Northeast Minneapolis' Pikok Lounge stars upscale Korean fare at bargain prices

Last week, I attended the soft opening of a new upscale eatery in a hot area of Northeast Minneapolis — and everything on the menu is under $20.

The latest: Pikok Lounge, stationed just two blocks from Vinai, Oro by Nixta and Stargazer, recently opened within Daniel del Prado's new East Asian restaurant Minari.

The vibe: Korean fare, large portions and lower-than-average prices — think unique hand rolls ($5-$8), giant shrimp toast sandwiches ($14) and a dozen grilled rice cakes in a delicious gochujang glaze ($6).

• If you're feeling fancy, spring for a caviar nugget: a homemade chicken nugget with Osetra caviar, crème fraîche and chives for a cool $16.

Best bites: The enormous double-patty kimchi cheeseburger, featuring smashed wagyu, American cheese, pickles and a kimchi mayo. For $14 (and $12 during happy hour!), it's a steal.

If you go: Pikok Lounge is open 4-10pm Sunday-Thursday, 4-11pm Friday-Saturday. Reservations available.