Best BLTs In Minnesota

The BLT, with its bacon, lettuce, and tomato, is such a staple, such a common piece of Americana dining that it is often overlooked. Of course, we all love bacon and we all, especially in Minnesota, love a good sandwich. But we can't let any old BLT slide by on past laurels. We can't let burnt bacon, soggy bread, or mealy tomatoes pass as the standard. These local restaurants make sure the BLT stays the king of sandwiches, and might just elevate it into something even greater.

Saffron
123 N. 3rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 746-5533
www.saffronmpls.com

While it doesn't seem like you need to mess with traditional bacon, especially not for something as simple as a good ol' BLT, the house-made lamb sort found on Saffron's variation is beyond spectacular. It's not only as tasty and juicy as the traditional, but it also elevates the entire sandwich - which also substitutes a tangy tomato jam for sliced tomatoes and arugula instead of plain lettuce - to new heights. This isn't a quick, easy sandwich your grandma might have made. This is the future.

St. Paul Grill
350 Market St.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-7455
www.stpaulgrill.com

A classy establishment like the St. Paul Grill doesn't often stray to pedestrian offerings like a BLT often. But when it does you can be sure that it will be one of the best you've ever had. This sandwich is only found on the lunch menu (although you can order the bacon as a starter for dinner), but this BLT is made with the same TLC as the filet mignon. It's all about the bacon, of course, and The St. Paul Grill piles the sandwich high with succulent piece after succulent piece that will have even the most dedicated pork-lovers collapsing in a heap of ecstasy. Top it with fresh tomato, lettuce, and mayo and you have a sandwich that will stand the test of time.

Colossal Cafe
2315 Como Ave.
St Paul, MN
(651) 797-4027
www.colossalcafe.com

The only thing cut thicker than the big, beautiful tomatoes is the bigger, more beautiful slices of bacon. This is a classic BLT, recalling a comfort-food goodness of warm kitchens and home cooked smells, with melty sharp cheddar cheese added on top. The perfectly crisp sourdough bread has the right crunch, rounding out a sandwich that has gotten many Minnesotans through more than one cold winter day (they have excellent soup to have on the side). This is the sandwich that proves how good sandwiches can be.  Added bonus: You can add a fried egg for just a buck.

Related:  Best Breakfast Sandwiches In Minnesota

Butter Bakery Cafe
3700 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
(612) 521-7401
butterbakerycafe.com

Known primarily for its baked goods (in a section of Minneapolis known for bakeries), Butter stands out by excelling at more than just the sweet stuff. Sure, the scones and eclairs and other delectable goodies made from scratch in their case, but if you're going for something savory as well, you'll be equally pleased. The BLT is made how it should be here, with fresh bread, fresher veggies, and piled high with locally-sourced bacon. If you're feeling something extra, you can add turkey to the mix, making a BLTT, but really, you won't need to. Enjoy the pastries, but don't leave without a sandwich.

Moose & Sadie's
212 3rd Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 371-0464
www.mooseandsadies.com

From this homey little cafe in the North Loop comes classic comfort food from simple, delicious ingredients. There's no need to do anything crazy, and going back to the basics is often what makes something like the BLT stand out. The bread is fresh, and your teeth sink right in to find the bacon that is at once crisp and crunchy, and meaty and chewy. Add tomato and lettuce that is always fresh, adding that needed garden goodness to cut through the meat and carbs, and you have yourself one of the finest examples of an American classic.

Related: Best Sandwiches In Minnesota

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.