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.”
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.
Sometimes, I trade a piece with my husband so I can taste his.
The Maximus contains pepperoni, mushroom, saracene olive, cracked red pepper, and oregano.
Let’s take a minute to talk about getting a fast pizza.
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.”
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.
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:
- Punch does pizza best.
- I’m craving a Punch pizza!
Question: What’s your favorite pizza place?
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