Cafeterias in schools and hospitals have gotten a bad rap over the years. Whether or not that's fair is debatable. I loved hot lunch days as a kid, and the best breakfast pizza I've ever had was served at the hospital where my daughter was born.

Forget what you think you know about cafeteria food because there's a place here in Minnesota that will blow you away. Café Latte in St. Paul has been around for decades and was recently recognized by Food & Wine magazine.

You won't see lunch ladies in hairnets when you step inside Café Latte, located at 850 Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Grab a tray and enjoy a high-quality dining experience with fresh, flavorful choices at this restaurant that was named the Best Cafeteria-Style Restaurant in Minnesota by Food & Wine.

Peter and Linda Quinn opened Café Latte in 1984 and were way ahead of their time. Their restaurant featured one of the first espresso machines in Minnesota. They banned smoking before it was the norm and were one of the first fast-casual eateries to focus on quality and fresh ingredients.

When you visit Café Latte today, you'll find:

* Six different soups (rotating daily)

* Twelve sandwiches made with fresh ingredients

* Five prepared salads

* A rotating menu so there's always something new

The Quinn family invites you to "grab a trab" and promises a warm, memorable experience.

People are obsessed with Café Latte's bakery, which includes:

Food Network says the Turtle Cake has been "a staple since the Quinn family opened the doors, this three-layer cake is made with imported chocolate from Belgium, drizzled with buttery caramel, studded with extra-large roasted pecans."

If you've got some time to relax and connect with friends, head to the back of the restaurant where you'll find a cozy Pizza & Wine Bar. Café Latte serves gourmet pizzas paired with a selection of over 30 wines.

Cafe Latte is open daily from 9:00 am to 10pm. The bakery counter opens at 9:00 am and the Cafeteria Line opens at 10:00 am.