Charles Barkley exaggerated when he said he hadn't been in the Twin Cities in 20 years, but that didn't stop the recommendations from rolling in.
MINNEAPOLIS — It was a post-game interview heard around the world — that stopped already-shell-shocked Minnesotans cold in their tracks.
After the Minnesota Timberwolves' defeated the defending champion Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals Sunday night, former NBA star-turned-sports-analyst Charles Barkley and current Wolves beacon of hope, Anthony Edwards, had an exchange that would soon turn Timberwolves Twitter (X) into a feeding frenzy.
Barkley: Congratulations, man. It's an honor to watch you play. OK, I have not been to Minnesota in probably 20 years.
Ant: Bring ya ass!
Barkley:Can you send me a list of good restaurants? We're gonna be there for like, five days. I want you to send me a list of some good restaurants, OK?
Minnesota is ready for you, basketball fans! 🏀 Let's go, @Timberwolves! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/AXz4RR1tdW
— Explore Minnesota (@exploreminn) May 20, 2024
While Timberwolves Twitter (X) was quick to point out that Barkley has, indeed, been to Minnesota as recently as 2019, athletes, eateries, journalists, politicians, celebrity chefs and good ol' fashioned fans wasted no time stepping up to the plate.
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 20, 2024“I have not been to Minnesota in probably 20 years” - Charles Barkley
“Bring ya ass” - Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/MOtzSzZ7QA
Although not an exhaustive list of what the Twin Cities has to offer, here are some of the most popular recs:
The Nook vs. Matt's Bar
The Nook and Matt’s – report back, Chuck. https://t.co/2rUrLhCQZQ
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 20, 2024
Spoon & Stable
Chuck.. spoon and Stable in Minneapolis.. best restaurant in town
— Bobby Flay (@bflay) May 20, 2024
Diane's Place
— Chenue Her (@ChenueHer) May 20, 2024Hey Chuck, when you “bring ya a**” to Minnesota like Ant said, go get some Hmong food at Diane’s Place in Minneapolis.
Hmong food. Remember that. @NBAonTNT
Brasa
Matt’s Bar
Pizza Luce
Bar La Grassa
Gori Gori Peku
Indeed Brewing
Yo @BarkleyonTNT I got yr mpls restaurants! Go to Brassa, Matt’s Bar (get a juicy Lucy), pizza luce, Bar La Grassa, and grab some whiskey at Gori Gori Peku and grab a brew at indeed brewing. I got more if ya need!
— Abbie Gobeli (@ACertainAbbie) May 20, 2024
Smack Shack (or Sara's house — Charles, DM her for info)
I need Charles Barkley‘s number when he comes to Minnesota I can take him to My Favorite Pl., Smack Shack or I can cook for him because I’m a great cook @Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/iVxrTNNh4W
— Sara Washington (@mzoconer) May 20, 2024
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen
Hey - @NBAonTNT - why don't you have Chuck and the rest of the guys check out @PimentoJamaicanKitchen while you are in MSP - My good friend Tomme will hook you up with the best Jamaican food in the Twin Cities. https://t.co/e9ulrtDHte
— Stephen Jordan (@scjordan) May 20, 2024
Jax Cafe
@_CharlesBarkley https://t.co/SW8mxnh8kB
— Jax Cafe (@JaxCafe) May 20, 2024
P.S. CB (I can call you that, right?), if I may add a rec of my own: Go get yourself a Grape Ape or seven at one of the oldest bars downtown — conveniently located near the Target Center! —The Loon Cafe.
Tom knows:
@NBAonTNT stop by The Loon Cafe this week. It’s next to the Target Center. It’s been part of every sporting event inMpls for the last 35 years. Ask for Honer, he’ll take care of you with a private/vip setup.
— Tom Chorske (@hockeylogic) May 20, 2024
P.P.S. You can now visit either bringyaass.com ORexploreminnesota.com for more Minnesota-specific suggestions.
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