As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back at the stories Minnesotans couldn’t stop reading. Based on our online analytics, these were the five most-read articles of the year—spanning breaking news, cultural conversations, and the local experiences that sparked curiosity, debate, and delight. Where possible, we’ve included a brief look at what’s happened since.
1. Missing $379,000 at Palmer’s Bar
Earlier this year, court documents revealed that the closure of Palmer’s Bar—one of Minneapolis’ most beloved live music venues—stemmed from more than shifting drinking habits or a tough economy. A divorce filing from 2023 alleged that longtime business partner Tony Zaccardi withdrew more than $379,000 from Palmer’s accounts without accounting for the funds, a breach of trust that left owners Pat and Sarah Dwyer scrambling to keep the business afloat. While no criminal or civil charges have been filed, the financial fallout proved insurmountable. Despite attempts to recover, ongoing monthly losses and a challenging bar landscape ultimately forced the sale of Palmer’s, marking the end of an era for the West Bank institution.
Photo by Darin Kamnetz
2. Best New Restaurants of 2024
Originally featured in our Jan/Feb issue, Jason DeRusha’s annual Best New Restaurants list proved that Minnesota’s dining scene is firmly back in creative stride. The story captured a year defined by both long-anticipated openings and surprising revivals, with much of the momentum centered in Minneapolis—though signs of expansion beyond the city were already emerging. Standouts included Diane Moua’s nationally acclaimed Diane’s Place, Yia Vang’s deeply personal Vinai, Joe Rolle’s boundary-pushing Dario, and the triumphant return of Forepaugh’s in St. Paul.
Photo by Isable Subtil/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
3. Prince’s Musicians on Discipline and ‘Purple Rain’
Timed with the world premiere of the “Purple Rain” musical at the State Theatre, Jerrod Sumner’s interview with Bobby “Z” Rivkin and Morris Hayes offered readers rare, first-person insight into Prince’s creative world. The longtime bandmates reflected on his relentless discipline, uncompromising work ethic, and the trust he placed in a small inner circle to give him honest feedback. As the Prince story finds new life on stage, their conversation resonated as both a tribute to his genius and a reminder of the Minnesota-rooted values—craft, grit, and ambition—that shaped one of music’s most singular artists.
Photo by Joshua Pickering
4. The Minnesota Muse Behind John Denver’s Early Songs
First published in our May/June print issue, John Rosengren’s feature revealed a little-known chapter of John Denver’s life rooted in Minnesota. Long before he became synonymous with Colorado, Denver found love, inspiration, and an early creative home in the Twin Cities—where his relationship with Annie Martell helped shape songs that would later define his career.
Photo by Mike Douglas
5. New State Fair Foods for 2025, Ranked
Jason DeRusha’s ranking of the New Minnesota State Fair Foods for 2025 became a top-read story by pairing insider Fair expertise with humor and strong opinions. Reviewing 33 official new foods and eight new vendors, the piece highlighted a hopeful return of creativity amid a tough year for restaurants, with trends pointing toward international flavors, playful mashups, more sweets, and expanded nonalcoholic options. Standout buzzmakers included the Soft Serve Royal Raspberry Beer at West End Brews, Somali Street Fries, and the Fawaffle at Baba’s—while DeRusha’s candid hits-and-misses kept readers clicking, debating, and planning their Fair food strategy.
Photo by Jason DeRusha
Bonus: Our Events Calendar!
Beyond individual stories, our most consistently visited section of our site is our events calendar (every year!). From last-minute weekend plans to long-range cultural outings, readers relied on it as a go-to guide for what’s happening across the state.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and supporting Minnesota Monthly in 2025. We’re grateful to be part of how you discover—and rediscover—the people, places, and stories that make up the Spirit of Minnesota.
