Dusty Hoskovec
The North Loop neighborhood, slightly north of downtown Minneapolis, was emptied out by the Great Depression, but now it’s the fastest growing urban hotspot in the Twin Cities. Also known as the Warehouse District, it attracts young professionals with revamped, exposed-brick warehouse lofts that only enhance hipster vibes. Apartments are upscale-industrial, skyline views are omnipresent, and the restaurant scene is spectacular.
J.D. Hoyt’s Supper Club prepares a standout, thick-cut pork chop, and Spoon and Stable is a special-occasion go-to for French-inspired fine dining (the space was once an actual horse stable). Other front-runners include Smack Shack (awesome lobster rolls) and Demi (welcoming, top-of-the-line tasting-menu experience). For top-notch mixology and killer atmospheres, head to Nolo’s or Parlour.
TJ Turner
In the summer, residents venture out to the Minneapolis Farmers Market and to ball games at Target Field. (Go, Twins!) The Fillmore, a recently opened music venue nearby, books a diverse lineup of big-name artists.
The walkable North Loop is just a short jaunt from downtown, and Metro Transit access provides a quick connection, too. Downtown Minneapolis is seriously growing; its population skyrocketed to over 50,000 in 2019. That makes it another prime spot to settle down, with the construction of additional modern apartments underway.
Dusty Hoskovec
Downtown keeps residents busy—and draws in Minnesotans from all over—with cultural events and attractions year-round. The Loring Park neighborhood hosts the Twin Cities Pride festival in June, and Holidazzle sets up shop here during the holidays. Locals and visitors enjoy interpreting the contemporary art at the Walker Art Center, where the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sits just outside in the free-to-roam Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Nearby, the Basilica of St. Mary puts on a music fest in July, filling its front lawn with the rocking Basilica Block Party.
Mike Sande
Dining and drinking options in the area include Cafe & Bar Lurcat, with upscale comfort food and a breezy lounge near Loring Park, and Lakes and Legends Brewing Co., a rest stop with craft brews and indoor lawn chairs. One way to go from park to cafe is by bike, and Nice Ride Minneapolis provides bike rentals at small stations throughout downtown. From Loring Park, cruise along the Loring Greenway pedestrian path. Soon, you’ll immerse yourself in Minneapolis’ 12-block stretch of restaurants, bars and shops: Nicollet Mall. Wherever you are, the beating heart of the Twin Cities isn’t far away.
