Spending time in Thomas Dale? Get to know this Saint Paul neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from an Asian restaurant to an Ethiopian joint.
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 Vietnamese eatery 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 204 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 and try a pastry like a chocolate-stuffed croissant or the cinnamon sugar palmier.
2. Demera
Next up is Ethiopian restaurant Demera, situated at 823 W. University Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 58 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
Popular dishes at Demera include gomen (chopped collard greens sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger and then lightly mixed with sliced and seeded jalapeño) and sambussas (fried dumplings served with a sweet and spicy honey sauce). The restaurant also offers a number of vegan options, including quosta, slow-cooked spinach with garlic, tomatoes and ginger.
3. Lao Thai Restaurant
Thai and Laotian spot Lao Thai Restaurant is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 501 University Ave. West, four stars out of 78 reviews.
Start your meal off with an appetizer such as stuffed chicken wings, fried egg rolls or fish cakes before honing in on popular entrees like beef combo noodle soup with beef balls and tripe. Or try Lad Nar, a noodle-based dish with broccoli and gravy.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
