The Chatterbox Pub trifecta

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When it comes to the Linden Hills neighborhood, the entertainment options are polarizing; either sample truffle-oil drizzled fries at a lovely bistro, or dive into some free popcorn at a good-old-boys bar.

That middle-of-the-road option, with cozy duds and a Bloody Mary, has been fleeting; until now. The Chatterbox (which is a Twin Cities staple in both the Highland Park and Midtown neighborhoods) has come dangerously close to the burbs, and we should celebrate!

The shtick at the Chatterbox Linden Hills, which is the same at the other locations, is to pair great beverages and food, with classic video games and multiple board games. It's the kind of place that embodies the kind of coolness we all wish our own homes had; funky lamps, vintage couches, impeccably styled kitsch and a hum of laughter is what this pub is made up of.

Without a full liquor license, the Chatterbox in Linden Hills has gotten creative with their drink menu by carrying an amber rainbow of brews specially crafted for their pub. The beers range from a warm lager to a bright pale ale, all from Point Brewery in Stevens Point, WI. Additionally, the Chatterbox has taken booze in the wine/champagne/sake family and mixed it with fresh juices to create a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary and some fresh spritzers.

Comfy clothes, some Super Mario Bros and a pepper-infused Bloody Mary (with a chopstick's worth of garnishes)—it's easy like Sunday morning.

Now that we've established there are fun and libations to be had, let's talk chow. The menu at the Chatterbox makes the word "pub" seem a little off; there's certainly more than a bar-menu here.

In the appetizers alone, you can get little munchies ranging from deep fried pickles with curry mustard sauce, to Cinco de Mayo dip with salty tortilla chips. If you're looking for a little more, try a heartier app like the white tiger quesadillas filled with plump shrimp and artichoke hearts (the red pepper sour cream on top is not to be missed).

If you're feeling really hungry, or you want a dish to share, try one of the bistro-style pizzas. The crust is buttery and crisp, like herbed focaccia bread.  The pizza we tried (A night in the box) was not cooked all the way (they're still a new operation) so make sure to ask for the 'za extra crisp.

There are more home-style entrees to choose from, like the inferno barbeque ribs and the build-your-own mac-and-cheese, And make sure to get down on the home-run breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

All in all, the Chatterbox Linden Hills is a great stop to go with friends or family. Just make sure to wash your finger-lickin' hands before you go pawing up all the Monopoly pieces!

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