Guidebook for Jean's Airbnb
Food Scene
Fantastic stone oven pizza. 36 craft beers on tap, and great outdoor patio. https://www.redwagon-mpls.com/
21 locals recommend
Red Wagon Pizza Company
5416 Penn Ave SFantastic stone oven pizza. 36 craft beers on tap, and great outdoor patio. https://www.redwagon-mpls.com/
Voted best Italian deli in Mpls for decades. Only place I know of that gets imported fresh buffalo mozarella regularly.... TWO OTHER Broder's eateries at same intersection: Broder's Pasta Bar is sit-down pasta dinners, mid-priced meals. Terzo, is their ritziest Italian restaurant, big wine selection,$$$ but very good cuisine. https://www.broders.com/; https://www.broderspastabar.com/; https://www.terzompls.com/
18 locals recommend
Broders' Cucina Italiana
2308 W 50th StVoted best Italian deli in Mpls for decades. Only place I know of that gets imported fresh buffalo mozarella regularly.... TWO OTHER Broder's eateries at same intersection: Broder's Pasta Bar is sit-down pasta dinners, mid-priced meals. Terzo, is their ritziest Italian restaurant, big wine selection,$$$ but very good cuisine. https://www.broders.com/; https://www.broderspastabar.com/; https://www.terzompls.com/
Low-key bar & Restaurant with spiffed-up comfort food and great drinks. Within walking distance. Always busy 'cuz it's so popular, so expect a wait. https://www.ganddpub.com/
41 locals recommend
George and the Dragon
813 W 50th StLow-key bar & Restaurant with spiffed-up comfort food and great drinks. Within walking distance. Always busy 'cuz it's so popular, so expect a wait. https://www.ganddpub.com/
The pastries are pure decadence and arguably the best French pastries in the city (?country!); pastry/head chef John Krauss is the only American-born chef to ever be invited into the Relais Desserts Group, the prestigious group of the world’s top 100 pastry chefs. http://patisserie46.com/
84 locals recommend
Patisserie 46
4552 Grand Ave SThe pastries are pure decadence and arguably the best French pastries in the city (?country!); pastry/head chef John Krauss is the only American-born chef to ever be invited into the Relais Desserts Group, the prestigious group of the world’s top 100 pastry chefs. http://patisserie46.com/
Somewhat secret spot: no sign at the entrance because they're busy enough via word of mouth.....this innovative French restaurant ($$-$$$$) is run by renown chef Steven Brown, and is a perfect fancy date place. It's also good for a bar-stop (their champagne menu includes Miller High Life's " champagne of beers" - and the choice of actual champagne is unsurpassed in the Twin Cities) https://www.stgmpls.com/
29 locals recommend
Saint Genevieve
5003 Bryant Ave SSomewhat secret spot: no sign at the entrance because they're busy enough via word of mouth.....this innovative French restaurant ($$-$$$$) is run by renown chef Steven Brown, and is a perfect fancy date place. It's also good for a bar-stop (their champagne menu includes Miller High Life's " champagne of beers" - and the choice of actual champagne is unsurpassed in the Twin Cities) https://www.stgmpls.com/
(the one pictured is in Richfield, NOT the preferred one in the garden center) My fave girlfriend spot, because it not only has wonderful pastries, sandwiches and salads, but tables are INSIDE Bachman's Floral garden center GREENHOUSE! Even in summer this is a treat, but in winter....a heavenly escape!Mid-range prices. http://patricksbakerycafe.com/locations/bachmans/
9 locals recommend
Patrick's Bakery & Cafe
2928 W 66th St(the one pictured is in Richfield, NOT the preferred one in the garden center) My fave girlfriend spot, because it not only has wonderful pastries, sandwiches and salads, but tables are INSIDE Bachman's Floral garden center GREENHOUSE! Even in summer this is a treat, but in winter....a heavenly escape!Mid-range prices. http://patricksbakerycafe.com/locations/bachmans/
Voted Best Burgers in Twin Cities several times and for good reason. Hand-pressed, unique flavors and meats including a must-try tuna burger. So popular it's opened several locations in the area, including at the airport. Often busy, but if willing to sit at the bar, may be seated right away. https://redcowmn.com/
55 locals recommend
Red Cow 50th & France
3624 West 50th StreetVoted Best Burgers in Twin Cities several times and for good reason. Hand-pressed, unique flavors and meats including a must-try tuna burger. So popular it's opened several locations in the area, including at the airport. Often busy, but if willing to sit at the bar, may be seated right away. https://redcowmn.com/
Casual, independent restaurant with great drinks and creative plates large and small. http://www.bookclubrestaurant.com/
13 locals recommend
Book Club
5411 Penn Ave SCasual, independent restaurant with great drinks and creative plates large and small. http://www.bookclubrestaurant.com/
Unique “Modern Mexican”, voted "Best in the Cities" in 2019(the Red Mole Pozole soup is so good I even order it in hot weather; and my son ordered the Elote twice in one sitting……). https://tintokitchen.com/
13 locals recommend
Tinto Kitchen
4959 Penn Ave SUnique “Modern Mexican”, voted "Best in the Cities" in 2019(the Red Mole Pozole soup is so good I even order it in hot weather; and my son ordered the Elote twice in one sitting……). https://tintokitchen.com/
Uniquely sustainable restaurant AND market that has farm of its own, producing not only the vegetables, but dairy, pork, eggs. Even popcorn served as app is grown on the farm and seasoned with their own herbs. Brunch is spectacular, but almost everything is incredibly tasty and Pricey, but very unique and vegan options are spectacular
43 locals recommend
Wise Acre Eatery
5401 Nicollet AveUniquely sustainable restaurant AND market that has farm of its own, producing not only the vegetables, but dairy, pork, eggs. Even popcorn served as app is grown on the farm and seasoned with their own herbs. Brunch is spectacular, but almost everything is incredibly tasty and Pricey, but very unique and vegan options are spectacular
This corner coffee shop is truly wonderful - owners bake some of the breakfast pastries, and have made a non-chain place successful where 3 previous ones couldn’t - because they are great people, have convenient hours and excellent coffee. Patronize the locals!!!!
10 locals recommend
Sparrow Cafe
5001 Penn Ave SThis corner coffee shop is truly wonderful - owners bake some of the breakfast pastries, and have made a non-chain place successful where 3 previous ones couldn’t - because they are great people, have convenient hours and excellent coffee. Patronize the locals!!!!
Super local breakfast and lunch cafe, good baked items and full breakfasts, unusual sandwiches and soups. Cheery atmosphere with large windows filled with plants.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Ceres
3509 W 44th StSuper local breakfast and lunch cafe, good baked items and full breakfasts, unusual sandwiches and soups. Cheery atmosphere with large windows filled with plants.
Love this Hector Ruiz-restaurant. Like his previous Mexican-inspired joints, every item on this menu is worth trying. Or carrying out.
El Travieso taqueria
4953 Xerxes Avenue SouthLove this Hector Ruiz-restaurant. Like his previous Mexican-inspired joints, every item on this menu is worth trying. Or carrying out.
This restaurant always flies under the radar, but has lasted for several decades in our neighborhood because locals know the food is fresh and locally sourced, consistently delicious, and reasonably priced for fine dining in our area.
19 locals recommend
Prima
5325 Lyndale Ave SThis restaurant always flies under the radar, but has lasted for several decades in our neighborhood because locals know the food is fresh and locally sourced, consistently delicious, and reasonably priced for fine dining in our area.
This very new hip-Laotian owned by an established local chef, Ann Ahmed, offers moderately priced interesting southeast asian cuisine, creative alcoholic and NA drinks, and relaxed vibe. Becoming instantly popular, so may want to make reservations: khaluna.com.
6 locals recommend
Khâluna
4000 Lyndale Avenue SouthThis very new hip-Laotian owned by an established local chef, Ann Ahmed, offers moderately priced interesting southeast asian cuisine, creative alcoholic and NA drinks, and relaxed vibe. Becoming instantly popular, so may want to make reservations: khaluna.com.
Sightseeing
Unique museum with wonderful tours, fascinating exhibits, and excellent gift shop. Cool architectural space, both inside and out, and can get through it in 1-2 hours.
51 locals recommend
The Museum of Russian Art
5500 Stevens AveUnique museum with wonderful tours, fascinating exhibits, and excellent gift shop. Cool architectural space, both inside and out, and can get through it in 1-2 hours.
Historical site with tours, displays, great view of the Mississippi, and nice museum displays. Historical society has occasional exhibitions and events
26 locals recommend
Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling
Historical site with tours, displays, great view of the Mississippi, and nice museum displays. Historical society has occasional exhibitions and events
Not only the most famous theatre in town, but also has great views of the city (go to the very top as well as out on the "bridge" that juts out toward the river.) Several restaurant options here, including the estimable (and expensive) Sea Change.
376 locals recommend
Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd StNot only the most famous theatre in town, but also has great views of the city (go to the very top as well as out on the "bridge" that juts out toward the river.) Several restaurant options here, including the estimable (and expensive) Sea Change.
Parks & Nature
Easy paved hiking and biking trails parallel the Minnehaha Creek most of the way, and end up at the Mississippi River, It takes you past the Minnehaha Falls as well. https://www.traillink.com/trail/minnehaha-trail/
East Minnehaha Parkway
East Minnehaha Parkway Easy paved hiking and biking trails parallel the Minnehaha Creek most of the way, and end up at the Mississippi River, It takes you past the Minnehaha Falls as well. https://www.traillink.com/trail/minnehaha-trail/
A beautiful waterfall on Minnehaha Creek. Large park with bandshell, playground, and popular (in summertime) Sea Salt restaurant (fish, fries, beer). Can rent pedal carriages for up to 6 people and ride the bike trails!
613 locals recommend
Minnehaha Falls
4801 S Minnehaha DrA beautiful waterfall on Minnehaha Creek. Large park with bandshell, playground, and popular (in summertime) Sea Salt restaurant (fish, fries, beer). Can rent pedal carriages for up to 6 people and ride the bike trails!
Only 1/2 mile away, free beach access. The walking and biking trails that ring Lake Harriet is accessible from this point; you'll see your first glimpse of the Lake Harriet Bandshell, which is only ~ 1.5 miles around the lake from the beach.
8 locals recommend
Lake Harriet South Beach
4612 E Lake Harriet PkwyOnly 1/2 mile away, free beach access. The walking and biking trails that ring Lake Harriet is accessible from this point; you'll see your first glimpse of the Lake Harriet Bandshell, which is only ~ 1.5 miles around the lake from the beach.
Arts & Culture
Premier contemporary art museum, free for kids under 18. Eclectic art, perfomances and cinema. Sculpture garden has been recently renovated, and is free and open to the public. Right across from downtown with great views of the skyline.
606 locals recommend
Walker Art Center
725 Vineland PlPremier contemporary art museum, free for kids under 18. Eclectic art, perfomances and cinema. Sculpture garden has been recently renovated, and is free and open to the public. Right across from downtown with great views of the skyline.
Free! Classic art museum spanning thousands of years. Something for everybody, but don't try to see it all in one day. Building is shared with Minneapolis Children’s Theater, a very professional company that’s just as fun to see as adults. Near "Eat Street" ethnic restaurants on nearby Nicollet Ave.
524 locals recommend
Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave SFree! Classic art museum spanning thousands of years. Something for everybody, but don't try to see it all in one day. Building is shared with Minneapolis Children’s Theater, a very professional company that’s just as fun to see as adults. Near "Eat Street" ethnic restaurants on nearby Nicollet Ave.
Architect Frank Gehry designed this building and the adjacent bridge on the U of MN campus. Free admission; contemporary art with changing exhibits, easy to see within an hour. So walk around campus a bit afterwards.
93 locals recommend
Weisman Art Museum
333 E River PkwyArchitect Frank Gehry designed this building and the adjacent bridge on the U of MN campus. Free admission; contemporary art with changing exhibits, easy to see within an hour. So walk around campus a bit afterwards.
Permanent and special exhibits are well presented in beautiful, easy-to-find museum just off of I-94 in St. Paul. Specializes in MN history, of course.
138 locals recommend
Minnesota History Center
345 W Kellogg BlvdPermanent and special exhibits are well presented in beautiful, easy-to-find museum just off of I-94 in St. Paul. Specializes in MN history, of course.
George Floyd Square is a poignant memorial of the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 under the knee of Minneapolis policeman, Derrick Chauvin. Take in the art, artifacts, messages, atmosphere, fist statue, and don't miss the Say Their Names Cemetery nearby.
38th & Chicago Business Association
3641 Chicago AvenueGeorge Floyd Square is a poignant memorial of the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 under the knee of Minneapolis policeman, Derrick Chauvin. Take in the art, artifacts, messages, atmosphere, fist statue, and don't miss the Say Their Names Cemetery nearby.
Entertainment & Activities
http://mspmag.com/travel-and-visitors-guide.
This source (MplsSt.Paul Magazine) is what locals go to for the newest and best "to do, to see, to eat" in the Twin Cities. Here you'll find most up-to-date local suggestions.
Free live music every night June - Sept, and it's right on Lake Harriet. Near playground and picnic area, and adjascent Bread & Pickle serves up non-chain food burgers, dogs, ice cream and beverages
86 locals recommend
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park
4135 Lake Harriet PkwyFree live music every night June - Sept, and it's right on Lake Harriet. Near playground and picnic area, and adjascent Bread & Pickle serves up non-chain food burgers, dogs, ice cream and beverages
Unusual and popular venue: indoor mini-golf created (and owned) by local artists, as well as over-the-top tropical drink presentations, dozens of retro pinball machines (for fifty cents a game) and even some performances.
88 locals recommend
Can Can Wonderland
755 Prior Ave NUnusual and popular venue: indoor mini-golf created (and owned) by local artists, as well as over-the-top tropical drink presentations, dozens of retro pinball machines (for fifty cents a game) and even some performances.
An unusual and entertaining Electricity museum, great for families or adult nerds. Interactive exhibits and great stories.
Named after Medtronic founder and inventor of the original cardiac pacemaker, Earl Bakken. Museum is on scenic Lake Bde Maka Ska, just off the bike and hiking paths. Can visit in 1-2 hours.
29 locals recommend
The Bakken Museum
3537 Zenith Ave SAn unusual and entertaining Electricity museum, great for families or adult nerds. Interactive exhibits and great stories.
Named after Medtronic founder and inventor of the original cardiac pacemaker, Earl Bakken. Museum is on scenic Lake Bde Maka Ska, just off the bike and hiking paths. Can visit in 1-2 hours.
Essentials
Low-lighting for a grocery store, so stress seems low, though prices high - because produce is quite good, and cheese selections are optimal, and deli is tops.
166 locals recommend
Kowalski's Market
2440 Hennepin AveLow-lighting for a grocery store, so stress seems low, though prices high - because produce is quite good, and cheese selections are optimal, and deli is tops.
good all-around grocer, with good service and decent produce. Very convenient off of Hwy 62.
10 locals recommend
Lunds & Byerlys Richfield
6228 Penn Ave Sgood all-around grocer, with good service and decent produce. Very convenient off of Hwy 62.
M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital
6401 France Ave SClosest ER and urgent care hospital
A food cooperative that has most everything, including daily sushi, large cheese section, good deli choices, and all the organic, sustainable, and local produce, meats, and grocery items one expects of a high-end co-op. Coffee shop with seating inside, and behind the coop is a lovely picnic area that most people don't even know is there.
16 locals recommend
Lakewinds Food Co-op Richfield MN
6420 Lyndale Ave SA food cooperative that has most everything, including daily sushi, large cheese section, good deli choices, and all the organic, sustainable, and local produce, meats, and grocery items one expects of a high-end co-op. Coffee shop with seating inside, and behind the coop is a lovely picnic area that most people don't even know is there.
Walgreens Pharmacy
3240 W Lake Stclosest drug store and pharmacy, toiletries etc.
Shopping
Patina
1009 W Franklin AveGift shop, of varying prices. Good quality items, and fun to peruse.
Unique gift shop: clothing, presents for kids and adults, seasonal items are great
8 locals recommend
GoodThings
4315 Upton Ave SUnique gift shop: clothing, presents for kids and adults, seasonal items are great
An indoor shopping district with multi-cultural, multi-national/ethnic eateries, shops, groceries, and occasional live entertainment. Always new delectable or interesting finds, and always uplifted after going there.
179 locals recommend
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake StAn indoor shopping district with multi-cultural, multi-national/ethnic eateries, shops, groceries, and occasional live entertainment. Always new delectable or interesting finds, and always uplifted after going there.