One Thing Done Well: Herkimer's mini-burgers
_595x325_jpg_595x325_crop_upscale_q85.jpg)
Stacy Schwartz
Article Tools
Although there are tons of kickass restaurants in the Twin Cities, sometimes one eatery does a common dish just a bit better than the others. With that in mind, The A.V. Club susses out the best menu items so you don't have to. You're welcome.
The Place: Herkimer Pub & Brewery
Because of its Lyndale-kisses-Lake location, Herkimer tends to draw a hip clientele, but also neighborhood folks who just want a proper micro-brew. It's the only brewpub in the Uptown area, with some tasty seasonal favorites like Dunkel Weiss, Alt, and of course, Oktoberfest, but its airy interior and multiple booths are a strong draw as well. Plus, customers can play a bit of shuffleboard without having to put their beers down.
The Dish: Mini-burgers
Stacy SchwartzOver the past few years, chefs have been playing around with familiar favorites to glam them up—which explains the occasional $17 dish of macaroni and cheese with truffle oil, for example—and some of the perkiest creations have been a revamp of the wee burgers.
Herkimer stands out for its blend of both traditional and innovative mini-burgers, with "mini macs" for those wanting a diminutive version of the beef-lettuce-cheese combination. But to really take advantage of the chef's prowess, go for the Cajun version, served with hot spices and pepper-jack, or the Puerco with braised pork and chipotle mayo. They're served five to a plate, so a bigger group can order all six versions to mix and match, which is highly appealing for diluting that fourth pint before the big shuffleboard tournament.
The baby burgers not only hold together well (sometimes a major issue with small foodstuffs), but also pack major flavor into just a few bites. Vegetarians can even partake in a veggie version that pairs a black bean and falafel patty with cucumber and tomato. Miss the fries, though? No need: mini-fries can be ordered as a side, and they're so adorable it seems a shame to wolf them down. Do it anyway, and then order another round of the mushroom and swiss burgers for good measure.
Vital Stats: 2922 Lyndale Ave. S, 612-821-0101, theherkimer.com
