Illustration by Brent Schoonover
Our readers voted this fall for their favorites across diverse categories, from art galleries and boutiques to outdoor adventures and dining hot spots. Join us as we showcase the standout moments, exceptional choices, and unique aspects that define the best of Minnesota and the remarkable communities that call it home. Our editors also highlight hidden gems, cherished experiences, and beloved local treasures that embody the spirit of our state (plus a few extras!). Congratulations to the winners!
Editors’ Picks:
Best THC Seltzer
clr!ty Black Cherry THC Seltzer
Move over, soda jerks—there’s a new sparkling sensation in town. If you love the nostalgic taste of cherry soda but want something with a little more kick, clr!ty’s Black Cherry THC Seltzer delivers. This light, crisp beverage combines the bright, tart flavor of cherry with 5mg of hemp-derived THC, offering a gentle lift without the sugar, carbs, or calories. Win-win! –Alesha Taylor, editor-in-chief
Courtesy of clr!ty
Best Comfort Food
Red Rabbit
If Italian food, specifically pasta, speaks your love language, Red Rabbit is “amore.” Their Cavatelli (house-made Italian sausage, fennel pollen, lemon, garlic, white wine, Parmesan, and crushed red pepper) is a personal favorite that has got to be one of the most flavorful, best pasta dishes around. –Mary Subialka, senior editor
Courtesy of Red Rabbit
Chef of the Year
Christina Nguyen
Photo by Barry Brecheisen
Self-taught chef Christina Nguyen and her husband, Birk Grudem, started serving Venezuelan-style stuffed arepas from a food truck in 2011. Hola Arepa’s brick-and-mortar location opened in 2014, and the pair launched Hai Hai in 2018, bringing twists on Southeast Asian street food to Minneapolis. Now, the successful executive chef and co-owner of these restaurants won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest. Congratulations, Chef Nguyen and her team! –MS
Best New Take on MN Classic
Deep Fried Ranch Dressing
We love ranch. We love fried food. We love the State Fair. LuLu’s Public House combined all of these Minnesota classics into the viral triumph that is Deep Fried Ranch Dressing. Perfectly executed, silly and fun, and achieved the bonus of legit being tasty. –Jason DeRusha, food editor
Best Tacos
Oro by Nixta
It seems impossible, but the tacos at Oro by Nixta keep getting better. I’m in love with the thinly shaved jicama “tortilla” with duck confit in the Tacos de Pato. The lengua soars with cured onion and a chile de arbol salsa. And naturally, those nixtamal, richly corn-flavored tortillas are something special. –JD
Triumphant Returns
Forepaugh’s + more
We’re back! In St. Paul, Forepaugh’s is back after being closed for five years; Lynette in Minneapolis is an even better version of Lyn 65 three years after closing in Richfield; and Wells Roadside is a triumph in the space where Galaxy Drive-In has been dark for five years. Revitalization and rebirth abound! –JD
Courtesy of Forepaugh's
Best Speakeasy Vibe
Cobble Social House
The intimate setting of Cobble Social House ensures that only a handful of patrons are able to be seated at a time—an exclusivity that makes this speakeasy companion to next-door neighbor The Monte Carlo that much more alluring. The dimly lit bar doubles as an art gallery, as each painting, object, and artifact on display is up for sale. –Emma Enebak, style editor
Readers’ Choice:
Asian/Southeast Asian
Hai Hai
Bakery
Patisserie 46
Bar
Brit’s Pub
Barbecue
Revival
Courtesy of Revival
Bargain Eats
Uncle Franky’s
Brewery
Surly Brewing Co.
Courtesy of Surly Brew Co.
Brunch
Hope Breakfast Bar
Burger
Red Cow
CBD/THC Beverage
Fair State Brewing Co-op
CBD/THC Edibles/Other
Minny Grown
Chicken Wings
The Monte Carlo
Cidery
Sociable Cider Werks
Courtesy of Sociable Cider Werks
Coffee Shop
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
Dessert
The Buttered Tin
Distilleries
O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
Dive Bar
Grumpy’s Bar
Doughnuts
Bogart’s Doughnut Co.
Courtesy of Bogart’s Doughnut Co.
Fine Dining
Bar La Grassa
Food Hall
The Market at Malcolm Yards
Food Truck
The Anchor Fish & Chips
Happy Hour
Nico’s Taco and Tequila Bar
Ice Cream
Sebastian Joe’s
Mexican
El Burrito Mercado
Courtesy of El Burrito Mercado
Minnesota Vineyard
St. Croix Vineyards
Pasta/Italian
Bar La Grassa
Patio/Rooftop
Hewing Hotel
Pizza
Punch Pizza
Seafood
Smack Shack
Photo by Zapata Palms
Steakhouse
Manny’s
Supper Club
Mancini’s Char House
Sushi
Billy Sushi
Vegan/Vegetarian
The Herbivorous Butcher
Courtesy of The Herbivorous Butcher
Editors’ Picks:
Best MN Podcast
‘The Sheletta Show’
Sheletta Brundidge’s podcast, “The Sheletta Show,” is a vital platform that keeps the conversation going on making our community more inclusive. Each episode features insightful discussions with leaders dedicated to fostering a better Minnesota. In September, Sheletta and her production company, ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, were unanimously selected to receive the prestigious Governors’ Regional Emmy Award for their exceptional coverage of Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol (in February 2024). –AT
Best Music Festival
Minnesota Yacht Club Festival on St. Paul’s Harriet Island
Perfect weather and an outstanding waterfront setting helped make the inaugural Minnesota Yacht Club Festival in July a huge success. The mix of headliners, mainly big acts from the 1990s including Alanis Morisette and Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with emerging local acts from Durry to Hippo Campus, attracted multigenerational fans for two full days of music. The festival will return July 18-20, 2025. –Amy Nelson
Courtesy of Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
Best Touring Art Exhibit
‘Keith Haring: Art is For Everybody’ at Walker Art Center
An activist, celebrity, and multimedia innovator, Keith Haring had a residency at the Walker in 1984, sharing his iconic radiating baby and mesmerizing vibrant line paintings with students. That local connection was part of the reason that the Walker was able to secure the retrospective exhibit of more than 100 pieces that previously was on display in Toronto and Los Angeles. More than 98,000 people viewed the works before the exhibit closed in September. –AN
FOMO Concert
The Last Dinner Party
If you didn’t catch British baroque-pop darlings The Last Dinner Party at their First Avenue stop in April, you may be feeling some serious FOMO. Following the release of their debut album, “Prelude to Ecstasy,” the band sold out several U.S. shows and drew a massive crowd at Chicago’s Lollapalooza. Next time they’re in Minneapolis, they will likely pack a larger venue than First Ave’s Mainroom. –Macy Harder, managing editor
Best MN Author
Heid E. Erdrich
Photo by Angela Erdrich
Novelist Louise Erdrich’s sister, Heid E. Erdrich, was named Minneapolis’ inaugural Poet Laureate for 2024—and for good reason. She has authored seven poetry collections, and her upcoming project, Poetry Service Announcement (PoeSA), connects diverse voices from Minneapolis/Bde Óta Othúŋwe—culminating in December with an event at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Erdrich is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band in North Dakota. –AT
Best Intimate Venue
The White Squirrel Bar
Not all bars are well-suited for live music, but The White Squirrel Bar in St. Paul has proven its chops. It’s clear that the venue pays close attention to sound quality—audiophiles will dig the reel-to-reel tape machine and vintage speakers hanging overhead. It’s cozy, but there’s enough room to dance. –MH
Best Local Album
‘Bad Bad Hats’
This year’s self-titled (and self-produced) record from Bad Bad Hats showcases the band at their very best. Catchy indie-pop melodies and clever hooks abound, as to be expected from the Minneapolis-based duo, but the album also welcomes experimentation with open arms. Sprinkled with synths, samples, and other surprises throughout its 10 tracks, “Bad Bad Hats” is an unapologetically fun listen from top to bottom. –MH
Photo by Zoe Prinds Flash
Readers’ Choice:
Casino & Racing
Mystic Lake Casino
Comedy Club
Acme Comedy Co.
Photo by Mike Madison
Concert Venue
First Avenue
Special Occasion Venue
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Museum
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Courtesy of the Orpheum
Show of the Year
“Mamma Mia!”
Theater/Performing Arts
Guthrie Theater
Photo by Renee Jones Schneider
Editors’ Picks:
Best New Maker
Holly Nolan
Holly Nolan, the Indigenous Minnesota bead artist behind Lillie Nell, honors her Choctaw heritage through her intricate beadwork. Named after her grandmother, a traditional Choctaw dressmaker, Nolan’s brand bridges generations, embodying strength, work ethic, and community care, preserving their cultural legacy with every piece she creates. –Jerrod Sumner, aesthetic and lifestyle editor
Best Size-Inclusive Shop
Cake Plus-Size Resale
Located near Lake Nokomis, Cake Plus-Size Resale is a hidden gem that assembles a variety of shopping and styling experiences under one roof. Carrying an array of fresh, trendy resale clothing sizes XL and up, Cake’s thoughtful selections are intended to not only fit your body, but also your unique style and sense of self. –EE
Photo by Darin Kamnetz
Best Place to Buy a Gift
Bench Pressed
Whether you’re shopping for the foodie, trinket lover, or decor enthusiast in your life, Bench Pressed has you covered. This independent, family-owned letterpress-slash-retailer in Minneapolis is filled to the brim with hand-drawn and -printed cards and goodies, fresh off its six vintage presses. Plus, you’ll find an assortment of quirky home decor items, accessories, food and beverage accoutrements, artwork, and more. –MH
Best Fashion Event
Fashion Week MN
In October, Fashion Week Minnesota transformed the Minneapolis Institute of Art for a special runway show titled “Creative Renaissance,” which highlighted community luminaries dressed by local boutiques and independent designers. Feeding off the heightened cultural attention that has been on the Twin Cities in recent months, the show set the tone for a statewide creative awakening in 2025. –EE
Best Bookstore
Wild Rumpus
The small purple door of Wild Rumpus not only catches your eye, but it leads to a magical menagerie of young adult and children’s literature—and cats, chinchillas, birds, and a hidden aquarium. After 30 years, founder Collette Morgan sold the store in January 2024 to four employees, making it an employee- and queer-owned business led by women and nonbinary booksellers. (Which is probably one of the coolest jobs on the planet.) –AT
Courtesy of Wild Rumpus
Emma’s Trend of the Year
‘Quiet Luxury’
One trend that defined both my 2024 wardrobe and Pinterest boards was the “quiet luxury” look, grounded in neutrals and high-quality fabrics. As a lover of Scandinavian style, I appreciate how this trend bears a similar sophistication and timelessness, prioritizing quality over quantity. One local boutique that duplicates this trend flawlessly is Parc Shop, which carries a range of European-based labels with a heavy focus on quality and sustainability, including Portugal-based Rita Row and the recently added Copenhagen-based Hosbjerg. –EE
Best Music/Record Store
Cheapo Discs
More than just a music store, Cheapo Discs is a love letter to physical media of all kinds. Its Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Blaine locations are nearly overflowing with new and used records, CDs, and cassette tapes, and the walls are lined with band merch, posters, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Cheapo’s diverse selection of new releases and hard-to-find gems across all musical genres is second to none, including plenty of local and regional offerings. –MH
Courtesy of Cheapo Discs
Honorable Mention
Sota Clothing
Sota Clothing began as a class project in 2011 when Spencer Johnson, a graphic design student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, created clean, Minnesota-inspired apparel that was missing in the market. What started as a simple idea quickly gained traction, and Spencer turned his passion for the Northland into a full-fledged brand that proudly celebrates Minnesota’s culture. Today, Sota Clothing continues to deliver high-quality, timeless designs that showcase Minnesota pride, making it a must-have for locals and newcomers alike. –AT
Courtesy of Sota Clothing
Readers’ Choice:
CBD/Hemp/THC Retail
Hemp House
Jewelry
Larissa Loden
Home Goods
The Foundry
Courtesy of The Foundry
Kids’ Store
Pacifier Kids Boutique
Maker/Artisan
Adam Turman
Men’s Clothing
MartinPatrick3
Courtesy of MartinPatrick3
Sporting Goods
REI
Shopping Center
Mall of America
Vintage/Thrift Store
Hunt & Gather
Women’s Boutique
Primp Boutique
Courtesy of Primp Boutique
Editors’ Picks:
Best Themed Stay/Lodging
Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ House on Airbnb
We can’t get more Minnesotan than stanning the legend Prince with an exclusive overnight stay at his Minneapolis house, featured prominently in the film “Purple Rain.” Former Revolution bandmates Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman are the brilliant minds behind the unique experience, which was limited to just 25 nights this fall and winter. We just hope the pair says “Let’s Go Crazy” and adds more dates. –AN
Courtesy of Airbnb
Best Cosmetic Service
Scout Cosmetics
Scout Cosmetics in St. Paul, run by the talented Scout herself, is the go-to spot for stunning brow transformations. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a complete brow makeover, Scout’s warmth and skill make every appointment feel special. You’ll leave feeling more confident, with mornings made easier. –AT
Best Boutique Gym
The Grind MPLS
The intimate, boutique-style gym just off Washington Avenue in the North Loop cultivates a family-like environment through its personable instructors, customer-guided music selections, and engaging challenges and themed classes. The rides are high-energy and intense, but the complimentary chilled eucalyptus towels handed out after each workout (not to mention the instructors’ spontaneous motivational speeches) are well worth the sweat. –EE
Courtesy of The Grind Mpls
Best Bike Shop
Lowertown Bike Shop
Transportation comes in many forms, so this St. Paul bike shop in the train depot where people are departing and arriving each day makes perfect sense. Lowertown Bike Shop, or LBS, sells new and used bikes at all budgets, but it’s the shop’s commitment to sustainability and recycling that impressed us the most. Co-owner Crystal Sursely says the store recycles all parts of bikes, from the tires to the frame and shift components, and estimates the program keeps 75,000 pounds of waste out of landfills each year. –AN
Courtesy of Lowertown Bike Shop
Honorable Mention
Best Couples Massage
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, Avivage Massage (located right on Grand Avenue in St. Paul) is the perfect destination. Their couples massages are truly exceptional—relaxing, soothing, and tailored to help both of you unwind in a comfortable, welcoming space. The atmosphere is thoughtfully designed to promote harmony and balance, and their expert therapists ensure you feel completely at ease while guiding you toward relaxation and relief. –AT
Courtesy of Avivage Massage
Readers’ Choice:
Doggie Day Care
Pampered Pooch
Grocery Store
Trader Joe’s
Gym/Athletic Club
Life Time
Hotel
Hewing Hotel
Courtesy of Hewing Hotel
Nursery/Greenhouse
Bachman’s
Resort
Grand View Lodge
Specialty Gym
Orangetheory
Yoga Studio
Yoga Sanctuary
Photo by Amy Anderson
Editors’ Picks:
Best Community Space
North Loop Green
North Loop Green opened in June 2024, adjacent to Target Field in Minneapolis, as a year-round community hub for outdoor events, offering fitness classes, local shopping (including pop-ups and night markets), live music, office and living spaces, a dog park, relaxing patios, and more. More than 100 events took place here over the summer, so we’re excited to see the evolution of this space in years to come. –AT
Courtesy of North Loop Green
Best Hidden Gem in a Park
Trolling the Trails in Detroit Lakes
It’s fun to encounter a giant troll in parks and along trails in Detroit Lakes—the fairytale characters are friendly in these parts. International recycle artist Thomas Dambo and hundreds of volunteers built six supersized trolls this summer from repurposed materials, and you can see them in a free permanent exhibition open year-round, as long as the trails are safe and walkable. –MS
Photo by Project 412
Best Pickleball Place
Lucky Shots Pickleball Club
Lucky Shots Pickleball Club is recognized as the best for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming environment, reminiscent of an old-school country club. With a 40,000-square-foot facility featuring 12 indoor, individually fenced courts, it caters to both avid players and newcomers alike. And rates are very affordable. –AT
Best Glamping
Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway House)
Postcard Cabins offer a cozy, minimalist retreat with everything you need and nothing you don’t—and its Willow River location is about an hour and a half from the Twin Cities. Each cabin, named after a grandparent of staff or guests, comes with AC, heat, and a luxurious queen bed by a large window for stunning nature views. Provisions like firewood, snacks, and coffee are available for purchase, making your stay comfortable and stress-free. And it’s pet-friendly, too! –AT
Courtesy of Postcard Cabins
Readers’ Choice:
Best Campground
Split Rock State Park
Best Golf Course
Hazeltine National Golf Course
Best Hiking
Taylors Falls
Best Lake
Bde Maka Ska
Photo by Krivit Photography
Best Mountain Bike Trail
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Best Paved Bike Trail
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
Best Spot to Ski
Lutsen Mountain
Best Minnesota State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Courtesy of Minnesota DNR
Editors’ Picks:
Best Reality TV Star from MN
Daisy Kent from ‘The Bachelor’
When Becker native Daisy Kent gracefully walked away from bachelor Joey Graziadei on the season 28 finale of “The Bachelor,” she took America’s hearts (and more than 1 million Instagram followers) with her. Kent stood out from the season’s first episode, when she opened up about her history of health struggles and ultimate hearing loss, which led to her receiving a cochlear implant in 2023. Her bravery, transparency, and girl-next-door charm make Minnesotans proud to claim her as their own. –EE
Best MN-Based Meme
‘Bring Ya Ass’
When Charles Barkley told Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards that he hadn’t been to Minnesota in 20 years, Ant only had one thing to say: “Bring ya ass.” Naturally, Minnesotans adopted the phrase with pride, and the slogan had a real moment on social media graphics, merch, and even billboards. –MH
Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
Best Day Trip
Stillwater
Located about 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, the charming city of Stillwater offers everything you could want out of a day trip: entertainment, food, nature, and walkability. Take a stroll down the historic riverside Main Street and peruse the abundance of retailers, which could keep you busy for a few hours (especially if you like antiques). It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure town, and you’ll have to come back a few times to experience everything. –MH
Best Feel-Good News Story
A Long-Awaited Honor
In 1943, Duluth native Harlan Olson reported for military service to fight in World War II, narrowly missing his high school graduation. Over eight decades later, he finally received the commencement ceremony he deserved. In June, at 101 years old, Olson walked alongside the Duluth Denfeld High School class of 2024 to receive his original diploma from 1943. Escorted by the daughter of longtime friends from his church, Olson shook the principal’s hand as a sustained standing ovation overtook the auditorium. –EE
Best State Flag Ideas That Didn’t Make the Cut
The Great Debate
The laser-eyed loon (a fan-favorite which later became a St. Paul Public Library card design) is the clear winner for this category—but the submission of someone’s dog standing next to a corn field deserves an honorable mention. –MH
Best MN Mention in a Film
‘Marmalade’
While Minnesota isn’t mentioned anywhere in the script, “Marmalade” made local headlines this year for being filmed entirely in our state. The romantic thriller features recognizable backdrops around Jordan, Henderson, Taylors Falls, and other Minnesota towns. The movie was one of the first projects to utilize the state’s new tax incentive for production companies, which will likely increase Minnesota’s presence in the film industry in the future. –MH
Photo by Signature Entertainment
Small-Talk Topic About MN
The Lost Winter of ’24
Remember last winter when it wasn’t actually winter-like, at all? The only thing colder than the temperatures was our collective disappointment as a state who prides itself on bad-assing our way through the Arctic tundra (after all, it’s not the cold, it’s the wind, right?). Fingers crossed our tolerance will be good as new this winter! –AT
Courtesy of Minnesota State Climatology Office
Readers’ Choice:
Annual Event
Minnesota State Fair
Current Minnesota Athlete
Suni Lee
Historical Site
Mill City Museum
Homegrown Celebrity
Prince
Photo by Nicholas Leiferman
Lakeside Getaway
Lake Superior
Local Band
Trampled by Turtles
Radio Station
89.3 The Current
Sports Team
Timberwolves
Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
State Fair Food
Cheese Curds
TV Station
KARE 11
