Welcome to Poplar Lake, Shoreview’s hidden culinary retreat brimming with local flavor, family-owned gems, and delicious surprises at every turn! Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, this neighborhood’s food scene has something for everyone—from cozy cafes and gourmet bakeries to global cuisine and charming food trucks. Let’s take a mouthwatering stroll through the best spots to eat in the Poplar Lake area.
The Heart of Poplar Lake: Where the Food Magic Happens
Drive down Hodgson Road, right at the intersection with Tanglewood Drive, and you’ll find Poplar Lake’s most vibrant dining hub. This stretch is populated with diverse, locally cherished eateries that locals swear by. Parking is easy, the vibe is always friendly, and you’ll leave full and happy.
Must-Try Restaurants in Poplar Lake
- Lakeside Table (Hodgson Rd & Tanglewood Dr)
Poplar Lake’s flagship family restaurant, Lakeside Table is beloved for its relaxed lakeshore atmosphere and inventive American cuisine. Here, brunch is an event—don’t miss the lemon ricotta pancakes or the locally-sourced walleye hash. Dinner mains range from $14–$28, with rotating chef specials for adventurous eaters. The covered patio offers gorgeous sunset views over the water—perfect with a Minnesota Mule in hand.
- Cedar Saffron Kitchen (Hidden on Victoria St, near Owasso St)
A true neighborhood treasure, Cedar Saffron Kitchen brings Mediterranean fare to Shoreview with stunning dishes like lamb shawarma platters, housemade hummus, and saffron rice bowls. Families love their generous portions and friendly staff. Lunch combos fall around $12, and dinner entrees rarely exceed $18—a steal for this quality. Try the pistachio baklava for dessert.
- Poplar Pho House (Hodgson Rd by the bike trail entrance)
For a warm bowl on a chilly day, Poplar Pho House serves authentic Vietnamese pho, crispy egg rolls, and banh mi sandwiches with a Minnesota twist (think wild rice baguettes). Everything is quick, fresh, and affordable—most menu items hover around $9–$13. Locals love their iced Vietnamese coffee and vegetarian options.
Cafés & Bakeries: Treats Worth Waking Up Early For
- Bean Around the Lake Café (Hodgson Rd & Pinecone Ave)
Start your morning with barista-crafted coffees and locally-baked scones at this cozy spot. It’s also a hub for remote workers and book clubs, so expect a friendly, laid-back vibe. Their honey lavender latte and cardamom buns are cult favorites. Most drinks are $3–$5, with pastries under $4—a sweet spot for students and families alike.
- Sweet Fern Bakehouse (Just off Owasso St, east of the lake)
Poplar Lake’s go-to bakery for special events, Sweet Fern turns out artisan sourdoughs, Scandinavian cardamom braids, and a rotating case of inventive cupcakes (like lingonberry or pistachio-rose). Everything is crafted small-batch and uses local ingredients. Full loaves go for $7–$10, and cookies are $2—a perfect mid-afternoon treat after a walk around the lake.
Food Trucks & On-the-Go Delights
Poplar Lake’s summer evenings feature a cheerful line of food trucks parked near the recreation trailhead along Hodgson Road. Locals look forward to:
- Smokin’ Supreme BBQ Truck – Known for “Minnesota-style brisket” smoked over birchwood, classic ribs, and tangy coleslaw. Combo plates are $12–$16, and portions are generous enough to share.
- La Vida Tacos – Offering loaded birria tacos, elote cups, and housemade horchata. Their truck is often mobbed—worth the wait for street-style Mexican food with bright, punchy flavors.
Check the neighborhood Facebook group for up-to-date schedules!
Global Eats: A Culinary World Tour on One Block
Poplar Lake’s diversity comes alive in its international cuisine:
- Hanami Sushi & Noodles (next to Poplar Plaza)
Elegant yet approachable, Hanami offers beautifully plated sushi, steaming bowls of udon, and even Korean-Japanese fusion dishes like bulgogi ramen. Sushi rolls start at $7, with combo plates up to $22. Don’t miss their Friday omakase tasting menu if you want to splurge.
- Taste of Kerala (across from Poplar Lake Park)
This family-run Indian restaurant specializes in southern Indian delights—vegetarian thalis, fluffy appam, and fiery curry specials. Their weekend brunch buffet is legendary among locals and costs only $18 per person, including bottomless chai.
Hidden Gems Only Locals Know
- Poplar Pantry (inside Poplar Lake Community Center)
This isn’t a traditional restaurant—it’s a volunteer-run snack counter offering homemade pies, hand-dipped ice cream, and small-batch preserves. Open during community events and farmers market days, it’s the best place to snag a slice of tart rhubarb pie or a scoop of honey-sunflower ice cream you won’t find anywhere else.
- Garden Gourmet Market (tiny grocer on Tanglewood Dr)
While not a sit-down eatery, this neighborhood market showcases Shoreview’s local producers. You’ll find organic veggies, farmstead cheeses, craft jams, and even ready-to-eat deli salads. Drop by for picnic supplies before a day at the lake!
Food Traditions & Community Flavor
Poplar Lake is famous for its annual “Taste of Poplar” spring festival, where restaurants and home cooks alike set up tents along Hodgson Road to sample and celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse culinary traditions. Expect pie-eating contests, live music, and the friendliest foodies around.
The neighborhood also leans into Minnesota’s Nordic roots—look for seasonal appearances of lefse stands, krumkake bakes, and hearty wild rice soups at local events and cafés.
Why Poplar Lake’s Food Scene Shines
Poplar Lake isn’t Shoreview’s largest neighborhood, but the sense of community and pride in local food is unmatched. The area’s restaurants favor locally-sourced ingredients, homemade recipes, and genuinely kind service. It’s a place where chefs know your name, and bakery staff remember your favorite scone. Whether you’re craving a lakeside brunch, a global feast, or small-town comfort food, Poplar Lake will win you over—one delicious bite at a time.
Come hungry, and let the flavors of Poplar Lake surprise you!