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So What's Up 'Over North?'
Having lived nearly three decades on the south side, I know zip about North Minneapolis. So what's the deal? Aside from a href="null" target="_blank">The Bean Scene and Wirth Park, does anybody know of any good stuff in the way of eating, shopping, or otherwise hanging out over North?
72 Reader Comments
The park along the Mississippi is awesome. Great trails right at the river level, compared to the bluffs of Seward & Longfellow. It's a shame there isn't an easy path all the way up there. However, it can be biked with a little shimmying (sp?) at Broadway.
Crap, I messed up the Bean Scene link.
BTW, I will have to check out that park, thanks!
It's not near north, but breakfast at Emily's in Camden should be on your list. Tooties way down on Broadway (or is it Lowry?) down by the hospital in Robbinsdale has great burgers. Top Diner has a weird but wonderful menu that is half-diner food and half-south/central American.
Rix (next block from Emily's) has Surly on tap (and good food, I've heard). Surly is brewed just north in Brooklyn Center.
zenrhino--Tooties is on Lowry. They also have some sweet arcade games there (street fighter!).
I'd have to second the comment about the Mississippi Park...and add that the Wirth Park/Victory Memorial/Webber Parkways, all part of the Grand Rounds, connect with that sweet Mississippi Park fairly easily...no need to bike on Broadway. Well, I suppose it depends on where you start.
I drive through the north side every day--live in Robbinsdale, work downtown--and it's really hard to find something good to say about it.
Tooties (it is on Lowry, just east of where Broadway crosses over) definitely does make a great burger, and there are a couple of nice little oriental markets along Lowry. Aside from a few outstanding businesses (Cookie Cart, Bean Scene) however, Broadway really is a dump.
Er............................... I just bought a house 2 blocks off Broadway, near Penn.
If Broadway's a dump, I guess I'll just have to grab my flashlight, don the steel-toed boots and dive it like a professional. :-)
There's just a lack of interesting sites along Broadway. Lake Street has record stores, theatres, international cuisine... Broadway has a discount furniture store and a Taco Bell.
Of course there are some eyesores along Lake Street (used car lots in particular) but the few gems along Lake make up for it. Broadway needs a Hymie's, or a Mercado Central, or--something.
Broadway at Penn isn't too bad--Broadway Liquor Outlet just did a little bit of renovating and it's starting to look like they run a successful business. However, right across the street is a children's dance studio which proudly displays its many trophies--but the place looks so dumpy it's hard to believe children want to go there. With the steel bars in every window, it looks more like a prison than a fun place for kids to get their groove on.
You don't have to go far past north to find a true jewel: Thistles. It's just inside Robbinsdale on 42nd and W. Broadway Ave. It's beautiful, classy, and won't cost you a fortune if you're taking out a date. Plus, the patio in the summer is exquisite. It's worth the few minutes extra...
The Cookie Cart on Broadway/Emerson does awesome things with awesome kids in generally awesome ways.
I wish it received more attention.
My wife talked me into moving up here (plymouth ave) 'cause of the "great deal" we could get on a house. Big Mistake. North sucks-no decent grocery stores, no merchants of ANY quality, and quite frankly, Mr. Liberal is now a prejudiced bigot thanks to the constant uncivilized boorish behaviour of the neighbors. I can't wait to get the fuck out of here.
I will second Tooties (kick ass burgers) and Rix (sweet potato fries!). Yum. Papa's Pizza on Thomas and 41 is terrific!
Across the street from Rix is The Warren, an artist habitat. They are always having cool events to help bring together the artsy folks in the N.
Since we have no real decent grocery options: The Cub on Broadway always seems significantly cheaper than The Rainbow in Robbinsdale. And they usually have good security guard presense in and out of the store.
Living in an old house, having a hardware store close by is nice. The North End hardware store on Penn and Lowry has the best service. There is someone to greet you at the door and take you directly to what you are looking for.
Being the booze hound I am, the clerks @ Camden Liquors on Lyndale are always super friendly and they are always fully stocked with Leinie's products.
Lots of Re-s: The Lowry rehab is coming along nicely (bike lanes!) and the remodeled Library should reopen soon.
Kevin, I have to agree with you, on some level. My cultural background is very different from those I now live around. It's hard to get used to constant loud noise (music, honking, yelling)... And the crappy neighbors who litter and are just disrespectful--in general--suck. It is frustrating and sometimes I throw my hands up and swear my house is going on the market the very next day. Then, I remember how bad the market is now and realize I can't compete with the 500 other houses in my neighborhood that are for sale. So, I just keep trying to get involved in the community thru our neighborhood association. And just be persistent about picking up that litter and calling the cops when there are problems. Maybe someday it will make a difference.
Done.
Grocery stores are a problem on the northside, this website's not up to date, but perhaps they are working on it. http://www.northsidefoodproject.org I know there are a number of community garden projects going on too.
And they usually have good security guard presense in and out of the store.
that's what i always look for in a grocery store...good security. yeesh.
move across 94 and go to lunds.
see, it's so easy to be a liberal when you just read about poor people on the internets. try living there, immerse yourself in those neighborhoods, then see if your perspective changes. it's like "why the fuck am i trying to help these people again? they don't even care!?!?"
shortyJ you got my issues exactly. Nice to know I'm not the only one on litter patrol.
Litter! I just moved from 28th and Colfax (South) to 18th ave s/Lake St area--Everyday I pick up garbage in my front yard. My boyfriend and I are convienenced someone just likes to watch us pick it up.
God, I hate that fucking "it's easy to be a liberal into you actually have to deal with poor or black people" trope.
You know, there are plenty of poor people and black people who are liberals. It's not just suburban white people who lock their car doors when they drive through North Minneapolis.
vvvvrrrrrrght! who said "black"? not me... but of course poor people are liberals you twat...where else they get their money from?
And a Christmas greeting to our newest troll. Hey, here's another greeting: Fuck off.
I wish it to be known that I do not agree with blame-the-victim race-baiting, my move to near north was entirely motivated by economic concerns not altruism, and if there was a decent grocery store in walking distance I would probably be as happy here as I was in Powderhorn. Crappy neighbors and litter are everywhere, even the 'burbs. And despite it all, I'm still a progressive, I think things can get better if we try, and when the Workers own the means of Production, most of our problems will solve themselves, comrades! (the last line is a humorous jest, please do not flame me for it).
zenrhino -- what's good about Emily's? I went once and only once because it sucked . . .
yep, anybody that disagrees with the all knowing msparber is a troll. merry christmas to you too.
crappy neighbors and litter are everywhere, but certainly more prevelant in poor neighborhoods. seems i've read plenty of stories about well intentioned folks moving to those hoods, then throwing their hands up saying "fuck it, it's not worth it." that's all.
it's good that people try though...i live in the city too...it's just frustrating.
It's a greasy spoon! You have to love it.
No, the food isn't amazing, but go there early on a saturday or sunday morning and it's a great experience.
No, you're a troll because your first few comments were useless and deliberately inflammatory attacks on liberals. Let me read back from the record:
but of course poor people are liberals you twat...where else they get their money from?
Oh, hey, yes, good job there. Way to encourage community and conversation.
community and conversation...kinda like when you told me to "fuck off"?
i stand by calling you a twat for pointing out that poor people are generally liberals. you don't need to point that out, we all have a 4th grade education here.
The pancakes are great -- eggy and rich and none too thick or heavy.
The bacon they use is thick and they cook it to order on a flat-top, none of this "cook the bacon hours ahead and leave it out to dry on a sheet tray" stuff you see so many other places.
Plus they have great soups and sandwiches, the service is always great, and now and again they'll surprise you with something like grits (!).
And Max, aren't you being a bit prejudiced? After all -- it could be a Chanunkah greeting to the new troll. ;)
I was told there's a record store/clothing store on Broadway that sells BAPEsters and shit like that. Anybody know the name of the place?
Eggies in robbinsdale is really good. i know, it's not north, and the portions are WAY too big for a mere troll like myself....but i still like it.
merry kwanzaa.
we all have a 4th grade education here.
You don't want to be told to fuck off, don't call someone a twat; I suppose you don't learn that until sixth grade. I expressed my frustration at you comment that it easy to be a liberal until you actual have to deal with poor people, because it suggests that liberals are uptight wealthy people and poor people are ... well, something else. The moment you responded to that with blinkered hostility is the moment I wrote you off -- especially since you followed it up with another tired old cliché about liberals, or what sounded like one. Frankly, "where else they get their money from?" doesn't scan very well as a sentence. I'm not sure what point you were making.
Listen, every few months we get another idiot who thinks it's funny to pop in here and just mouth off about liberals. You don't want to be called a troll, don't be that guy. I am happy to have honest disagreements, but there is nothing honest about trolling.
Oh, and I'm fond of the vodka bar in the St. Petersburg Restaurant. They also make great pirogies, and they're cheaper than at Nye's.
actually i wasn't referring to rich white people who move into those neighborhoods, it's usually middle class white people with really big hearts and good intentions that give it a go. i've been that guy. but you get to a certain point where you just get fed up with all the bullshit, and you need to put your family first and say "i don't want my wife and kid harrassed on the way to the bus every day", and you make the decision to move out. that didn't scan very well as a sentence either, but dammit i'm at work and don't have time for perfect grammar.
twat.
You see, you get to the point where it is possible to have a conversation, and then you deteriorate into assholery at the end. Then you complain when someone calls you a troll?
I was told there's a record store/clothing store on Broadway that sells BAPEsters and shit like that. Anybody know the name of the place?
don't go to digital records, the owner will shoot you. nah, it's something with an "I", i believe, and it's in the strip mall by the mcdonalds.
man i was kidding!!!
Well, then, I take back the troll comment.
Joik.
word.
I agree with you that there are some communities that are just trashed, and the people who live there are just trash. It doesn't seem to be rooted in economics or race, either. I mean, Elliot Park is pretty working class and racially diversified, but for the most part, clean, free of graffiti, and comparatively safe. I think there is just a certain collection of miscreants who can't behave anywhere, and a certain collection of unconcerned slumlords, and when the two meet, it ruins a neighborhood.
Let's all hug.
I already have my pants off.
Carrie - isn't 18th ave and Lake in south Minneapolis? I'm at 11th/Lake, maybe tonight I'll throw trash in your yard for fun. Do you wear low-cut shirts? That could be it, too.
Kevin--
How are the new digs?
Well, uh, anyway... I'm not scared to be in North Mpls. I mean really - I hail from the Phillips neighborhood, so I know the drill.
North End Hardware is great - I've been there three times already this week. The staffpeople have been cheery and helpful every time.
I'm also happy to hear all these restaurant recommendations - I need lunch spots, considering my kitchen is gutted at the moment.
Thanks folks!!!
Wow, kwatt moved to one block from my old house... weird, considering the fact that I used to work one floor down from him in the same office too...
Dude are you stalking me???? We've never even met!
In their garage at 28th and Isles? These thugs are afraid of nothing.
From buzz.mn:
This came in from the Minneapolis Police Department and seems worthy of attention:
From December 6th -17th, there have been five robberies of persons and one assault/possible attempted robbery, all of shoppers and employees near area businesses.
All of these robberies have occurred after 5:30pm when it is starting to get dark. Please use caution in parking lots and walking home from businesses.
Some information on the reported incidents:
1. 06-342710;12/6/2006 at 7:40pm at 24xx Humboldt Av S. Suspect (B/M, 56-57, 20-24yrs, light blue hooded winter coat) grabbed victim as she walked home from grocery store. He stole her purse and cash from her pockets, and then fled on foot.
2. 06-346283; 12/10/2006 at 10:35pm at 30xx Knox Av S. The victim, a store employee, was walking home from work when he was approached by two suspects (W/Ms 54-57, 18-21yrs, dark hooded clothing) asking for the time. The victim became suspicious and took off running. The suspects chased him and hit him over the head with a metal object. No loss was reported.
3. 06-347690; 12/12/2006 at 5:40pm near 50th and France Av S. Victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot behind a local business when the suspect (W/M, 56-58, 25-30yrs, blue jeans, hat, dark-colored jacket) ran up to her. The suspect asked for victims purse, sprayed mace in her face, and fled with the purse.
4. 06-347827; 12/12/2006 at 8:50pm on 28xx Lake of the Isles Pkwy W. After arriving home from a grocery shopping trip, the victims were confronted in the garage of their home. The suspects (2 B/Ms, 510-511, 28-30yrs, hooded winter coats) shoved one of the victims to the ground, took his wallet, and fled.
5. 06-351347; 12/16/2006 around 6pm at 38th and Aldrich Av S. Victim was walking home from the grocery store when she was followed by two B/M suspects (S1-59-60, 15-16yrs, blk hooded sweatshirt, S2- 56-57, 15-16yrs, light-colored hooded sweatshirt). One suspect approached the victim and grabbed for her. The victim swung her groceries and screamed. The suspects fled. No loss reported.
6. 06-352267; 12/17/2006 at 8:40pm at 28xx Humboldt Av S. Two victims were walking home from the grocery store when suspect (B/M, 510-60, 25-35yrs, dark jacket, dark pants, dark hat) ran up from behind and grabbed V1s purse. A struggle for the purse ensued between the victims and the suspect. The suspect fled with the purse. The victims did not notice a weapon during the struggled but found out later that they had been injured by a knife.
someone needs to beat the f_ck out of justin shelton
It makes me feel better (but, yet, not really) to hear others face the same problems with litter.... so, it's not just our Nside neighborhood.
And cubbie, I live in N. mpls for the same reason Kevin does, it's more affordable. That said, I shop at the well guarded Cub because I can't afford the Lunds.
Erte is fantastic on Univ (?) just north of Broadway... great food and priced well
Carrie - isn't 18th ave and Lake in south Minneapolis? I'm at 11th/Lake, maybe tonight I'll throw trash in your yard for fun. Do you wear low-cut shirts? That could be it, too.
2 funny... it is probably the low rise jeans though.
Here's what you need.
The new digs are nice, BTW. When there is decoration maybe I'll post to my Flickr. Don't expect this until summer.
I live around 31st and Lyndale in North, I've been here for about 5 years.
There is very little in the way of restaurants, but there is a couple of gems that may have already been mentioned:
Rix - Good food, friendly place, good beer.
Top Diner - Not as good since the owner change, but they have a great skillet special on weekends.
Pair a Dice pizza - Decent greazy thin crust pizza. An upgrade from the chain places.
Bean Scene - Friendliest service from a coffee shop that I've ever experienced.
Tooties - I've actually never been, but I've heard the burgers are great.
Merwin Liquors on Broadway/Lyndale - Decent microbrew selection.
I had such great promise for Cub on Broadway, but their produce is horrendous.
What we need: A Thai restaurant....pretty please.
An authentic Mexican taco joint. There is Tortuga on Central in NE that I highly reccomend, but we need one over here.
A decent grocery/co-op.
With the Lowry revitalization looking great, I expect some businesses to start capitalizing on the county road.
I'm a black, liberal, and have lived in North Minneapolis my entire life [with the exception of the time I'm away at school]. Yeah, there are bad areas of North Minneapolis and, surprise, there are bad areas of South Minneapolis. I don't think the point of this thread was to be a critique of North Minneapolis, I think it was to find out where some interesting places to eat or visit are. I, for one, don't need a critique of North Minneapolis, as much as I need to know some cool places to go. So, thanks to everyone who is actually providing this info.
As a Camden resident, I'm also wondering if anyone knows of some cool places in Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, or Crystal?
I'm white and liberal and live in North. My neighbors are all different. I don't only pay attention to the loud ones. I do most of my shopping and eating across the bridge in NE or over in Robbinsdale. (Video Universe is the best video store in the metro)
Bean Scene is good and has Jazz.
Rix is ok...I support them because they're here.
There are no good grocery stores, I dont' shop at Kowalski's anywhere because they dumped the Super Value in North. Northside Cub is ok.
I used to like going to Gentleman's Taco...but it's gone.
Lowry looks pretty good, north needs more store-fronts that aren't hair salons or dentist's offices.
I pick up a lot of garbage in my front lawn too but at least no one tells me that I have to cut my grass a certain way.
North is in a sad shape compared to the rest of the city..but there are a lot of fine folks who live here.
Bixby, thanks for reminding us that we're not discussing how much litter is in the northside.
Great India (their website just went down) in Brooklyn Center is excellent. I heard a rumor that it's run by the guy from Udupi in Columbia Heights? Not sure. Udupi used to be the be the best.
There's a pretty sweet drive-in restaurant that's right of hwy 81, in crystal. Forget the name of it, but who doesn't like a drive-in?
Also, Surly Brewery in Brooklyn Center, is having a tour on Jan 13:
i'm going to harold's chicken on broadway for lunch today. mmmmm....fried chicken......
It's not in North Minneapolis, but the Cub Foods in Brooklyn Center is pretty decent, as is the one in Robbinsdale off 100.
I've been meaning to hit up Rix since it's not far from my house. Based on what people are saying, I'll definitely have to check it out before I head back to school.
DngMouse, is the drive-in off 81 sort of by 694?
Shad,
Don't be pissed at Kowalski's for shutting the Humboldt store...they were losing their asses to Cub at Brokendale and to theft at the store! How do I know this, I have a friend whose been with the store for 15 years and was working at Humboldt since he lived closest to there and was there for the entire time they were open. They even spent some big $$ for a remodel of the store, but stopped about 1/2 way through cause they were told from owners that the plug was being pulled on that store.
I used to go there before Broadway Cub opened up, and by the way, it's too bad that store has to have so damn many cops inside and outside of there. I now go to the Rainbow at the Quarry to shop.
Rix is a fantastic place to go to for dinner and Emily's cafe is great for a weekend morning breakfast...that place is always packed on weekends. I've hear people talk about a place called Milda's cafe on Glenwood, near Penn Avenue, but I've never been there myself. Is Lucille's Kitchen still open on Plymouth Avenue???
I have been to Milda's a few times...I have had breakfast and a few sandwiches there, nothing fancy but a nice little place to have around. One of the few eating places in Mpls where I have seen a diverse crowd of people.
Rix is great for dinner. Emily's is great for breakfast. Joy Luck on Lyndale is good for quick, cheap Asian.
And on the subject of north-side-bashing, Patrick Henry HS was once again ranked in Newsweek's top 5% of high schools nation-wide. Yes, better than the other 95%. Seriously. While there may not be a ton of bars & restaurants, there are a lot of great people raising great kids. They just don't the press that the idiots do.
As for the close suburbs, the St Petersburg in Robbinsdale on 81 makes great martinis, and the Crystal Bistro is really a wonderful Afghan restaurant!
I'm a North side resident ....going on 3 years. I appreciate the suggestions of those who STAYED on the topic of this post. Thank you.
We definately need more restaurants and retail. But revitalization IS starting in my neighborhood, Harrison!!
Watch for some exciting developments at Penn and Glenwood!! Retail and residential.
As a northside resident, I am pleased to see that some people are interested as to what goes on up here. The bad press that seems to dominate people perceptions of the area is quite annoying. There are many things that go on up here that never gets too much press. Our library is in danger of closing permanently, if such a thing tired to happen in Linden Hills there will be such a stink it would not be funny.
Many restuarants and stores in this neighborhood get by on the decision of people to shop in their neighborhood and not go out to the malls and such. We have such a diversity of people and things to see here. A lot of people have friends up here in the north part of the city. Visit them more often and go to the restaurants and events here.
Daune,
Which library might close permanently? Aren't they just now finishing up with the remodel of North Regional?
The Webber/Camden Library. The Last day is 12/28/06.
Where's a hangout North? Wowser! I live in Bryn Mawr. And so I frequent the Cuppa Java at the corner of Penn Ave & Cedar Lk Rd So. Nice choice of Yuppy-ized coffee. Mix of Yuppster freelancers, mommies w/kids, stayathome daddies, oldsters and salesmen/biz suit types. Music often way too loud and sucky. Fancy/schmanzy Yuppster coffeemaker will make you deaf. Best to be there on a Peaberry coffee day. Wear earplugs. Alt place is one blk north on Cedar Lk Rd: Bryn Mawr Coffee House is a no-frills, spare cafe. Alive mainly from 8 to 9 am. Rest of day is a morgue. I heartily recommend Milda's on Glenwood Ave. Bisquits & Gravy is my favorite dish. Always busy place. Area biz types, both suits & blue collar folks. My kinda people. Real old time cafe food. No Yuppy pussy food. Menu has steak & eggs, busquits & gravy, big gooey carmel rolls. LOVE IT! Efficient service. Best place to eatl in the city!
Why is there a gathering of cars that come & go frequently at Wirth Park lots? It looks like some kind of ritual or club.
Guess it is drugs or sex in some bizarre way.
Ok I was not sure if anyone mentioned Broadway Pizza on Broadway by the river. It is too bad about Kowalski's. I live by the Cub at Brookdale, what a night mare. I second and third Emily's as well. If you want to go North East I also recommend Chiapas on central just South of Lowry. Yumm.
Milda's in N. Mpls. is awesome! The food is home cooked. Breakfast rolls are fresh every morning and the Pasty's are the best! My favorite is the Hot Roast Beef Sandwich...not the same or as good anywhere else! A great neighborhood place! I have even run into people here in Florida who have frequented Milda's when in Minnesota. Milda was the owner and was there early every morning to make those huge tasty cinnamon and caramel breakfast rolls ... and the pasty's of course ... for over 35 yrs. Milda passed away 15 Nov. 2005 and her daughter and son-in-law are now running the show. Check it out...send your friends and family...Mildas Cafe - 1720 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Yeah Milda's is the place to go for great homecooked meals!!! No better breakfast or Hot Meatloaf sandwiches anywhere!!! Everyone needs to try it! It's just a little diner with a lot of taste! Even the soups are great!
Merwin Liquors recently updated our wine selection and we will be expanding into a nice section of single bottle micro and specialty brews in the next few weeks. Don't be scared off by the area, there really are some gems. Just wait five years and you will see a vital west broadway corridor...
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