Top 10 Restaurant Appetizers in Minneapolis

Hands down the best appetizer I've ever had. I know that for some people a lettuce wrap seems like a wimpy app, but every single time we eat at Big Bowl we order these. They aren't super filling, but why would you want to be full before your meal? The wraps are spicy, perfectly seasoned, and the beef is nice and crispy. The filling comes out hot and the lettuce leaves are soft, buttery, and cool. All of their food is amazing, but these are by far the best appetizer EVERRR.

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All I can say is YUM. I don't know one person who doesn't say "I LOVE THEIR GUAC" when I mention Barrio. At about $8 it's a little steep, but you get a mortar full of delicious made-to-order avocado goodness. It's served with their smoky salsa and a bowl of extra crispy tortilla chips. You will need a second bowl of chips for sure, which they lovingly bring for an extra buck. Paired with their $5 happy hour margaritas and downtown patio, you can't go wrong. 

Need I say more? Served with spicy sriracha mayo, these are the bomb-diggity. Something about the tots here just blows the others out of the water. During happy hour, you get a heaping basketful for $2. For an extra couple bucks you can get truffled tots which are also delightful. If you're up for a burger as well, my favorite is the Green Marvel topped with carmelized onions and guacamole. My boyfriend is addicted to their Rooster which is smothered in sriracha and house-made pickles.

I know the world is filled with very particular wing-lovers. I have by no means scoured Minneapolis for the very best wings, but of all the restaurant hopping I've done, these three places have my favorites. Keegan's Irish Pub offers them buffalo or balsamic glazed. Joe's Garage has a few different options, their crispy-salty wings (no sauce) equally as yummy as their buffalo ones. The Independent has by far the biggest portion. During HH, all places have discounts.

If you're up for extra spicy wings, try the hoisin-spiced "Shanghai wings" at Chino Latino. You'll need napkins and a fire extinguisher.

Pure decadence. Potato wedges? Check. Bacon? Check. Cheese? Lots. Gratuitous veggies? Yep. So delicious. As you can probably imagine, we usually order these and the wings to truly indulge. The only addition to make it better? A cold Crispin Cider (locally-brewed) on tap.

Wanna feel like you're indulging in happy hour while also eating your veggies? Try these! So yummy, spicy, and sweet, served in an overflowing paper cone. Going during happy hour? 2-4-1 drinks and half-off appetizers. Perfect!

Inventive and satisfying! A quirky twist on a crab rangoon, these deep-fried wontons are filled with real cranberries and "curry-spiced cream cheese". Make it even more delectable with the cranberry dipping sauce. I encourage you to add on some happy hour sushi as well...

The first time I had these, I couldn't stop saying "yum." As if the word "fried" before "green beans" wasn't enough to catch your interest, what if I told you they came with creole buttermilk ranch dipping sauce? Yep, now you're hooked. Enjoy these with one of their awesome house-brewed beers and you will be one happy little camper.

I know a lot of places serve Gyoza, but at $3.50 per order, hello!? Why go anywhere else? Plus they serve them veggie, pork, or shrimp with an addictive dipping sauce. And with any gyoza, you gotta love that crispy char on a soft dumpling. (For those of you who don't know what the hell I'm talking about, gyoza are essentially potstickers).

Some people knock Mt. Fuji's sushi, but I still love it. If you go during happy hour, you can eat like a king for $15-$20 including your HH beverage of choice. Plus, you have to TRY not to hit happy hour because it's pretty much everyday all day with the exception of 7:30-9:00pm during weeknights. My favorite cheap roll is their Fuji II; favorite deluxe roll: Hot & Spicy Girl.

OK not an appetizer, but it might as well be. Shouldn't start a meal without it! This refreshing drink is only offered in the summer, so be sure to try one while it lasts. To quote the website: "Summer in a glass! Brit's signature cocktail: mint leaves, lemonade, and vodka or gin [get vodka] mixed with Brit's own secret recipe." During their happy hour, this bugger is only $4 and it is definitely enough to quench your thirst and brighten up your otherwise blah weekday. :)