Citizen Cafe

September 2008

Citizen Cafe (“for the people” says the logo) is not some collectivist South Minneapolis outpost of hemp curtains, vegan fare, and servers who eschew deodorant. In fact, it’s a certified den of yuppiedom in the midst of a decidedly blue collar section of town (think Ted Cook’s Nineteenth Hole ). Is that good? Well, if you like such things as pan-seared sea scallops and three-day pork roast, it’s good. The exterior screams dentist’s office circa 1954, but the modest dining room has a Craftsman-era vibe with walls bedecked in vintage posters and bric-a-brac. Chef Michael McKay was the longtime chef at Sample Room, but Citizen is his baby, with an all-day menu of upscaled American fare and comfort classics. (Most of what I tasted eclipsed what I ate at a recent Sample Room dinner; we’ll run a full review of Citizen in the coming months.) Let’s hope “the people” know what to make of cilantro cashew pesto butter and old-school country pate. Linden Hills can’t have all the good restaurants, now can it?

2403 E. 38th St., Mpls., 612-729-1122

Comments:

By b on August 19, 2008 at 10:46 am:

where is this? sounds interesting

By Stephanie March on August 20, 2008 at 9:46 am:

It's in the old Lorraine's space, close to the LRT line off of Hiawatha and 38th.

By F on September 23, 2008 at 9:02 am:

Yummy food, crips, clean decor, friendly, prompt service. Definitely go there.

By Hannah on September 25, 2008 at 8:46 am:

We love this place! We discovered on our way to Hiawatha Golf Club. The brick chicken, roasted veggies, 3 day pork and desserts are heavenly. Breakfast pancakes are yummy. Try the homemade sausage. We have been here 8 times and have yet to be disappointed. Did I mention it is affordable?

By Linda on October 31, 2009 at 2:46 pm:

Had a delicious lunch there today. The sirloin burger with a special homemade bacon/onion marmalade was excellent, and the bread pudding and the pumpkin cheesecake were the perfect endings to a great time with friends.

By Judy Busse on February 15, 2011 at 9:45 pm:

Homemade sausages, homemade bread and salad dressings, breakfasts and salads to die for. I mean REALLY, you gotta go there...and soon! They will love putting love on your plate.

By talseveagnise on March 6, 2011 at 3:46 pm:

Legal download sites with the latest DVD releases?

By XRumerTest on March 14, 2011 at 12:45 pm:

Hello. And Bye.

By XRumerTest on March 17, 2011 at 12:45 pm: