Tongue in Cheek is a standout destination in St. Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood, known for its playful yet high-end approach to “casual fine dining.” The restaurant prides itself on using humanely raised animal products and offering an inclusive menu that features exceptional vegetarian and vegan options. With a focus on whimsical presentation and bold flavor profiles, it has earned a reputation as one of the most creative culinary hubs in the Twin Cities.
The menu is uniquely structured into “Teasers,” small plates, and large plates, allowing diners to sample a wide variety of inventive dishes like the “Bacon & Egg” with hot jam or their famous steamed pork buns. Signature entrees like the “Octopus Prime” and the legendary “Vegasm” (a rotating vegan masterpiece) showcase the kitchen’s commitment to culinary artistry. Their seven-course tasting menu offers the ultimate immersion into the chef’s seasonal inspirations.
Complementing the food is a robust craft cocktail program and an energetic, “cavorting” atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a celebration. Tongue in Cheek is a favorite for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts looking for a meal that is both sustainable and unforgettable. If you’re searching for an eating and drinking establishment with a sense of humor and a lot of heart, this St. Paul gem is a must-visit.
Boludo is a high-energy Argentine eatery in Minneapolis that has gained a cult following for its revolutionary “diamonds”—uniquely shaped empanadas—and
* Price Per Person (Average) is an estimate initially provided by the listing owner. It is approximate and may not reflect your experience, but listing owners are expected to provide estimates based on what a reasonable and typical experience might look like. Listing owners are instructed to INCLUDE an average order amount, mandatory gratuity, taxes, and mandatory fees in this price. It EXCLUDES optional gratuity where that may exist.
*** Tip-Free Establishments are businesses which deliver services at a higher base rate or a standard add-on flat-percentage fee to ensure livable (or at least minimum) wages for employees. We say “tip-free” instead of “tip-included” because many jurisdictions do not allow these fees to be classified as gratuities.
** Mandatory Service Fees are fees which are not optional and the business is not legally compelled to collect, regardless of whether it is imposed by the business, landlord, etc. This includes fees used to create “tip-free” establishments. The Local Gem Guide believes in upfront, transparent, baked in pricing, but knowing many businesses operate this way, the attribute is intended to provide transparency. Local Gem Guide is not a legal expert and cannot provide legal guidance, but it does remind businesses to consult with a legal expert before charging these fees since many jurisdictions, including Minnesota, now outlaw many of these “junk fees” by law.
*** Organic indicates a listing owner’s self-reported approximation for what percentage of their menu is organic.
**** Locally Sourced Ingredients is used to indicate what percentage of the menu is locally sourced. This sustainability metric is a listing owner’s self-reported approximation of what percentage of their menu is grown, sourced, and sold within about 100 miles of the listing.
Listing Accuracy is the responsibility of the listing owner. Local Gem Guide is not responsible for the contents, completeness, accuracy, or any liabilities with regard to listings.
Manage Consent
Certain key functions of this site, such as maps, will not work without Accepting.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. You may change your settings in the Opt-out Preferences page in the footer of this site.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
