another video - but this was great! Way to hit the off-the-beaten track stuff; Hmong Village and Kramarczuk's are both amazing! Come back any time!

[@evanmadson]

Your content is awesome man, this is my home state and you gave one of the most accurate depictions of it I’ve seen in a minute Hope ya enjoyed the trip

[@chefreactions]

thanks

[@jflentje1]

The "True Lies" reference makes me love you even more!!!😂😂😂😂

[@georgenewman4464]

Thanks for the St. Paul love! It's worth noting that devotees of Lowertown, where several of the St. Paul events in the video took place, were alarmed when the Lowertown location of Barrio (captured in this video right in the middle of the image @6:33 ) abruptly closed permanently on September 6. The entire region around downtown St. Paul (Lowertown is immediately next to it) has been hurting for visitors and foot traffic ever since the pandemic began, and a whole lot of restaurants and other establishments have closed down. A large proportion of the office workers who were the main clientele just haven't come back since COVID chased us home in 2020. There's plenty of concern that the area right around the Saints' CHS Field, the St. Paul Farmers' Market, and Mears Park (all captured in this video) is in real trouble.

[@DennisSchmidt-k2z]

Stayed at the St. Paul Hotel before going off to basic training for the U.S. Army, the chef said we could have anything on the menu we wanted! I asked the waitress what kind of fish "Fillet Mingon" was, she just replied "You'll like it" ... Thatg's the first time I'd eaten a Fillet Mingon, and it was perfect! I will never forget that dinner.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

So cool! I have lived in Minnesota since 2012. The Twin Cities have great food and art, yet they're not overwhelming. And it's easy to get out into the countryside and enjoy outdoorsy stuff!

[@bluauraa]

I agree! have been living in MN my whole life if one can handle the snow, its home!

[@JoelHagen]

Great video - As a born and bred Minnesotan, I learned a few things I didn't know. Thanks for visiting and sharing the great experiences that can be found in the Twin Cities. 🙇

[@XCFanatic]

Thanks for highlighting Saint Paul! We love our river city.

[@deegee8686]

One fun tidbit about the saints mascot - they also have a live “ball pig” that is new every year (multiple a year maybe?). This year it’s name is “ozempig”, but one of my favorites was from the season after prince passed - “little red porkette“

[@DrScott-i9r]

The Twin Cities has one of the mood vibrant food scenes in the country. For several years it has more James Beard Award finalists than any other city. One great restaurant you should have visited was Owamni - the chef is a classically trained Lakota chef, and all of the dishes feature exclusively pre-colonization ingredients.

[@wyuls]

Born and raised in St. Paul. 28 years. Love it here.

[@joegathje6481]

Matt’s was the right choice for a Juicy Lucy.

[@robertepler189]

Solid, & good dive-bar ambience (& who doesn't love that?). The 5-8 Club also does a really good juicy lucy--can't go wrong either way, & the 5-8 is more convenient for suburban folk. Both have a pretty good claim to fame re inventing the JL, though the sensible admit that Matt's gets the nod for primacy.

[@angela0042]

The better one.

[@jessicat1377]

I prefer the Nook over in St. Paul. Pretzel bun is a great JL choice since it maintains its integrity, but in any case it’s fun to try the “competition” and see which one you like best.

[@jaydee4009]

@joegathje6481: Jucy Lucy!

[@stickshaker101]

You spelled it correctly, how can we trust you?🙃

[@auchhaus]

I appreciate that you spent time in St P!! I live right by the F Scott house. Thanks for coming to visit us!!!

[@TaylorNikolai]

Glad to have you here in Minnesota!

[@hankvine2149]

I made a very conscious decision to bring my family to Minnesota when our immigration process was completed, Saint Paul is a genuine blessing to my children, my wife and our family as a whole.. this is an awesome video... Very detailed.. we live three minutes from mhong village.. it's so awesome.. the state fair, ehh, is what it is.. Como zoo and park as well as the countless other parks are also a huge plus for families..

[@erikhammill9189]

Twin Cities continue to be underrated and I don’t mind, great place and great food.

[@PasonMantato761]

Love that you came to my state. MN is very under rated. Depending on where you go, you can have completely different experiences

[@TruelyBadassAmerican]

I’m so glad you had a great time in my state chef! The Twin Cities really are a great place to visit!

[@fozzie884]

Candyland! I used to work there in high school! Nicest owners ever. Also, my mom worked at the St. Paul Hotel for 25 years. Glad you gave those places some love!

[@DiamondDave13]

Headed there next month. This is a huge help! Great work, Chef. Thanks!

[@MicahMann]

Ahh. Minneapolis is my home away from home. I visit very often. I’m a massive Prince fan and always find a reason to come back. Also, the Walker Art Center is terrific for contemporary art. And that Keith Haring exhibit is great! My other love. ❤

[@coffeebitches]

So glad you enjoyed yourself and that you went to Matt's! Love your stuff.

[@redrandy7821]

I love the power trip morning show and been a huge fan of yours for awhile now. Loved that two of favorites collaborated. Come on back to Twin Cities for some ice fishing in the winter boss!! Keep up the great content! ❤

[@michaelquellier7502]

OH MAN, that was just the TIP of the iceberg of the BEST there is here in the Twin Cities!!! It's a clean, thriving, gorgeous metro. I wish you'd have done more arial views like of the Stone Arch Bridge which are spectacular views of the Mississippi River and Downtown Mpls. There is also the bustling UPTOWN areas. LOTs of stadiums, you covered one of the smaller ones but still great. We also have a ton of lakes for fishing, swimming, boating close by. Customer service here is some of the best I've ever experienced. You get EYE CONTACT with a SMILE and a polite please and thank you. Good people here!

[@GrumpykittenMN]

I've been watching for a few years now Im happy you came to my state its great here. Thank for highlighting our city

[@jijitters]

I've lived here my whole live and could never imagine living anywhere else, so I love seeing new people get to experience it ✨ Come back any time.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

Same.

[@ItsJustLisa]

Glad you had a great time! Some additional fun facts: *The costumed Saints mascot is Mudonna. The real pig you got a glimpse of Porknite. Every year there’s a new piglet introduced and the fans name him or her in a contest. At the end of the season, they get to retire and live out their life on a farm. It’s NOT EATEN. *Charles Schulz was born in Minneapolis, but raised in St. Paul in the apartment above his father’s barbershop. O’Gara’s bar was next door. Another legacy establishment. *Saint Dinette has announced it will be closing at the end of March 2025. Get here quick! *Matt’s Bar and The 5-8 Club both make excellent Jucy Lucys. *The St.Paul Hotel hosts every performer that plays the Xcel Center (across the park and behind the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts). Now you need to come back! There’s so much more to see and taste.

[@georgenewman4464]

Uh, note that O'Gara's, Carl Schulz's Family Barbershop, and the old Schulz apartment are long gone. A Yum! Kitchen and Bakery (local chain restaurant) is now on their old spot at Snelling and Selby Avenues in St. Paul. The sole O'Gara's still in existence is on the State Fairgrounds and only operates during the 12 days per year of the fair. Also, the 5/8 Club calls it the *Juicy* Lucy. "Jucy" is Matt's spelling.

[@derrickgott007]

Dude your references you sneak in are amazing. Ooo piece of candy, ooo piece of candy. Straight Gold.

[@katiebentley5921]

Yesss! I’m so glad you went to Saint Dinette! Tim Niver is the kindest best restauranteur in the cities and his crew at both SD & Mucci’s are fantastic. You will always get exceptional service, alongside really fucking good food. His podcast / KZbin channel NiverNiverLand are well worth checking out, as he sits down with chefs & restauranteurs to talk about the business of restaurants etc.

[@solace77]

If I recall correctly, they taped an episode of NiverNiverLand while he was here :). Guessing it will be out soon.

[@kristenmontag5266]

I just read that St. Dinette is closing down permanently.

[@Beatnikflaneur]

You're a natural at this - will love watching your journey

[@chefreactions]

appreciate it

[@WoahiFoundNemo]

Your long term content has quickly become my favorite of yours

[@DSToNe19and83]

“But I gotta go eat a bunch fried food on a stick” You fit right in with that sentence Skol

[@Charbar87]

I've only ever watched your shorts. The longer videos...chefs kiss. Awesome

[@lisaseverance6785]

I've been to the Walker several times. (Art kid in school so many trips to the Walker) so worth the time!

[@beejereeno2]

Happy to see St. Paul being reviewed. People who come here usually on focus on Mpls and its suburbs (like Bloomington)

[@diannesandenfebles2774]

Great video! Born and raised in Northern Minnesota and you’ve just introduced me to many places I need to visit. Loved your State Fair video too!

[@AshKickinBBQ]

Fantastic video man, I’m a big fan! Next time you make it back here to MN, I’d love to show you some of the hidden gems and food spots I’ve found in my 35 years living here, born and raised. Thanks for shining a fantastic light our our state! 🙏🏼

[@kellieriley1999]

Thanks for coming! This is one of the best videos I've ever seen of our area, you really got to see most of the best. Definitely more for your next trip!

[@vivront]

Titanic era luxury, aka The Saint Paul Hotel. Solid selections on both sides of the river - a true yet brief Twin Cities tour. Cheers! -Joseph

[@bd8606]

You did your job man, I want to visit now.

[@MonaLyssa33]

I've lived in the Twin Cities suburbs my entire life and I've only been to a few of the places you featured. I'm going to have to try Kramarczuk's.

[@icebat000]

Thank fuckin GOD you made it to the legend that is Kramarczuk's. GOAT. Love you!

[@melissastordahl]

That’s my Little Free Library, looking sadly empty that day, ha! I wish I had seen you to invite you in!

[@joshmigz7530]

Beautiful vid highlighting some great pieces of Minnesota ✌️✌️✌️

[@heidirheingans1196]

I lost it at "oooo! A piece of candy!" Great content

[@seancollins3106]

@chefreactions has become such a good channel! it was awesone seeing you enjoying my state. i went to college in st.paul and love that city's charm. btw, my wife and i saw you at the state fair!

[@gracepearson5495]

"Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies" is possibly my favourite Chef Reactions Line EVER!🤣

[@mezzrow99]

Boris and Doris 🤣

[@KtsStone80]

That sh$t was funny!

[@RollMeAFat1]

Just found your YT from TikTok and so jealous, Minneapolis-St Paul is a dream visit for me (SKOL Vikings) from the UK, great vid!

[@billholt2198]

Your honesty cracks me up. I was just there a week ago. You showed me some things I didn't know about, and foods I would have dearly loved to try. Thanks!

[@Cherokeelion]

Yay you went to Matts!

[@ExploreMinnesota]

Thanks for all the love! We hope to see you again soon!

[@peggysmith-p5u]

Chef, this was an excellent overview! You were born to do this...great speaking voice, original content and variety, and respectful of all a city has to offer!

[@scottpassmore6330]

I love your reactions. I didn't realize the KZbin channel I quit tic-tok quite sometime ago. As a native Minnesotan I'm glad you had a chance to visit. You're my favorite chef commentator since the beloved Anthony Bourdain RIP.

[@noahuphus1167]

Really nice to see someone highlighting Minnesota, feels like we’re often overlooked but i’d like to believe that we have a lot to offer if u search long hard enough

[@shivors3380]

Very impressed with the editing..very polished video. Bring on more.

[@kiwifreund]

It warms my heart that you went to Candyland!! My dad and uncle had their high end hair salon directly across the street (it shifted to skyway level across from First Ave more recently) and as little kids we would take a trip down to work with dad and then run across the street to Candyland. That place is heaven! I still recommend it to anyone who visits. Sorry you couldn't see the Walker, it really is an amazing gallery, and my friends and family have been featured there with various projects.

[@lake2boat8791]

GREAT STUFF CHEF - Loved the time you spend with the Power Trip! SKOL

[@GoGoGoLilQueenie]

My dad played bass in a jazz band back in the 60s and they played the Drake. They even recorded an album there. I still have it.

[@kristenleep2977]

I specifically clicked to see if you went to Kramarczuk’s. Favorite meal in Minneapolis.

[@cinramirez8627]

Those skyways are a blessing come winter! ❤

[@bigfunbobby01]

Great Review of the Twin Cities, great choices for food on both sides of the River. Glad to hear you had such a great time and looking forward to your return visit. Also thank you for showing how underrated the food scene is in Twin Cities.

[@Jserna05]

If/when you come back, I recommend checking out the indigenous food lab as well as the general area at Global Market. I also like 5-8 club for their garlic bread cheeseburger.

[@therealrustyaf]

The 58 is so good as well. There’s no losing in the jucy world

[@leecalamaio462]

Great video. Glad you enjoyed the TC...yes, the winters are brutal but the summers help make up for it!

[@andrewfreiermuth8852]

MN loves you dude.

[@theonepristinemonk5528]

Just started watching this guy and he just discovered that the Twin Cities is a food hub. This is gonna be great!

[@caitlinboon9475]

Chef, I’m honestly impressed you made it anywhere besides the fair! We’d love to have you back to the TC to check out some other spots. Highly recommend Vinai, Khaluna, Gai Noi, Owamni, Young Joni, Cossetta and so many others!

[@rumbleinthekitchen_Amy]

ALL of this. ❤

[@sunnyblossom_711]

not Young Joni, we shouldn't be promoting Ann Kim's restaurants after what she did to her workers

[@Milimeteypetey]

Owamni is the best meal I’ve had in my life

[@theonepristinemonk5528]

OH AND HO-HO in east St. Paul. Some of the best chinese food around. wings are phenom

[@JJarkitekt]

I work walking-distance from Kramarczuk's and they've been responsible for many sleepy afternoons after having a very comforting lunch. They're also key to a good brat grill out.

[@montanapelletier5803]

This video perfectly captures so many things I love about the cities. It’s a beautiful hidden gem of culture, community and history. The food scene is something that is constantly evolving and thriving by word of mouth. It’s a city built on friendship and new experiences. I love it so much. You did it justice.

[@hlynn2008]

Wow!! You hit so many awesome landmarks and hotspots here! Glad you had an awesome time! ❤

[@OMeara84]

So stoked to see that you enjoyed it here. Awesome video.

[@chefreactions]

thank you

[@golfpunk0r]

Loving the videos - love the honest reviews & banter - we watch from NZ! ✌️✨

[@chefreactions]

KIWI

[@Sane_Man11]

My wife and I are regulars at the Saint Dinette - truly an amazing place with amazing food and people. While Lowertown Saint Paul is struggling right now (which is a huge shame as I lived down there for 4 years and I loved it despite its flaws) - the Dinette is a destination we hit as much as we can.

[@amyraleigh1715]

Kramarczuk family grew up with my mom's. My uncle was good friends with the boys in the family. In the 60s they would go to Como Zoo and dare each other to pull a whisker from a lion and bring a blanket to play tug of war with the wolves. They also would ride down St Anthony Falls and one of the Kramarczuk boys saved my uncle from drowning in the river!

[@NerdyLaundry]

Hell yeah! Seeing Kramarczuk's made me so happy! My family is Polish and I grew up going to there to get kielbasa for every single Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. It's one of my favorite places in Minnesota to grab some good or a meal.

[@nivekrellim6008]

Next time, you gotta head 20 minutes out, and check out Stillwater. Probably the best nearby gem. Tons of food, cocktails, and history.

[@EtherBunny-z7k]

This was so fun -I lived in the twin cities for about 10years right after college. I will say, pretty much anyone that lives there avoids MOA like the plague, but it is something kind of crazy to see if you’ve never been. Good times!

[@mm_A]

That’s so funny because most people I know go all the time😂

[@MNemerald]

I'm a st. paul native and i'm at the MOA at least once a month 😂 it's the best spot to play pokémon go year-round!

[@andrewt9204]

I only go there for Crave, and the nespresso store, lol.

[@dovmoen]

You should visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts … it is the 5th largest museum in the United States. You could spend days and not see everything

[@alissamcdonald5253]

1:26 Mr. Chef Reactions 😂😂 love it

[@pohykavi]

Love these shows. Mostly for the intro, outro music, but the other stuff is pretty cool too.

[@dovmoen]

Both of the Twin Cities are so under the radar and interesting cities

[@JasonBryant12]

... I do the BORT line almost every time I see one of those displays. Glad you enjoyed it. Been digging your content for about a year on the Twitters, just subbed here. Really dug the state fair stuff, too. As a transplant to MN, I still enjoy discovering the spots around here that make it unique.

[@Joss-Jane]

What a delight that my favorite TikTok guy spent so much time in the great TC. Wish I could give an extra like for the Bort joke😂 Loved this!👏🫶👏

[@bonamy25]

Life long Minnesotan and you showed me a few areas i didn’t even know about. Thank you

[@tpauling09]

Love that you went to a lot of off the beaten track places!

[@dominicfurfaro8577]

You found a load of gems!! There’s so much more but alas. Stories behind every bite.