On the corner of Minnehaha and Birmingham, on the East Side,  The Dari-ette has never left the 1950s.  They've still got the drive up boxes for your car, complete with extendable tray-holder, the whole place is lined with glass so you can see the team of teenage workers cranking out the food in the remarkably clean kitchen, and the menu hasn't changed in probably 50 years.  They're know for the pizza burgers and have SPECTACULAR fresh banana shakes, (both of which are delicious, I know from the one other time I've been to the Dari-ette), but they've got malts, burgers, onion rings, soft serve, you name it- a truly American diner experience.  I had the spaghetti with red sauce, which was nothing fancy, but the portion was great and the price ($6) was right.  While I waited fro them to make it, I had a great time meeting some of the neighborhood folks who were out walking about the friendliest golden lab I've ever met (and who I practically had to wrestle to the ground), and a gorgeous rescue greyhound.  It's a pretty cool place with friendly staff and ambiance that's hard to beat.  My only gripes:  another STYROFOAM to-go container, and I don't know where their meat comes from, so I'd hesitate to get a burger.  We locals have to stick together, Dari-ette!  It's not enough just to serve the hamburgers anymore- you've got to care where it came from.  

Food: 4/5
Drinks: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Total Coolness rating: 4.75/5
Review by Tyler

For as long as I can remember, I've been a customer of Cafe Latte/Bread & Chocolate,  Both restaurants are owned by the same family and are located at the intersection of Grand & Victoria in St. Paul.

Bread and Chocolate

If you are looking for a tasty treat, I'd suggest stopping in at Bread and Chocolate to check out their pastry case.  They have everything from croissants to bars to cookies.  Try the chocolate croissant- it's one of my favorites and I honestly have not found a chocolate croissant anywhere else that I like better.  Their espresso drinks are okay, but not amazing.  If you're simply looking for something to balance out the delicious chocolate croissant that you decided to try, one of their coffee drinks will do the trick. They also have a great sandwich bar if you're looking for something with a little more substance. I recommend trying one of their cream cheese spreads (which change daily).

Food: 4/5
Drinks: 3/5
Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Total Coolness rating: 4/5