{My favorite eats, treats + local shops in Minneapolis.}

Nearly three years ago to this day Zack + I moved to Minneapolis from Detroit. Right now we’re on the road, driving to Santa Monica to start yet another family adventure. I’m sure I’ve already cried this morning, as we left the city. Probably twice. From September 2010 to August 2012 we called Minneapolis “home”, and I quickly came to love many restaurants, bakeries + shops. Most of what are listed below are locally owned ~ all are unique, fun + definitely worth visiting. For those that are visiting Minneapolis and are staying downtown, I noted the places that are located downtown; the rest are located within the city of Minneapolis, if not very close to it.

Enjoy my favorite finds, and Minneapolis — we’ll always love you. You helped me birth Gussy Sews and then in June 2012 you were the city where we learned we were expecting our first baby. We love you Minneapolis! :)

EATS:

Hell’s Kitchen, a unique spin on traditional foods {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Ham + Pear Crisp

Britt’s Pub, pub + grill {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Strawberry Mango Chicken Salad

Kieran’s Irish Pub, fantastic pub + grill {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Hot Pretzel + Mustard Platter

Bombay Bistro, Indian food {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Chicken Curry Entree

Pizza Luce, the best pizza in Minneapolis {downtown Minneapolis location} — favorite: Baked Artichoke Dip + Bread

Burger Jones, burger, fries + homemade shakes — favorite: Salted Caramel Shake

Punch, Neapolitan pizza — favorite: Margarete Pizza

Edina Grill, fresh + organic fare — favorite: Chicken Pear Salad

Our Kitchen, greasy breakfast diner  — favorite: Kitchen Special with Pancakes

Common Roots Cafe, local + organic fare — favorite: Fish Tacos

YUM!, kitchen + bakery — favorite: everything :)

TREATS:

Patisserie 46, french bakery — favorite: Ham + Gruyère Croissant

Sugar Sugar Candy, old fashioned candy shop — favorite: hard candies

Sebastian Joe’s, homemade ice-cream shop — favorite: Oreo Ice-Cream

Candy Land, TO DIE FOR fresh popcorn, chocolate + treats {downtown Minneapolis} — favorite: Caramel Popcorn

YUM!, kitchen + bakery — favorite: everything :)

SHOPS:

Patina, handmade + quirky gifts for self, home, baby

I Like You, handmade gifts from over 200 handmade local artists

City Salvage, beautiful architectural pieces, furniture, old door knobs/glass bottles/antiques

Hunt & Gather, GIANT quirky antique store

Paper Hat, handmade art + gifts

OUTSIDE FUN:

Nice Ride MN, hourly/daily bike rentals

Lake Calhoun, clean beaches {with lifeguards}, bike/kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, The Tin Fish restaurant, separate walking + bike paths, restroom near restaurant

Lake Harriet, clean beaches {with lifeguards}, bike/kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, Bread & Pickle restaurant, separate walking + bike paths, restroom near restaurant

ODDS + ENDS:

The Chair Hair Salon, make sure you visit Rachel, she’s a pro at curly hair :)

Royal Pet, dog grooming

FAVORITE FABRIC SHOP:

SR Harris, wholesale fabric outlet {the building is 30,000 sq ft!}