We spoke to six Minneapolis foodies to find the best places for a bite or drink in Minneapolis and curated a list that has something sure to please everyone. We included recommendations conveniently within walking distance from the Minneapolis Convention Center, and also some farther away gems worth the trip if you’re in the mood for a unique foodie adventure.
Quick and Casual Food
In need of something quick, but delicious, between conference events? Here’s what locals recommend for a casual meal.
1 | Hell’s Kitchen
Specialty: Breakfast, brunch and sandwiches
Address: 80 South 9th Street (9 minute walk)
2 | The Local
Speciality: Irish pub, fish & chips
Address: Nicollet Mall, 931 Nicollet Mall (10 minute walk)
3 | Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza
Address: 2550 Nicollet Avenue South (5 minute drive)
People’s Organic Cafe
Specialty: Organic, fair trade salads, sandwiches and coffee
Address: 80 South 8th Street #15 (10 minute walk)
4 | Cosi
Specialty: Counter-service salads, flatbread pizza and sandwiches
Address: 80 South 8th St #150 (10 minute walk)
5 | 8th Street Grill
Specialty: Burgers and sandwiches, great beer selection and a covered outdoor patio
Address: 800 Marquette Avenue (10 minute walk)
Further Away, But Worth the Drive:
6 | Birchwood Café
Specialty: Local, organic, seasonal breakfast foods. Home to the savoury waffle.
Address: 3311 East 25th Street (10 minute drive)
Formal and Sit Down Restaurants
If you are looking to slow down, relax and enjoy some great food at the end of the day, look no further! Here are some dining options for no matter what your tastebuds are in the mood for.
1 | Monello
Specialty: Italian, seafood, gluten free options
Address: 1115 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis (3 minute walk)
2 | 4 Bells
Speciality: Winner of 2016 Best Twin Cities Seafood Award
Address:1610 Harmon Place (10 minute walk)
3 | Marin Restaurant and Bar
Specialty: New American mains including duck breast and flatbreads, known for its health-conscious menu
Address: 901 Hennepin Ave (11 minute walk)
4 | Alma
Specialty: special fixed price three course menu, options available for vegetarians and piscaterians
Address: 528 University Ave SE (7 minute drive)
5 | Crave
Specialty: Sushi
Address: 825 Hennepin Avenue (13 minute walk/5 minute drive)
We were tipped on several great restaurants that are right outside downtown, but worth the trip if you’re looking for a special dinner experience.
6 | 112 Eatery
Specialty: Unique, upscale menu & wine list
Address:112 North 3rd Street (9 minute drive)
7 | Revival
Specialty: Fried chicken, gluten friendly
Address: 4257 Nicollet Ave South (11 minute drive)
8 | La Fresca
Specialty: Mexican food with an unusual menu
Address: 4750 Grand Ave South (13 minute drive)
9 | Gorkha Palace
Specialty: Nepali, Indian food made with organic ingredients
Address:23 4th Street NE (9 minute drive)
10 | Karta Thai
Address: 3800 Central Ave NE (12 minute drive)
11 | Bachelor Farmer
Speciality: Eco conscious, local, organic nordic-influenced restaurant
Address: 50 North 2nd Ave (10 minute drive)
Notes: Rumor has it that Hilary Clinton ate dinner here recently!
Drinks
Whether you’re looking to chat with new friends over drinks or relax and listen to great music with a glass of wine, you will find something appealing here. After a long day of conferencing you deserve it!
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
Specialty: Good place to listen to music and have a drink
Address: Nicollet Mall, 1010 Nicollet Mall (9 minute walk)
Constantine
Specialty: Speakeasy underground atmosphere with inventive cocktails
Address: 80 South 8th Street #15 (3 minute walk)
The Local (Also Listed Above)
Specialty: Happy hour deals, Wednesday night wine specials, “every type of whiskey you could think of”
Address: Nicollet Mall, 931 Nicollet Mall (9 minute walk)
8th Street Grill (Also Listed Above)
Specialty: Great Beer selection
Address: 800 South 8th Street #107 (10 minute walk)
Farther out, but worth the trip if you’d like to get your party on! (Local cab company: 1 612-644-6569)
Surly Brewing Co
Specialty: Fantastic beer hall, but you can also get tasty snack food upstairs
Address: 520 Malcolm Ave SE (12 minute drive)
Notes: Make sure you make a reservation if you want to eat here! it’s 4 miles from the downtown main drag, but worth it.
Bunkers
Specialty: Dive bar
Address: 761 N Washington Ave (10 minute drive)
Notes: Dr. Mambo’s Combo plays Sunday and Monday nights and they were fantastic, this place is super fun after dining elsewhere.
Coffee and Treats
Minneapolis has some great coffee shops and bakeries if you’re looking for your caffeine or sugar fix at the conference.
People’s Organic Cafe (Also Listed Above)
Specialty: Delicious free trade coffee and lattes
Address: 80 South 8th Street #15 (10 minute walk)
Isle Bun & Coffee
Specialty: This Bakery makes most delicious cinnamon rolls there ever were! Paired with a coffee, they make for a great snack or breakfast. A little ways out from the conference, but worth the trip!
Address: 1424 West 28th Street (10 minute Drive)
Peace Coffee
Specialty: delicious crafted coffee in a collaboration-focused environment perfect for meetups or coffee chats
Address: 225 South Sixth Street (10 minute walk)
If you’re planning on grabbing a bite at any of these places, or have other local secrets of your own to share, let us know! DMAI’s 2016 Annual Conference is approaching quickly, and we are excited see everything that Minneapolis has to offer. We hope to see you there; Tweet us @CrowdRiff or come find us at booth 507 for a conversation on why 100 DMOs are using our visual influence platform to reach more travellers.
We would like to give a special thanks to our contributors for their suggestions.
Maggie LaMaack – @MaggieLaMaack
Lee Hersh – @FitFoodieFinds
Lee Petrie – @peony_iris
Emily Porter – @porterauthority
Sofia Bapna – @BapnaSofia
Jacqui Armstrong
Header Image Credit: Steve Johnson
The post A Visual Guide to Eating and Drinking at the DMAI 2016 Annual Convention appeared first on CrowdRiff.