Best Casual Restaurants in Lake Elmo

We had a wonderful time at Danny's. I had Mahi Mahi which was absolutely delicious. The other guests food also was delicious. Our Server was very friendly and efficient. We really enjoyed her and hope to go back real soon. I give my meal and the other 2 guest meals a 5 Star.

What can you say about a restaurant that really has nothing to be compared to? When you are rocking original, creative, Venezuelan cuisine, in Saint Paul, the comps are hard to come by… That said, this very-chef-based small cocina is pushing out creativity and quality that belongs in downtown Minneapolis next to the best of the best. This was a place I’d been promising myself a visit for about six months and finally got there. The menu is eclectic, inspired and wholly-original. Crasqui delivers and Ms. Ramirez is a true chef. Her vision of bringing the cuisine of Venezuela to has been realized and we are lucky that she decided to grace us with her art. The pulpo (octopus) appetizer is a great treatment and fun. If the idea of it throws you; just try it. The entrees, the Conejo (rabbit) and Lomito (tenderloin) were excellent to the point of licking the plates and demanding more. To add to drama, Soleil (Ms. Ramirez) has created a cocktail program that also delivers creativity, novelty and with a serious nod to the powers far-south of the border with citrus, liqueurs and exotics that are unique and well-crafted. Her wine list is also unique and exciting, featuring wines that are uniquely sourced and well-suited to the menu. Ms. Ramirez has relationships with the importers that provide unique bottles that are worth the trip. If you go: enjoy a few of the tapas and the secondi (shareables) knowing that the mains are just what they are. Mains are clean and unadorned with sides, and as such you either fill in with the before or add-on with sides for the entree. In other words; like the rest of the culinary world, you construct your evening and eats, you don’t get an entree with meat/veg/starch. So don’t expect that. In terms of postres (after dinner/dessert) the menu offers unique pieces as well. Lots of fruit-centric yums and as decadent as you like. A companion menu of bevvies for that is also presented including very nice Cherry Wine (think heavy tawny port)

We ate at the Afton House Inn Fine Dining, Dining Room. The staff is courteous and friendly. They were helpful and so kind. We just loved our server, Phillipe! The blackened Mahi Mahi was s bit dry, but we were told they may try a new recipe on the menu to remedy that so do ask if they have a new addition to try. Steak Diane is always good and something we have been back for numerous times! The green beans and potatoes were cooked to perfection as well! It was the perfect birthday celebration for my husband and a wonderful place to relax after the holiday. The festive decorations were still up so it looked so beautiful.

Always great food & service! Best old fashion in town.

It was a busy night because of the holiday event but Bennett’s was great - as always! Keep up the great work and we will see you again soon!