Explore Alexandria; where the pace is relaxed, and the possibilities are endless. Step into a world where the simplicity of a charming, small-town life meets the excitement of new adventures. Home to over 350 lakes, 2400 acres of parks, and 60+ public boat accesses, the opportunity for outdoor recreation doesn’t fall short. The charming downtown is lined with unique shopping experiences, coffee shops and more. Beyond that, there are 12+ locally owned breweries, wineries and distilleries to try along with over 30 locally owned restaurants.
Scroll through the gallery below to find ideas for the perfect itinerary in Alexandria.
Check In and Check Out
Check into your private VRBO on the lake and enter vacation mode. The Chateau sits on a calm 300-acre lake, and is located just 4 miles from downtown Alexandria, Minnesota. Photo Courtesy of Explore Alexandria Tourism
Photos Courtesy of Explore Alexandria Tourism
Enjoy a Great Meal at Interlachen Inn
Interlachen Inn is one of Alexandria’s 30+ locally owned restaurants and is located right between Lake Carlos and Lake Le Homme Dieu. They take pride in offering great food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. Photo Courtesy of Interlachen Inn
Photo Courtesy of Interlachen Inn
The Coffee Pot Cafe
Experience homestyle breakfast away from home at The Coffee Pot Cafe. Photo Courtesy of Explore Alexandria Tourism
No Boat? No Problem
Spend a sunny afternoon on a kayak exploring through the Chain of Lakes or down the Long Prairie River. Enjoy the scenic views on whichever body of water you are on! Photo Courtesy of Explore Alexandria Tourism
Explore the Charming Downtown
Downtown Alexandria is lined with uniquely curated boutiques, antique shops, diners, and locally owned coffee shops. Just a few blocks up Broadway, you will find The Runestone and Legacy of the Lakes museums and can take a scenic lakeside stroll through Big Ole Park. Photo Courtesy of Explore Alexandria Tourism
Nice Juicery
You’ve heard of MN Nice, but have you heard of Nice Juicery? Whether you need a nice refreshing beverage or a midday snack, Nice Juicery on 6th Ave is sure to satisfy. Grab a fresh pressed juice, smoothie bowl or a unique toast for some exploring fuel. Photo Courtesy of Nice Juicery
Photo Courtesy of Nice Juicery
Visit Burr Vineyards
Burr Vineyards is located just a few miles East of Alexandria in Brandon, MN. They are set to open May 24th to provide guests with exquisite wines, sourdough wood-fired pizza, and tasty snacks through September. Photo Courtesy of Burr Vineyards
What makes a restaurant qualify for a “Top 75” best-of list?Minnesota Monthly launched a Top 75 Restaurants project online at minnesotamonthly.com/top-75-restaurants at the beginning of the year.
The editorial team spent a lot of time thinking about the finalists as we created our most ambitious list-based project in my time as a critic for the magazine. We wanted a comprehensive group that readers could bookmark for a fun weeknight out as well as that special celebration. We wanted the taco joints and pizza places, as well as the four-star fine-dining spots. We wanted to celebrate the innovators and the classics, as well as the places that are really excelling right now. The newest restaurants on the list are Kim’s in Uptown, from Ann Kim, and Porzana in the North Loop, from Daniel del Prado. The oldest is Jax Cafe, where the Kozlak family just celebrated its 90th anniversary.
Making a Top 75 Restaurants list wasn’t easy. In fact, we started making a master list in April of 2023, and we finalized it in early December. Some places closed during that year, new spots opened, and some restaurants came into their own while others slipped in consistency.
Debates: Do you put 6 Smith and Baldamar on the list? They have the same owner and almost identical menus, so we decided no. 6 Smith got the nod, for the Lake Minnetonka location and for being first. Chef Kim’s Young Joni made the list, but Pizzeria Lola didn’t. Martina, Colita, and Porzana all are in, but not Josefina, nor Blondette. Let’s be honest: It’d be boring to have a list of the great restaurants from the same six big names.
I personally love Mexican food and Mexican chefs, and you can see that in the list: El Sazon, Nico’s, Taqueria y Birrieria, Las Cuatro Milpas, Andale, Oro by Nixta, and more. We wanted to make sure some of the underrated gems were on the list, like Joan’s in the Park and Brunson’s Pub. And we made sure we had east metro and west side representation, too. I wish we could have included more greater Minnesota restaurants, such as New London Cafe in Duluth, Val’s in St. Cloud, King’s Place in Miesville, and some Rochester spots.
And we admit there are some Twin Cities misses: 112 Eatery should probably be on this list, as should Tullibee at the Hewing. There’s a pho place and a ramen spot, but we’d still say those restaurants are underrepresented. Should more counter-service spots be in the mix, like OG Zaza in Roseville? Tongue In Cheek is another one in retrospect we missed. Early in 2024, there are already new spots opening that are top-notch, so which of the Top 75 come off the list?
Someone asked if I really have eaten at all these restaurants, and the answer is yes! Absolutely! And that’s the real test. Looking at this list from top to bottom, I’m proud of what we came up with. It’s a diverse list in price point, in type of food, in geography, and in style of service. Happy eating—we’re already working on the update for next year.
Jax Cafe
Photo by Terry Brennan
Best Steak
✻ The Lexington
✻ Jax Cafe
✻ Manny’s
✻ Porzana
✻ P.S. Steak
Porzana
Photo by Kevin Kramer
All Saints
Provided
Best Small Plates
✻ All Saints
✻ Gus Gus
✻ Hai Hai
✻ Kim’s
✻ STEPCHLD
Estelle
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Best Cocktails
✻ Chip’s Clubhouse
✻ Estelle
✻ Lolo American
✻ Nico’s Tacos
✻ Travail
Marty’s Deli
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Best Sandwiches
✻ Abang Yoli
✻ Brunson’s Pub
✻ Clancey’s
✻ Mario’s
✻ Marty’s Deli
Abang Yoli
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Red Cow
Photo by Danielle Gernes
Best Burgers
✻ The Nook
✻ Parlour
✻ Petite Leon
✻ Red Cow
✻ Saint Dinette
Parlour
Marty's Deli
Owamni
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Best Ambiance
✻ Churchill St.
✻ Gai Noi
✻ Mara
✻ Mr. Paul’s Supper Club
✻ Owamni
Mara
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Alma
Provided
Best Wine Selection
✻ Alma
✻ Joan’s in the Park
✻ Meritage
✻ Myriel
✻ Spoon & Stable
Mucci’s
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Best Pasta
✻ Bar La Grassa
✻ Bungalow Club
✻ Hyacinth
✻ Martina
✻ Mucci’s
Martina
Photo by Terry Brennan
Black Sheep Pizza
Provided
Best Pizza
✻ Black Sheep Pizza
✻ Boludo
✻ Punch Pizza
✻ Red Wagon Pizza
✻ Young Joni
Red Wagon Pizza
Photo by Eliesa Johnson
Nico’s Tacos
Provided
Best Mexican
✻ Andale Taqueria y Mercado
✻ Nico’s Tacos
✻ Oro by Nixta
✻ Sonora Grill
✻ Taqueria y Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas
Oro by Nixta
Photo by Kevin Kramer
The List: Top 75 Restaurants of Minnesota
Find the categorized list with descriptions of each restaurant here.
6Smith
294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata
Abang Yoli
501 30th Ave. SE, Minneapolis
3749 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
All Saints
222 Hennepin Ave. E., Minneapolis
Alma
528 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Andale Taqueria & Mercado
7700 Nicollet Ave., Richfield
Bar La Grassa
800 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis
Billy Sushi
116 First Ave. N., Minneapolis
Black Sheep Pizza
2550 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis
600 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis
Boludo
1519 Como Ave. SE, Minneapolis
2935 Girard Ave. S., Minneapolis
Brasa
600 Hennepin Ave. E., Minneapolis
777 Grand Ave., St. Paul
812 46th St. W., Minneapolis
Brunson’s Pub
956 Payne Ave., St. Paul
The Bungalow Club
4300 Lake St. E., Minneapolis
Butcher & The Boar
901 Third St. N., Suite 195, Minneapolis
Butcher’s Tale
1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Cafe Latte
850 Grand Ave., St. Paul
Centro
1414 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis
750 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul
2412 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Chip’s Clubhouse
272 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul
Churchill St.
4606 Churchill St., Shoreview
Clancey’s Meats
3804 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis
Colita
5400 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis
Demi
212 Second St. N., Suite 100, Minneapolis
El Sazon
1815 Diffley Road, Eagan
Estelle
1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul
Fhima’s
40 Seventh St. S., Minneapolis
Gai Noi
1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis
The Grocer’s Table
326 Broadway Ave. S., Wayzata
Gus Gus
128 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul
Hai Hai
2121 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Handsome Hog
173 Western Ave. N., St. Paul
Hola Arepa
3501 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Hyacinth Restaurant
790 Grand Ave., St. Paul
Jax Cafe
1928 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Joan’s in the Park
631 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul
Kaiseki Furukawa
33 First Ave. N., Minneapolis
Khâluna
4000 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
Kim’s
432 31st St. W., Minneapolis
The Lexington
1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul
Lolito Cantina
241 Main St. S., Stillwater
Lolo American
233 Main St. S., Stillwater
175 Second St. S., Hudson, Wisconsin
Manny’s Steakhouse
825 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis
Mara
245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Mario’s
232 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul
Martina
4312 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis
Marty’s Deli
400 Lowry Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Meritage
410 St. Peter St., St. Paul
The Monte Carlo
219 Third Ave. N., Minneapolis
Mr. Paul’s Supper Club
3917 Market St., Edina
Mucci’s
786 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Myriel
470 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul
Nico’s Tacos
2516 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
2260 Como Ave., St. Paul
The Nook
492 Hamline Ave. S., St. Paul
Oro by Nixta
1222 Second St. NE, Minneapolis
Owamni
420 First St. S., Minneapolis
Parlour
730 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis
267 Seventh St. W., St. Paul
Other locations
Petite León
3800 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Porzana
200 First St. N., Minneapolis
P.S. Steak
510 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis
Punch Pizza
Highland Park, Eden Prairie, Lake Street, Northeast Minneapolis, Wayzata, Grand Avenue, Woodbury, Vadnais Heights, Eagan, Roseville, and Apple Valley
Quang
2719 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Red Cow
Minneapolis, St. Paul, North Loop, Uptown, and Rochester
Courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota boasts thousands of miles of bike trails: paved and unpaved, urban and rural, super short and very long. It’s a great state to be a cyclist, but that abundance of choice can be overwhelming. Where do you even start pedaling? Luckily, Minnesota is also full of talented cyclists who spend as much time tearing up the trails as they do just about anything else, so we caught up with some of them to ask: What’s your favorite bike trail in the state? Some prefer to crush gravel, while others pound out miles on a paved path or hit a mountain biking trail. Here’s what they had to say about some of the state’s finest biking destinations.
Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail
Carly Ellefsen, communications manager of Our Streets Minneapolis, still remembers her first time riding the Harmony-Preston trail, which connects the communities of Harmony and Preston with the Root River State Trail. It was 2011, before she even lived in the Twin Cities, and it was the Indianapolis native’s first time biking more than 10 or so miles. To this day, she remembers the experience as “life changing.”
“This trip was also my first experiencing the Driftless Area, a beautiful place untouched by glaciers during the Ice Age,” Ellefsen says. “Despite the struggle of riding an old Trek mountain bike on paved trail, I fell in love with the freedom of bicycling and the beauty of the bluffs and the river.”
The trail is great for first-time bikepackers and cyclists of all abilities, and for those who would rather get off the paved path, there are plenty of gravel roads nearby for added fun and difficulty. Also nearby? The town of Lanesboro, with a charming local arts scene, variety of lodging options, and vibrant downtown, has some great places to explore, including Pedal Pushers Cafe, Sylvan Brewing, and the divey Root River Saloon.
Luce Line State Trail
Courtesy of Three RIvers Park District
Luce Line State Trail
When Nick Elliott, buyer and brand ambassador for Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop, started cycling in Minneapolis, he’d go out with no phone, no music, and just explore—in awe of the miles of trails one could ride within city limits. It was on one such ride through
Theodore Wirth Regional Park that he found the Luce Line trail, a “real beaut” that runs from North Minneapolis to Plymouth on a combination of asphalt, limestone, and granite.
“The real special thing about this trail is that it takes you from the central metropolis 80 miles west to a really small lake and campground without seeing a ton of people, and is certainly clear of all traffic,” Elliott says. “I have been riding this trail for years now as a transitway to get to other destinations. It’s a fantastic starter trail for those looking to accumulate big miles, as there is not a ton of elevation but plenty of woods, lakes,
re-supplies, and wildlife.”
Elliott says cyclists could practically spend a week exploring the Luce Line, camping and checking out fun stops along the way, including Luce Line Brewery, Ox Yoke Inn bar and grill in Maple Plain, and Crow River Winery in Hutchinson.
Minnesota River Bottoms
Running 11 miles along the shores of the Minnesota River between Bloomington and Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, the River Bottoms trail feels worlds away from the city despite being a short ride away. “I just think that area is a gem,” says Risa Hustad, a longtime cyclist and bike racer who’s a founding member of Versus Race Team. “I think it’s really good land use for what that space is, where it floods a couple times a year so you can’t really make any permanent system.”
The River Bottoms area is (mostly) a year-round destination, with fat-bike riders cruising snow-packed trails each winter and folks on all kinds of bikes taking in the terrain during the spring and summer. The DNR still clears fallen trees, and volunteers build little bridges across the streams that develop, but the trails are never quite the same from year to year, and cyclists can explore new routes while taking in an array of microbiomes and animal habitats.
“Every time I’m down there, I see somebody else doing something entirely different than what I’m doing, and we give each other a nod,” Hustad says. “There’s a really cool camaraderie. I just dig it.”
Midtown Greenway
Courtesy of the Midtown Greenway Coalition
Midtown Greenway
In the Midtown Greenway’s early days, Louis Moore, president of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota, was involved in a contest in which someone drove their car down Lake Street while he and a group of cyclists raced along the Greenway, which runs parallel. “And I don’t need to tell you who got their first: We did,” he chuckles.
In a state with so much cycling, it’s easy to take Minneapolis’ Midtown Greenway for granted—but what an exceptional, one-of-a-kind resource for commuters, athletes, and anyone who gets around by bike. “It really represents, for me, accessibility,” says Kennis Littleton, owner of Venture Bikes. “I know bicycles represent freedom and being able to have transportation, but having a nice, paved trail like the Greenway is just the cream of the crop.”
The 5.5-mile “bicycle highway” runs from the Mississippi River past the Chain of Lakes, meaning there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. The on-ramps and exits give riders easy access to destinations like Eat Street and Uptown, and it is closed to cars, making it “an unencumbered, unhindered cycling experience,” Littleton says. “And the culture on the Greenway is fantastic. Whether it’s a $10,000 bike or it’s a $100 bike, you see it all.”
Hartley Park Trails
Cyclist Leah Gruhn rides hard for the Hartley Park Trails, which she has loved for nearly a dozen years now. Gruhn, who rode all 1,000 miles of the Iditarod Bike Race in 2023, has put in a lot of miles on these multiuse trails, which are nestled between a few Duluth neighborhoods. “They’re some of the oldest mountain bike trails in Duluth,” she says, “and a couple years ago, when they were creating the Duluth Traverse, there was a project to improve these trails.”
What were once, as Gruhn chuckles, “glorified deer trails” are now cyclist-friendly all year round: wider, better graded, and groomed during the winter for 9 miles of riding that are both fun and safe. Cyclists can head up to Rock Knob, an overlook with a view for miles—and for the extra-brave—some extra exhilarating riding after dark.
“When there’s moonlight on a bright, clear night, especially when there’s snow, I love taking pictures of the moon and shadows,” Gruhn says. “It’s just really cool—they end up
looking like daytime.”
What: Fashion Week Minnesota When: Now Through April 20 Where: Various locations across the Twin Cities
After a brief pause in the fall, Fashion Week Minnesota is officially back, with a full week of shows that highlight the state’s diverse fashion community. The lineup advocates for inclusivity and sustainability in the fashion industry with shows like I Am Fabulous, which features models ages 60-plus; Man Down, a menswear show that raises awareness for men’s mental health; and Into the Studio, a runway that exhibits different production aspects of the slow fashion movement.
Junk Bonanza Market
What: Junk Bonanza Spring Market
When: April 18-20 Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road S., Shakopee
Now in its 18th year, one of the Midwest’s premier antique and vintage events returns to Canterbury Park with curated design trinkets and treasures for the home, cabin, garden, and outdoor décor.
Timely Satire
What: ‘The Cradle Will Rock’
When: April 18-21 Where: Heart of the Beast/Avalon Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
This satirical comedy from An Opera Theatre focuses on the corruption of capitalism and corporate greed against people’s rights and the working class of America. The production includes shadow puppetry and live music theater.
Enjoy a curated fashion show produced and styled by Grant Whittaker Creative. While models walk the runway, enjoy sparkling wine, mocktails and a light brunch. Bid on silent auction packages, raffle, shop on site and participate in the live auction, all benefiting The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation.
ONGOING
Fall of Troy Performance
What: ‘Hecuba’
When: Through 21 Where: The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis
Pangea World Theater presents this compelling reimagining of the aftermath of the Fall of Troy. “Hecuba” follows Agamemnon, the victor, as he locks horns with Hecuba, the vanquished queen. The drama weaves threads of inconsolable rage and grief with fate, revenge, and inevitable carnage.
The University of Minnesota’s Goldstein Gallery of Design, which is a research center in the U’s College of Design and the only design museum in the Upper Midwest, opens this new exhibit featuring more than 75 items showcasing leather shoes, woolen knitwear, thrown pottery, ceramic tiles, and youth-built boats.
Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen
The true story of singer Carole King follows her life from teen to Grammy-winning songwriter, best known for her album “Tapestry.”
UPCOMING
What: Sarah Davachi, solo organ When: April 23 Where: Northrop, 84 Church Street SE, MinneapolisComposer and performer Sarah Davachi makes her Northrop debut with an evening of solo organ works featuring her signature textural and harmonic experimentation, on the remarkable Northrop Aeolian-Skinner Opus 892. A visionary talent at the organ, Davachi creates a transcendent experience in the live presentation of her ethereal work.
Dive into a world of creativity and advocacy at Art 4 Shelter. On May 3, browse hundreds of pieces at the airy Glass House venue in Minneapolis. Discover works by emerging artists or established names. Peruse the silent auction with larger original artworks, jewelry, pottery, art experiences, and more. Plus, enjoy a live DJ, curated drinks from Glass House, and light snacks from CRAVE. Best of all, admission is free, and the proceeds support Simpson’s shelter and supportive housing programs.
Every year, Art 4 Shelter showcases the works of hundreds of generous artists. Over 1,000 original pieces will be displayed anonymously at Glass House and offered for fixed, affordable prices ($35 for a 5”x7” image, $75 for an 8”x10” image, etc.). These prices reflect the cost of housing a shelter guest for one night. For more information, please visit art4shelter.org.
Attendees are invited to explore in person and then pluck whatever art compels them right off the walls, not knowing until they have purchased the art if it was created by an established favorite or an emerging artist. It’s like a treasure hunt, a night of discovery, and a showcase of our massively talented creative community all in one. In addition to the art sale, the online silent auction features larger artwork and other unique pieces. If interested in donating original art, please email development@simpsonhousing.org.
Since its inception in 2011, Art 4 Shelter has raised over $1.2 million for people impacted by homelessness. Co-founders Karen Rye and daughter Megan Rye wanted to directly connect artists and collectors to Simpson’s shelter. “Artists have the biggest hearts of anyone I know,” says Megan. “One artist told me, ‘I could never write a check for $1,000, but if I make 33 small paintings, I can donate that much to the shelter.’”
Artist/photographer Steve Ozone, who has participated in Art 4 Shelter for 14 years, says, “I’m a big believer in Simpson Housing Services’ mission to provide shelter, housing, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. My donations to Art 4 Shelter are a small way to contribute to help work toward ending homelessness in our community.”
Art 4 Shelter: it’s more than an art sale. Buy art. Give shelter.
May 3, 2024 | Preview: 6–7 p.m.; Sale: 7–9 p.m Glass House | 145 Holden St N, Minneapolis, 55405
Proceeds from Art 4 Shelter benefit Simpson Housing Services’ extended-stay shelter and housing programs. For over four decades, Simpson Housing Services has been a leading nonprofit helping people experiencing homelessness. In response to unmet community needs, our key programs have grown to include the following: an extended-stay shelter; supportive housing for youth, individual adults, families; and developmental and educational services for children. We annually support 2,000 people experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness, including 300 families with 650 children.
