Nearly three years ago to this day Zack + I moved to Minneapolis from Detroit. Right now we’re on the road, driving to Santa Monica to start yet another family adventure. I’m sure I’ve already cried this morning, as we left the city. Probably twice. From September 2010 to August 2012 we called Minneapolis “home”, and I quickly came to love many restaurants, bakeries + shops. Most of what are listed below are locally owned ~ all are unique, fun + definitely worth visiting. For those that are visiting Minneapolis and are staying downtown, I noted the places that are located downtown; the rest are located within the city of Minneapolis, if not very close to it.
Enjoy my favorite finds, and Minneapolis — we’ll always love you. You helped me birth Gussy Sews and then in June 2012 you were the city where we learned we were expecting our first baby. We love you Minneapolis! :)
EATS:
Hell’s Kitchen, a unique spin on traditional foods {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Ham + Pear Crisp
Britt’s Pub, pub + grill {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Strawberry Mango Chicken Salad
Kieran’s Irish Pub, fantastic pub + grill {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Hot Pretzel + Mustard Platter
Bombay Bistro, Indian food {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Chicken Curry Entree
Pizza Luce, the best pizza in Minneapolis {downtown Minneapolis location} — favorite: Baked Artichoke Dip + Bread
Burger Jones, burger, fries + homemade shakes — favorite: Salted Caramel Shake
Punch, Neapolitan pizza — favorite: Margarete Pizza
Edina Grill, fresh + organic fare — favorite: Chicken Pear Salad
Our Kitchen, greasy breakfast diner — favorite: Kitchen Special with Pancakes
Common Roots Cafe, local + organic fare — favorite: Fish Tacos
YUM!, kitchen + bakery — favorite: everything :)
TREATS:
Patisserie 46, french bakery — favorite: Ham + Gruyère Croissant
Sugar Sugar Candy, old fashioned candy shop — favorite: hard candies
Sebastian Joe’s, homemade ice-cream shop — favorite: Oreo Ice-Cream
Candy Land, TO DIE FOR fresh popcorn, chocolate + treats {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Caramel Popcorn
YUM!, kitchen + bakery — favorite: everything :)
SHOPS:
Patina, handmade + quirky gifts for self, home, baby
I Like You, handmade gifts from over 200 handmade local artists
City Salvage, beautiful architectural pieces, furniture, old door knobs/glass bottles/antiques
Hunt & Gather, GIANT quirky antique store
Paper Hat, handmade art + gifts
OUTSIDE FUN:
Nice Ride MN, hourly/daily bike rentals
Lake Calhoun, clean beaches {with lifeguards}, bike/kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, The Tin Fish restaurant, separate walking + bike paths, restroom near restaurant
Lake Harriet, clean beaches {with lifeguards}, bike/kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, Bread & Pickle restaurant, separate walking + bike paths, restroom near restaurant
ODDS + ENDS:
The Chair Hair Salon, make sure you visit Rachel, she’s a pro at curly hair :)
Royal Pet, dog grooming
FAVORITE FABRIC SHOP:
SR Harris, wholesale fabric outlet {the building is 30,000 sq ft!}
We will miss you!! May God bless you & Zack & baby W on your California adventure!
I loved visiting Minneapolis this past March with your recommendations. I wish I had gotten to visit more of these places. However, I DID make it to Patisserie 46. It was magical! And every time you post about it my tummy longs for their PB&J macaroons. We also tried Pizza Luce late one night and got it delivered to our hotel. It was DELICIOUS.
Thanks for this great list! Our to-do list is dwindling, so this is perfect timing :) So excited for your move! Enjoy the adventure!
If you ever make it back to Mpls and need recommendations for things to do with a *family*, let me know! I have all the deets on that market :)
Jenna
callherhappy.com
such a great list! i agree with all those places. we have similar favorites! :)
Love SR Harris! SO much. Minneapolis will miss you!
Thanks so much, we might be moving there soon. Now we can have a few things we’d be able to look forward to
This is a great idea! I recently moved 700 miles away from home. I should have made a list of my favorite places to go to when we visit during the holidays. :) Hope you’re having safe travels!
how exciting to be starting a new adventure!! xoxo
safe travels!
i’m sooooo hungry now. thank you. perhaps my “diet” should start like…next year.
Ooo thanks for these recommendations! Visiting this weekend! ;)
I’ve been in MN my whole life and you have definitely discovered some of my favorite gems!
Although when I clicked on the link for the Chair Salon it takes you to a website for a salon in WY.
I think you meant to use: http://www.chairsalon.com :)
I know you’ve been living in CA now and I’ve just discovered your blog\store recently. You little guy is ADORABLE! :)
aww! i wish you were still here! we live right by the i like you store!
(just found your blog after seeing the recent picture you posted on FB of the room and came to creep where you got your white wire bed, ha ha!)