Spending time in Thomas Dale? Get to know this Saint Paul neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Vietnamese-French bakery to a noodle shop.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Thomas Dale, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Trung Nam French Bakery

Topping the list is French-Vietnamese bistro Trung Nam French Bakery. Located at 739 University Ave. West, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 194 reviews on Yelp. 

The bakery has been serving up its authentic Vietnamese recipes and French baked goods since 1989, plus tea and coffee to enjoy with the meal. Expect Vietnamese specialties like bánh mì sandwiches, made on French baguettes with mayo, pate, carrots, pork, cilantro and jalapeños. Try a pastry like a chocolate-stuffed croissant or the cinnamon sugar palmier. 

2. Mi Casa Su Casa Filipino Mexican Eatery

Next up is Filipino-Mexican spot Mi Casa Su Casa Filipino Mexican Eatery, situated at 383 University Ave. West With 4.5 stars out of 64 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. 

Select from a choice of customizable tacos and burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, Filipino barbecue and more. Try a plate of Pancit Bihon which has Filipino rice noodle stir fried with cabbage, carrots, green beans, soy sauce and lime. Add a a lumpia (a Filipino egg roll) on the side, made of ground pork, bean sprouts, carrots and scallions.

Sope is another option: the hand-made corn masa is molded into a thick tortilla, topped with choice of meat (chicken, pork or beef), beans, lettuce, pico, cotija cheese, onions, and sour cream.

3. Big Daddy's Old Fashioned Barbeque

Big Daddy's Old Fashioned Barbeque is another longtime neighborhood fixture, with four stars out of 143 Yelp reviews. Opened by friends Ron Whyte, Bob Edmond and Gene Sampson, the restaurant has been around for 30 years, according to its website. Head over to 625 University Ave. West to see for yourself.

True to its name, it offers classic barbecue meals and sides  that range from racks of ribs to pulled chicken sandwiches and sides such as collard greens and cole slaw. Dive into  a plate of half-pound barbecue chicken with a side of baked beans and macaroni and cheese. Or go for a  full rack of ribs and potato salad.

4. Thai Café

Finally, there's Thai Café, a local favorite with four stars out of 106 reviews. Stop by 371 University Ave. West to hit up the Thai spot next time you're in the neighborhood.

The Thai joint offers an extensive menu of curry, rice, noodles, fish, stir-fry, soup and more. Look for the Pad Kee Mao stir-fry with wide rice noodles, white onions, red and green bell peppers and basil. Or try the the ginger fried fish, made with tilapia, red and green bell peppers and onions.