Twin Cities Restaurant Blog

Winner's Circle Lounge at Running Aces Harness Park ~ Columbus, MN

Cuisine: American, Italian, Seafood, Steaks, Chops, Ribs
Restaurant Features: Card Room, Horse Racing, On-Site Parking, Sunday Brunch
Location: Columbus, MN (near Lino Lakes & Forest Lake)
Address: 15201 Zurich Street NE Columbus MN 55025-7908 (651) 925-4600 877-RUN-ACES (I-35 and Hwy 97)

Winner's Circle Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat 11a-3p

Dinner Mon-Wed 5p-9p Thur 4-9p Fri 4-10p  Sat 5-10p

Sunday Brunch 9:30-1pm  Sunday Dinner 5-9p

Links: Running Aces Harness Park Website    Google Map

 

Atmosphere: Located within Running Aces Harness Park, the Winner's Circle Dining & Lounge is a large, open space with giant floor-to-ceiling windows that allow a good view of the horse track outside.

 

The Buffets are set up in another large room just off to the left of the main room.  This back room also serves as seating space for large groups.

Menu:  The new Fall Lunch Menu includes Walleye Fingers, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, Onion Rings, Cobb Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, Aces House Salad, BBQ Blue Burger, Southwest Burger, Reuben, BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Club, Cajun Walleye, French Dip, Hot Italian Wrap and Chicken Wrap.  All sandwiches and burgers come with fries.

Fall Dinner Menu is served Sun-Wed.  Appetizers include Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Walleye Fingers, Fried Calamari, Beef Tender Tips, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, and Sampler Platter.

Salad choices include Cobb Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, and Aces House Salad (with caramelized pecans, goat cheese and raspberries).

Sandwiches at Winner's Circle are the BBQ Blue Burger, Southwest Burger, Reuben, BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Club, Cajun Walleye, French Dip, Hot Italian Wrap and Chicken Wrap.  All sandwiches and burgers come with fries.

Italian Entrees include Chicken Parmesan, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Shrimp Pomodoro, Rotelle Vegetable Pasta with olives and artichokes. 

House Specialties are Ber Battered Colossal Shrimp, Herbed Pork Tenderloin, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Almond Crusted Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Grilled Pork Chop, King Crab and Smokehouse Ribs.

Steaks offered are the Filet, New York Strip, Flat Iron Steak and Surf & Turf (Filet & choice of either King Crab or Lobster Tail)

Price guide: Lunch Menu $8-11 Appetizers $8-10  Entrees $15-19  Steaks $18-26
Weekly Specials:

Thursday Night Seafood Buffet $21.95 includes oysters in the half-shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, King Crab Legs, Fried Shrimp, Made-to-order Shrimp Scampi, Prime Rib, Weekly Chef Specials and Dessert Table.

Friday Night Italian Feast Buffet $19.95 includes Italian Antipasto Bar, Gourmet cooked-to-order Pasta Bar, Carved Beef Tenderloin, 7 Specialty Entrees, and Italian Dessert Station.

Saturday Lobster Extravaganza $25.95 includes Lobster Bisque, Twin Lobster Tail, Vegetables, Potato and Dessert.

Sunday Brunch Buffet $16.95 Adults $8.95 Kids includes Champagne, Prime Rib, Made-to-order Omelets and Waffles, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Salad Bar, 7 Breakfast and Lunch Entrees, and Dessert Table.

What I ate:   My visit was during Sunday Brunch.  My first plate included prime rib, Salmon Pasta, Green Beans, Potates O'Brien, Bacon, and Cheesy Scrambled Eggs.  Everything I tried was decent, typical buffet quality, but nothing outstanding.  My cut of prime rib was cooked more than I prefer and therefore not as tender as I like it.  I ate a couple of bites of each item before deciding I needed to try something else.

 

My second plate was a much bigger hit after a visit to the made-to-order Omelet and Waffle Stand.  They had a variety of toppings for the waffles which were hot and golden brown.  I ordered my omelet with everything (tomato, onion, peppers,mushrooms, ham, bacon and cheddar) and it was so good! My favorite way to eat eggs.

 

Yes, I did get another small plate (for the sake of this review of course!).  The salad was basic but good and I also tried the spare ribs in gravy.  The meat was so good! It was very tender and flavorful.  I would have loved to try more of that but I was very full at this point.

 

I got a small dessert plate (also for the sake of this review!) I love cheesecake so I had to try a bite of the Winner's Circle cheesecake.  What a disappointment! The taste and texture both seemed off and I didn't make it past a 2nd bite.  I also tried the blueberry cobbler and the creme-filled chocolate cake.  I was too full to get excited about any of it.

 

Here is the dessert plate of one of my companions

Service: My party of 8 adults and 3 small kids had a reservation and were able to be seated at our table immediately.  They had set up a special table for us in the large banquet space.    Our server was friendly and accommodating with drinks and other small requests.

Overall Impression: The food served on the Sunday Brunch was decent, I recommend the omelets and waffles!  Our service was really good.  I would like to go back for dinner to order off the menu

Atlantic Buffet ~ Woodbury, MN

Cuisine: Chinese, Mongolian
Restaurant Features: Catering, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet, On-Site Parking. Take-Out
Locations: Woodbury, MN
Address: 8340 City Centre Dr (Woodbury City Centre) Woodbury, MN 55125 (651)730-8668

Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat 11am-3pm     Dinner Mon-Thur 4p-9:30p                 Fri-Sun 4p-10p    Sunday & Holiday Brunch 11:30a-3p
Links: Google Map  Atlantic Buffet Website

Atmosphere:  The Atlantic Buffet is located within a large strip mall called Woodbury City Centre.  When you first walk inside the reception/lobby area, the Atlantic Buffet in Woodbury has a cute little mini-pond set up with Koi swimming around inside, and live plants arranged around it.  The main dining room is arranged into at least two dining areas on half of the large space, the other half of the restaurant has all the Buffet Islands set up.  The dining areas  contain both tables and booths and have a contemporary feel.

Here is a glimpse of the Buffets Islands (I think there were 6-8 of them).

 

In the way back of the Buffet Islands there is an additional area set up for the Mongolian Stir-Fry.  You can choose your own ingredients and then you have the chef ccok it for you on the Mongolian BBQ.

Menu: The items on the buffet change frequently, but there are over 100 items, including a decent selection of Chinese foods, Sushi, American foods, Seafood, and build-your-own Mongolian Stir-Fry.  There is also a dessert and fruits table, and salad bar.

There is also a full Chinese Take-Out menu available.
Price guide: 

• Lunch Buffet  Kids 3-6 $4.25 Kids 7-11 $5.50 Adults $8.25
• Dinner Buffet  Kids 3-6 $5.75  Kids 7-11 $7.25  Adults $12.50

What I ordered: There were many food items at Atlantic Buffet and I was determined to try a little of this and a little of that.  Here is my Chinese/Sushi plate.  The cheesy mushrooms were very good, as were the steamed dumplings and cream cheese wontons.  The few bites I tried of the chicken & Broccoli stir-fry were okay, but I did not care for the other meat entree I tried (not sure what it was but the meat was stringy and chewy).  The sushi was decent although there wasn't a large variety to choose from, mostly California Rolls or Salmon/Avocado Rolls.

 

I made my own Mongolian stir-fry which was my most favorite dish at the Atlantic Buffet.  I chose the ingredients I wanted at the Mongolian BBQ station (Beef, Broccoli, Pineapple, Onions and Noodles) and figured out my own combination of sauces (there was no guide to help!) which included cooking wine, teriyaki, garlic, chile peppers, and sesame seeds.  I have found that the more sauce you put on, the better it tastes because the noodles and vegetables soak it right up.

 

I tried just a few items on my Seafood Plate, including tiny mussels (pretty good, not too chewy or rubbery) that were cooked in a fish sauce.  The salmon was okay and I also tried a bite of Halibut.

 

For the sake of this review I also made a Dessert Plate.  Nothing too exciting here but the rice krispie bar and almond cookies were good.  They also have soft-serve ice cream.

Service: We were greeted upon entering and were shown to a table right away.  Drinks were fast and continuous throughout our visit, as was the clearing of plates.
Overall Impression: Wide variety and selection of foods for the price.  The Mongolian BBQ and Seafood Buffet offered the best choices, but I thought the quality of the the Chinese food was just mediocre.

Twin Cities Sunday Brunch Buffet ~ A Comprehensive Guide

This guide is a reference to Restaurants around the Twin Cities that offer a regular weekly, all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch. Please contact individual restaurants about Holiday Brunches, as they may differ from the regular weekly Sunday Brunches listed below.

20.21- 1750 Hennepin Ave  Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 253-3410

• $29/Adult includes complimentary champagne
• 10am-2pm
• Chinese Chicken Salad with Sweet Mustard Ginger Dressing and Candied Cashews, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Crème Fraiche and Chives, Omelets Made to Order, Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast with Banana Foster Filling and Pure Maple Syrup, Belgian Waffles with Strawberries and Whipped Cream, Pastrami Hash Cake with Poached Egg and Béarnaise Sauce, Green Thai Seafood Curry  with  Shrimp, Scallops, Fish and Thai Basil, Lemongrass Steamed Jasmine Rice, Wild Acres Organic Hen with Garlic Caramel Soy and Sautéed Vegetables, Crispy Finnish Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan, Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill Crème Fraiche and Caviar, Fischer Farms Applewood Smoked Bacon, Fischer Farms Pork Sausage, Fresh Fruit Display, Chef’s Selection of Desserts, Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Bagels, Muffins, and Cinnamon Rolls
• Walker Art Center

Afton House Inn- 3291 St Croix Trail S. Afton, MN 55001 (651) 436-8883

• $17.95/Adults      $11.95/Kids 6-11      $6.50/ Kids 5 and under
• 10am-1pm
• Coffee, Orange Juice or All you can drink Champagne Mimosa's Included!
  Fresh Popovers brought to your table, Classic Eggs Benedict, Made to Order Omelettes, Scrambled Eggs, Apple Stuffed Pancakes, Potatoes O'Brien, Seasonal Vegetables, Sausage Links, Ham, Kielbasa Sausage, Prime Rib of Beef, Chicken Entrée, 3 Chef's Featured Entrees, Peel and Eat Shrimp, 4 Pasta Salads and 2 Green Salads, Fresh Fruits, Assorted Cheeses, Vegetable Tray, Olives & Relish Tray, Elegant Dessert Station, Assorted Mini bars and desserts
  Chocolate Fountain with fruit
  

Axels Char House- Locations in Chanhassen, Loretto, Mendotta, Roseville, Woodbury

• $15.95/Adults      $8.95/Kids 10 and Under
• Roseville(11am-2pm), Woodbury (10am-2pm), Mendota (10am-2pm), Loretto (10am-3pm) and Chanhassen (10am-3pm)
• Spread of Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Jumbo Caramel Rolls drizzled with Caramel Sauce,  Yogurt Parfait,  Made to Order Scrambled Eggs (regular, cheesy or “Denver Style”), an array of breakfast meats including Canadian Bacon, Smoked Ham and Sausage along with piping hot Cheesy Hash Browns.

Billy's Bar & Grill-214 Jackson St Anoka, MN 55303 (763) 421-3570

• $8.99/ Adults    $4.99/Kids 10 and Under
• 9am-2pm
• Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Hashbrowns, Au Gratin Potatoes, Waffles, Broasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Biscuits and Gravy, Caramel Rolls, Pudding, Muffins, Fresh Fruit

Boca Chica- 11 Cesar Chavez St St Paul, MN 55107 (651) 222-8499 

• $11.50/ Adults        $5.50/Kids 11 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• Eggs, Sausage or Bacon, Pancakes or French Toast, Enchiladas, Mexican Entrees, Rice, Fruit in Summer

Chatterbox Pub- 800 Cleveland Ave S St Paul, MN 55116 (651)699-1154

• $9.95
• 8am-2pm
• All you can eat Back Ribs, Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy, Spinach and Artichoke Frittatas, Mile High Frittatas, Au Gratin Hash Browns, Cinnamon French Toast, Bacon, Sausage, Granola and Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Pasta Salad, Salad Greens, Banana Bread, Coffee Cake, Corn Muffins, Carrot Cake, Rum Cake, Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake.
• Highland Park Location
  

Cherokee Sirloin Room- 4625 Nichols Rd. Eagan, MN (651) 454-6744

• $11.95/Adults  $5.95/Kids 4-11  Free/Kids Under 4
• 10am-2pm
• Carved Roast Beef, Eggs Benedict,Scrambled Eggs,sausage Links and Kielbasa, Pancake Rollups,Barbecued Pork Ribs, Baked Fish,Chicken Pot Pie, Potatoes O'Brien. Fresh Fruit, Assorted Cheeses and Crackers, Our Famous Steak Vegetable, Soup, Bagels, Muffins and Danish
  Dessert Table

Cianti Grill- Roseville 2050 North Snelling Ave Roseville, MN (651) 644-2808
Burnsville- 12496 Plymouth Ave Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 892-7555

• $12.95/Adults $6.95/ Kids 4-11  Free/ Kids 3 and under
• 10am-2pm
• a variety of homemade pastas, fresh fruit, pastries, salads, an omelet bar, traditional breakfast items and delicious desserts.

Dangerfield's- 1583 East First Avenue (Highway 101) Shakopee, MN 55379 952-445-2245

• $15.99
• 10am-2pm
• Eggs, Meats, Eggs Benedict, Made-to-Order Omelets, Lasagna, Waffle Station, Fruits, Desserts
  

Dixie's On Grand - 695 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105 651-222-7345

• $/ Adults     $/ Kids 12 and Under
• 10am-1:30pm
• Bottomless Champagne Flute, Made-to-Order Omelets and Egg Benedict, Fresh Fruits, Salads, Hot Biscuits, Brunch Potatoes, Red Beans & Rice, Country Scrambled Eggs, Specialty Entrees and Homemade Desserts.
• Live Jazz Music (check calendar)
  

Fabulous Ferns- 400 Selby Ave.  St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 225.9414

• $13.95/Adults     $11.95/Seniors     $6.95/Kids 12 and Under
• 10am-2pm
•  Waffle Bar, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Biscuits and Gravy, Assorted Salads, Bars & Cakes.  The following items are always on the Buffet but vary weekly: Pasta, Quiche, Rice Dish, and Soup.

Famous Daves BBQ & Blues- 3001 Hennepin Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 822-9900

• 10am
• Lip smackin' Rib Tips, Double-Smoked Ham, Made-to-Order Omelets, and award-winning Pancakes, all while listening to Famous Live Blues.
• Calhoun Square

Fatboys Bar & Grill- 21383 Ulysses St East Bethel, MN 55011 (763) 434-8181

• $14/ Adults      $12/ Seniors     $6/ Kids 12 and Under
• 10am-1pm
•  Prime Rib, Omelet Station, Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Hashbrowns, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, Desserts

Girvan Grille- 8700 Edinbrook Crossing - Brooklyn Park - 763.315.8535

• $11.95/Adults      $4.95/ Kids 10 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• French Belgian Waffle Station, Thick Cut Bacon, Specialty Egg Dishes, Biscuits with Gravy, Two Potato Hash, Carved Ham, Stuffed French Toast, Soup du Jour, Specialty Salad, Fresh Baked Patries, Caramel Rolls, Fresh Fruit,  Eggs Benedict. Made-to-Order Omelets and Bloody Mary Bar also available at additional charge.

Granite City

• Eagan, Maple Grove, Roseville, St Cloud, Saint Louis Park
• 10am-2pm
• Fresh Carved Roast Beef, Eggs Benedict, Weekly Chef's Entree Special, Baked Reggiano Hash Browns, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Caramel Rolls, Thick Hickory Smoked Bacon, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Links, Special Scrambled Eggs, Assorted Fresh Fruit, Assorted Muffins.

Green Mill- 1000 Gramise Road · Shoreview, MN 55126 (651) 482-1600

• $13.95/ Adults     $11.95/ Seniors   $5.95/ Kids 12 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• Sliced Roast Beef, Made-to-Order Omelets, Cheesy Scrambled Eggs, Parmesan Hashbrowns, French Toast, Desert Fire Pasta, Biscuits & Gravy, Sausage, Smoked Bacon, Pizza Slices, Fresh Fruit and Veggies, House and Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad, Spinach Dip, Desserts, Hot Popovers with Honey Butter, Mini Muffins, Caramel Rolls.  Includes Coffee and Juice.  Bloody Mary available for $3.99

Gulden's Restaurant- 2999 Highway 61 North  Maplewood, MN 55109 (651)482.0384

• $12.95/ Adults   $9.95/Seniors  $6.95/ Kids 5-12    Free/ Kids 4 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• 2 kinds of Scrambled Eggs , Homemade Bread Pudding, Eggs Benedict, Roast Turkey,
  Sausage, Baked Ham, Bacon, Chefs Choice Entrée, Smoked Sausage , Au Gratin Potatoes, French Toast, Mashed Potatoes, Hashbrowns, Stuffing, Homemade Carmel Rolls , Hot Vegetable, Fresh Fruit, 20 Item Salad Bar, Pies/Bars/and all the other goodies    

Jake's City Grill (Eagan, Eden Prairie, Maplewood, Plymouth) 

• $14/ Adults
  
• 10am-2pm
• Mesquite Beef Brisket, Peel-N-Eat Shrimp, Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, Scrambled Eggs, Jumbo Sausages, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Smoked Gouda, Au Gratins, Southern Fried Chicken, Made-to-Order Omelets, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Pan Gravy, Ciabatta French Toast, House Smoked Salmon, Fresh Fruit, Bagels and Cream Cheese, Caramel Rolls, Cinnamon Roll

Jax Cafe- 1928 University Ave NE  Minneapolis, MN 55418 (612) 789 – 7297

• $19.95/Adults   $9.95/ Kids 4-10  Free/ Kids 3 and under
• 10am-3pm (last seating at 1:30pm)
• Fresh Fruits, Caesar Salad, Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Spinach Salad, Assorted Cheeses, Marinated Vegetables & Antipasta, Assorted Muffins and Danish, Croissants, Fresh Baked Caramel Rolls, Made-to Order Omelets, Italian Sausage & Asparagus Strata, Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles & Toppings, Potato of the Day, Fresh Fish of the Day, Entree of the Day, Fresh Vegetable of the Day, Two Craved Meats, Homemade Desserts.    *Items Vary Weekly

Kozlak's Royal Oaks- 4785 Hodgson Road Shoreview, MN 55126 (651)-484-8484

• $18.95/Adults     $10.95/ Kids 6-12   $6.95/ Kids 5 and Under
• 10:30am-1:30pm
• Live New Orleans Jazz
• Full Salad Bar, Scrambled Eggs Carbonara , Fresh Baked Biscuits with Sausage Gravy, Featured Chicken item, Cajun Ribs, Pecan-Breaded Catfish Fingers, Jambalaya with sausage & chicken, Classic Eggs Benedict, Kozlak’s home made French Toast with Pecan Maple Syrup, Breakfast Bacon, Sausage, Chef’s Fresh Vegetable, Gumbo Soup, Potatoes Pontalba with Béarnaise Sauce, Made-to-order Omelettes, Dessert & Sundae Bar

Kozy's Steaks and Seafood-3220 Galleria - Edina, MN 55435 - (952)224-5866

• $15.95
• Caramel Roll, Cheesy Eggs, Baked Hash Browns, Bacon, Sausage, and Toast all served family style right at your table.  Also includes made-to-order Waffle and Omelet station, and complimentary Mimosa.
• SE corner of the Galleria

Lake Elmo Inn- 3442 Lake Elmo Avenue N  Lake Elmo, MN  55042 (651) 777.8495

• $21/Adults   $10.50/ Kids ages 3-11
• 10am-2pm
• Eggs Benedict, Waffles, Sausage, Carved Ham, Carved Beef, Special Feature Entree, Special Feature Starch, Special Feature Vegetable, Six Salads, Fresh Fruits, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Smoked Salmon, Domestic and Imported Cheeses, Bagels and Cream Cheese, Famous Mini Desserts, Non-Alcoholic Champagne, Fresh Caramel Rolls, Made-to-order Omelettes

Lowell Inn- 102 North 2nd Street Stillwater, MN  55082 (651) 439-1100

• $13.95/ Adults         $8.95/ Kids aged 4-10       Free/ Kids 3 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• Assortment of Salads, Breads, Eggs Benedict, Bacon, Sausage, Cheese Blintz with Cranberry Sauce, Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Fresh Fruit Tray, a variety of other items every week, and Assortment of Desserts

Moe's-  Moundsview: 2400 Highway 10 Moundsview, MN 55112 (763)786-1800
Coon Rapids: 3420 129th Ave N.W. Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763)422-9100

• $12/ Adults     $7 Kids 5-12     Free Kids 5 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• Family-Style-Breakfast offers all-you-can-eat breakfast favorites

Oak City- Bloomington- 5001 American  Blvd (952) 746-8887                                                       Brooklyn Center- 2590 Freeway Blvd (763) 503-3561 

• $10.95/ Adults   $5.95 Kids 5-12   Free/ Kids 4 and Under
• 10am-2pm
• Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, French Toast, Bacon, Sausage, Cheesy Hashbrowns, Mashed Potatoes, Pecan-Crusted Walleye, Tilapia, Shrimp Alfredo, BBQ ribs, Swedish Meatballs, Steamed Broccoli, Pork Tenderloin, Clam Chowder, Pasta Salad, Lettuce Salad, Cakes, Pies, Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse

Pepitos- 4820 Chicago Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55 612-822-2104

• $13.95/ Adults        $6.95/ Kids
• 10am-3pm
• Full Taco Bar, Eggs, Fruit, Desserts

Running Aces Harness Park- 15201 Zurich St NE  Columbus, MN  55025 (Forest Lake) (651) 925-4600

• $16.95/ Adults        $8.95/ Kids 4-12    Free/ Kids 3 and Under
• 9:30am-2pm
• All Your Favorite Breakfast Items, Made to order Omelets and Waffles, Prime Rib, Shrimp, and a Full Dessert table

Sarna's Classic Grill- 3939 University Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 (763) 788-3939

• $13.99/ Adults     $7.99/ Kids
• 10am-2pm
• Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Cheesy Hashbrowns, French Toast, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Adouille Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya, Quiche Florentine, Eggs Benedict, Roast beef in Gravy, Bacon, Cinnamon and Caramel Rolls, Fresh Fruit, Pasta Salad, Huevos Rancheros Quesadillas, Bluberry Muffins, Chocolate Banana Bread, Banana Cream Pie

Sunsets-  700 East Lake Wayzata, MN 55391  (952) 473-5253     

• $15.95/ Adults   $7.95/ Kids 5-11   Free/ Kids 4 and Under
• 9:30-2pm
• Eggs Benedict,  Sausage, Bacon, Hashbrowns, Au Gratin Potatoes, Beef Burgundy, Shrimp Creole, Fried Chicken, Sweet n Sour Chicken, Corn, Tortellini, Fresh Salmon, Blackened Pork Loin, Belgian Waffles, Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, Assorted Desserts, Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Pastries, Dinner Rolls, Specialty Salads, Garden Salad             

Sunsets- 700 Commons Drive  Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 735-1997

• $14.95/ Adults   $6.95/ Kids 5-12   Free/ Kids 4 and Under
• 10am-2pm  
• Eggs Benedict,  Sausage, Bacon, Hashbrowns, Au Gratin Potatoes, Beef Burgundy, Shrimp Creole, Fried Chicken, Sweet n Sour Chicken, Corn, Tortellini, Fresh Salmon, Blackened Pork Loin, Belgian Waffles, Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, Assorted Desserts, Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Pastries, Dinner Rolls, Specialty Salads, Garden Salad

The Independent (at Calhoun Square)- 3001 Hennepin Ave #A201  Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612)378-1905

• $11.99/ Adults   $8/ Kids Under 12
• 10am-3pm
• Omelets, Eggs, Prime Rib, Ham, Sausage, Bacon, Biscuits and Gravy, Weekly Entree Special, Chicken Wings, Waffle Station, Salads, Pasta Salad, Desserts

The Liffey Irish Pub- 175 West 7th Street  St Paul, MN 55102 (651) 556-1420

• $8.95/ Adults      $4.95/ Kids 12 and Under
• 11am-2pm
• Served Family Style
• Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Fruit and Toast

The Local Irish Pub- 931 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 904-1000

• $11.99/ Adults     
• 9am-2pm
• Included in Buffet are Scrambled Eggs, Creamy Hashbrowns, Sausage, Bacon, Seasonal Fruit, Pastries, and choice of either Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Coffee or Juice.  Other Brunch items that can be ordered off menu include Rashers & bangers, Pancakes, Breakfast Shepherd's Pie, Button Mushrooms, Corned Beef Hash, Local Salad etc.

The Seasons at Bunker Hills- 12800 Bunker Prairie Rd NW, Coon Rapids, MN‎ 55448 763-755-4444

• 10am-1pm
• Made-to-order Omeletes, Waffle Station, 2-3 Chef's Choice Entrees, Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, Soups, Salads, Breads, Desserts.  Includes Juice or Champagne.

Tipi Restaurant- 2354 Sioux Trail NW (Old Little Six Casino)Prior Lake, MN 55372 952-445-6000(#6440)

• $9.95/ Adults     $5.95/ Children
• 9am-1pm
• Scrambled Eggs, Cheesy Hashbrowns, Sausage Patties, Bacon, French Toast or Waffles, Assorted Fruits, Assorted Desserts & Pastries.  There are additional buffet items that change weekly and may include Corned Beef Hash, Italian Hash, etc.
  

Tria- 5959 Centerville Road North Oaks, MN 55127 (651)426-9222

• $15.95/Adults       $ 7.95/ Kids Under 13
• 10am-2pm
• Family Style Breakfast Served at the Table
• Sweets Table, Family Style Platters of Three Cheese Scrambled Eggs, Home Fried Potatoes, Maple Glazed Ham, Fruits

Great Moon Buffet ~ Maplewood & West St Paul, MN

Cuisine: Chinese
Restaurant Features: Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet, On-Site Parking

Locations: Maplewood & West St Paul, MN
Addresses & Maps:

Maplewood- 2950 White Bear Ave Maplewood, MN 55109 (651) 704-9801

West St Paul- 1200 South Robert St.  West St. Paul, MN 55118 (651) 554-0558

Hours: Sun-Thur 11am-9pm  Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Atmosphere:  Both the Maplewood and West St Paul locations are located within strip malls.  Each restaurant has a large, open space for the dining areas.  Silk Kimonos adorn the walls and here and there you will see silk plants as well.  Rectangular-shaped wooden tables are placed close together throughout the space, easy to accommodate larger groups.

There are four large buffet islands, with additional tables for dessert and also a separate stir-fry section at the West St Paul location.  Each buffet island has about 10-12 food items.

The West St Paul location also has a custom stir-fry area.  Similar to Khan's, choose your frozen sliced meats, Vegetables and sauces and the chef will cook it up in front of you on the Mongolian BBQ.

Menu: Appetizers include Egg Rolls, Cream Cheese Wonton, Cheesey Potatoes, Sweet Biscuits, Sesame Cakes, Pork Sausages, Egg Foo Young, Roast Duck, BBQ Ribs, and Steamed Dumplings.

Soups include Hot & Sour and Wonton.  There is also Lo Mein, Fried Rice, White Rice, Rice Noodle and String Beans.

Chicken dishes include Black Pepper Chicken, Roast Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chicken with Broccoli, Chicken Chow Suey, General Tao's Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken Wings, Chicken Sticks, and Chicken with Cashew.

Pork dishes include Mopo ToFu, Hunan Pork, Butter Potato, Double Cooked Pork, Hunan Triple Delight, Pork with Mushrooms, and Boneless Ribs.

Beef dishes include Beef with Broccoli, Mongolian Beef, Beef with Mushrooms, Peppered Beef, and Beef Ribs.

Seafood (most items served at dinner only) items include Mussels, Fried Codfish, Salmon, Popcorn Shrimp, Butterfly Shrimp, Salted Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce.

Desserts include Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Cake, Fresh Fruit

Price guide: Lunch Buffet $8-9  Dinner Buffet $11-12
What I Ate: My visit was at lunch time with a group of colleagues, but I still wanted to try a selection of foods.  I had Cream Cheese Wontons, Boneless BBQ Ribs, Steamed Dumpling, General Tao's Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, and a Rice Noodle dish with veggies.  The cream cheese wontons were the biggest I have ever had! They were stuffed full of a cream-cheese mixture that was slightly sweet.  The steamed dumplings were very good, with a flavorful pork/onion mixture.  The meats that I tried were okay, but I would not say these use high quality meat.  The Sweet and Sour as well as the General Tao's Chicken was kind of fatty and gristly and the batter was soggy. 

I wasn't quite satisfied with what I actually ate from my first plate, so I opted to wait in line for my own custom stir-fry.  I chose beef, broccoli, pineapple, onions, pepper and mushrooms with noodles and several scoops of all the different cooking sauces.  There is only one cook making stir-fry and he only cooks one dish at a time, so I had to wait at least 10 minutes for my plate.  I was only able to get a few good bites in before it was time to head back to work, but I was very happy with my stir-fry dish.

Service:  At Great Moon you must pay for your meal before you enter the dining room but from that point forward, there are many servers available to take drink orders, clear plates, etc.
Overall Impression:  Huge buffet with many options, but I would say food is just slightly better than mediocre in taste and quality.  Make-it-yourself Stir-Fry option at West St Paul is a big bonus.

Akita Sushi & Hibachi ~ Woodbury, MN

Cuisine: Japanese

Restaurant Features: All-You-Can-Eat, On-Site Parking, Bar
Location: Woodbury, MN
Address: 779 Bielenberg Dr. Unit 106 Woodbury, MN 55125 (651)578-7888

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm 4pm-10pm  Sat-Sun 11am-11pm
Links: Google Map

Atmosphere:  Akita is located in the corner of a strip mall (NE Corner of Tamarack Trail and Bielenberg Dr) and is larger than I expected it to be.  In the center of the restaurant is a large wooden pagoda-type structure, which is where the sushi chefs work their magic, and the alcoholic beverages are made.  Along one side of the structure is a sushi bar that seats about 12 people, the other three sides have bar-height tables that wrap around and can accommodate two to four people.

Another view of the bar/restaurant

Akita also has several booths along the outer walls of the restaurant which seem to offer a little more privacy.

Menu:  There are three menu options at Akita: Habachi (which has a separate dining area), A La Carte and All You Can Eat.  You may order anything off the AYCE Menu (all food is made-to-order) including:

Appetizers- Seaweed Salad, Edamame, Flying Fish Egg Salad, Miso Soup, Vegetable Salad, Cold Tofu, Chicken Wings, and Onion Soup.

Sashimi- Salmon, White Tuna, Snapper, Surf Clam, Mackerel, Crab Meat, and Tamago.

Sushi- Octopus, Sushi Pizza, Tofu, White Tuna, Salmon, Snapper, Mackerel, Unagi, Shrimp, Squid, Surf Clam, Tamago, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Crab Meat, and Tobiko.

Maki Rolls (4-6 rolls per order)- Dragon, Spider, Rainbow, California, Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber and Surf Clam, Crispy, FutoMaki, White Tuna, Crab, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Sweet Potato, Cucumber and Avocado, Cucumber, Salmon, Avocado, Tamago, Unagi, Tobiko, Dynamite, Pickled Mushroom and Pickled Radish.

Temaki (Hand Roll in a cone shape)- Shrimp Tempura, California, Spicy Tuna, Cucumber and Surf Clam, Cucumber, Avocado, Spicy Salmon, Salmon, Cucumber and Avocado, White Tuna, Crab Meat, Sweet Potato, Unagi, Snapper, and Tamago.

Teriyaki- Chicken, Grilled Pike/Mackerel, Salmon, Salmon Head, Beef, Salmon Neck, Eggplant, Mackerel

Tempura- Shrimp, Squid, Crab Meat, Eggplant, Vegetable, Snapper, Potato, Mushroom, and Toro.

Teppanyaki- Baby Muchroom Beef Roll, Green Onion Beef Roll, BBQ Eel Fried Rice, Seafood Fried Rice, Sirloin Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Vegetable, Japanese Fried Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Udon, Japanese Fried Udon, Seafood Fried Udon, and Vegetable Fried Udon.

Udon (Thick Noodle) & Soba (Thin Noodle) in Soup- Vegetable, Dumpling, Spicy Seafood, Seafood, Beef, Tempura, Spicy Beef, Crab Meat, Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Cutlet,  and Pork Cutlet.

You may also get any of the following foods deep-fried: Scallop, Dumpling, Pork Cutlet, Chicken Cutlet, Curry Chicken, Capelin Fish, Curry Pork, Tofu, Curry Beef, Spring Roll, and Squid Ball.

Desserts include Green Tea Ice Cream, Red Bean Ice Cream, and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Price guide: All You Can Eat Dinner $25  A La Carte $3-10 (per order) Hibachi $17-34

What We ordered: My companions and I first shared this large bowl of edamame (soy beans)

I started with a Dragon Roll (tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and rice rolled with salmon or tuna on top and then drizzled with spicy mayo sauce).  This was one of my favorites! I loved the combination of flavors and the slightly sweet crunch of the tempura shrimp along with the spicy sauce on top. One order includes 8 large pieces, almost too big to fit in my mouth. (I think I ate two full orders of the Dragon roll just to myself!)

The spicy tuna rolls were also delicious.  The tuna seemed to be cut into very fine pieces and mixed with a spicy mayo sauce, then paired with finely-sliced cucumber and wrapped with seaweed and rice.

Next I tried

some sushi; Salmon, Yellow Tail and Surf Clam.  The fish was sliced thin and was of pretty decent quality; fresh.

We also tried the Beef Teriyaki, which was thinly sliced, tender and slightly sweet form the teriyaki sauce.  The order is big enough to share with others and conveniently cut into thin pieces.

The Fried Scallops were also very good.  I have eaten many scallops in my time, but I had never had them deep-dried until now.  Very good! The outside was very crispy and the inside was hot, but the combination of the tender scallop meat with the crunchy outside was a great combination, similar to a fish-stick or nugget, but so much better.  The top was drizzled with a creamy sauce (mayo?)

Another companion tried the Unagi (eel)

Another companion ordered the Octopus Sushi with Surf Clam and Yellowtail Sashimi.  The sashimi is sliced very thin and almost melts in your mouth.  The octopus does not have a real strong flavor, but the texture is quite chewy.

For dessert we each tried the Green Tea Ice Cream (although I think we were all too full to really enjoy it).  The small scoop was just the right amount to cleanse your pallet after a very filling meal of sushi!

Service: I honestly wasn't sure what to expect as I had read many mixed reviews about the service at Akita, but my visit on a quiet Tuesday night was quite good.  The hostess wasn't very friendly and our waitress spoke limited English, but we were able to get by without a problem.  All of our food was made-to-order and brought to us in a reasonable amount of time and our drinks were refilled in a timely fashion.  We were able to order as much as we wanted, whenever we wanted.  Our server was very up-front in letting us know that they have a surcharge of 15% for excessive waste, so it isn't the best idea to order foods that you will not eat.
Overall Impression: Best All-You-Can Eat- Sushi offering that I have found in the Cities yet! For $25 I was able to try a large selection of the menu and ate enough to be totally stuffed out of my mind.  Try going on a Monday or Tuesday when it is less busy and you should be happy with the service.

Fogo de Chão- Minneapolis, MN

Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse, Steaks, Chops, Ribs, Etc
Restaurant Features: Bar, All-You Can Eat, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet

Location: Downtown Minneapolis
Address: 645 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403  612-338-1344
Links: Fogo de Chao website  Google Map

Atmosphere: One look at the authentically-dressed Gaochos serving the fabulous meats and you might think you are truly in Brazil! Fogo de Chao has a very large, open dining room with several tables surrounding a fabulous salad bar in the middle.  The lighting is dim and romantic perfect for a low-key dinner or a special occasion with a group of friends. There is also  a  bar/lounge area with additional bar-height tables .   

Menu: The concept of Fogo de Chao is one sure to satisfy any carnivore: both the lunch and dinner menus feature  15 different  cuts of fire-roasted meats (beef, chicken, pork, lamb).  Each person gets a token that is red on one side, green on the other.  When you are ready for the Gaochos to serve you meat, turn your card to green.  As they walk by with the skewers of meat, they will ask you if you want to try this, or that. Turn it to red when you'd like a break.  There are also unlimited trips to an amazing buffet serving fresh vegetables and fancy salads.  A variety of Brazilian side dishes are also served continuously throughout the meal.
Price guide: $45 per person, drinks excluded.
What I tried: The complimentary rolls that Fogo serves are unlike any I have tried anywhere else; they have a light texture, but with the cheese infused into the dough.  Served warm, these treats are heavenly and small enough to eat several!

Fogo has the most amazing salad bar!!! I especially loved the whole marinated artichoke hearts.

I tried just about everything (except lamb).  The evening I visited also happened to be in honor of my birthday.  Fogo was happy to give me a special complimentary dessert (I chose the 5 layer chocolate mousse cake)

Service: Amazing.  Can't ask for better!
Overall Impression: Not only is Fogo de Chao a carnivore's dream, they also have the best salad bar... Be prepared to be stuffed out of your mind.  Service was wonderful.  A very good value for all that you get.  Perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or to dine out-of-town guests.  I can't wait to go back.

Ichiban (All you can eat sushi) ~ Minneapolis, MN

Cuisine: Japanese with two options: 1. All -you-can-eat sushi/tempura 2.Teppanyaki (To be reviewed at another time!)

Restaurant Features: Bar, Dinner Buffet

Location: Minneapolis

Address: 1333 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403  (612) 339.0540

Links: Google Map  Ichiban Website

Atmosphere:

The sushi bar sits toward the back of the large restaurant and seats approximately 20 people around an "island" in which the sushi chefs prepare sushi in the middle. Little boats carry individual plates of a variety of different sushi and sashimi. The boats float at a quick pace directly in front of you as you eat...see something you like or want to try? Its yours for the taking!

If for some reason you need to wait to be seated at the sushi bar, there is a beautiful coctail lounge situated within the restaurant, with intimate seating.  Another cool thing about Ichiban is that all the waitresses wear traditional Japanese Kimonos.

Menu: The sushi chef has full control of what is being prepared and tends to prepare sushi in batches, but will usually take custom requests. Items you are likely to encounter: Vegetable : edamame Sushi:California roll, Caterpillar roll, eel, salmon eggs, flying fish egg (regular or spiced with wasabi), spicy tuna roll, tamago (sweet egg), tempura roll Sashimi: Shrimp, tuna, salmon, makerel, yellow tail, red snapper, surf clam, squid, scallop, octopus Here is the full sushi guide. Included in the price is also your choice of all-you-can-eat tempura: shrimp, chicken or vegetable.

A small dish of either green tea ice cream or mango serbert are also included.

Price Guide: All-you-can eat before 6pm: $27 After 6pm: $31

What I tried: Just about everything! My personal favorites include the spicy tuna roll, Ichiban roll, tuna sashimi, and spicy crab in a wonton-wrap.  The quality of the fish was better than I expected for all-you-can-eat, seemed fresh and not too fishy.  I also tried an order of the shrimp tempura, and although it had good flavor and the shrimp were a decent size, I was somewhat disappointed that it was soggy instead of crisp.

Service: There is usually only one server taking care of beverages at the sushi bar, so it sometimes takes a little while for drink orders to be filled.