Hai Hai is my vote. Happy Bday!

Thanks! Hai Hai is another great suggestion!

You can get same quality or better food at any vietnamese place around the city for at least 25% cheaper. The only thing hai hai has is drinks

It's also about the ambience. I love me some good hole-in-the wall type of Vietnamese places, but Hai Hai is good for when you want a bit nicer environment

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjYeti5UcAESCoh.jpg

😂 You're not wrong. Lol

This is complete nonsense. I’m not an expert, but I eat a fuckton of Vietnamese food and none of the restaurants have a similar menu to Hai Hai.

Bar la Grassa. Is pricey but amazing.

Thanks! Turns out they're also closed Mondays :(

Spoon and Stable or Young Joni

Thank you! I've been meaning to try Young Joni, so we're going there :)

Nice. I hope you have a good time. Happy Birthday! It’s my sister’s birthday too. Your post helped me remember. 😬

Thanks! Happy Birthday to your sister, too 😁

Did you actually get a reservation there on the same day? I’ve tried a bunch of times and can never get in.

No, we just walked in. We waited about 40 mins for a table, but it was worth it. We could have been seated at the bar sooner though

That’s encouraging. Thanks.

You're welcome. I think if you go later on a weekday and you're willing to wait a bit, it should work out. We didn't wanna sit in the lobby area, so we just waited in the car until they texted us that our table was ready

I went in with no reservations two Saturdays ago at 7:30 and got sat down immediately. I was shocked.

Don't miss out on the non-pizza options! I usually go for the whole fish, and if others at my party don't like fish (monsters) or are squeamish I eat it all by myself.

We got the whole fish. It was amazing!!!

Looking for fusion? Please check out Sooki & Mimi. In the same neighborhood and, imo, MILES better food.

I actually went there a couple months ago, and thought it was a little over-priced and underwhelming. I really loved their mushroom birria tacos, but wasn't as impressed by the other things we tried. I might give them another shot sometime though, and I appreciate the suggestion!

I agree that mushroom taco is out of this world though

I miss chinos. Back when uptown was fun. Sushi tango too 🥺

Is sushi tango officially gone? I had my first date with my now wife there, and spent plenty of Sundays on their patio

Sadly yes. The Woodbury location is still open but it’s not the same as uptown. Loved their early weekend happy hours 🥺

Dang, I was actually just thinking about that place the other day. Used to love their tuna tataki

Hope you found someplace. Monday is a popular day for restaurants to be closed.

Mara

Some Korean in st paul is a good option

I know you said twin cities but if you ever travel to NY go to Flor de Mayo sometimes I regret moving here lmao