Your Guide to Minneapolis
Dinner
Zelo
Zelo is an elegant Italian restaurant located right in the heart of downtown, known for combining classic Italian flavors with a contemporary flair. The menu features handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and standout entrées like cedar-planked salmon and braised short ribs, all paired with a curated wine list and craft cocktails. Its sleek, modern interior and attentive service make it a popular choice for both business dinners and special nights out. Conveniently close to the conference hotel, Zelo offers a refined dining experience without having to venture far.
Manny's
Manny’s is a Minneapolis institution and one of the country’s top-rated steakhouses. Located in the Foshay Tower, it offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where the focus is on exceptional quality and service. The menu highlights USDA Prime, dry-aged cuts, prepared simply and perfectly, alongside large, thoughtful sides and an extensive wine list. Manny’s delivers the polished, confident steakhouse experience that has made it a Twin Cities favorite.
801 Chophouse
801 Chophouse brings a modern sense of refinement to the classic American steakhouse. The menu features USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine and bourbon selection, all served in an elegant setting of rich leather, brass accents, and soft lighting. It’s a place where attention to detail defines every course — from impeccable cuts to polished service. Ideal for both business dinners and special occasions, 801 Chophouse offers understated luxury in the heart of downtown.
Murray’s
A Minneapolis institution since 1946, Murray’s is famous for its “Silver Butter Knife Steak,” a 28-ounce sirloin that’s carved tableside and so tender it can be cut with a butter knife. The dining room preserves its midcentury charm with white tablecloths, soft lighting, and impeccable service. It’s a nostalgic yet timeless dining experience.
Porzana
Porzana is Chef Daniel del Prado’s Argentine-inspired steakhouse in the North Loop, blending Latin flavors with Minneapolis sophistication. The menu features wood-fired meats, vibrant small plates, and inventive cocktails. The stylish interior—complete with exposed brick, warm lighting, and an energetic open kitchen—makes it one of the city’s hottest dining destinations.
Hell's Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is a quirky underground restaurant that has built a reputation for its inventive breakfast and brunch menu. Famous dishes include lemon-ricotta hotcakes, caramel-pecan rolls, and house-made peanut butter. The eclectic décor gives the space an unmistakable personality.
Owamni
Owamni is a groundbreaking Indigenous restaurant created by Chef Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef. In 2022, it was named Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation, and Sherman himself won the 2023 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest. The menu celebrates Native staples like bison, walleye, wild rice, corn, beans, and squash. Dining here is both a cultural and culinary experience — celebrating Indigenous foodways with contemporary creativity and national acclaim. Reservations are a must.
Spoon and Stable
Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable blends French technique with Midwestern seasonality in one of the city’s most celebrated dining rooms. Located in a renovated horse stable, the space balances rustic warmth with modern design. The menu shifts with the seasons, offering thoughtful cocktails, refined entrées, and standout desserts. It’s widely considered one of Minneapolis’s best restaurants.
Bar La Grassa
Bar La Grassa is known for its house-made pasta and bustling atmosphere. The menu features inventive small plates and hearty entrées, ranging from gnocchi to rabbit ragù. It’s one of the North Loop’s most consistently popular restaurants.
Maison Margaux
Maison Margaux recreates the romance of a French brasserie in Minneapolis. The dark, moody interior is paired with a menu featuring steak frites, duck confit, escargot, and other French classics. A well-curated wine list and elegant cocktails add to its sophistication. It’s a stylish destination for the indulgent dinner.
Farmer’s Kitchen & Bar
Farmer’s Kitchen & Bar showcases the best of Minnesota farms with a focus on local sourcing and seasonal menus. Bright interiors and large windows make it feel airy and inviting. It’s a versatile spot, equally good for brunch before sightseeing or dinner after a show at the Guthrie Theater next door. In warmer months, the patio is especially popular.
Pizza Lucé
Pizza Lucé has been serving inventive pies and hearty hoagies since the 1990s. The downtown location is lively late into the night, making it a favorite after concerts or games. The menu caters to a wide audience with vegan and gluten-free options alongside comfort food staples. It’s a quintessential Minneapolis pizza stop.
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza’s signature crust is smoky, crisp, and lightly charred, giving each pizza a bold, distinctive flavor. The menu balances classics like pepperoni with inventive options featuring local ingredients.
Eat Street
Eat Street is a stretch of Nicollet Avenue lined with restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. From Vietnamese pho to Somali sambusas to Latin American tacos, the variety is unmatched. It’s a great place for adventurous eaters or groups who want to try multiple spots. Many restaurants are casual and affordable, making it easy to graze.
Kramarczuk’s
Kramarczuk’s is a legendary Eastern European deli and sausage maker that has served Minneapolis since 1954. The restaurant and bakery serve pierogis, cabbage rolls, and handmade sausages that celebrate immigrant traditions. The casual setting feels like stepping into an old-world European market. It’s worth the short trip to Northeast for a hearty, authentic meal.
Hai Hai
Hai Hai is a vibrant Southeast Asian street food restaurant that has received national recognition for its inventive, flavor-packed dishes. Chef Christina Nguyen was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest, and the restaurant has been featured in publications like Bon Appétit and Eater for its bold, modern take on Vietnamese cuisine. The space itself is colorful and lively, with tropical décor and a bustling patio that’s especially popular in summer. Signature dishes like turmeric & dill fish, crispy spring rolls, and creative cocktails make it a must-visit for adventurous diners.
Diane’s Place
Diane’s Place is Chef Diane Moua’s acclaimed restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis, bringing Hmong flavors and traditions into a modern dining experience. The menu is built around bold, soulful dishes such as sour pork short ribs, duck laab, rice cakes, and other deeply personal interpretations of her heritage. Moua, a James Beard Award nominee, was named a Food & Wine “Best New Chef,” and in 2025 Diane’s Place earned recognition as one of Food & Wine’s “Restaurants of the Year.” With its mix of innovation, heart, and cultural storytelling, it has quickly become one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the Twin Cities.
Market at Malcolm Yards
The Market at Malcolm Yards is a modern food hall located in a renovated industrial building. It features a wide range of vendors, from wood-fired pizza to ramen and cocktails. The space is lively and communal, perfect for groups who want to sample different foods. Its unique pour-your-own beer wall adds to the fun.
The Juicy Lucy Rivalry: Matt’s Bar & 5-8 Club
The Juicy Lucy — a burger with molten cheese sealed inside the patty — is Minneapolis’s most famous food invention, and two bars claim to have created it. Matt’s Bar, a no-frills tavern dating back to the 1950s, serves the original in a stripped-down, old-school setting where the focus is entirely on the burger. Across town, the 5-8 Club offers its own version, with multiple variations and a larger, family-friendly dining room. Locals still debate who does it best, but the real fun is in trying both.
Nightlife
Foshay Tower: Prohibition Bar and The Living Room
The Foshay Tower, was Minneapolis’s first skyscraper. It’s a landmark in its own right (more on that in the Sites and Culture section), but it also houses two standout bars. Prohibition Bar is located on the 27th floor and offers sweeping city views. The space oozes vintage glamour, with classic cocktails served against a backdrop of Art Deco design and sparkling skyline lights. Downstairs, the Living Room bar offers plush seating and creative drinks in a lounge atmosphere. Together, they make the Foshay ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cap high above the city.
Dive Bar Karaoke: Vegas Lounge & Otter’s Saloon
For a true Minneapolis dive bar experience, nothing beats karaoke at the Vegas Lounge or Otter’s Saloon. These no-frills watering holes are dimly lit, a little rough around the edges, and totally unapologetic about it. At the Vegas Lounge in Northeast, the drinks are cheap, the regulars are loyal, and the karaoke stage is open late into the night. Otter’s Saloon, closer to downtown, offers the same gritty charm just a short walk from the hotel. Both are the kind of places where voices are loud, the crowd is rowdy but friendly, and the fun is in the lack of polish.
The Local
The Local is a massive Irish pub with ornate woodwork, stained glass, and old-world character. Inside, you’ll find multiple bars and nooks, giving it a labyrinthine. Lively and welcoming, The Local is a downtown standby for after-work drinks or late-night gatherings.
Brit’s Pub
Brit’s Pub brings a taste of the UK to Nicollet Mall. Known for its rooftop lawn bowling green, it’s a lively summer hangout as well as a cozy winter pub. The menu features British staples like fish and chips alongside American favorites, and the beer list is extensive. Whether you’re catching a soccer match or enjoying the view from the rooftop patio, Brit’s is always buzzing.
Public Domain & Vern’s Tiki Bar
Public Domain offers a personalized cocktail experience. Instead of a printed menu, bartenders craft drinks based on your tastes — whether you want something spirit-forward, citrusy, or completely experimental. Step through to the back, and you’ll find Vern’s Tiki Bar, a neon-soaked escape filled with tropical décor and playful concoctions.
The Flora Room
The Flora Room is an intimate cocktail lounge tucked away in the North Loop. Its lush, plant-filled interior creates a serene atmosphere perfect for conversation. The drink menu emphasizes inventive craft cocktails and high-quality ingredients. For those seeking a calmer nightlife option, it’s an elegant escape from busier bars.
Nye’s
This intimate bar featuring live piano performances makes for a fun and spontaneous night. Whether you’re belting out a favorite tune or just enjoying a cocktail, Nye’s offers an energetic yet approachable nightlife experience.
Surly Brewing Co.
Surly is one of Minnesota’s largest and most well-known craft breweries, famous for its bold beers like Furious IPA. The brewery’s beer hall serves creative pub food alongside its extensive tap list.
Sites & Culture
First Avenue
First Avenue is Minneapolis’s most legendary music club, immortalized in Prince’s Purple Rain. Its black exterior is decorated with stars honoring legendary performers who’ve graced its stage. The mainroom hosts major touring acts while the 7th St Entry is a proving ground for rising artists. It remains the beating heart of the city’s live music scene. Attached to First Avenue is The Depot Tavern, a music-themed bar perfect for pre- or post-show drinks and food.
Mary Tyler Moore Statue
The Mary Tyler Moore statue celebrates one of television’s most iconic moments: Mary tossing her hat into the air during the opening credits of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Set in Minneapolis, the series helped put the city on the cultural map in the 1970s. The statue captures that joyful pose and is located right on Nicollet Mall, making it easy to visit during a downtown stroll. It’s a fun, lighthearted photo stop that connects Minneapolis with classic TV history.
Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Walker Art Center is one of the nation’s premier contemporary art museums, offering cutting-edge exhibitions and programs. Outside, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features over 40 large-scale works, including the city’s most famous landmark, the Spoonbridge and Cherry. It’s an inspiring place to explore both indoors and outdoors, blending culture with fresh air. Together, they showcase Minneapolis’s thriving arts scene.
Minneapolis Skyway System
The Minneapolis Skyway System is unlike anything else in the country — more than 10 miles of enclosed, climate-controlled walkways that connect 80 downtown city blocks. Originally built in the 1960s to help residents avoid harsh winter weather, it has grown into the largest system of its kind in the world. Today, the skyways not only link hotels, offices, and shopping centers, but also host casual lunch spots, coffee shops, and quick-service eateries tucked into the connected buildings, making them a vital part of downtown life. They’re both a practical way to get around and a uniquely Minneapolis experience.
Foshay Tower
Completed in 1929, the Foshay Tower was Minneapolis’s first skyscraper and is still one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Designed in the Art Deco style and inspired by the Washington Monument, it once stood as the tallest building in the Midwest. Visitors can explore a small museum that tells the story of Wilbur Foshay’s bold vision and step onto the 30th-floor open-air observation deck for panoramic views of the city. Today, the building also houses the W Hotel, where Prohibition Bar and The Living Room provide stylish nightlife options.
Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater is both a performing arts powerhouse and an architectural icon. Its striking blue exterior houses three theaters. The Endless Bridge, a cantilevered observation deck, extends over the Mississippi River with breathtaking views. It’s a cultural landmark worth experiencing even outside of showtime.
Mill Ruins Park
This park reveals the archaeological foundations of Minneapolis’s historic flour mills along the Mississippi. Pathways wind among preserved stone walls and industrial remnants, telling the story of the city’s past. It’s both scenic and educational, perfect for pairing with a walk over the Stone Arch Bridge. Interpretive signs help visitors imagine the city’s milling boom days.
Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge turned pedestrian walkway, stretching across the Mississippi River. With sweeping views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Minneapolis. It’s a favorite place for walking, biking, and catching sunsets. The bridge links downtown to the St. Anthony Main neighborhood, full of dining and nightlife.
St. Anthony Main
St. Anthony Main is a cobblestoned riverfront district just across the Stone Arch Bridge. It features independent restaurants, bars, and the historic St. Anthony Main Theatre. Outdoor patios along the river make it especially lively in summer. The atmosphere blends old-world charm with modern urban energy.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a world-class museum with free general admission. Its collection spans 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European masters and contemporary works. Visitors can spend hours exploring its expansive galleries. The museum is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, offering something to fascinate everyone.
Basilica of Saint Mary
Completed in 1914, the Basilica of Saint Mary was the first basilica in the United States. Its striking Beaux-Arts architecture features intricate stained glass, ornate chapels, and a magnificent dome that dominates the skyline. The basilica remains an active place of worship while also welcoming visitors interested in its history and beauty.
Birchbark Books
Birchbark Books is an independent bookstore founded by author Louise Erdrich, specializing in Native literature and local voices. The cozy shop is filled with carefully curated books, handmade crafts, and community spirit. It’s a welcoming space for browsing or finding unique gifts. For book lovers, it offers a glimpse into Minneapolis’s vibrant literary culture.
Excursions
Chain of Lakes
A nature lover’s visit to the “City of Lakes” isn’t complete without enjoying a lake day at one of the five beautiful bodies of water that make up the Chain of Lakes. Comprised of Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Brownie Lake, and Cedar Lake, the Chain of Lakes features over 1555 acres of public land within Minneapolis city limits. Thanks to the lush parkland surrounding the lakes, the park has been described as “a necklace of diamonds in settings of emerald.”
With miles of walking and biking trails, it’s one of the most popular recreational areas in the city. Just off Lake of the Isles is Isle Bun & Coffee, which was crowned the 2024 winner of “World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls”, giving visitors the perfect excuse to pair a lakeside stroll with a delicious snack. Together, the lakes capture Minneapolis’s balance of urban energy and natural beauty, making them a must-see excursion.
Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park is one of Minneapolis’s most iconic outdoor destinations, centered on Minnehaha Falls, a stunning 53-foot waterfall that cascades dramatically into a limestone gorge. The park stretches over 190 acres, with trails that wind along Minnehaha Creek, connecting to the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks, hike down to the base of the falls, or enjoy picnic areas shaded by mature oak and elm trees. In summer, the park comes alive with live music, bike rentals, and Sea Salt Eatery, serving fresh seafood, tacos, and craft beer just steps from the falls.
Paisley Park
Located in nearby Chanhassen, Paisley Park was Prince’s home, recording studio, and creative sanctuary. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to his life, artistry, and legacy. Tours showcase personal memorabilia, iconic costumes, and even recording studios where he made music history. For fans, it’s a pilgrimage site and a rare glimpse into the world of one of music’s greatest icons. Tickets must be purchased prior to arrival.
Mall of America
The Mall of America is not just a shopping mall — it’s a full entertainment destination. With over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and countless restaurants, it’s one of the largest malls in the United States. Visitors can easily spend hours exploring everything from high-end brands to specialty shops. It’s located just outside Minneapolis in Bloomington, a short drive or light rail ride away.