Lisbeth's Cafe & Restaurant - New Brighton, MN

With a split-personality menu, and a restaurant still getting it's footing, there's gold to be found at Lisbeth's . . .

Lisbeth’s occupies the space of the former Original Mediterranean Grill, in the very most bottom southeast corner of New Brighton that who would know is part of New Brighton?  Where OMG's menu featured Greek/Middle Eastern food mixed with Pakistani dishes, Lisbeth's adds American style breakfast/lunch and swaps continents for Ecuador. The Greek/American dishes are nothing special; just perfectly fine typical renditions. But the Ecuadorian stand out, and THAT's where Lisbeth's shines

From 2024 . . . would love to get a group of people to arrange a meet-up for this

In fact they had a Cuy special, Guinea Pig with sides, that can be ordered special with a couple days notice. Is about $100; comes with sides and feeds three

Lisbeth's is one of the restaurants that occasionally delivers lunch to our office via Foodsby, so I've tried a number of items.  Seems their Greek Salad is very popular.  I've been very happy with the Hornado (Slow roasted pork, hominy corn (mote),or rice, tomato red onion salsa(curtido), potato patties(llapigacho)), and their version of a Philly Cheese Steak. Their Falafel Platter won't set the world on fire, but does it's job to hit the spot and fill a gullet. Hot Wings wouldn't be out of place in any sports bar

The one letdown was the Green Curry Lentil Soup.  A thin broth tasting mostly of spinach.  Not really getting the curry

Since Lisbeth's is near work/home, I've dinned in a couple of times so far.  The first time it felt a bit like I was directing the show.  Picking my seat, asking for something off menu, asking for a music change to something Ecuadorian instead of generic pop music.  Walked in about 5pm-ish on a Tuesday; only a couple other customers. Chef/owner was wearing an orange hoodie.  I asked if he minded if I sat where I wanted.  No problem  

I was looking forward to the Seco De Carne, but it was only Pollo was on the menu. He said with nods that he had beef, and could do Carne. Nice. A simply but beautifully plated lovely beef stew with rice, avocado, salad, fried plantain (patacones). Salad vinegary and bright. The stew was solid comfort food, but REALLY popped once you mixed in the salad and the aji hot sauce. The plantain made for tasty dessert

  

The second time was a late breakfast; again only a couple other diners.  Went with the Bolon Mixto (Green plantains dumpling with cheese, avocado, crispy pork belly, two fried eggs).  The "dumplings" had small hunks of pork belly inside, and weren't greasy in the least.  Nothing in particular blew me away, but it made for a nice combo of textures and flavors, especially with the requested side of aji hot sauce

  

The side of sausage was disappointingly simply basic American links.  Was hoping for something Ecuadoran, but oh well  

  

Had a couple of beverages.  On the front door is a sign advertising Homemade Mocktails, and the Pineapple Ginger added a bit of zip for $4.50.  Thick, whipped, balanced, subtle ginger fizz  

Necessary Morocho spoonful close-up

Definitely order their Morocho, or Corn Pudding as stated on the menu.  Let’s call it a piping hot horchata oatmeal raisin drink.  Where horchata is a post desert hiking refresher, this would find it’s home at the bottom of a ski slope.  I'd had it on my first visit, and while it was ok at dinner, it truly shined with breakfast.  My only suggestion would be to ask for a heavier hand with the spices

OMG left an ice cream counter that isn't being utilized currently, which is a shame. The kiddo was stoked for some. Instead, they have some smoothie options. Hopefully business evolves enough to revive the ice cream

So yeah, Lisbeth's. I hope it gets the chance to survive, thrive, and grow. It's the kind of locally owned business that spurs me to post, get the word out even in this meager little fashion. PLEASE go and check the place out, it's a good 'un

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lisbethsrestaurant.com  

Lisbeth's Cafe & Restaurant - 788 Cleveland Ave SW, New Brighton, MN 55112  

 

(651) 998-8327