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Get to Know Northeast Minneapolis

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Young Joni, Northeast Minneapolis / The Restaurant Project, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Things to Do // Arts, Culture & Heritage // Food & Drink // Wineries & Breweries // Shopping // Minneapolis-St. Paul Area // Minneapolis-St. Paul // List

Get to Know Northeast Minneapolis

By Amy Rea

Just across the river from downtown Minneapolis is Northeast, a rich historical area that was an early melting pot for immigrants arriving in the state. Today it’s a vibrant mix of locally owned retail and restaurants. This is just a sampling of what’s there; take your time and explore.

Northeast Minneapolis I Like You Store Interior

I Like You, Northeast Minneapolis

Repurpose Republic Storefront, Northeast Minneapolis

Modern Age District/Repurpose Republic, Northeast Minneapolis / Doug Coppess

Antiquified Northeast Minneapolis

Antiquified, Northeast Minneapolis / Julie Gubbin

  1. Unique, #OnlyinMN shops
    Unique, #OnlyinMN shops

    Antiquified. Located in a historic gingerbread house, Antiquified offers a deep dive into rare Americana in the form of framed prints, vintage lace and linens, kitchenware, records, children's books, cameras, toys and assorted other vintage goodies.

    I Like You. The owners of this whimsical shop, in which inventory changes frequently, are well-connected to the Twin Cities' artists and crafters. The store carries a wide assortment of locally made kitchen needs, jewelry, books, candles, puzzles and games.

    Modern Age District/Repurpose Republic. Find the perfect mid-century modern furniture and lighting here, including some repurposed pieces and industrial items.

    Rewind. This is a one-stop shop for anyone in search of vintage and unique contemporary clothing and accessories.

  2. Restaurants
    Jax Cafe Bar

     Jax Cafe, Northeast Minneapolis / Bob Pearl

    Restaurants

    Centro/Vivir. These Mexican eateries share a building and some overlap in their menus. For oysters and items like cactus tacos and ceviche, eat at Centro. For swoon-worthy baked goods and a mushroom breakfast sandwich that's addictive, go to Vivir (which opened in late 2020).

    Hai Hai. Chef Christina Nguyen serves vibrant Southeast Asian street food, including beef laab and coconut shrimp toast. Dine in during the winter to soak in the warm, jungle-like interior or visit in the summer to relax on the patio.

    Jax Café. A stalwart in Northeast Minneapolis dining, Jax is a classic supper club, with prime rib, steaks, lobster tails and walleye.

    The Mill Northeast. A great spot for hearty breakfasts, sandwiches and entrees, including jerk-fried chicken, baked mac and cheese and steak stroganoff.

    Restaurant Alma. This long-time Northeast Minneapolis favorite was one of the early places to focus on local food providers with its seasonally changing fine-dining menu. The restaurant is housed in a historic building with a hotel and a casual café serving upscale sandwiches and sumptuous baked goods.

    Young Joni. James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim serves globally inspired wood-fired pizzas along with a handful of non-pizza entrees. Tip: Look for the red light in the alley. If it's turned on, Young Joni's back bar is open for cocktails and pizza.

  3. Breweries and Distilleries
    Bartender at Norseman Distillery

    Norseman Distillery, Northeast Minneapolis / Connor Siedow and Norseman Distillery

    Breweries and Distilleries

    Brother Justus. This distillery is named after a Benedictine monk who lived in central Minnesota during Prohibition and who encouraged local farmers to ignore the law and continue distilling whiskey. It uses Minnesota oak to mature its American single malt whiskeys.

    Fair State Brewing Cooperative. Yes: A co-op for beer lovers. You don't have to belong to visit the taproom and try the wide range of offerings.

    Norseman Distillery. This is not only a distillery offering a full slate of spirits and liqueurs but also an event venue with Trivia Mafia (which originated in Northeast Minneapolis) and improv nights.

  4. Arts and Entertainment
    Northeast Minneapolis Fair State Brewing Taproom

    Fair State Brewing Taproom, Northeast Minneapolis / Kadi Kaelin

    Arts and Entertainment

    This is where you'll find the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, home to historic buildings that house artist studios, including the Northrup King Building, the California Building and Casket Arts. Each building has numerous open studio dates, along with annual events such as Art-a-Whirl, the largest open studio tour in the country, which takes place the third weekend in May.

  5. Parks and Trails
    NE Minneapolis Columbia Golf Course

    Columbia Golf Course, Northeast Minneapolis / Minneapolis Park Recreation Board

    Parks and Trails

    The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway has more than 50 miles each of walking and biking trails throughout Minneapolis, including areas along the Mississippi River. In Northeast Minneapolis, you can access the byway along St. Anthony Parkway and Stinson Parkway. There is residential street parking in several areas, and there are also public parking lots near St. Anthony Parkway on the southwest and southeast sides of Columbia Golf Course.