Kara & Ben
Things To Do
Spoon and Stable
Kara is a die-hard foodie. Ben surprised her with dinner here for her 32nd birthday. Chef/owner Gavin Kaysen is the 2018 James Beard Winner for Best Chef Midwest. Reservations are hard to come by so call early. Sometimes you can snag a seat at the bar when it first opens for the evening.
Parlour
Delicious burgers in a modern speakeasy-style basement bar. Pro-tip: skip the fries and order the Brussels Sprouts.
The Bachelor Farmer Cafe
A great spot for coffee, breakfast pastries or lunch. Fun fact: Kara works with the cafe's owner. Her top picks? EVERYTHING. But definitely get a mini cinnamon roll and an Americano. For lunch, try the fresh cow’s milk cheese and tomato open-faced sandwich and one of their delicious salads.
Penny's Coffee
Penny's is just down the street from the host hotels. Try their delicious egg breakfast sandwich or treat yourself to a house made crepe. The coffee is amazing, and the patio is a serene urban spot.
112 Eatery
Adele ate here. Enough said.
Moose & Sadie's
Charming and casual North Loop spot for breakfast or lunch. Great quiche, omelettes and pastries. For lunch, try their delicious BLT.
Tilia
A charming spot for brunch or dinner. Chef Steven Brown was a 2018 James Beard finalist for Best Chef Midwest.
Wild Rumpus
One of the country's top children's bookstores. And home to many store animals...a chicken, a cat and other furry friends. It's a great spot to pick up gifts for your kids or family friends. It's just down the street from the restaurant Tilia in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood.
Red Rabbit Minneapolis
Kara and Ben are frequent diners at Red Rabbit. The spicy salami pizza is a MUST. Pair it with an arugula salad, and it's like the calories don't count!
Red Cow North Loop
Sister restaurant to Red Rabbit. Great burgers and huge selection of local taps. Turkey burger eaters will love their award-winning burger topped with cilantro-lime aioli, sliced radish, arugula and pistachios.
Zen Box Izakaya
A chef driven Ramen-Centric Izakaya by a chef & wife team in downtown Minneapolis' Mill District near the host hotels. Go for the ramen (it's amazing!) or try their udon or sashimi.
Hai Hai
Delicious Southeast Asian street food. Awesome patio. Ben's parents just went here for dinner and absolutely raved about it!
The Draft Horse
Great neighborhood spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. And it's just down the street from the legendary Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge tiki bar.
Young Joni
We love everything about Young Joni. Reservations can be hard to come by, so put your name in early and enjoy beers next door at Dangerous Man Brewing (make sure to try the Peanut Butter Porter).
Marvel Bar
Award-winning cocktail bar in the North Loop located behind The Bachelor Farmer restaurant. It's an unmarked speakeasy behind a purple door with avant-garde cocktails and whiskeys. Try the Oliveto with gin, olive oil, egg white and lemon. And indulge in some cheetos!
Walker Art Center
Stroll the recently renovated Sculpture Garden (it's free!) and don't miss the new blue rooster and iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. Also, check out the museum's award-winning restaurant Esker Grove (open for brunch, lunch and dinner).
Lake of the Isles
An absolutely beautiful place for a morning walk. Ben and Kara come here often to enjoy the lake and gawk at the gorgeous houses. It's also the stunning setting for the magical winter Luminary Loppet with thousands of candlelit luminaries.
Stone Arch Bridge
Stroll or bike this pedestrian bridge and enjoy stunning views of the Mighty Mississippi.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The MIA has an incredible collection of Asian art among its other treasures. And it's FREE!
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
Enjoy a tasty tiki drink on Psycho Suzi's killer patio. With a name like this, why wouldn't you check it out?!
Inbound BrewCo
One of three breweries in a few block radius of Kara and Ben's condo. Great selection!
Fulton Brewing Taproom
Basically Kara and Ben's second patio.
Surly Brewing Co.
Surly made Minnesota's beer scene famous. Tour the brewery, enjoy dozens of beer on tap and indulge in their awesome food menu. You may even run into Dave Gardeen (Ben’s Dad), one of Surly’s biggest fans. ;) He recommends ordering Todd the Axeman.
Dangerous Man Brewing Company
Order the award-winning Peanut Butter Porter, one of Kara and Ben's favorite beers.