by Bob McClain
(www.wordsmithbob.com)
5-12-08
The Village Pub story

When “The Village Pub” Isn’t

I’m sorry. I just can’t think of The Village Pub as “the village pub”. This place is way too nice. I mean, where’s the thatched roof? The scruffy barkeep in a dirty apron? Or the mud-caked dog snoring before a smoky fire? Talk about missing the mark! For god’s sakes they’ve got 9 big screen HDTVs!

Okay, so I’m being silly. Probably too many Monty Python episodes. However, I want to reiterate that this is a really nice place. Upscale décor and a short but sophisticated wine list are the first hints. They also have a nice martini list and a good selection of beers. But as always, I want to talk about the food.

As I understand it from the new owners, this place is really popular with the first or second date crowd (when you’re trying to impress her), on the way home from work crowd, and the Happy Hour crowd. It probably has something to do with the certified Angus burgers, or the appetizers. They’ve got Black and Tan Onion Rings for $7.99 and one of my wife’s favorites, Village Crab Cakes with a roasted red pepper sauce for $9.99. And you can get a glass of Spanish wine during Happy Hour for $3. Pretty hard to beat.

They also have six salads ranging from $4 for the house salad up to $12 for the steak salad. This seems like a good place for lunch because they have soups, soup and salad and soup and a half sandwich. Nice options for a light lunch. For the heartier appetites, they have those Angus burgers I was talking about including what they call the Big @$$ Burger for $11.99. It’s a one pounder and they’ll buy you a beer if you finish it. No problem, I say!

They also have sandwiches, wraps, pastas and a short list of entrees including what they say is the best dish in the house, the Walleye Sandwich (I tried it; it’s really good). Last thing you must know is that they feature Muddy Paws Cheesecake on their dessert menu. If you don’t know, Muddy Paws is owned and run by a local woman who should be supported at all costs. If you’ve ever tasted Muddy Paws cheesecake, you understand. (I guess there are “mud caked paws” in this story after all!)

The family owned restaurant is located in St. Anthony at 2720 Highway 88. The phone number is (612) 788-9680. They open six days a week at 11am for lunch and Sundays they open at 10am for breakfast. Sunday through Wednesday, the kitchen is open until 10pm and the bar until Midnight. Thursday through Saturday, the kitchen is open until 11pm and the bar until 1pm. Happy Hour is 3pm until 6pm.

>>Go to Profile Page
>>Go to Village Pub Website

© 2004 - 2011 Twin Cities Dining Guide, LLC, Minneapolis, MN 763-591-9087 | Built by Net Dynasty | Designed by Blue Over Blue