Our Favorite Coffee, Food, + Sights in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota

Every time I go back to Minneapolis I’m surprised at how “big city” it feels. It kind of feels like a mini Chicago to me — except it’s super clean and doesn’t have the traffic problems — but it still has all the great parts — amazing restaurants, amazing coffee shops, a happening art scene, and just all around cool vibes.

St. Paul, just on the other side of the river is not as talked about but truly, equally as amazing. The cities are so close that every time we visit we end up popping back and forth between the two throughout each day. St. Paul is smaller, but still has it’s own downtown area that is fun to explore — lots of shops, restaurants, and awesome architecture.

One of the things that sets these cities apart from other midwest cities is the access to nature. Not only are there some beautiful parks throughout both cities, there are also places where you can get a legitimate hike in without stepping outside the city limits.

Fall is probably the best time to visit these wonderful cities, but all year round there are plenty of activities going on. Whether you’re looking for a long-weekend getaway or a place to spend an entire week, the Minneapolis and St. Paul both have plenty to offer.

 

Transportation

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are very bike friendly. If you flew in and didn’t want to rent a car you could still manage to see a lot of the city. However, a car is probably the most ideal way to get around if you have it as an option.

COFFEE

SK Coffee - This roastery focuses on single-origin micro lot roasting which basically just means every time you go here they have limited edition, super interesting beans to try. Once we had a pour over that had peanut butter ice cream tasting notes and it was so fun. If you’re lucky enough to catch the owner, Sam, he’s always down to chat all things coffee. If not, all the baristas we’ve met are super knowledgable and friendly. They have two locations. The one in St. Paul is the original location and is a bit more on the industrial side. The Minneapolis location is a bit newer, but provides the same amazing coffee with some extra pretty light and vintage detailing. Since we discovered this place anytime we are near the twin cities we’ve made this coffee shop a destination. If you have to choose one coffee shop to go to, this is a must.

Wesley Andrews - A third wave shop definitely worth stopping by. Their baristas are very knowledgeable and they offer a variety of single-origin beans including some fermented options.

FRGMNT Coffee - This place was HUGE. If you’re in the North Loop area and in search of a solid cup of coffee that also includes some trendy vibes, here’s your spot. Come for the coffee, stay for the fireplace.

Duck Duck Coffee - This shop was located in Minneapolis. I love the grunge hipster vibe of this shop. They also have great breakfast sandwiches!

Yellowbird Coffee Bar - This shop was nestled in a quiet neighborhood in St. Paul where they had adorable adirondack chairs outside. The coffee was good. Not necessarily mind blowing, but good. It’s a great spot to lounge for a bit.

Nina’s Coffee - This shop was located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, but made me feel like I was in a European city. The building has such charm. We split a breakfast burrito and really enjoyed taking in the details of the building. It seems like the perfect shop to post up for a few hours studying or just reading.

FOOD/DRINKS

Owamni by The Sioux Chef - This restaurant serves up indigenous cuisine. They prioritize purchasing from indiginous food producers and have avoided the use of colonized ingredients such as sugar, dairy, and wheat flour. The menu changes as the seasons change, but when we were there they had bison asada tacos, maple chili sweet potato crisps, and blue corn porridge. Everything was both beautiful and delicious without feeling too indulgent. They’re generally booked out pretty far, but if you’re willing to sit at the bar you can usually put your name in for lunch and only wait an hour or so. It’s nestled along the riverwalk, so if you put your name in you can just go for a leisurely pre-dinner walk and I guarantee the time will fly.

Young Joni - If you’re looking for woodfire pizzas, fancy AF salads, and even fancier cocktails, this is the place for you. It’s a bit higher end and therefor a bit spendier, but it’s a really great date night spot or celebration spot.

The Anchor Fish & Chips - An Irish Pub with the best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my entire life.

Surly’s Brewery- This place is HUGE. It includes a large beer hall as well as a beer garden big enough to bring a large group. They have food options as well as a significant beer list.

Dangerous Man - This is an awesome brewery with a really great tapp room. My favorite is their peanut butter porter. It can get super busy inside on the weekend, but they also have a really cute alley with tables and string lights to hang out on.

SIGHTS

• St. Paul

  • St. Paul Cathedral - Whether you go inside or not, this cathedral is worth the stop just to take in all it’s beauty.

  • Old Houses on Grand Avenue - After you’re done looking at the St. Paul Cathedral walk down Grand Avenue and take in all of the gorgeous houses that line this historic street.

  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory - This is a great FREE activity that is super fun for all ages.

  • Golden Fig Grocery - This is such a cute grocer / kitchen store that had some really unique finds. It’s really close to the St. Paul Cathedral and totally worth a sop if you happen to be in the area.

  • Hidden Falls Park - Although when we were there the falls weren’t flowing super strongly, the short hike to the falls was nice. It’s also just a great park to bring a picnic to and hangout.

• Minneapolis

  • Mill City Farmer’s Market - A really great farmer’s market on Saturdays. Check their website for specific times depending on the time of year.

  • Bde Maka Ska Park - This is a great park for walking, running, biking, kayaking, paddle baording, or just hanigng on the beach by the water.

  • Minnehaha Fall Regional Park - I love that this park is just smack dab in the city. This park boasts a 52 foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. This is definitely worth a stop to fill your outdoorsy heart.

  • Mill Ruins Park - This is another must if you’re in Minneapolis. Mill Ruins Park is a stunning park in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota that is set on the west side of Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River. There is a huge, historic stone bridge that was converted into a pedestrian and bike trail in the 1990’s. As you walk across the bridge you can take in the views of St. Anthony Falls, the only waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. The bridge links Mill Ruins Park on the west and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park on the east bank.

  • Mall of America - I’m not really a huge shopper, but it’s still fun to go to the largest mall in America at least once.