Picnic Planner: Twin Cities

by Molly Priesmeyer - Citysearch Contributor - 191 Reviews - 91 Lists

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Updated: October 20, 2009

Before your trip to the Falls, the Lakes, the river or the parks and trails, be sure to stock up on some of the best gourmet takeout in the Twin Cities--from pasta salads to deli meats (such as Surdyk's, left) to other tasty treats.

Takeout Treats

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Gigi's Cafe
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    822 W 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (map)

    From salads to quesadillas to veggie lasagnas and more, this South Minneapolis café offers tasty takeout for lunch, breakfast and dinner. And for vegans and the health-conscious, Gigi’s has a walnut-veggie burger that’s delicious either warm or cold.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Surdyk's Liquor Store
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    303 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (map)

    This wine shop in Northeast is also tops for its selection of meats, cheeses, deli salads, specialty sandwiches and desserts. Grab a nice bottle of bubbly, a wheel of brie, a baguette, a green papaya salad and a French chocolate cake, and you’ll be the hit of the picnic.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Lucia's Restaurant
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    1432 W 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (map)

    Voted one of the best bistros year after year, Lucia’s also has an excellent and affordable to-go menu filled with locally sourced fare like turkey sandwiches, free-range chicken breasts, Arugula pear salads and chocolate eclairs.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cossetta Italian Market
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    211 Seventh St W, St Paul, MN 55102 (map)

    For a truly easy picnic, Cosetta’s big and loaded hand-tossed pizzas are sure to please. Also be sure to check out the mostaccioli and giant meatball sandwiches, which make perfect picnic partners for a day at the nearby parks or a trip to Harriet Island.

  5. 5 The Produce Exchange
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    920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (map)

    If you miss the many Farmer’s Markets during the weekends, check out the Produce Exchange for the best in local, organic goods like Honeycrisp apples, fresh raspberries, sweet corn and watermelon. It’s also a one-stop-shop for tropical fruits, fresh grapes and the best blood oranges you’ll ever find.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Broders Cucina Italiana
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    2308 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410 (map)

    Broder’s supplies basically everything but the basket: Pizza slices, small or family-size pastas, deli salads, Panini filled with homemade sausage, and a caprese sandwich loaded with fresh basil and Minnesota tomatoes. For dessert, don’t forget the cannoli.

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