Things To Do
North Loop
If you find yourself with some downtime, we highly recommend exploring the vibrant North Loop—Minneapolis’s most historic and walkable neighborhood. Start your morning with a coffee at Backstory or Spyhouse, both housed in beautifully restored warehouses that capture the area’s industrial charm. For a casual lunch, Graze Provisions + Libations offers a fantastic food hall experience with a rooftop view, while The Freehouse is a local favorite for a mid-day beer and a great patio scene. If you are looking for a more iconic Minneapolis dinner, try the legendary pasta at Bar La Grasa, grab the city's most famous burger at the moody Parlor Bar, or head to the Hewing Hotel for a rustic-refined meal and a cocktail in their stunning lobby. If you're in the mood to shop, don't miss MartinPatrick3 for a world-class retail experience or The Foundry for unique home goods.
Downtown Excelsior
We highly recommend exploring the charming lakeside town of Downtown Excelsior. Start your morning with a fresh pastry and latte at Red Bench Bakery or a coffee at The Lobby, both located on the historic Water Street. For a quintessential Lake Minnetonka experience, grab a "Bootleg" cocktail and some walleye on the massive lakeside patio at Maynards, or head to Excelsior Brewing Co. for local craft beers and a lively taproom vibe. If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, the iconic pasta at Bar La Grasa's sister restaurant, Vagabondo, is a must, while Coalition offers a polished bistro menu and Mirabelle provides elevated American comfort food in a beautiful vintage space. Between bites, you can browse the unique boutiques like Golden Rule or Gray Home + Lifestyle, grab a scoop of ice cream at Licks Unlimited, or simply take a scenic stroll through The Commons park to enjoy the views of the water. Excelsior is a frequent date night spot for Jackie and Jordan!
Downtown Wayzata
If you have some time to spend by the lake, Downtown Wayzata is a must-visit for its elevated coastal atmosphere and beautiful shoreline. Start your day with a stop at The Grocer’s Table, a charming cafe and market perfect for a seasonal latte and a wood-fired breakfast pizza, or head to Benedict’s for a modern take on the classic brunch diner. For lunch or dinner with a view, 6Smith and COV both offer incredible lakeside patios and high-end seafood, while Gianni’s Steakhouse provides a more traditional, upscale dining experience. If you're looking for something unique, try the "Cali-Mex" flavors at Baja Haus or the refined Italian dishes at Josefina. Between meals, you can wander the "Promenade" to shop at boutiques like Anthropologie and Fashion Avenue 2, grab a cocktail in the stunning lobby of The Hotel Landing, or simply walk the Wayzata Bay boardwalk to watch the boats come in.
The Shops at West End
The Shops at West End is St. Louis Park’s premier destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. You can grab a craft brew at Yard House, enjoy bowling and arcade games at Punch Bowl Social, or take in the skyline views from REVEAL Rooftop Bar (located in the AC hotel). While the West End offers plenty of excitement right at your doorstep, we’d love for you to see more of what the Twin Cities has to offer! We encourage you to venture out and explore the other favorite local spots we’ve highlighted throughout our website.
