The riverfront’s cobblestone Main Street is lined with terraces and spectacular views. If you enjoy a whiff of history with your food and beverages, check out Pracna on Main, opened circa 1890, making it Minneapolis’ oldest, continually running tavern and café. Wilde Café & Spirits, named for the famous writer himself, is situated in a Victorian dining room that would make Oscar proud. They serve individual pizzas and sandwiches or just stop in for a cup of refreshing gelato. Tranquil Aster Café has a particularly attractive patio to complement its outstanding menu and popular happy hour.
In business for over 60 years, Kramarczuk's Polish restaurant, deli and bakery attracts customers of all backgrounds for fresh baked bread, pastries, smoked sausages (in dozens of varieties), stewed cabbage, head cheese and other “babushka” favorites.
Newer to the neighborhood is the buzzing New American cuisine at Bardo. The short menu has a tempting variety of moderately priced small plates, craft cocktails and a small but strong selection of tap beers. PinkU Japanese Street Food serves obsessively crafted small plates, just 11 of them, of Japanese seafood favorites, prepared in an open kitchen. Ginger Hop has a reasonably priced Asian fusion menu, craft beers, a gorgeous, wood-crafted Indochine décor (check out the ceiling fans), and frequent events in their basement lounge space, Honey.
Long time Northeast favorite, Red Stag Supperclub, has more New American cuisine amazingness to offer. Their famous Tuesday “Cheap Date Night” special includes two entrées, a bottle of wine (or two beers) and a dessert for $36 per couple. Their breakfasts and brunches are no less famous. The slow-cooked comfort food at Brasa Premium Rotisserie includes Creole-inspired dishes like pulled pork and chicken, slow roasted beef, gumbo fried rice, crispy yucca and fried plantains. If you crave some activity, head to Minneapolis Cider Co. for their unique twist on hard cider and a game or two of pickleball. Be sure to try their Royale cocktails, created with a housemade apple-based spirit.
