Tu-Na Eats: Punch for Lunch

Have you ever heard of punch for lunch? Well, if you live near the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or have traveled through it, you may have already had punch for lunch. I’m talking about Punch Pizza here. Click here to learn more about Punch Pizza. (I have no affiliation with this company and did not receive any compensation for this review. I just want you to be aware of this place if you should ever get close to the Minneapolis area as you would not want to miss this.)

Whenever we get to the Minneapolis area, I try to eat there at least once. No longer do I need to consult the menu as I just waltz up to the order area and announce my favorite item, “I’ll have a Mimi, please.” 

Mimi01a

The Mimi

Gosh, it’s the only one I’ve ever ordered and each time I go there I think I should try something new but I just can’t bring myself to do so as leaving without tasting another Mimi just wouldn’t be right. I love the hot crispy crust with the cold fresh sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and bits of fresh mozzarella cheese. It’s a party in my mouth.

Mimi2aa

 

Sometimes, I trade a piece with my husband so I can taste his. 

P1aa

The Maximus contains pepperoni, mushroom, saracene olive, cracked red pepper, and oregano.

Let’s take a minute to talk about getting a fast pizza.

 

punch cup 1a

Now that’s hot and fast!

Their drink cups proclaim: “Punch’s wood-burning oven is fired to a blistering 900°. The pizza takes 60 seconds to cook which is why it takes our pizzaioli years to tame the heat and master the speed of our Italian oven.” 

Punch inside1a

This unique-looking brick oven is located at the Maple Grove Punch location.

Punch turned 20 this year but I only found it about 5 years ago. Funny thing is that I have no idea where I ate at for those other 15 years but I sure remember these last 5. With hours of operation varying slightly between places but generally around 11:00am-9:30pm and later on weekends (check their website for hours), Punch can be eaten for snack or dinner too.

Punch Pizza is truly a unique and interesting place to visit. In fact, with 9 restaurants now in that area and each one with a different look, it honestly has become a destination place for me. Their newest one was the highlight of my last trip.

Punch1a

Punch at Maple Grove

Located at the intersection between I-694/94 and I-494, this Punch Pizza becomes an easy place to find. But do locate some of the other Punch places to see their unique look. I’ve got a few more to find before I can say that I’ve eaten at them all.

Punch Pizza is Neapolitan-style pizza at its best! Fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves on a blistered crust makes for a very fine lunch. So whether or not you need to grab a bite in a hurry, the next time you find yourself close to the Minneapolis area try some Punch for lunch. Your tummy will be glad you did.

My mouth is watering just thinking about this. “Honey, I think it’s time to plan a road trip. I’ve got lunch all planned.”

 What I learned today:

  1. Punch does pizza best.
  2. I’m craving a Punch pizza!

Question: What’s your favorite pizza place?

Your comments are very much appreciated and I will respond by email if you leave your email address otherwise, I will respond to it here on the blog. The comment section (“Leave a reply” or “replies”) can be found either underneath the title of this post, by clicking on the title of this post, or at the end of this post. Thanks.

 

 

9 thoughts on “Tu-Na Eats: Punch for Lunch

  1. Sheila

    I love to eat at Punch! We have been making our version of Punch by grilling the crust and adding our own fresh toppings. It’s a good substitute to carry us over until we can get to a Punch again since the closest is 371 miles away.

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      1. Sheila

        We use a yeast dough, roll out about a 9 inch circle, and slide onto the grill. The dough cooks quite quickly and does not fall through the grates. Grilling adds a new layer of flavor! Don’t forget to use fresh basil!

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  2. lapaylor

    it was a little joint in the college town Amherst MA (where my fiance got his masters)
    I think it was Antoinio’s and I wanted to eat there every day. The toppings were interesting and healthy and large. Yum
    LeeAnna

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