Food trucks and breweries, check them out tonight
The sun is shining, snow is melting and for winter in Minnesota, the weather is lovely. Yet, the impending temperatures are lurking right around the corner. There is a predicted high of 2 on Sunday – how is that even high? Gross. Personally, I’m missing my food truck time. It used to be the sun was shining and I could spend all afternoon grazing on the best mobile eats around.
A few hearty souls are still on the streets in their trucks. They have been pairing up with the other awesome trend in the Twin Cities – the proliferation of local breweries. There are a few tasty trucks out tonight. What better way to spend what might be our last Friday night in the comfortable temps than by getting out there, sipping some delicious brews while sampling a few food truck treats? Here are your best bets:
Minnesota’s original indie brewery, Summit continue to deliver delicious brews out of their expanded St. Paul Brewery. Try their nutty Winter Ale, full of winter banishing flavors like roasted coffee, caramel and cocoa. Belly up to the tap room bar where brews cost $4 each or $7 for a flight.
Natedogs peddles the snappiest wieners you’ll find in town. The dapper and dashing Nathan Beck is as serious about the sausage he sells as he is about the mustard that top them. (Occasionally, he’ll serve a little ketchup – if you ask nicely, but you would be missing out.) Beck often works to create special event beer infused mustard when he visits the breweries. A little dose atop those perfectly grilled hot dogs, filled with the very best pastured pork sausage makes for a superlative brewery dining experience.
910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul 55102
Indeed Brewing and Gastrotruck
This brewery uses cans, which they describe as a suit of armor for their beer – blocking out the sun and preserving the flavor. This is flavor worth savoring. Their Day Tripper pale ale is perfectly paired with food. The malty flavors are perfectly suited for the chicken wild rice burger that Gastrotruck makes. Both seem simple at first, before blooming with an incredible depth of flavor. The wild rice and hops play so well together.
Gastrotruck took a little time off to travel, see some family, and thaw a bit. Now, they’re back and Chef Stephen Trojahn and co-owner, the lovely Cathy Eckert are serving their gourmet twists on mobile eats. Be certain to load up on their made-from-scratch condiments, they make a great sandwich even better.
711 15th Ave NE, Minneapolis 55413
Fulton Brewery and Chef Driven Co.
Fulton is the local brewery I keep going back to. I’m not sure what I love most, the fun, easy demeanor of the staff and brewers, the cool kid tap room with their logo festooned gear or their fantastic brews. I’m yet to sip any of these suds and not fall a little bit in love. From Lonely Blonde to Worthy Adversary, there is a perfect beer to fit any mood.
Chef Driven Co truck might be better known by the declaration of their truck to “Get Sauced.” The food is fantastically messy. Grab a clutch of napkins and have no fear for getting messy. Try the mammoth pork sandwich, or their tacos – it’s some seriously fun eating.
414 6th Ave N., Minneapolis 55401
Harriet Brewing and Simply Steve’s
The big bash on tap for Harriet Brewery tomorrow for their 2nd anniversary. This one requires tickets. $14 in advance/$20 at the door will get you into El Nuevo Rodeo for 12 taps as well as entertainment from Postina, Brass Kings and Malamanya. There will also be a full tapas bar. The brewery itself will also be open with yet more entertainment, this time free, from Chris Koza, Daddy Squeeze and Not Dead Yet. Feeling cheap and want to save a buck? Stop by tonight for a smaller crowd with not entry fee.
Simply Steve’s specializes in straightforward, tasty food like burgers, hot dogs and if you catch them early, a killer breakfast sandwich.
3036 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis 55406
