The Twin Cities and its suburbs are filled with vibrant, walkable blocks that promise far more than meets the eye. These gems—where trendy dining spots, unique boutiques, and quirky attractions collide—are waiting to be explored. Whether it’s discovering a local cafe tucked away on a side street, stumbling upon a mural that tells a story, or finding the perfect artisanal gift in an unexpected shop, these hot blocks offer more than just the basics.
13th Avenue – Northeast Minneapolis
Diner’s Delight
The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District has become a true foodie paradise. The avenue is home to several nationally acclaimed restaurants, including three James Beard-recognized spots on the corner of 13th and Second: Oro by Nixta, Vinai, and Young Joni. Vinai was a semifinalist for this year’s Best New Restaurant, Oro was a finalist last year, and Young Joni’s Ann Kim won Best Chef: Midwest in 2019. Further east, you’ll find The Anchor Fish & Chips, La Boulangerie Marguerite, and Northeast Social. The latest buzz comes from Minari, Chef Jeff Watson’s Korean- and East Asian-inspired restaurant on 13th and University.
Hang a While
You probably won’t be hitting multiple restaurants during your visit (although a one-day culinary tour does sound like a fun challenge), but there’s plenty more to explore on this stretch of Northeast. Peruse over 25,000 used and rare titles at Eat My Words Bookstore or pop into Curiosity, a woman-owned boutique with quirky gifts, home goods, and accessories. Feeling like dinner and a show? Check out the Ritz Theater, a historic venue now owned by local musical theater nonprofit Theater Latté Da. There’s live music and entertainment every night at 331 Club, or head to the recently opened Stargazer for elevated cocktails under a ceiling full of stars.
Photo by Tammy Brice
Just Off the Avenue
There’s simply not enough room on this block to house all of Northeast Minneapolis’ culinary talent, so be sure to check out some of the neighboring favorites: Diane’s Place is one of the most talked-about spots in the Twin Cities of late (Chef Diane Moua is a finalist for Best Chef: Midwest in this year’s James Beard Awards); Hai Hai offers award-winning Southeast Asian street food by Chef Christina Nguyen; and Marty’s Deli has some of the best breakfast sammies in the Twin Cities (which earned a mention in The New York Times last year), plus classic deli favorites.
Photo by Jimmy Eagle/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Yia Vang, Chef/Owner, Vinai
What drew you to this block when choosing the location for Vinai?
“We first looked at a building a few blocks north of our current location. When things fell through during the pandemic, we regrouped and knew that we wanted to stay in Northeast… We really wanted to stay on 13th, and when the building became a possibility, we knew we could be part of a bigger community. When we took over the 1300 building [from Dangerous Man Brewing Co.], I told owners Sara and Rob, ‘You’ve taken care of this corner and community for the last 10 years. Lord willing, allow us to take care of it for another 10-plus years.”
Photo by Kevin Kramer
Lake Street – South Minneapolis
What’s the Vibe?
Lake Street, a 6-mile stretch from St. Louis Park to the Mississippi (the area between Nicollet and 30th avenues) has a vibrant, multicultural vibe. Explore the unique blend of Mexican and East African cuisines, with standout spots like Mercado Central and Midtown Global Market. For Mexican food, check out Maria’s Restaurante, Tortilleria La Perla, and La Loma Tamales; for East African fare, try Hufan, Hamdi, or Mama Safia’s Kitchen. “You can find both types of cuisine, making it special to the area,” says Marie Campos, communication and marketing manager for Lake Street Council. “You can grab tea from an East African-owned business, then walk across the street for tacos.”
Courtesy of Visit Lake Street
Art and Shopping Aplenty
Lake Street boasts over 40 murals created in the past five years, with 13 more planned this year. Midtown Global Market is a key spot, featuring an art shop and rotating artist residencies where visitors can view artwork or watch artists in action. Additionally, venues like The Hook and Ladder and Cloudland Theater offer live music. Florería Yare is a thriving floral boutique at Plaza Mexico, and Dar Medina offers Moroccan goods like shoes, clothing, and rugs. Unique bookstores shine on Lake Street, too, including Moon Palace Books and Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore, and just off the block, you’ll find Magers & Quinn Booksellers.
Photo by Carina Lofgren
Hidden Gems
“Marsu Pizzeria and Taqueria, located at the Lake Street and Nicollet intersection, is a locally owned business that brings multicultural flavors together,” says Campos. “They offer really good Mexican-inspired pizza, like carne asada and al pastor pizzas, plus tacos.” Another gem is the Somali Museum of Minnesota, located inside Midtown Exchange. It’s the only museum on Lake Street and offers a chance to learn about the vibrant Somali and East African community in Minnesota.
Courtesy of Visit Lake Street
Washington Avenue, North Loop of Minneapolis
Beyond the Buzz
From early-morning dog walkers to late-night bar crawlers, North Loop’s Washington Avenue is always lively. Arguably the “it” avenue of the Twin Cities, Washington Avenue is chock full of new restaurants, retail openings, and even star-studded Super Bowl commercials (Joe Mauer and John Randle recently appeared at Public Domain for UNRL’s ad). Just 10 years ago, the street was a stretch of vacant lots and warehouses, remnants of its industrial past. Now, it blends upscale dining, retail, and entertainment with historic charm. As new spots like Cafe Yoto, St. Pierre Steak and Seafood, and The Rabbit Hole open, the transformation continues.
Photo by Asha Belk/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Veterans Meet Newcomers
A walk down Washington Avenue reveals the perfect blend of old and new, where classic spots like J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club and Cuzzy’s coexist with recent arrivals like the Spanish-inspired Barcelona Wine Bar and the design-forward cannabis dispensary Sweetleaves. Established gems are continuing to innovate, such as NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar, which expanded its rooftop bar last year and started selling its signature yum yum sauce in local grocery stores. Public Domain, the hip, menu-less cocktail bar, recently opened Vern’s Tiki Bar, offering luau wings and tropical slushies. On the fashion front, luxury retailer Requisite North Loop stays fresh with creative events like its Sip & Shop collaboration with The RealReal.
Courtesy of Requisite North Loop
Just Off the Avenue
The North Loop spans nearly 30 blocks of walkable dining and entertainment, with hidden gems just off Washington. In a historic colonial warehouse on Third Avenue, luxury retailer and interior design studio MartinPatrick3 is a nationally recognized fashion name, planning an expansion of its women’s department this summer. Other tenants include the bold women’s boutique Statement and experiential perfumery Le Labo. On First Avenue, iconic restaurants like Daniel Del Prado’s Porzana, Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon & Stable and Demi, and David Fhima’s Maison Margaux line the street, with Acme Comedy Co. at the end, a premier basement-level comedy club.
Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Thao Nguyen, Owner, Parc Boutique
What is your favorite part about owning a retail business in the North Loop?
“We love being in the North Loop because this neighborhood is so vibrant and walkable and filled with so many local shops and restaurants. As a business owner, we love the positive sense of community with the residents, and we love catching up with them at the shop. We are also so grateful to be connected with other local businesses in the North Loop and we have so much fun collaborating on events to bring people together in the neighborhood.”
Selby at Snelling – St. Paul
What’s the Vibe?
At first glance, the intersection of Selby and Snelling avenues in St. Paul might look like nothing more than a busy crossroad that filters drivers to Allianz Field or Interstate 35E—but the area is much more than a place to simply pass through. Tucked in a largely residential part of town (known as Selby West), Selby at Snelling feels community focused. Dozens of locally owned businesses line the streets to create a vibrant shopping and dining corridor, where it seems that support for one’s neighbors is paramount over competition. There’s even a neighborhood business association that promotes collaborative events between retailers, encouraging visitors to pop between the many boutiques and cafes while in the area. “People are always walking around, grabbing a cup of coffee, and browsing,” says Ava Diaz, marketing and communications manager for Visit Saint Paul. “Everything is so close-knit, which makes it really easy to get around.”
Neighborhood Staples
Start your day with a treat from Rose Street Patisserie, one of two Twin Cities bakeries by renowned pastry chef John Kraus. For a full meal, try The Neighborhood Cafe, a beloved breakfast spot, or Yum! Kitchen and Bakery, where owner Patti Soskin’s family has deep roots in the neighborhood. The area’s biggest draw is its collection of vintage stores and gift shops along Selby and Snelling. Visit Patina, Lula Vintage, Succotash, Everyday People Clothing Exchange, or Up Six Vintage for unique finds.
Photo by Eliesa Johnson
New Arrivals
Among the notable newcomers is The Naughty Döner Co., a German- and Turkish-style döner kebab restaurant. There’s also the new-ish Betty’s Antiques Saint Paul, which opened in 2023. If you’re willing to walk a few extra blocks, check out Local Rumor, which popped up in the former Blue Door Pub space last summer—the cozy spot is perfect for a quick burger or round of cocktails.
Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
John Kraus, Pastry Chef/Owner, Rose Street Patisserie and Patisserie 46
Why do you enjoy being part of the community of local businesses at Selby and Snelling?
“I love the diversity of the neighborhood and its unique mix of shops. With around 20 women-owned businesses, the area thrives on a thoughtful and eclectic blend that brings vibrancy and character. It’s this dynamic energy that makes cities and neighborhoods special, creating a rich, walkable experience. Independent businesses are the heartbeat of a city, and this neighborhood is a perfect example of how they contribute to its vitality and charm.”
Photo Provided
West Seventh Street – St. Paul
Neighborhood Character
The West Seventh district embodies a fusion of local history and modern revitalization. Trendy restaurants, eclectic retailers, and artist communities coexist with longstanding staples and old buildings along the main drag—and there’s a certain charm in this friendly, past-meets-present atmosphere, where neither is trying to push the other out. But you couldn’t erase this neighborhood’s history if you tried; West Seventh Street, which runs from downtown St. Paul to Fort Snelling, is one of the oldest stretches in the city, with several 19th-century brick structures and historic homes to prove it.
Courtesy of DeGidio's
Longstanding Staples and Modern Classics
If the walls in West Seventh’s legacy restaurants could talk, they’d have some serious stories to tell. The street is a hub of St. Paul gems that have withstood the test of time, from Italian classics like Cossetta Alimentari and DeGidio’s Restaurant & Bar to the 70-plus-year-old Mancini’s Char House. “When I think of Mancini’s specifically, it’s like you’re walking into a time capsule,” says Visit Saint Paul’s Diaz. Some newer spots have earned their place among the neighborhood icons, too. Foodies flock to Parlour and Pajarito, while spots like Burger Moe’s, Casper & Runyon’s Shamrocks, and The White Squirrel Bar are popular with the nightlife crowd.
Photo by Jo Garrison
Creative Spirit
West Seventh’s thriving arts community owes much of its growth to the Schmidt Artist Lofts, which transformed the old Schmidt Brewery space into live-work studios for artists in 2013. Today, the area is filled with mixed-media studios and galleries. The neighborhood’s creativity extends to its businesses, including vintage stores Daily Dose Retro, Go Vintage, and Shop Country Club, as well as quirky shops like Center for Lost Objects and Nine Lives Thrift. Oh, and if you want a tattoo, there are three shops on (or just steps away from) West Seventh Street.
Heather Friedli, Artist/Founder, Friedli Gallery and Studio
What makes the West Seventh neighborhood special?
“We have great events such as the Saint Paul Art Crawl, and I’m involved in founding the West 7th Arts District with the goal of working to build up the current and future businesses in our neighborhood by promoting the arts and creative activities. Whether it’s music, baking, painting, tailor-selected vintage, tattoos, and more, West Seventh is where the fun lives.”
Photo Provided
Mainstreet – Hopkins
The New ‘Eat Street’
Dubbed a new foodie haven, downtown Hopkins is lined with over 20 restaurants, offering a wide range of dining options. “The core downtown area spans from Seventh to 12th avenues, with new growth expanding further west to Shady Oak Road, where businesses are flourishing,” says Kersten Elverum, director of planning and development for the city of Hopkins. Pink Ivy Kitchen and Bar (named one of Minnesota Monthly’s Best New Restaurants last year), long-time staple Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, Munkabeans Coffeehouse, and The Vine Room are just a handful of hot spots along Mainstreet. Other neighborhood staples include Mainstreet Bar & Grill, Thirty Bales, and K’kinaco Nikkei & Pisco Bar.
What’s the Vibe?
Hopkins has a versatile vibe, perfect for both date nights and family outings, with its artsy, welcoming atmosphere. For families, there are kid-friendly spots like Mess Hall Arts and Kiddywampus. As for hidden gems, A to Z Creamery offers gourmet ice cream with exciting pop-up releases, while Cream & Amber is a unique spot serving local beer, coffee, and sandwiches. “Whether you’re exploring the Hopkins Center for the Arts, enjoying public murals, or visiting local businesses, there’s something for every-one,” says Elverum.
Courtesy of Think Hopkins
A Berry Unique Attraction
Many people don’t know that Hopkins is home to the world’s largest raspberry sculpture. Created by local sculptor Ben Janssens, this vibrant berry is 11 feet tall and 10 feet wide, weighing an impressive 1,000 pounds. It hangs from a 22-foot, stylized steel vine, offering a whimsical and eye-catching addition to the city’s landscape. This larger-than-life sculpture celebrates the annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival, which has been a local tradition since 1935. The festival continues to honor Hopkins’ history, connecting the community and supporting local businesses every July.
Courtesy of K’kinaco Nikkei & Pisco Bar
West End – St. Louis Park
Classics and New Arrivals
The West End in St. Louis Park is booming. The area is home to classic favorites like The Local, a cozy Irish pub offering hearty fare and Guinness, as well as Yangtze, serving beloved Hunan, Szechuan, and Cantonese dishes. Punch Bowl Social provides a lively atmosphere with bowling, arcade games, and karaoke—plus, they host a ’90s/2000s throwback dance party on weekends. Boketto Steakhouse brings an exciting twist with a blend of steakhouse traditions and Japanese elegance. Hope Breakfast Bar added a location here, and Rojo Mexican Grill will be transforming into the beloved Chi-Chi’s revival this summer.
Unique Experiences
West End’s public art displays, such as Full Circle (a beautiful spherical sculpture), offer a creative escape while strolling through the walkable neighborhood. For those seeking interactive fun, the Marcus West End Cinema’s Aurora Organ lets visitors engage with art through LED lights and sensors. Canvas Convergence is a dynamic 3D experiential art gallery featuring ever-changing interactive murals, where you can take selfies with unique scenes like a dinosaur nest, an Italian village, or ice fishing with Paul Bunyan.
Courtesy of Westopolis
What’s Happening?
Throughout the year, you’ll find a mix of live performances, art exhibits, and seasonal celebrations, like art-focused gatherings at Canvas Convergence. In July, the W.E. Chalk Festival brings two days of vibrant chalk and street art, celebrating the creativity and talent of local and national artists. The MinnesoThai Street Food Festival in September celebrates the fusion of Minnesotan and Southeast Asian cultures with delicious Thai street food, live performances, art, and more. Every October, the Twin Cities Film Fest transforms the area into a hub of creativity, screening over 120 independent films at Marcus West End Cinema. Whether you’re a cinephile or casual moviegoer, it’s an experience you can’t miss.
Courtesy of Westopolis
50th & France – Edina
Better Together
A maze of brick-lined alleyways and tucked-away small businesses make up the 50th & France district, offering a window into the neighborhood’s enduring collaborative spirit. “The businesses have a real sense of community,” says Rebecca Sorensen, executive director of the 50th & France Business Association. “They love supporting each other and are starting to really get creative about their collaborations.” From brands participating in the
district’s annual summer art fair, which will mark its 68th year this June, to building one-on-one partnerships to boost customer engagement, these collaborations communicate the rare diversity of experiences possible along this tree-lined stretch. “You can multitask here,” says Sorensen. “You can bring your knives to Vivront to get them sharpened, and while you’re waiting, you can do some shopping at Bluebird Boutique and grab a bite to eat at Ama Sushi or The Lynhall.”
Photo by Emily Davis
On the Horizon
Founded in the 1970s, 50th & France Business Association has continuously evolved to meet shifting consumer needs. “We’re finding that a lot of Generation Z customers like the in-store experience, so the stores have been getting creative,” says Sorensen. Two additions are open this spring: Studiiyo (Studiiyo 23) and The Fitting Room. “I’m excited to be in such a supportive retail culture,” says Kimberly Jurek-Valanzaska, owner of The Fitting Room, a boutique that supports local designers. Studiiyo, known as Minnesota’s top Nike destination, brings an urban, art-centric fashion line to the area.
Photo by Emily Davis
All You Can Eat (and More)
Foodies will delight in newer additions including Mothership Pizza Paradise by Chef Tommy Begnaud and Daniel del Prado’s Dexter’s, a sports bar and burger joint. Jazzy, New Orleans-inspired Mr. Paul’s Supper Club is in a season of innovation, with plans to revamp the former po’ boys sandwich shop in the back of their space with a new concept.
Photo by Emily Davis
Moh Habib, Founder/Owner of Studiiyo
What excites you most about opening your third Studiiyo location on 50th & France?
“Having a presence here gives us the opportunity to further segment our market—bringing in slightly higher-priced items and different apparel brands that cater to a more affluent demographic. I’m such a collaborative person, so I’m really excited to see the spirit of the community in action and start building new relationships.”
Water Street – Excelsior
A Window to the Past
It’s easy to believe the charming, brick-lined entertainment district we know as Water Street was a vision foreseen by the New York colonists who founded the township of Excelsior in 1853, making it the first village on Lake Minnetonka. But long before the block was teeming with style moguls, restaurant connoisseurs, and avid antique hunters, it was a sleepy expanse of fishing and farming settlements winding down into the crystal blue Lake Minnetonka. Still, it seems colonist George Bertram had at least an inkling of what Water Street would one day become, when in 1852, he described it as “a village… possessing almost everything that the heart of a man could wish for.”
Where Timeless Meets Timely
Water Street blends dining, retail, and entertainment with historic sites and Victorian homes, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Longtime shopkeepers like Darel and LaVerna Leipold of Leipold’s Gifts & Antiques reflect the district’s enduring charm, while newer spots like Layline and Equation bring a modern touch. “There’s an incredible passion about it,” says Brightwater Clothing & Gear owner Bill Damberg. “The community has grown, bringing in people who appreciate its positivity—that’s what makes this street so cool.” Damberg, a former Chamber of Commerce president, has seen the district evolve, with new spots like Parlour revitalizing spaces like the former Bull & Wren Pub. “We hope people will remember what came before us,” says Mike DeCamp of Jester Concepts, preserving a bit of the past in their design.
Courtesy of Brightwater Clothing & Gear
A Shopping Town with a Lake Problem
Lake Minnetonka anchors the street’s vibrant retail scene, blending coastal sophistication with local charm. From fashion-forward, boat-day outfits to antique sailboat figurines, shops like Lake Effect, Ooh La La Boutique, and Brightwater Clothing & Gear offer waterside living-inspired finds. Leipold’s Gifts & Antiques and Country Look In Antiques showcase local history, while Golden Rule Gallery offers contemporary art, handmade jewelry, and small-batch apothecary goods in a standout colonial-style setting.
Courtesy of Ooh La La Boutique
Jester Concepts
Jester Concepts is bringing an unparalleled three-concept dining experience to Water Street in May—here is what owner and operations director Mike DeCamp had to say.
“We like to put concepts in locations that fill a void of some sort, and we didn’t really see noodles and dumplings on Water Street, so we thought that would be a nice addition as our ground-floor concept. We really like the neighborhood. Water Street just has that old-world kind of charm. I think where Excelsior really excels is they’ve made it a point to not let Water Street change. They’re not tearing down buildings and putting up bigger businesses or newer buildings. They’re repurposing the buildings they have, which I think is great because it really maintains that character that you can’t build.”
Photo Provided
Worth the Drive
These unique downtowns are within 90 minutes of the Twin Cities, perfect for a day trip:
+ Eau Claire (WI) – Artsy and energetic town with indie shops, craft breweries, and the Pablo Center.
+ Faribault – Known for its historic downtown, Faribault Woolen Mill, and a growing food scene.
+ Hudson (WI) – Cozy river town with a lively main street, great restaurants, and beautiful river walks.
+ New Ulm – German heritage, unique architecture, and the famous August Schell Brewery.
+ Northfield – Charming college town with a historic main street, unique shops, and the Cannon River.
+ Red Wing – Home to Red Wing Shoes, scenic bluffs, and a picturesque downtown by the Mississippi River.
+ River Falls (WI) – A hidden gem with a relaxed vibe, riverfront charm, and nearby hiking.
+ Rochester – Vibrant downtown with the Peace Plaza, Mayo Clinic history, and top-tier dining.
+ Stillwater – Historic riverfront, boutique shopping, and scenic St. Croix River views.
+ Winona – Stunning riverside destination with historic architecture, museums, and bluff views.
Worth the Stay
These destinations are two-plus hours from the Twin Cities—and absolutely worthy of an overnight (or weekend) stay:
+ Bayfield (WI) – A historic, walkable downtown with stunning lake views and access to the Apostle Islands.
+ Bemidji – Home of Paul Bunyan, a revitalized downtown, and a thriving arts and food scene.
+ Duluth – Iconic lakeside restaurants, breweries, and unique shops.
+ Ely – A gateway to the Boundary Waters with a historic downtown full of outfitters, shops, and cafes.
+ Grand Marais – A North Shore treasure with artsy shops, harbor views, and the legendary World’s Best Donuts.
+ Lanesboro – A picturesque bluff country town with a historic main street, bike trails, and charming inns.
+ Little Falls – A historic river town with a vibrant arts scene, antique shops, and the Charles Lindbergh House.
+ Nisswa – A quintessential Minnesota resort town with a fun downtown, great shopping, and lakeside charm.
+ Pipestone – A town rich in Native American history, with a historic district built from unique pink Sioux quartzite.
+ Wabasha – One of Minnesota’s oldest river towns, packed with charm and home to the National Eagle Center.
