The Ultimate Guide to the Best North Loop Restaurants in Minneapolis
If you had to pick one neighborhood to be the Minneapolis food scene, the North Loop would be it. What was once a gritty grid of industrial warehouses is now the city's most walkable and celebrated dining district.
North Loop is where you'll find the James Beard winners, the see-and-be-seen cocktail bars, and the old-school spots that survived the neighborhood's glow-up. It's home to the culinary titans you hear about in the national press—with flagship restaurants from local heavyweights like Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable, Demi), Isaac Becker (112 Eatery, Bar La Grasa, St. Pierre Steak & Seafood), and Daniel del Prado (Porzana, Sanjusan, Flora Room).
The only problem? The options are overwhelming. Here’s how a local navigates it. We've broken down all the best places to eat in the North Loop by what you're in the mood for, from a life-changing special occasion meal to a casual burger on a patio.
Best Restaurants for Dinner in Minneapolis' North Loop
Dinner is the North Loop's bread and butter. Between James Beard award-winning restaurants, romantic Italian eateries and sushi hotspots, you can't go wrong.
Spoon and Stable
Let's get the big one out of the way: Spoon and Stable. Yes, it’s still one of the hardest reservations in town. Gavin Kaysen's seasonal French-inspired food using locally sourced ingredients is fantastic, and the room — a stunningly renovated 1906 horse stable — just feels special. While the menu is shaken up frequently, you can expect heritage grain pasta, excellent steaks and seafood prepared to perfection, and loads of housemade accoutrement like house-pickled ramps, sourdough puree, and expertly selected wines and cheeses.
Pro Tip: If you didn't book a month out, show up right when they open to try and snag a seat at the bar.
Demi
For a really big night Kaysen's 20-seat tasting counter, Demi, is right around the corner. It's an intimate, multi-course culinary performance that changes with the seasons. When making reservations, add personalized drink choices for your meal and indicate any dietary needs.
Bar la Grassa
Owned by husband and wife restaurateur team Isaac Becker and Nancy St. Pierre, Bar la Grassa is a dark, loud and energetic spot that's been the neighborhood standard for fresh pasta (like the silky pappardelle with veal ragu) for over a decade.
112 Eatery — Bar la Grassa's older, more sophisticated sibling — is a timeless, two-story bistro perfect for a date, known for refined small plates and the legendary 112 Cheeseburger topped with brie. For dessert, don't skip the housemade vanilla, chocolate or pistachio ice cream.
St. Pierre Steak & Seafood specializes in upscale food without the stuffy atmosphere. They serve a "greatest hits" menu of fan favorites from past restaurants Snack Bar and Burch Steak with plenty of new plates to love. The coconut curry mussels, sour silk handkerchiefs with braised lamb, and crab and seabean salad are menu highlights.
J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club
A true neighborhood original that has held its ground since long before the neighborhood was a trend. The decor is pure, time-capsule supper club—think dark wood, red booths, and vintage photos. It's the North Loop benchmark for serious, no-fuss steaks, grilled pork chops, crab cakes, and baby back ribs. This is where you go when you're not in the mood for "foodie" food, just a superbly cooked piece of meat (with valet parking to boot).
Tullibee
Tucked inside the stunning Scandi-inspired Hewing Hotel, this is a full-on celebration of Nordic and Minnesota-inspired cuisine. The vibe is rustic-chic and deeply cozy ("hygge" is the goal), with a massive wood-fired hearth as the room's centerpiece. The menu is all about foraging, local sourcing, and whole-animal butchery, with a focus on freshwater fish, great cocktails, and preserved vegetables.
Porzana/Flora Room
One of the most talked-about new restaurants in the North Loop, this is a grand, Argentinian-inspired steakhouse. The room is dramatic, with high ceilings and a massive, open-fire grill that's the star of the show. It's a place to see and be seen while eating perfectly charred, dry-aged steaks, raw oysters and seafood platters, and creative seasonal salads. Don't miss the chic, plant-filled upscale cocktail bar, Flora Room, hidden in the basement.
Dario
One of the most exciting new additions to the neighborhood, Dario brings a fresh sophistication to the pasta scene. The vibe is edgy and elegant (think velvet booths and great playlists) and the food is serious—handmade pastas with global twists, like paccheri with jalapeño pistou and saffron orecchiette with lamb sausage ragù. It’s the kind of place that feels like a dinner party hosted by your coolest friends who know a lot about food and wine.
Sanjusan
This spot brilliantly blends the flavors of Japanese and Italian cuisines—think pizza topped with spicy raw tuna, pastas with shiso and toasted nori, and arancini topped with furikake. The dining room is minimalist and elegant, with a long, beautiful bar. It's a creative and polished experience for foodies looking for something different.
Billy Sushi
This is not your typical quiet sushi bar. The atmosphere is part high-energy party, part performance art, combining sushi bar, sake bar and dining room with an epic selection of Japanese whisky. It's a full-on vibe, championed by the charismatic owner, Billy Tserenbat. The sushi itself is high-quality and creative, with dramatic presentations made for Instagram (often with a blow torch involved).
Red Rabbit
A dependable and delicious choice for a casual dinner. It has the comfortable, bustling feel of a "neighborhood Italian joint" that's been elevated. They specialize in thin-crust pizzas (the "Spicy Salami" with ricotta and hot honey is a favorite), fresh pastas, and one of the best Caesar salads in town.
Best Bars & Breweries in Minneapolis' North Loop
The North Loop neighborhood is just as well known for its drinks as its food, mixing craft breweries in historic warehouses with some of the city's top cocktail bars.
Fulton Brewing
You can't talk about North Loop beer without talking about Fulton. In 2012, they were the very first taproom to open in the neighborhood (and the city, under a new law allowing breweries to operate taprooms), paving the way for the scene we have today. Founded by four home-brewing friends, it still feels like the neighborhood's living room—unpretentious, consistent, and always welcoming. Grab a bestselling "Lonely Blonde" ale or "Sweet Child of Vine" IPA and enjoy a pint of local history.
Modist Brewing
With its high ceilings, colorful murals, sculptural lighting, and industrial feel, Modist is always buzzing with creativity and adventurous new sips from head brewer Keigan Knee. It's a local favorite known for its experimental and non-traditional beers, especially its hazy IPAs like the flagship "Dreamyard." Dogs are allowed in the tap room, and you can bring in food from the great restaurants within blocks of the brewery.
Inbound BrewCo
This truly massive, 12,000-square-foot taproom is built into a former recycling facility and is ideal for big groups. It features long, German-style beer hall tables, 30 tap lines, a seasonal patio, and is famously dog-friendly. While they have year-round favorites like the Fruit of the Loop West Coast IPA, they're also known for seasonal slushies and house-made THC seltzers.
Bricksworth Beer Co
Housed in the historic Designer's Guild Building, this spot is a dreamy one-two punch: half-brewery, half-pizzeria. They are the place to be for crave-worthy, "square-cornered caramelized cheese crust" Detroit-style pizza with creative names like Aloha Friday (pepperoni, pineapple, banana peppers, and sriracha) and the cheeseburger-inspired The Happiest Meal. Pair it with one of their accessible house beers or an order of wings with a "Cool Ranch Dorito" dry rub.
Cuzzy’s
In a neighborhood of $18 cocktails and carefully curated decor, Cuzzy’s is a glorious, unapologetic outlier. It’s the North Loop neighborhood’s beloved dive bar—a place that has survived decades of change without changing a thing. Expect dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, strong drinks, and a vibe that says "come as you are." Be sure to raise a glass to the resident ghost Betsy from the building’s former life as a brothel!
Borough & Parlour
This building offers two of the neighborhood's best-in-class cocktail experiences. Upstairs, Borough features a chic, fashionable bar with a long white marble top, serving creative, seasonally-driven cocktails and one of the best happy hours (Mon-Fri, 4-6 pm). Downstairs, the subterranean Parlour is a dark, stylish bar for cocktail purists, famous for its master-class Old Fashioned (a blend of high-proof bourbon/rye and house bitters) and its legendary, must-try burger.
Public Domain
A true "dealer's choice" experience. There's no menu. You simply tell the skilled bartenders what spirits (gin, whiskey, etc.) and flavors (herbal, smoky, citrusy) you like, and they'll create a custom cocktail just for you. It's a "seated only" bar, so it feels intimate and personal. Be prepared to talk, and be prepared to be amazed.
The Best Brunch North Loop Has to Offer
On weekends, the neighborhood is a major brunch destination. Be prepared for a wait at the most popular spots, as locals and visitors alike flock here for mimosas and more.
Maison Margaux
For a brunch that feels like a trip to Paris, this beautiful, multi-level brasserie is your answer. The atmosphere is open, airy, and refined, serving quintessential French classics like delicate omelets with gruyere and brie, a savory Croque Madame croissant, and honey espresso martinis. It's an elegant way to start the day.
The Freehouse
This brewpub is one of the area's most popular brunch destinations, partly because its space is vast, open, and lively—made for big groups of friends and family. The menu has all the classics, from punched up avocado toast to French toast fried chicken stacks, as well as atypical brunch fare (think short rib dip sandwiches and tuna poke bowls).
NOLO’s
A reliable choice for upscale comfort food, NOLO's serves a satisfying brunch menu in its sleek space. You'll find everything from breakfast fried rice to Greek yogurt bowls, but whatever you do, don't miss the cinnamon sticky bun with salted caramel sauce.
Hope Breakfast Bar
This breakfast hub is all about big, fun, and creative breakfast food. It's a bright, cheerful, and family-friendly place that's often loud with happy diners. The menu is huge, with a special focus on creative sweet plates (think banana churro waffles and German chocolate pancakes). It's pure, over-the-top indulgence, so, unsurprisingly, you should expect a wait.
Best Lunch Restaurants in Minneapolis' North Loop
Whether you're looking for a quick counter-service bite, a casual business lunch, or a full-on barbecue-and-beer midday feast, the North Loop has you covered.
Stormking Brewpub and Barbecue
A local favorite serving legit Texas-style barbecue. It's a counter-service operation in a spacious warehouse that smells incredible the moment you walk in. It's a great, no-fuss lunch stop for smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork (available by the pound or on a sandwich), paired with one of a dozen house-brewed beers on tap.
Graze Food Hall
This "choose-your-own-adventure" food hall is the ultimate solution for groups or indecisive eaters. It's a large, social space with a collection of local vendors—boasting five James Beard-nominated chefs in the house—so you can get tacos from Tixtli by Nixta, Southern-style fried chicken tenders at Caja, smash burgers from Two Mixed Up, and fresh salads from Graze on the Green. It's also the gateway to one of the neighborhood's best rooftop patios!
Red Cow
Best known for its gourmet burgers, Red Cow is a bustling, contemporary burger joint. The "60/40" burger is famous for a reason: the patty is a blend of 60% ground beef and 40% ground bacon (and it’s topped with candied bacon, need we say more?). The menu is packed with elevated comfort food, including Wisconsin-style cheese curds and levelled-up grilled cheese with cheddar, gruyere, and smoked gouda.
Smack Shack
The vibe is East Coast-casual, with a bright, wide-open feel. You can't go wrong with a lobster roll, either Connecticut-style (warm, with butter) or their "Smack Shack Original" (a chilled roll with cucumber and tarragon). They’ve also got a fun, dog-friendly street-side patio that's great for people-watching.
Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza
For a no-fuss, excellent pizza, this is your place. They serve a crispy, thin, slightly-charred coal-fired crust with both creative and classic toppings. Try the #5 (fennel sausage, hot salami, onion, and green olives) or the #14 (hot honey, smoked chicken, red onion, and pickled peppers).
Restaurants with Patios in Minneapolis' North Loop Neighborhood
When the weather is nice—and even when it’s chillier—Minneapolis lives on its patios. The North Loop has some of the city's best options for dining and drinking outdoors, from sprawling rooftops to cozy, hidden gardens.
Butcher & the Boar
This is a patio-first destination. The vibe is centered around its sprawling, lively beer garden, which feels like the city's best backyard party, complete with string lights and picnic tables. It's a fantastic spot for groups to gather over craft sausages (get the cheddarwurst), smoked meats, and a famously long bourbon list.
Borough
Borough’s patio is a chic, urban outdoor space that serves as a perfect extension of the restaurant’s elevated interior. The greenery, cafe string lights, and modern furniture make it feel both cool and private. It's a popular stop for a more sophisticated happy hour (Mon-Fri 4-6pm) featuring rotating small plates, the legendary Parlour burger, local beers, and cocktails on tap.
Graze Food Hall
Home to one of the North Loop neighborhood's biggest and best rooftop patios. It's a social, open, and casual space with fantastic skyline views. It's the perfect group solution: grab food from different vendors downstairs and meet upstairs for drinks.
The Freehouse
This multi-level patio is an all-season draw. It’s an enormous, energetic space with a mix of tables, lounge areas, firepits, and cozy lighting, making it a great choice even on cooler nights.
Monte Carlo
In addition to a reliable menu of steakhouse classics, Monte Carlo has one of the best (and most underrated) patios in the city. It’s old-school cool, with a brick-walled garden vibe that feels miles away from the modern city.
Coffee Shops and Quick Bites in Minneapolis' North Loop
Whether you need a morning pick-me-up, a place to get some work done, or a quick, counter-service snack, the neighborhood is full of great cafes.
Spyhouse Coffee
A Minneapolis coffee icon with an industrial-chic vibe. It's a popular (and busy) remote-work spot, known for high-quality house-roasted coffee and signature lattes like the "Spygirl" (lavender-honey).
In the Loop Coffee
A cozy, classic neighborhood coffee shop. The shop feels unpretentious and warm and is famously dog-friendly (they're welcome inside!). They serve coffee, smoothies, as well as pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and panini.
FRGMNT Coffee
This polished, focused shop is for the true coffee connoisseur. The space features a rotating selection of coffees from different—often hard-to-find—roasters around the world, plus great pastries from Cardigan Donuts and Honey + Rye.
Backstory Coffee Roasters
This might be the most beautiful coffee shop in the city. With soaring ceilings, massive warehouse windows, and a jungle of live plants, it feels like a modern, cozy library. It’s a perfect spot to settle in with a laptop, a book, and one of their seasonal lattes featuring Backstory’s own beans roasted in Saint Paul.
Egg on a Roll
Tucked inside the 5th Ave. Market, this counter does one thing exceptionally well: creative, delicious, and messy breakfast sandwiches on fresh-baked rolls.
Bom Dia Treats
A bright, cheerful, wellness-focused cafe. It's a lively, healthy place for a fresh-made smoothie, acai bowl, and loaded avocado or burrata toasts.
Rise Bagel Co
A modern, counter-service shop for artisanal, organic, double-topped bagels. It's a local favorite for a morning-after cure, especially the smoked salmon bagel sandwich with lemon dill schmear or the Cookie (dark chocolate, browned butter, and sea salt).