1. Thanks to our traditional flavors and homestyle
dishes, the Heartland is starting to stand out on
America’s culinary map. From the Great Lakes to the
Great Plains, DrakeMag has found some of the top
restaurants acclaimed by food critics and Midwestern
natives alike. Look out, NewYork—they don’t call us
“America’s Breadbasket” for nothing.
CRITIC’S CORNER
KIMBERLY WINTER STERN
Kimberly Winter Stern is the
former managing editor of 435
South magazine, a lifestyle
publication for the Kansas City
area. She also contributes to the
Dean & Deluca Food Blog.
JAMES NORTON
James Norton is the founding
editor of Heavy Table, an online
culinary magazine. Based out
of Minneapolis, he’s a regular
contributor to CHOW.com.
Norton has co-authored several
books, including The Master
Cheesemakers of Wisconsin and
Minnesota Lunch.
HANNAH AGRAN
Hannah Agran is a food
and features editor for Midwest
Living. Hailing from Des Moines,
Agran has written several pieces
on food and travel.
KATE SILVER
Kate Silver is an award-winning
freelance writer whose work has
appeared in publications including
People and Playboy. Silver writes
about food, health, and travel.
She is from Chicago.
KIT BERNARDI
Kit Bernardi is an editor and writer
for Midwest Living. Based
in Chicago, Bernardi contributes
to the magazine’s
“Out and About” section.
KEY TO SUCCESS
PRICE
Under $10 Entree $10-$15 Entree $15-$25 Entree $25+ Entree
LOCATION
TWIN CITIES KANSAS CITY DES MOINES CHICAGO
American
Asian
Burger Joint
Barbecue
Italian
Mexican
TYPE OF FOOD
WORDS LAUREN KASSIEN
ILLUSTRATIONS ELYSSA YESNES
12 | DRAKE MAGAZINE
FOOD + DRINK

2. BLUESTEM
This little restaurant in Historic Westport
offers two dining concepts under one
roof. Each side of the restaurant offers
an intimate dining experience. The
comfy sofas in the lounge are ideal
for relaxing and mingling with friends.
But for something more fancy, head to
the dining room for a three-, five-, or
10-course culinary adventure. From the
knowledgeable wait staff to esteemed
chef Colby Garrelts’s American creations,
diners are in for a treat.
900 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111;
816.561.1101
LORING KITCHEN & BAR
Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Loring
Kitchen & Bar’s neighborhood feel draws
natives and tourists alike. Loring offers
contemporary American cuisine, and its
menu is filled with seasonal, upscale
comfort food. Think Wolfgang Puck meets
Mom’s mac-n-cheese. A well-crafted menu
and comfortable mood set Loring apart.
“It feels like going to a neighborhood
kitchen,” Stern says. “They really focus on
serving what’s in season.”
1359 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN 55403;
612.843.0400
ALBA
Voted Best Restaurant by The Des
Moines Register, Alba is one of Iowa’s
most beloved and respected restaurants.
It offers diners traditional American
cuisine—with a twist—the menu changes
with the season. This winter, try the
pumpkin gnocchi and cranberry chutney
with chicken. “It’s chef-driven food,” Stern
says. “The cuisine is seasonal, and chef
Jason Simon has traveled around. He
really brings his own interpretation to an
incredible, creative menu.”
524 E. 6th St., Des Moines, IA 50309;
515.244.0261
TWIN ANCHORS
This nautical-themed restaurant received
its acclaim when it served as a backdrop
for The Dark Knight and HBO’s hit TV
series, Boardwalk Empire. Located in
Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, Twin
Anchors still manages to provide diners
with an historic Hollywood feel—even
after spending time in the limelight.
“Despite its movie star cache, family-
owned Twin Anchors hasn’t gotten too
big for its bootlegger history and loyal
neighborhood clients,” Bernardi says.
The tavern prides itself on its extensive
food and drink menu. Twin Anchors pours
over 30 beers and offers a variety of
hearty entrees, ranging from slow-roasted
chicken to their “world-famous” ribs. Make
sure to ask for extra “Prohibition Sauce”—
and extra napkins.
1655 North Sedgwick St. Chicago, IL
60614; 312.266.1616
BLUE KOI
Situated on 39th Street—aka “Restaurant
Row”—Blue Koi is known for dishing out
some of the best Asian comfort food in a
posh, upscale setting. The menu boasts a
variety of options, from Chinese-style pot
roast to freshly brewed beverages. “Ants
on a Stick, a noodle dish, is a must-try,”
Stern says. “And you aren’t finished until
you round out your experience with a
bubble tea.”
1803 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111
816.561.5003
MASU SUSHI AND ROBATA
Critics call Masu Sushi and Robata one of
Minneapolis’s most delectable Japanese
restaurants—and for a good reason.
“Masu features a knock-out sake menu
and sushi that stands up to stuff on the
coasts,” Norton says. Its claim to fame:
variety. Masu’s menu is so large it’s split
in two, and a different chef prepares each
half. Guests can choose from over 20 sushi
rolls and 14 different noodle dishes. But
a trip to this place doesn’t require serious
sushi knowledge—there’s plenty to
experiment with.
330 E. Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN
55414; 612.332.6278
MIYABI 9
Let’s face it: Any type of sushi in a
no-coast state sounds a little fishy. But
Miyabi 9, however, puts seafood naysayers
to shame. This Asian restaurant boasts
“the best sushi in Des Moines,” and
diners agree. Foodies from around the
country rave about Miyabi’s fresh fish.
Located in Des Moines’s East Village, this
restaurant has a posh mood to match its
hip neighborhood. “The ingredients are as
fresh as you’ll find in our landlocked town,
and the atmosphere is a perfect balance of
trendy and friendly,” Agran says.
512 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309;
515.288.7070
BELLY SHACK
Mixing Asian and Latin cuisines sounds
like something out of a weird culinary
science experiment. But for Belly Shack,
the combo works. This small eatery in the
heart of Chicago’s Logan Square has won
favor with natives for its menu that fuses
flavors from the Far East and south of the
border. Guests can choose from a variety
of unique dishes, such as Asian meatballs
with noodles and mint to roasted squash
with a maple glaze. “Belly Shack’s
inventive menu is full of twists and turns,”
Stern says. “It’s boisterous and bustling
and has the best contemporary cuisine.”
1912 North Western Ave., Chicago, IL
60647; 773.252.1414
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3. JALAPENOS
Don’t be fooled by this restaurant’s
dive-like atmosphere—all of the food
at Jalapenos is prepared fresh and
on site. Entrees range from authentic
chimichangas to spicy, savory enchiladas.
The Jalapeno Dip is a must: Creamy and
cheesy with just a little kick, this hearty
topping goes perfectly with a burrito or a
batch of fresh-baked tortilla chips that are
served on every table.
7729 W. 151st St., Stanley, KS 66223;
913.681.3555 | 12102 W. 87th Parkway,
Lenexa, KS 66215; 913.894.8226 | 6318
Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113;
816.523.5462
TAQUERIA LA HACIENDA
Taqueria La Hacienda’s façade may look
less than impressive, but don’t be fooled—
diners are in for an authentic experience.
Guests can choose from staples and
customize their order with various meats,
cheeses, and veggies. Tacos al Pastor
are a crowd favorite, featuring fresh
pork barbecued Mexican-style. “If you’re
craving real Mexican, all of East Lake
Street is stuffed with it—but Taqueria La
Hacienda is a good start,” Norton says.
“The Tacos al Pastor are small, beautiful
tributes to Mexican street food.”
2000 Williams Drive #105, Burnsville, MN
55337; 952.808.6895.
TACOS MARIANA’S
Velveeta-soaked burritos won’t be found
here. Adventurous foodies should head
to Tacos Mariana’s for a true Mexican
experience. “There are plenty of places
to get cheesy enchiladas drowned in red
sauce around town, but for authentic
Mexican—think street tacos on soft
corn tortillas—try hole-in-the-wall Tacos
Mariana’s,” Agran says. Located on
University Avenue, this restaurant offers
real Mexican food, real cheap. $.99 tacos
on Wednesdays and Thursdays keep
crowds rolling in. Just don’t judge the book
by its cover: While the building’s exterior
leaves something to be desired, the inside
is both clean and friendly.
1305 University Ave., Des Moines, IA
50314. 515.288.1499
FRONTERA GRILL
A crown jewel of Chicago cuisine, Frontera
Grill has been lauded by critics galore: It
was ranked the third-best restaurant in
the world by International Herald Tribune.
Part carefree American grill and part
vibrant Mexican fiesta, Frontera offers the
fresh bold flavors of authentic Mexican
cuisine. But don’t expect plates full of
tacos—the menu’s more upscale. “This
isn’t Americanized Tex-Mex,” Stern says.
“It’s Mexican cuisine by the foremost
American-Mexican chef, Rick Bayless.
He’s just sublime.” Bayless is a Chicago
culinary guru whose awards range from
a James Beard to the inaugural winner
of Top Chef: Masters. His menu features
street food favorites, including smoked
chicken taquitos garnished with roasted
tomatillo salsa and fresh cream as well as
savory grilled entrees, like the Oaxacan-
style carne asada.
445 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654;
312.661.1434
UNCLE WENDELL’S
True barbecue lovers know that the extras
make or break a true down-home meal, and
Uncle Wendell’s doesn’t skimp on the sides.
One part barbecue joint, one part bakery,
Uncle Wendell’s is known for its fresh-
baked goods—especially its cornbread.
“My whole family adores Uncle Wendell’s,”
Agran says. “If you get a pulled pork
sandwich, the bread is thick and
homemade, not a wimpy mass-produced
bun like the ones at other places.”
716 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312;
515.288.3207
PORK SHOPPE
This Belmont restaurant delivers three
things: beer, bourbon, and BBQ. Pork
Shoppe prides itself on cheap, hearty
meats. From pulled pork to pastrami, diners
have plenty of options for what to put
between the Shoppe’s fresh, toasted buns.
“The toughest decision to make at Pork
Shoppe is which meat to pick and when
to throw in the towel,” Silver says. “Don’t
even bother getting a sandwich here. The
meat is the true star, and you won’t want
those carbs taking up any extra room.”
2755 W Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60618;
773.961.7654
OKLAHOMA JOE’S
Nothing draws foodies to the Sunflower
State quite like its down-home barbecue.
And there’s nowhere better to go than
Oklahoma Joe’s. The restaurant’s claim-to-
fame, the Z-Man sandwich, is a delicious
heart attack waiting to happen—juicy
brisket, smoked provolone, and a heaping
pile of onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll.
This greasy beauty is a true testament to
the restaurant’s hearty, in-your-face flavors.
“To me, the Oklahoma Joe’s experience is
twofold,” Stern says. “No matter which of
the three locations you’re at, the food is
always top-notch and consistent. But what
you get from each location is a different
experience and ambiance.”
3002 W. 47th Ave., Kansas City, KS
66103; 913.722.3366 | 11950 Strang Line
Road, Olathe, KA 66062; 913.782.6858
| 11723 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66211;
913.338.5151
Q FANATIC
Located in Champlin, Minn., just north
of Minneapolis, Q Fanatic is often
overlooked. But don’t underestimate
the delicious flavors of this barbecue
grill. Charlie Johnson—the restaurant’s
mastermind and executive chef—received
his degree from the Culinary Institute
of America, so he’s well-versed in the
art of food. His menu offers traditional
barbecue fare, like pulled pork, brisket
sandwiches, and ribs galore. But Johnson’s
delectable sauces are what keep barbecue
aficionados coming back. For $.95 per
serving, guests can slather their meat in a
variety of toppings. “The sauces are made
with as much care as the meat is smoked,”
Norton says. “The espresso barbecue and
pepper vodka sauces are particularly deft.”
180 Miller Road, Champlin, MN 55316;
763.323.6550
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4. BLANC BURGERS + BOTTLES
Classy and contemporary, this elite KC
burger joint doesn’t serve up an average
fast-food patty. Blanc Burgers + Bottles
offers fresh beef topped with the finest
ingredients. The American Kobe Burger
is finished with port wine onions, truffle
butter, and mustard aioli, while the 100
Dollar features red wine-braised short ribs,
foie gras butter, and onion marmalade.
These juicy works of art are served on
freshly baked brioche or rosemary olive oil
buns. For sides, choose from a variety of
old-fashioned bottled sodas or hand-cut
fries. Served in a miniature-shopping
cart, one order of fries will leave guests
begging for more.
10583 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 66206 |
913.381.4500; 4710 Jefferson St., Kansas
City, MO 64112; 816.931.6200
CASPER AND RUNYON’S NOOK
Casper and Runyon’s Nook earned culinary
fame on Food Network favorite Diners,
Drive-Ins, and Dives. But Twin City
dwellers have been flocking to this joint
for their famous Juicy Lucy burgers long
before Guy Fieri showed up. The Juicy
Lucy originated in South Minneapolis, and
natives can get their fix in the state where
it all started. Calorie counters, beware:
This whopper of a burger consists of
two patties stuffed with molten cheddar
cheese. “Some of the best Juicy Lucy
burgers are at Casper and Runyon’s Nook,”
Norton says. “They complement their
burgers with local bakery buns and some
of the best fries in the city,”
492 South Hamline Ave., St. Paul, MN
55116; 651.698.4347
HIGH LIFE LOUNGE
Natives and critics agree: Nothing says
livin’ the high life like this ‘60s throwback
hotspot. The lounge’s shag carpeting
and vintage wallpaper—complete with
wood paneling—give guests a taste of
nostalgia. Hamm’s, PBR, and Schlitz are
always on tap, and diners can choose
from American favorites for dinner, such
as chicken-fried gizzards and the ever-
classic Spam-and-egg-sandwich. “New
burger joints in town serve all kinds of
exotic combos, but the High Life Lounge
Cheeseburger Basket nails the other end
of the spectrum; it’s a perfectly greasy
quarter-pounder with American cheese,
pickles, and onions,” Agran says. “And the
price is as retro as the décor.”
200 Southwest 2nd St., Des Moines, IA
50309; 515.280.1965
EDZO’S
Nestled in the heart of Evanston, a
northern suburb of Chicago, Edzo’s aims
to bring diners an authentic burger
experience back to the basics. Fresh
patties are ground every morning and
spiced with only salt and pepper. And
shakes are blended in a vintage Multimixer
spindle machine—just like the old days.
On the side, Edzo’s serves up fries loaded
with garlic, chili, cheese, bacon, and more.
“By the time you’re done, you’ll already be
planning your next trip,” Silver says. “It’s
just that good.”
1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201;
847.864.3396
JASPER’S
Food connoisseurs from across the nation
flock to this cozy Italian eatery recently
named one of the best restaurants in the
nation by Zagat. The owners make it clear:
Dining at Jasper’s is a far cry from a family
reunion at Olive Garden. Jasper’s prides
itself on providing truly authentic Italian
cuisine for 60-plus years. “Try the scampi
alla livornese,” Stern suggests. “It’s a dish
with shrimp covered in a garlic and wine
sauce. They’ve been making it for over 57
years, and it’s incredible.”
1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO 64114;
816.941.6600
THE DARI-ETTE DRIVE
The Dari-ette Drive is no traditional Italian
eatery. Recently celebrating its 60th
anniversary, it’s one of the few vintage
drive-ins left in the nation. The Dari-ette
menu covers all the drive-in bases—
meaning it’s chock-full of burgers and fries.
But, what sets this place apart is its Italian
concoctions. Craving a milkshake and
spaghetti? Coming right up. Other Italian
options include the pizza burger, pasta
dishes, and traditional Italian sandwiches.
“This charming bit of Americana serves
up a brilliant Hot Dago sandwich featuring
sausage, marinara, and cheese on toasted
bread,” Norton says.
1440 E. Minnehaha Ave., Saint Paul, MN
55106; 651.776.3470
GUSTO PIZZA CO.
Gusto Pizza Co. was born when friends
Josh Holderness, Joe McConville, and Tony
Lemmo joined forces to create made-from-
scratch pies. Gusto has invited diners to
“get some” unique pizza flavors for a little
over a year. From fresh handmade crust and
a variety of sophisticated ingredients—
wine-marinated figs or maple-glazed ham,
anyone?—to a hefty wine and beer menu,
Gusto clearly isn’t your average pizza parlor.
“Gusto’s pizza is satisfying and inventive.
They all go well with the Iowa craft beers
that the owners keep in stock,” Stern says.
“You know a pizza isn’t just a pizza when
you eat at Gusto.”
1905 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309;
515.244.8786
LOU MALNATI’S PIZZERIA
Don’t dispute it—no one does deepdish
like Chicago. And no one makes a deep-
dish pie quite like Lou Malnati’s. Gooey
mozzarella cheese, hearty tomato sauce,
and fresh toppings are piled over a flaky,
buttery crust several inches thick. Bring
an empty stomach because even the most
serious eaters struggle to finish more than
one slice. “It’s almost like a casserole on a
heavenly crust,” Stern says. “Lou Malnati’s
is where deep dish is king.”
Visit LouMalnatis.com for a full list of
locations.
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