Victor's - How did we miss this?

Victor's - Cuban Cuisine on East 38th between Harriet and Grand.
Tiny local gem!

Charming (surprising!) Interior of Victor's in South Minneapolis

Garlic Shrimp and Black Beans

Lee had some business at Lake Country this afternoon, finished at 6, when I picked him up and, both starving! wanted to find something nearby for dinner. Victor's is the first place we saw. I'd heard about its worthy brunches from Isabelle. Just never made it. (Not very brunchy people!)

So we pulled into an easily open parking spot, walked in and asked for a table at 6:15. Did we have reservations? Well, no, our first time.....

(Really, after living in South Minneapolis for 20+ years, this is the first time I've been to Victor's??????? Where have I been?)

I feel awful to ask this, but could you eat in an hour? We have people coming in.

First...i was slightly taken aback that this tiny quirky little place had a reservation list at all! But, hey, good for them. We'll eat in one hour tonight. Both tired - just feed us!

We couldn't have been happier to be seated. The staff was fabulous - smart, but not in the least smarmy. Very nice, very helpful, hey we have another wine on the Happy Hour menu just as good. Same for the beer. 

I had garlic shrimp - very nice and very light. In a black bean mood these days and these were yummy. (I'm looking for an amazing black bean burger recipe if anyone has one!)

Mostly, I just felt like I was in Venice Beach California until I walked outside to go into a whipping nasty wind and 34 degrees, which, as Lee loves pointing out, it has maybe never been in Venice, CA. Okay fine. Still like Minneapolis better. And Victor's is just a whole lot of fun and anytime I can eat for $49. + tip (including 2 glasses wine and 2 Negro Modelos) I'm good to go!