The Land of 10,000 Lakes has no shortage of incredible restaurants, and several celebrity chefs and James Beard Award winners have set up shop in the state. The latest establishment to be recognized on a national level is Hai Hai in Minneapolis. This funky northeast Minneapolis eatery combines its whimsical takes on Southeast Asian street food with an incredible cocktail program, making it not only one of the best restaurants in Minnesota but in the entire United States.

You'll find Hai Hai on University Avenue in northeast Minneapolis.

Hai Hai is the brainchild of Christina Nguyen, who started her current culinary journey with an Asian-Latin fusion food truck, Hola Arepa.

Hola Arepa eventually moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in south Minneapolis, and in 2017 Nguyen branched expanded her repertoire with the opening of Hai Hai. Since then, Nguyen has garnered several James Beard Award nominations, and in 2024, she took home the Best Chef Midwest award for Hai Hai.

What the James Beard Foundation finally figured out is something that Minnesotans have known for years: Nguyen is an uber-talented culinary visionary, and Hai Hai is absolutely wonderful.

Located in a space that was formerly a seedy dive bar, Hai Hai's outward appearance doesn't scream "James Beard Award." But its funky decor and the melange of aromas that tease your nose when you enter may go a way toward convincing you.

I think Hai Hai's casual vibe is a big part of it's charm, and that's carried through in its vibrant, street food-inspired cuisine.

The menu evolves over time, but the Southeast Asian influence is its touchstone. From small plates, like chive cakes and shrimp toast, to mains like Hanoi sticky rice and Balinese chicken thigh, it's almost impossible to decide where to start.

That's where a drink comes in. As inspired as the cuisine is at Hai Hai, the bar program knocks it out of the park.

A rotating array of whimsical craft cocktails perfectly complement the food

Regular drink specials raise the bar even higher.

On beautiful warm days in Minnesota, there may not be a better place to enjoy a cocktail than Hai Hai's patio...

Especially if you order one of the incredible slushies on a hot, sunny afternoon. Hai of the Storm, anyone?

As one of the best restaurants in Minnesota, Hai Hai should definitely be on your Bold North bucket list. But given its recent boost in popularity a la the James Beard Award, you'll definitely need a reservation. You can make them online at Hai Hai's website, and if you'd like some additional visual stimulation, check out the restaurant's Facebook page for more food photos. If you find yourself in Northeast but are unable to score a reservation at Hai Hai, fret not - there are plenty of awesome breweries to check out in this part of the city.

Have you tried Hai Hai? Tell us about your experience in the comments!