21.

Pshaw to the 4, with its posh posturing and smiling drivers. Nuts to the 16, with its two-car buses choked with scholars en route to the U. If you want to ride a bus and get somewhere, it’s the 21 or nothing, the bus line that’s about the journey as much as the destination. The stalwart straight line that connects south Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul takes you about as far as you could hope to go without snatching a transfer (and if you’re one of those who needs to get from Spyhouse to the Turf Club, this is your only option that doesn’t have yellow checkers). But it’s the ambience of the 21 that puts this bus line a head above. The closest thing the Twin Cities has to the L in the Big Apple, the 21 is pure utility spiked with harrowing humanity. Go the whole way, stand before the majestic Capitol dome, and you too will be able to sneeze at every other bus line in town. There can be only one.

This makes me very happy.

edkohler:

Marin Misner is cranking out some cool photo walks around Minneapolis.

These are really great. On Friday I walked on Lake Street, from Hennepin to Hiawatha, something I’ve always wanted to do. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera with me, but next time I will for sure. Such an incredible amount of diversity or people and businesses. 

If DeRusha can do it, so can I. :)

1. Hot Plate: Grand Marais Scramble (eggs, trout, cream cheese) is my go to brunch item at my favorite place in town. I just love the paint by number paintings that line the walls, and I have a great story about a time we watched a couple argue in their car out front for 20 minutes, leave, come back, argue some more, and finally the guy comes in to eat while she stays in the car. But I miss the Eric Estrada.
2. La Chaya Bistro: Eggs Benedict (Poached Eggs on Avocado with Melted Cheese and Green Salsa served on English Muffin) makes my mouth water. And the Chorizo Molletes were great. Super friendly staff, and amazing food.
3. Longfellow Grill: I’ve been eating brunch at both the Highland Grill and the Longfellow Grill for so long that it has to be on my list. Blueberry French Toast is my usual, but best if split with someone else’s order to balance it out.
4. Stabby’s: It’s called Stabby’s. They have biscuits and gravy. Done.
5. Bad Waitress: I like anyplace where I don’t have to deal with servers. Nothing against them, but I love being able to order when I’m ready, and leave when I want to without waiting for a check. The pancakes are great, and I love the superhero table cards and the B movie posters on the walls.

• A Baker’s Wife’s Pastry Shop: Doesn’t matter what you get, it will be good, but I usually just get a plain cake donut or three. That’s all I need. Even better now that Angry Catfish serves up a great cup of coffee just a few doors down. (honorable mention for not being a restaurant)

DeRusha gets bonus points for actually going to places all over the Twins Cities, while my list is basically just South Minneapolis, and most are within a few miles of my house.