Lowry Avenue is an important artery that carves through the primarily residential Camden neighborhood of North Minneapolis. It boasts a host of hidden gems for those visiting the area full of local flavor, outdoor activities, and a close-knit community.

When I initially moved to this area of Minneapolis over a decade ago, I would cruise on my bike to Cookie Cart and pick up their delicious cookies for delivery to the University of Minnesota. I would ride on wide, smooth bike paths that run through this cultural district, or cut through the neighborhoods to access the mountain bike trails at Theo Wirth. My band used to practice at City Sound near some of the best beer at La Doña and an incredible wine selection at Henry & Son’s. Hot days are easily remedied with a dip in the Webber Natural Pool. North Minneapolis—especially the Camden neighborhood—is a treasure trove.

When it came time to buy a home with an ex, I wanted to be in a place that reminded me of the neighborhoods I moved from in Milwaukee that were scrappy and persevering, sometimes even despite a lack of access to resources, and I found it all just north of this stretch of the Lowry Cultural District. I also craved living in a community full of other Black and Brown homeowners and renters—and current-day Camden is that: a community of color that has a strong sense of Northside Pride and defies the obstacles it has endured over the years. While our relationship didn’t endure, and we ended up selling the house, the neighborhood itself has seen demographic changes from its inception and continues to evolve with the various communities that have settled here in the last century and before.

History of the Camden area and Lowry Ave district

Initially, the Camden area of North Minneapolis was a rural zone, not even considered part of the city, and used as agricultural land to provide resources to the city. Near Shingle Creek, the northernmost part of Camden became an important industrial hub that included shingle and flour millers, brick makers, and railroad construction workers who were required for the railways from Camden into downtown Minneapolis.

In the 1880s, North Minneapolis was the landing place for many Eastern European Jews settling in Minneapolis. Due to restrictive housing policies for immigrants and minorities in other parts of the city, North Minneapolis was a place that was more welcoming to newcomers, especially those looking for work in the adjacent industrial zones such as Camden and other areas along the Mississippi River. Later, a surge of Black residents moved to the Camden neighborhood after World War II. Black and Jewish community members shared space on the Northside, developing their distinct cultural hubs until the 1960s when many Jewish residents—and the many establishments associated with them—left the area. The redlining and discriminatory housing laws via racial covenants separated Black Minneapolitans from other parts of the city. However, the area’s self-sufficiency and community cooperation are still evident in the entrepreneurial spirit of Camden. Through its challenges, community members stick around, independent businesses arise, and Black and Brown joy persists. No section of Camdentown is as much of a gateway to supporting the small business owners in this community as the pulsing artery that is Lowry Avenue North.

Exploring the community and local businesses

If you’re headed to the neighborhood, you’ll likely cross under the gleaming arches of the Lowry Avenue Bridge to access North Minneapolis. Initially built in 1905, this beautiful bridge has seen two renovations to keep people flowing in and out of the community. Bike paths are one my favorite ways to explore the community, but heads up! I’m always cautious of glass in the bike lanes when scooting along this corridor, but two wheels are worth it for the efficiency. When I’m not riding my bike, I love riding my motorcycles, and North Minneapolis is a haven for motorcycle culture. Its proximity to Theo Wirth Parkway and the Mississippi River makes it a pleasure to cruise on any kind of two-wheeled vehicle. Whenever I pedal around North Minneapolis, I love to show off the beauty of Victory Memorial Parkway. This gorgeous, tree-lined boulevard is still one of my favorite places to run or ride.

If you want to explore the diversity of the local community, make sure to check out some of my favorite area specialty grocery stores to browse food from around the globe. Asian market, Good Deal offers many ingredients from cuisines across the Asian diaspora, they are tied closely to the local Hmong community, providing herbs and components used in traditional recipes and herbal medicine. They use their space well and pack in fresh produce, dried herbs, sauces, and cooking supplies. Additionally, Good Deal has an impressive deli and hot bar that features fresh noodle salads, jelly desserts, whole roast ducks, Hmong egg rolls, Hmong sausage, steamed rice rolls, and more. They had saved my dinner plans more than once when I needed last-minute dumpling wrappers, tofu, or fish sauce, and their egg rolls from the hot bar are crispy and delicious. Another is So Low, a bulk grocery store that features staples and specialty ingredients from around the world. Walls of chili peppers and spices, cassava flour for fufu, curry, frozen seafood, and fresh meat (including specialty cuts like Mexican arrachera and carne al pastor) can be found at So Low.

Q’Noble Homemade Meals is a carryout gem hidden inside of the E&L Supermarket and Deli. The menu includes hearty, savory items like Phillycheesesteaks, catfish sandwiches, burgers, nachos, gyros, and smothered fries.

Not far from Good Deal is a Taylor'd Skin Cosmetology School. This beauty school covers everything you’d expect, but emphasizes teaching how to work with textured hair and a wide variety of skin tones. You can book services with students for a discounted rate: a win-win for their learning and your wallet. Their services include waxing, facials, lash extensions, and makeup application for all of your special occasions. Taylor’d is a one-stop shop for many beauty needs and will help anyone relax and recharge for whatever their day has in store for them.

Eats along Lowry

If you’ve worked up an appetite, there are some delicious places to grab a freshly made snack or a complete meal along Lowry. I write about food for my day job, so I love any excuse to try a new restaurant or scope out a specialty grocery store, and Lowry has got you more than covered. If it’s early enough, grab a late breakfast or early lunch at Lowry Cafe. They have excellent service and traditional diner fare featuring omelets, skillets, and pancakes, and a bit of Southern flavor and flair with shrimp and grits, perfect for topping with hot sauce. I’m a big fan of their biscuits and gravy because they make for a hearty and delicious breakfast. Try one of their espresso drinks for a late-morning pick-me-up. For those ready for lunch, their menu features wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. This family-friendly restaurant also has a kids’ menu to keep the little ones fed.

Looking for a low-key game night? Check out one of my favorite neighborhood joints, Tootie’s, which is a little beyond the district borderlines but well within walking distance. Play pool, darts, or pinball before ordering some food and drinks. Tootie’s has bottled and tap beers—including local taps—as well as sizable burgers and seven flavors of wings.

Looking for something a little less casual or seeking a spot for a cozy date night? Tap In has got you covered. This modern space is like walking into an oasis with sandstone-like decor with cutouts in the walls for plants and sculpture. Woven wicker fixtures hang from the ceiling, and plants and a huge geode add a sense of natural beauty to the space. The food is impeccable, with portions that are incredibly reasonable for the price. A favorite dish of mine is the hot honey chicken sandwich–a thick slab of breaded chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and topped with greens and tomatoes. I love greens, so I chose that for my side and they were smoky and delicious. They are also vegetarian-friendly with a black-bean quinoa burger and a tofu sandwich. You can also find signature cocktails that are well-balanced, fresh, and go down easy, as well as wine, beer, mocktails, and soft drinks. It’s the perfect way to end a visit to this district.

After exploring the neighborhood, you can see how easy it is for residents to develop a strong sense of that Northside pride. Longtime Northsiders have experienced the changes over the years and maintained a strong sense of ownership of our community through good times and bad. Share in their collective joy and explore the treasured small businesses. Support growing Black and Brown-owned businesses the next time you venture to visit this stretch of Lowry in North Minneapolis.