Best of Plymouth 2009
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Best Farmers’ Market: Minneapolis Farmers’ Market
Residents make the trip to Minneapolis for the wide array of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, meats, and crafts from regional farmers, as well as oranges and bananas flown in just for the market. 312 Lyndale Ave. N., and Thursdays on Nicollet Mall, between 5th and 12th streets, Minneapolis, 612.333.1718
Runner-up: Brown’s
Best Pizza: Latuff’s Pizzeria
This pizza place has been keeping local families happy since 1971. Now in a new location, it still serves classic pizzas with your choice of toppings—even sauerkraut. Owner Mike Latuff says the large Latuff’s Special, with sausage, pepperoni, onion, green pepper, green olives, black olives and mushrooms, is a house favorite. Get a side of pasta for only $4. 10820 Hwy. 55, Plymouth; 763.545.2914.
Runners-up: Solo’s Pizza Café, Broadway Pizza
Best Breakfast: Perkins
This 50-year-old chain serves breakfast 24 hours a day. From savory to sweet, Perkins regularly adds to its expansive menu to have something for everyone. The top Plymouth pick to start your day? Perkins staff hears requests for the Tremendous 12 more than any other dish: three eggs, four slices of bacon or sausage links, hash browns or potatoes, and pancakes for $8.49. 2945 Empire Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.559.0270.
Runners-up: Woody’s, Original Pancake House
Best Place for Dessert: Cold Stone Creamery
Watch the masters mix toppings and ice cream of your choice on a frozen granite stone. Tammy Wallace at Cold Stone says its Birthday-Cake Remix, made with cake-batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, brownie and fudge is a favorite, but the most popular are the cupcakes: “We can’t keep those in stock this year.” Blame it on the chocolate cake bottoms, which replace the traditional paper cups. 3505 Vicksburg Ln. N. #700, Plymouth; 763.694.8903.
Runners-up: Woody’s, Dairy Queen
Best Place to Eat Late (TIE): Buffalo Wild Wings and Jake’s City Grille
When you’re up late, you’re at Buffalo Wild Wings or Jake’s City Grille (and most likely eating chicken wings). Get ’em sweet-and-spicy with Jake’s original wings on its eclectic menu, or choose from 14 sauces and up to 50 wings. Can’t decide? BWW staff says its most popular picks are spicy garlic and honey barbecue. At Jake’s, grab a spot on the outdoor patio, which features two fireplaces, a waterfall and a bar. General manager Alisha Heath says Jake’s bloody Mary is a favorite. “People love the blue-cheese stuffed olives, pickle, lime and special ‘Jake’s Spice’ on the rim,” Heath says. Buffalo Wild Wings, 3505 Vicksburg Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.551.9464. // Jake’s City Grille, 3005 Harbor Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.559-1595.
Runner-up: Applebee’s
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Red Robin
This chain is popular for its burgers, but it really stands out as a great host to families. Mascot Red makes frequent appearances, and kids are encouraged to take pictures with the oversized robin. “We love kids,” says kitchen manager Eric Wittenberg. “Red passes out balloons, and we try to make sure we give a balloon to every kid.” And with a large kids menu, even the pickiest tot will be satisfied. 2669 Campus Dr., Plymouth; 763.559.7576.
Runners-up: Applebee’s, Noodles & Co.
Best Birthday Party Spot: Pump It Up
Kids can’t resist the inflatable play spaces at Pump It Up, with slides, obstacle courses, houses, and more. And it’s a great spot to host a party. You can order pizza and beverages as well as goodie bags and balloons, and the crew will set up and take down for you. “We host about 125 parties a month,” says manager Linda Eckberg. “It’s active and the kids have a lot of fun.” 3500 Holly Ln. N., Suite 65; 763.553-0340.
Runners-up: The Paint Pot, Cold Stone Creamery
Best Hair Salon: The Hair District
Opened in January 2008, the fifth location of the Hair District aims to bring in the best talent in the state. Each stylist rents a chair, giving the 35 hairdressers on staff ownership over their space. Plymouth focuses just on hair, bringing their expertise to each cut. “We have a great group of people here,” says co-owner Sharon Devick-Roney. “This first year has been a fabulous year.” 3525 Vicksburg Ln. N. #100, Plymouth; 763.746.9229
Runners-up: Christopher J Salon, New Reflections
Best Garden Designer: Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens
Heidi Heiland started her company as the Garden Girls when she was 17. Now, going into her 30th season as Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens, her sense of purpose is even stronger. “When people are operating out of fear in these economic times, we need to connect back to the earth,” Heiland says. “We feel very firmly that we’re making a difference in this world.” And what a difference: While beautifying our community, the company also donates 5 percent each year, through a nonprofit or with the Military Family Care Initiative of Minnesota. Heiland’s 20-person company works with you to design your ideal space, but also teaches you as they plant, so you can pass along your knowledge. 405 Comstock Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.475.4960
Runners-up: Dundee, Bachman’s
Best Tree-Trimming/Removal (TIE): Rainbow Tree Care and Davey Tree and Lawn Care
Pruning a tree is no easy feat; you can’t just saw a limb off and call it a day. “Pruning at the wrong time, for example, can cause great damage to the tree. Our certified arborists know how to cut, where to cut, and when to make the cut so that it results in a longer living tree,” says Rainbow Tree Care president Greg Krogstad, who’s been with the company since 1999. “There are a lot of companies that remove trees. We try to save trees.” As the oldest tree company in the United States, you turn to Davey Tree for its long-standing reputation. Rainbow Tree Care, 11571 K-Tel Dr., Minnetonka; 952.922.3810 // Davey Tree, 2500 Fernbrook Ln. N., Plymouth, 763.553.9740.
Runner-up: Ron’s Tree Service
Best Place to Walk the Dog: Luce Line Trail
Your pooch is welcome on this state trail, once a railroad line running through the western suburbs and rural landscape. It now offers you and Fido a smooth walking path to Winstead¬ (or not quite as far, if you’re up for the 30-mile hike).
Runners-up: Parkers Lake Park, French Regional Park
Residents make the trip to Minneapolis for the wide array of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, meats, and crafts from regional farmers, as well as oranges and bananas flown in just for the market. 312 Lyndale Ave. N., and Thursdays on Nicollet Mall, between 5th and 12th streets, Minneapolis, 612.333.1718
Runner-up: Brown’s
Best Pizza: Latuff’s Pizzeria
This pizza place has been keeping local families happy since 1971. Now in a new location, it still serves classic pizzas with your choice of toppings—even sauerkraut. Owner Mike Latuff says the large Latuff’s Special, with sausage, pepperoni, onion, green pepper, green olives, black olives and mushrooms, is a house favorite. Get a side of pasta for only $4. 10820 Hwy. 55, Plymouth; 763.545.2914.
Runners-up: Solo’s Pizza Café, Broadway Pizza
Best Breakfast: Perkins
This 50-year-old chain serves breakfast 24 hours a day. From savory to sweet, Perkins regularly adds to its expansive menu to have something for everyone. The top Plymouth pick to start your day? Perkins staff hears requests for the Tremendous 12 more than any other dish: three eggs, four slices of bacon or sausage links, hash browns or potatoes, and pancakes for $8.49. 2945 Empire Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.559.0270.
Runners-up: Woody’s, Original Pancake House
Best Place for Dessert: Cold Stone Creamery
Watch the masters mix toppings and ice cream of your choice on a frozen granite stone. Tammy Wallace at Cold Stone says its Birthday-Cake Remix, made with cake-batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, brownie and fudge is a favorite, but the most popular are the cupcakes: “We can’t keep those in stock this year.” Blame it on the chocolate cake bottoms, which replace the traditional paper cups. 3505 Vicksburg Ln. N. #700, Plymouth; 763.694.8903.
Runners-up: Woody’s, Dairy Queen
Best Place to Eat Late (TIE): Buffalo Wild Wings and Jake’s City Grille
When you’re up late, you’re at Buffalo Wild Wings or Jake’s City Grille (and most likely eating chicken wings). Get ’em sweet-and-spicy with Jake’s original wings on its eclectic menu, or choose from 14 sauces and up to 50 wings. Can’t decide? BWW staff says its most popular picks are spicy garlic and honey barbecue. At Jake’s, grab a spot on the outdoor patio, which features two fireplaces, a waterfall and a bar. General manager Alisha Heath says Jake’s bloody Mary is a favorite. “People love the blue-cheese stuffed olives, pickle, lime and special ‘Jake’s Spice’ on the rim,” Heath says. Buffalo Wild Wings, 3505 Vicksburg Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.551.9464. // Jake’s City Grille, 3005 Harbor Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.559-1595.
Runner-up: Applebee’s
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Red Robin
This chain is popular for its burgers, but it really stands out as a great host to families. Mascot Red makes frequent appearances, and kids are encouraged to take pictures with the oversized robin. “We love kids,” says kitchen manager Eric Wittenberg. “Red passes out balloons, and we try to make sure we give a balloon to every kid.” And with a large kids menu, even the pickiest tot will be satisfied. 2669 Campus Dr., Plymouth; 763.559.7576.
Runners-up: Applebee’s, Noodles & Co.
Best Birthday Party Spot: Pump It Up
Kids can’t resist the inflatable play spaces at Pump It Up, with slides, obstacle courses, houses, and more. And it’s a great spot to host a party. You can order pizza and beverages as well as goodie bags and balloons, and the crew will set up and take down for you. “We host about 125 parties a month,” says manager Linda Eckberg. “It’s active and the kids have a lot of fun.” 3500 Holly Ln. N., Suite 65; 763.553-0340.
Runners-up: The Paint Pot, Cold Stone Creamery
Best Hair Salon: The Hair DistrictOpened in January 2008, the fifth location of the Hair District aims to bring in the best talent in the state. Each stylist rents a chair, giving the 35 hairdressers on staff ownership over their space. Plymouth focuses just on hair, bringing their expertise to each cut. “We have a great group of people here,” says co-owner Sharon Devick-Roney. “This first year has been a fabulous year.” 3525 Vicksburg Ln. N. #100, Plymouth; 763.746.9229
Runners-up: Christopher J Salon, New Reflections
Best Garden Designer: Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens
Heidi Heiland started her company as the Garden Girls when she was 17. Now, going into her 30th season as Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens, her sense of purpose is even stronger. “When people are operating out of fear in these economic times, we need to connect back to the earth,” Heiland says. “We feel very firmly that we’re making a difference in this world.” And what a difference: While beautifying our community, the company also donates 5 percent each year, through a nonprofit or with the Military Family Care Initiative of Minnesota. Heiland’s 20-person company works with you to design your ideal space, but also teaches you as they plant, so you can pass along your knowledge. 405 Comstock Ln. N., Plymouth; 763.475.4960
Runners-up: Dundee, Bachman’s
Best Tree-Trimming/Removal (TIE): Rainbow Tree Care and Davey Tree and Lawn Care
Pruning a tree is no easy feat; you can’t just saw a limb off and call it a day. “Pruning at the wrong time, for example, can cause great damage to the tree. Our certified arborists know how to cut, where to cut, and when to make the cut so that it results in a longer living tree,” says Rainbow Tree Care president Greg Krogstad, who’s been with the company since 1999. “There are a lot of companies that remove trees. We try to save trees.” As the oldest tree company in the United States, you turn to Davey Tree for its long-standing reputation. Rainbow Tree Care, 11571 K-Tel Dr., Minnetonka; 952.922.3810 // Davey Tree, 2500 Fernbrook Ln. N., Plymouth, 763.553.9740.
Runner-up: Ron’s Tree Service
Best Place to Walk the Dog: Luce Line Trail
Your pooch is welcome on this state trail, once a railroad line running through the western suburbs and rural landscape. It now offers you and Fido a smooth walking path to Winstead¬ (or not quite as far, if you’re up for the 30-mile hike).
Runners-up: Parkers Lake Park, French Regional Park
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