The Fifth · 1310 5th St NE, Minneapolis
I've lived in Northeast for 12 years. For many years before that I was a food writer — I published Meal Magazine and wrote Twin Cities Cocktails. These are my real picks: the places I actually go, the walks I actually take, and the things I think make this neighborhood — and this city — genuinely special.
By Pete Sieve · Author of Twin Cities Cocktails · Publisher, Meal Magazine
These are my regular stops as someone who lives in the neighborhood. My go-tos. Most are within walking distance, some require a short drive. All are great.
All-Day Café · Cocktail Bar
The Briar
My most-visited spot. A great breakfast sandwich and coffee in the morning; a completely different and equally excellent cocktail bar at night.
✦ Short walk
Wood-Fired · Best Patio in Town
All Saints
The patio is the best in the neighborhood. The burger — Peterson Craftsman Meats, house-made pickled peppers on a bakery bun — might be the best in Minneapolis.
✦ 222 E Hennepin · 5 min walk
James Beard Award · Café & Restaurant
Cafe Alma
Award-winning cafe by day, prix fixe dinner by night. One of the places that put Minneapolis on the food map. Worth the trip any day of the week.
✦ 528 University Ave SE · 10 min
James Beard · Southeast Asian
Hai Hai
Chef Christina Nguyen's Southeast Asian street food in a vibrant room. Go with the full group and order everything. The cocktails match the food.
✦ ~10 min walk
Classic American Diner · Since 1949
Ideal Diner
Fourteen counter stools. Open since 1949, closes at 2pm. Perfect hash browns, perfect pancakes. The neighborhood's best weekend morning ritual.
✦ 1314 Central Ave NE · 5 min walk
Ecuadorian · Genuinely Underrated
Chimborazo
The third-rated restaurant in Minneapolis and barely known outside the neighborhood. Order the chaulafan and the beef empanadas. You'll go back.
✦ 2851 Central Ave NE · 10 min
Korean-Inspired · Sit at the Bar
Minari
Sit at the bar and get the Kimchi Burger. One of the best burgers I've had anywhere, and almost never gets mentioned.
✦ Short walk
Neapolitan & Argentinian Pizza
Rosalia
Chef Daniel del Prado's pizza spot. The fugazza — thick Argentinian-style pizza by the slice — is something else entirely. The back patio is excellent.
✦ 333 E Hennepin Ave · 5 min walk
James Beard Award · Small MN Farms
Myriel
Chef Karyn Tomlinson
One of the best restaurants in the state. Ingredient-driven cooking at its finest. A 20-minute drive that earns every mile.
✦ St. Paul · ~20 min drive
James Beard · #50 North America's 50 Best
Diane's Place
Chef Diane Moua
Extraordinary takes on her Hmong family recipes and remarkable pastries. #50 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants. A short walk. Book in advance.
✦ Short walk
Italian · Punk Pasta · North Loop
Dario
Chef Joe Rolle's pink-and-teal punk pasta destination. A glass-enclosed pasta room, beautiful space, and the best pasta in Minneapolis.
✦ North Loop · 10–15 min drive
American Creole · Rotisserie
Brasa
One of my most-visited. American Creole cooking built around the rotisserie — slow-roasted chicken and pork, grits, rice and beans, a dozen sides. Open daily 11am–9pm.
✦ 600 E Hennepin Ave · ~15 min walk
James Beard · Hmong-Inspired
Vinai
Chef Yia Vang
One of the most important — and most delicious — meals in Minneapolis. Reserve well in advance. Build the trip around it.
✦ Short walk
James Beard · #50 North America's 50 Best
Diane's Place
Chef Diane Moua
Extraordinary takes on her Hmong family recipes and remarkable pastries. #50 on North America's 50 Best. Book as far in advance as possible.
✦ Short walk
James Beard · Southeast Asian
Hai Hai
Chef Christina Nguyen
Southeast Asian street food in a vibrant, buzzing room with knockout cocktails. Go with a group and order everything.
✦ ~10 min walk
James Beard · Mexican · Masa
Oro by Nixta
Chef Gustavo Romero
Acclaimed masa-based Mexican cooking. Small, beautiful, and worth every penny.
✦ Short walk
Korean-Inspired · Cocktail Lounge
Minari & The Pikok Lounge
Elevated Korean food in Minari, exceptional cocktails and natural wine next door at Pikok. Go for dinner and stay for drinks.
✦ Short walk
Cocktails · Latin & Asian Flavors
Mestiizo
Inventive cocktails with Latin and Asian flavor influences. A neighborhood gem that punches well above its profile.
✦ Short walk
Mexican · Street Food
Centro
The best tacos and street food in the neighborhood. Order several rounds, grab a frozen margarita. No fuss.
✦ Short walk
Gastropub · Right Around the Corner
The Northeast Social
The neighborhood's best all-around spot. Great burger, excellent cocktails, a vibe that works every night of the week.
✦ Steps away
Modern Dive Bar · Burgers
Bina's
A sleek spin on the neighborhood dive — standout smash burgers, natural wine, and a room that feels both divey and polished.
✦ Short walk
Wine Bar · Late Night
Small Hours
Intimate wine bar with great food and a hi-fi vinyl selection. The kind of place you stay for three more glasses.
✦ Short walk
American Creole · Rotisserie
Brasa Premium Rotisserie
Slow-roasted chicken and pork, grits, rice and beans, sweet potatoes, a dozen sides. Open daily 11am–9pm.
✦ 600 E Hennepin · ~15 min walk
British Fish & Chips
Anchor Fish & Chips
Genuine British fish and chips with a cult following. There is always a line and it is always worth it. Get the halibut.
✦ ~10 min walk
These are my top picks for the best destination restaurants in the Twin Cities. All have made national news and are drowning in awards. I'd put any of them up against the top spots in NYC, London, or Los Angeles. If you're into food and want to know why we punch above our weight culinarily for our size, these are your places.
Tasting Menu · World-Class
Demi
Chef Gavin Kaysen
An intimate, world-class tasting room. Technically flawless, warm in spirit, and unlike anything else in Minneapolis. Reserve months in advance.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
James Beard Award · New American
Myriel
Chef Karyn Tomlinson
Award-winning ode to small Minnesota farms. One of the most important restaurants in the state. A 20-minute drive that earns every mile.
✦ St. Paul · ~20 min drive
French-Inspired · Local Ingredients
Bucheron
Intimate South Minneapolis restaurant doing beautiful French-based cooking with a serious commitment to local sourcing. The kind of meal that earns repeat visits.
✦ South Mpls · ~15 min drive
French Countryside · Natural Wine
Aubergine
Elevated, authentic French countryside cooking and a fantastic natural wine program. The kind of evening that makes you feel like you're in Burgundy.
✦ ~20 min drive
Seasonal Italian · Global Inflection
Hyacinth
Beautifully crafted seasonal Italian in St. Paul, inflected with flavors from all over the world. One of the most exciting restaurants in the TC right now.
✦ St. Paul · ~15 min drive
Japanese Omakase & Italian-Japanese
Kado No Mise / Sanjusan
Chef Furukawa · James Beard Semifinalist
Ground floor is Sanjusan — Japanese-Italian fusion. Upstairs is Kado No Mise, one of the finest omakase experiences in the Midwest. Edomae sushi, three tasting menus. Reserve well in advance.
✦ 33 N 1st Ave · North Loop · ~10 min drive
Italian · Pasta · North Loop
Bar La Grassa
Chef Isaac Becker's acclaimed Italian restaurant. Inventive pasta, beautiful antipasto, wood-fired cooking. One of Minneapolis's most beloved and consistently excellent restaurants.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
French-Inspired · Converted Horse Stable
Spoon & Stable
Chef Gavin Kaysen
Kaysen's flagship restaurant in a stunning century-old horse stable. French-inspired, seasonally driven. The place to go for a genuinely special meal.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
Minneapolis Institution · Classic Cocktails
The Monte Carlo
A Minneapolis institution that hasn't chased trends because it doesn't need to. Classic cocktails, classic bar food, old-school atmosphere. Get the famous wings.
✦ Downtown · ~10 min drive
French Café & Bistro · North Loop
Bellecour
Chef Gavin Kaysen
An amazing café by day — outstanding pastries, beautiful breakfast and lunch — and a proper French bistro by night. One of the most versatile spots in the city.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
Argentine Wood-Fire · North Loop
Porzana
Chef Daniel del Prado · James Beard Semifinalist
Del Prado's Argentine wood-fire steakhouse with serious Italian and Spanish influence — wood-grilled meats, rich pastas, excellent crudos. Fire-driven and confident.
✦ 200 N 1st St · North Loop · ~10 min drive
Mediterranean · Four Seasons Minneapolis
Mara
Chef Gavin Kaysen
Kaysen's Mediterranean restaurant at the Four Seasons — coastal, refined, beautifully executed. A place you dress up for. Excellent for a special dinner or leisurely brunch.
✦ Four Seasons · ~10 min drive
Bakery Café · 7am–4pm
Café Marguerite
Croissants from La Boulangerie Marguerite, Dogwood coffee, croissant breakfast sandwiches, soups, quiche. The right answer for a quick excellent breakfast.
✦ 300 13th Ave NE · 3 blocks
Deli · House-Made Focaccia
Marty's Deli
Line out the door on weekends. House-made focaccia on every sandwich. Get there early or accept the wait. Worth it either way.
✦ NE Minneapolis · short walk
Mexican · Tacos · Brunch Buffet
Maya Cuisine
The best taco and burrito joint in the neighborhood. The salsa bar and Sunday brunch buffet are both outstanding. Relaxed, affordable, great.
✦ 1840 Central Ave NE · ~10 min walk
Lebanese Deli · Since 1973
Emily's Lebanese Deli
Over 50 years of family-recipe tabbouli, grape leaves, hummus, spinach pies, and lamb shish kebab. Get the spinach pies.
✦ 641 University Ave NE · short walk
Thai Takeout
Khao Hom Thai
The neighborhood go-to for Thai. Get the Khao Soi. They remember regulars by name.
✦ 2411 Central Ave NE · short drive
Cheese Shop · Deli · Liquor
Surdyk's
The only grocery in Minneapolis with a liquor license — grandfathered in from Prohibition. Award-winning cheese shop, full deli, excellent wine selection.
✦ 303 E Hennepin Ave · ~15 min walk
Chicago Dogs
Uncle Franky's
Named the best hot dog joint in Minnesota — and Chicago natives give it their seal of approval. Classic Chicago dogs. Don't ask for ketchup.
✦ 728 Broadway St NE · short walk
Vietnamese · Banh Mi · Noodle Salads
Lu's Sandwich
Voted best banh mi in the US. House-made bread, beautifully seasoned meats. Take one back to the deck.
✦ NE Minneapolis · short walk
Middle Eastern Deli · Market
Holy Land
A beloved NE institution. Full deli counter, a grocery worth exploring, standout falafel and shawarma. Get the chicken shawarma wrap.
✦ Central Ave NE · ~10 min walk
Soft Serve · Over the Top
MN Nice Cream
Locally sourced soft serve in made-to-order creations — waffle cone, dish, or between a donut. Nine-plus rotating toppings. The cone at the end of a Quincy Street walk is mandatory.
✦ 807 Broadway St NE · short walk
Craft Brewery · Taproom
Indeed Brewing
One of NE's best breweries — a large, welcoming taproom with rotating taps, a great beer garden, and food worth ordering. Reliably excellent.
✦ ~10 min walk
Craft Distillery · Cocktail Bar
Earl Giles Distillery
NE's own distillery with a beautiful on-site bar. House-made spirits, well-crafted cocktails, a space that rewards slowing down.
✦ Short walk
Dive Bar · Live Music · No Cover
The 331 Club
One of the best small live music venues in Minneapolis. Beer is cheap, stage is close, local bands every night. A true NE institution.
✦ Short walk
Dive Bar · NE Classic
The Knight Cap
Classically charming Nordeast dive with a fish tank behind the bar and a weekly meat raffle. One of those bars that's been the same forever.
✦ Short walk
Dive Bar · Huge Patio
Grumpy's Northeast
Classic Minneapolis dive with a massive patio, cold PBRs, and a genuinely friendly crowd. Where the neighborhood actually drinks on a warm night.
✦ ~10 min walk
Craft Brewery · Taproom
Dangerous Man Brewing
Neighborhood brewery with rotating taps and a no-frills taproom. The peanut butter porter is a local legend.
✦ ~14 min walk
Bakery Café · 3 Blocks · 7am–4pm
Café Marguerite
Three blocks away. Croissants from La Boulangerie Marguerite, Dogwood coffee, breakfast sandwiches, soups, quiche. Opens at 7am — perfect before a morning walk.
✦ 300 13th Ave NE
All-Day Café · Bar
The Briar
The best all-day spot in the neighborhood. Great coffee in the morning, solid food all day, cocktails at night. The room transforms completely after dark.
✦ Short walk
Espresso · Neighborhood Institution
Matchbox Coffee
NE's espresso institution with a cute patio. Old school, no-nonsense, excellent. Go early on weekends.
✦ ~5 min walk
Specialty Coffee Roaster
Spyhouse Coffee — NE
Minneapolis's best-known specialty roaster. Big, airy Northeast location — great for slow mornings.
✦ ~15 min walk
Every walkable spot in this guide is on the map. Click or tap any marker for details. Color-coded by category so you can see at a glance what's nearby.
Historic Riverside Bar · 1893
The Sample Room
An 1893 riverside saloon on Marshall Street — candlelit, warm, a perfect old wooden bar. Barrel-aged cocktails, great fries. One of the most atmospheric rooms in NE.
✦ 2124 Marshall St NE · ~10 min walk
Historic Inn · Skyline Views · Martinis
The Bar at Nicollet Island Inn
A 150-year-old bar with original stained glass and carved woodwork, brought from a New England seaport. Views over Nicollet Island Park. Let a seasoned bartender make you a martini.
✦ Nicollet Island · short drive
Immersive Cocktail Den · Walk-Ins Only
Stargazer
From the Travail Kitchen team. Stars projected in the ceiling, a horseshoe bar, 50+ cocktails made entirely from scratch. Five minutes from the house. Walk-ins only.
✦ 1304 NE 2nd St · 5 min walk
Cocktail Bar · Creative Bites
Bar Oscar
Feels like a bar you'd stumble into in Brooklyn. Excellent craft cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, creative bites. Pete knows the owners — tell them he sent you. Farina Rossa pizza next door is very much worth staying for.
✦ 2512 Central Ave NE · short walk
Cocktail Lounge · Natural Wine
The Pikok Lounge
Minari's cocktail lounge next door — natural wine, exceptional cocktails, and a room that rewards dressing up a little.
✦ Short walk
Wood-Fired · Best Patio in NE
All Saints
The patio is the main event in warm weather, but the cocktails earn their place year-round. Order the burger. Stay for another round.
✦ 222 E Hennepin · 5 min walk
James Beard · Southeast Asian · Great Cocktails
Hai Hai
Chef Christina Nguyen's cocktail program is as good as the food — inventive, Southeast Asian-inflected, and genuinely worth an order before dinner. Great bar seating if you can get it.
✦ ~10 min walk
James Beard · Agave-Based Cocktails
Oro by Nixta
The intimate bar at Oro is a destination in itself — perfect agave-based cocktails in a beautifully small room. Pull up a stool, order a mezcal something, and let the night go where it goes.
✦ Short walk
Minneapolis has a serious live music culture — a legacy that goes back to Prince and runs through a scene that still produces genuinely great music any night of the week.
Jazz · Cocktail Bar · Pete's Fave
Berlin
One of Pete's favorites. An intimate, stunning North Loop room inspired by the small jazz clubs of Germany. Mostly instrumental jazz, sneaky excellent food, refined cocktails. Get the mezcal old fashioned. Closed Tuesdays.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
The House Prince Built
First Avenue
One of the greatest rock clubs in the world. A working concert hall since 1970 in a converted Greyhound bus station. Prince filmed Purple Rain here. Check the calendar and make it a show night.
✦ 701 1st Ave N · Downtown · ~10 min drive
Premier Jazz Club
The Dakota
Minneapolis's premier jazz venue. World-class musicians in a sophisticated room on Nicollet Mall, with a strong food program. The kind of place that rewards dressing up.
✦ Nicollet Mall · Downtown · ~10 min drive
Funk & Soul · Prince's Old Haunt
Bunker's Music Bar & Grill
Prince used to play here. The real-deal Minneapolis funk and soul venue. Don't miss The Combo on Monday nights — one of the most joyful evenings you can have in Minneapolis.
✦ North Loop · ~10 min drive
NE Classic · Every Night · No Cover
The 331 Club
Great local live music every single night with no cover. Always a good room, always good crowd, always something playing. Beer is cheap, stage is close.
✦ Short walk
NE Dive · Blues Hall of Fame · Dancing
Shaw's Bar & Grill
Owner Mike Shaw was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Live blues, rock, and jazz most nights. Front tables cleared for dancing on busy nights. No cover most nights. Sneaky good burgers.
✦ 1528 University Ave NE
Brewery · Live Events · Beer Garden
Indeed Brewing
Always has something happening worth checking out — outdoor concerts in the beer garden, indoor sets, special events. Check their calendar before you go.
✦ ~10 min walk
Artist Studios · Galleries
Northrup King Building
The heart of the NE Arts District — hundreds of artists' studios across multiple floors in a converted seed warehouse. Open studio events throughout the year. Walk in and explore.
✦ Short walk
Contemporary Art Gallery
Dreamsong Gallery
One of the most exciting contemporary galleries in NE — showing emerging and established artists in a beautifully curated space.
✦ 1 block
Contemporary Art Gallery
Rogue Buddha Gallery
One of NE's anchor galleries. Local and regional contemporary artists in a welcoming space on Central Ave. Free to visit — good for a 30-minute browse before dinner.
✦ 1 block
Performing Arts · Film · Events
The Ritz Theater
A restored 1920s theater staging acclaimed productions from Theater Latte Da, film screenings, and community events. Check their calendar before you arrive.
✦ ~10 min walk
Annual Open Studios
Art-A-Whirl
The largest open studio tour in the country, held every May. Dozens of artist studios open their doors over a weekend. If you're here in May, plan around it.
✦ Throughout NE
Arty Gift Shop · Curiosities
Curiosity Shop
A genuinely fun, eccentric gift shop packed with art books, quirky objects, handmade goods. The kind of shop that eats an hour without trying.
✦ ~3 block walk
NE Minneapolis is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, and it sits at the edge of some of the best urban walking in the Midwest.
Mississippi River Walk
Walk Out the Door · As Long as You WantWalk west on 13th Ave past the restaurants and bars from this guide. Keep going a few more blocks and you'll land in Grain Belt Park right on the Mississippi. Head south through Graco Park into Boom Island — great skyline views. Head north and the trail takes you past Broken Clock Brewing and Aki's Breadhouse.
Downtown Northeast
~15 Min Walk SouthWalk south to East Hennepin Ave. Surdyk's cheese shop (since 1934). All Saints with the best patio in the neighborhood. Rosalia's wood-fired pizza. A stretch of vintage clothing shops. The kind of street that turns a 20-minute errand into a two-hour afternoon.
NE Arts District & Quincy Street
Head East · 20–30 MinWalk east on 15th Ave to Quincy Street — a funky old cobblestone road by the train tracks, anchored by Indeed Brewing on the north end and Earl Giles Distillery on the south. In between: the Solar Arts Building, Vivir, Centro, Bina's, Architectural Antiques, and more. End at MN Nice Cream or Uncle Franky's.
Stone Arch Bridge & St. Anthony Falls
Best Walk in Minneapolis · 30 Min or 12 Min BikeCross the Stone Arch Bridge — 2,100 feet of native granite, the only arch bridge on the river. St. Anthony Falls lies directly below: the only natural waterfall on the entire Mississippi. Walk the Heritage Trail through the Mill District ruins. End at St. Anthony Main for a drink. This is the one to do.
The North Loop
Best Neighborhood for an Afternoon Out · 10 Min DriveA short drive to one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis for an afternoon on foot. Converted brick warehouses now hold some of the best restaurants in the city — Dario is here — plus excellent independent shops. Park once, wander the blocks.
Neighborhood Market · Charming
Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market
The closest market and one of the most charming in the city. Running since 2000 in the St. Boniface Church parking lot. Local farmers, food makers, and artisans who actually live here. Winter market at 56 Brewing, monthly November through April.
✦ 629 NE 2nd St · Sat 9am–1pm · May–Oct · short walk
Make a Full Day of It
Mill City Farmers Market
Widely considered the best market in the Twin Cities — 115+ vendors at the Mill City Museum on the Mississippi. The move: walk or bike down the Stone Arch Bridge, cross to the market, then walk next door to the Guthrie. Perfect Minneapolis Saturday. Year-round.
✦ 704 S 2nd St · Sat 8am–1pm · ~25 min walk or 12 min bike
5 Days a Week · Open Late Season
Minneapolis Farmers Market
The largest and oldest in Minneapolis. Hundreds of vendors, the full range of produce, flowers, meat, cheese, and prepared food. Open Wednesday through Sunday — the most accessible option if you can't make a Saturday.
✦ 312 E Lyndale Ave N · Wed–Fri 7am–1pm · Sat–Sun 6am–1pm
Most of these are 15–25 minutes away. Minneapolis punches well above its weight as a cultural city — these are the reasons why.
Contemporary Art Museum · Sculpture Garden
Walker Art Center
One of the top contemporary art destinations in the country. The adjacent Sculpture Garden — anchored by the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry — is free and open year-round. Budget half a day.
✦ Lowry Hill · ~15 min drive
Waterfall · Park · Sea Salt Eatery
Minnehaha Falls
A 53-foot waterfall in a beautiful regional park — beautiful in every season. Sea Salt Eatery right next to the falls is non-negotiable: fresh seafood, great tacos, cold beer, one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the state. Open April–October.
✦ South Minneapolis · ~20 min drive
World-Class Art Museum · Free Admission
Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia)
Over 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, free general admission. One of the most comprehensive collections in the country for a city this size. Budget half a day.
✦ Whittier · ~20 min drive
Acclaimed Theater · Endless Bridge
Guthrie Theater
One of the most respected regional theaters in the country, on the Mississippi River. Even without a show, walk out to the Endless Bridge — a cantilevered platform with a view of St. Anthony Falls that stops people cold.
✦ Mill District · ~15 min drive
Victorian Greenhouse · Year-Round
Como Park Conservatory
A stunning Victorian glass conservatory in St. Paul — tropical plants, orchids, a sunken garden. Free admission (donation suggested). Como Zoo is next door, also free. One of the great underrated half-days in the TC.
✦ St. Paul · ~20 min drive
Lakes · Trails · The Full Experience
The Chain of Lakes
Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Lake Harriet — connected by trails. Walk, bike, paddleboard, swim. Lake Harriet has free concerts on summer evenings. If the weather is good and you haven't been, you're doing Minneapolis wrong.
✦ SW Minneapolis · ~20 min drive
On Foot
Vinai, 331 Club, Northeast Social — all under 15 min. NE is genuinely walkable and safe at night.
By Bike
Bike lanes throughout NE. Mississippi River Trail is 10–15 min away. Nice Ride and Lime bikes everywhere.
By Car
Free street parking on 5th St NE. Downtown is 7 minutes. MSP Airport is 20 minutes without traffic.
Uber / Lyft
Very well-served. Downtown is typically $8–12. The Guthrie and U of M are 10–15 min rides.
Book The Fifth direct — skip the Airbnb fees, same home, same host.