When my friend Dawn asked me to come to dinner at Red Wagon Pizza, I didn’t even hesitate. I mean, the name alone. Red Wagon, Radio Flyer… My love of the Radio Flyer runs deep as its a reminder of Nevis backwoods, and feeling at home. Red Wagon gives me that home, please-stay-a-while, you’re-family-here feeling, too. Which isn’t surprising, given that owners Pete and Jacquie Campbell have been keeping Pete’s Grandfathers love of Italian food alive. He started it all, bringing back recipes from his WWII tour of duty. Along with Investor, Steven Brown, chef/owner of Tilia, the Campell’s have made Red Wagon a beautiful, slice of Italian heaven. An atmosphere heavily influenced by 1940’s Americana culture, it even pays homage to the submarines and warships with authentic Emeco Navy chairs, and industrial light fixtures that would have fit right in at mid-century train station. It is beloved by MPLS St Paul Magazine, CityPages, Eater, Thrillist and as of September, a few short weeks, Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives. With 36 beers on tap, house made sausages, and pizza so inventive you’ll have to read the ingredient list twice, Red Wagon knocks it outta the park.