Things To Do
Como Lakeside Pavilion
We walk Louie around this lake often and also had some of our engagement pictures taken here. It's about a 1.5 mile walk around the lake. There is a little shop inside the pavilion to order a drink and/or snack. In the summer, you can rent a swan boat, kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Free admission. A voluntary donation of $4 for an adult and $2 for a child is encouraged but not mandatory. Open 10AM – 6PM.
Mill Ruins Park
Great area & close to the Stone Arch Bridge.
Stone Arch Bridge
Great views of Minneapolis and a place we take most people who are visiting from out-of-town! Additional walking trails, museums, restaurants/bars, and a theater nearby. Recommend walking along the NE side along St. Anthony Main where you will find Aster Cafe (which was named as the “best place to go on a first date” in Minneapolis).
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minnehaha Falls & Sea Salt Eatery
Another place we take friends and family from out-of-town. Go see the 53-foot waterfall overlooking the Mississippi River, walk along the trails, and stop into Sea Salt Eatery for a drink and snack.
Acme Comedy Company
Mall of America®
American Swedish Institute
Summit Avenue
We recommend you drive down Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. A lot of Victorian-style homes and a lot of history. Beautiful architecture.
Watershed Spa
The website says it all! May be hard to get an appointment if waiting to the list minute, but SO worth it!
Stillwater
Stillwater is a nice area to walk around in the summer. Right on the St. Croix river and loaded with restaurants, bars, antique shops, and gift shops. We recommend stopping into Crosby Hotel for dinner and drinks at Match & Stick (https://www.matchstickgrill.com/).
Lake of the Isles
We are known to be "The Land of 10,000 Lakes"! Even though according to Google, there are actually 11,842 lakes.
Lake Harriet
Cafe Latte
We went here on one of our first dates and usually grab a slice of cake whenever we are in the area. Highly recommend a slice of the vanilla tres leches cake. On Friday & Saturday nights, they have live music and a nice wine bar as well.
Red Rabbit (Multiple Locations)
You can never go wrong with Red Rabbit. Affiliated with Red Cow (listed below). There are a few locations. We recommend the location in Minneapolis (address listed here) or in Saint Paul. The Saint Paul location has a lot more to offer and other restaurants, bars, and shopping. Everything is great and recommend the sticky toffee cake for dessert.
Moscow on the Hill
A Russian & European restaurant. Don't let the menu scare you, it's delicious! They are known for their cocktails, especially their variety of express martinis!
W. A. Frost and Company
Reservations available. Known for great cocktails and comfortable atmosphere. Read about the history--https://www.wafrost.com/about-us. Other restaurants and bars in the area, street parking, and a great view of the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar
Another favorite Italian restaurant of ours! Reservations available online. We recommend the forgmaggio di capra as an appetizer!
Red Cow (Multiple Locations)
One of our favorite places to grab a burger. There are a few locations. We recommend the location in Minneapolis or in Saint Paul. We highly recommend the ahi tuna burger or the 60/40 burger!
Young Joni
HIGHLY RECOMMEND RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME! Features Ann Kim on "Chef's Table" on Netflix. Ann Kim has a few other restaurants in the metro area. Speakeasy in the back alley. Gluten free pizza available.
La Tapatia
This is a GREAT Mexican restaurant close to the hotels! You can make reservations online. We have gone when there is a wait and have always gotten seated prior to the time they predicted. Small outdoor seating area as well.
The Monte Carlo
A restaurant/cocktail bar located in North Minneapolis. Lululemon, Madewell, West Elm, Allbirds, and other shopping nearby. Other restaurants and bars nearby: Hewing Hotel, JD Hoyts, Crisp & Green, Billy Sushi (with a speakeasy), and one of the Red Rabbit & Red Cow locations.
Surdyk's Liquor & Cheese Shop
While it may just look like a liquor store in NE MPLS, it has a sidebar with great shareable snacks and great cocktails (strawberry high kick with hot honey is where it's at). If you make it here, pop into the liquor store for samples and an adorable shop connected with cheese, meats, and pre-prepared food. In the front of the liquor store is a walk-up coffee bar. Across the street is Step Child with some of the best wings we have had! (Step Child--https://www.stepchld.com/).
Wrecktangle Pizza (Multiple Locations, one at Market at Malcom Yards)
It's not Chicago deep-dish, but it's pretty darn good!
The Market At Malcolm Yards
Many food options, full bar, and self-pour beer! Unable to post the website, but you can see options online!
Bar Cart Lounge And Restaurant
Fletcher's Ice Cream & Cafe
We recommend the lemon poppy seed flavor!
Insight Brewing & Taproom
HeadFlyer Brewing
Barrel Theory Beer Company
Lake Monster Brewing Company
Surly Brewing Co.
O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
From the website: At the O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, our vision is to bring together the best of Irish and American whiskey making traditions. Helmed by world-renowned Master Distiller Brian Nation, former Master Distiller at Jameson, Redbreast and Midleton Very Rare whiskey’s. At our distillery, the magic of whiskey making begins with our three triple copper pots where we make American Whiskey in the traditional Irish triple distillation style. Our flagship offering, Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey is the first whiskey to blend the very best of Irish and American distilling traditions to deliver a truly unique and remarkable taste experience.