Jordán’s guidebook
Grocery Stores / Supermarkets close to the house
Although I list here some chains, I encourage you to shop locally and support co-ops. Most of these are very close to the house, with the exception of the Mississippi Market location on W 7th Street.
About a mile from the house. They have a bar and grill, in addition to the typical massive store. The hot bar is decent if you want take-out lunch (but you can eat it there as well).
118 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Whole Foods Market
1575 Selby AveAbout a mile from the house. They have a bar and grill, in addition to the typical massive store. The hot bar is decent if you want take-out lunch (but you can eat it there as well).
Excellent selection, friendly people. It's where I shop the most.
75 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
622 Selby AveExcellent selection, friendly people. It's where I shop the most.
Meat/fish selection slightly better than the location on Dale Street. They also have a hot/salad bar and a decent seating area.
75 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
622 Selby AveMeat/fish selection slightly better than the location on Dale Street. They also have a hot/salad bar and a decent seating area.
This is the company that supplies many restaurants with fresh fish. If you think you can't get Hawaiian opa in Minnesota, think again. The mongers are friendly and knowledgeable and will de-bone, de-skin, portion, etc. exactly the way you want.
Coastal Seafoods - St. Paul
286 Snelling Avenue SouthThis is the company that supplies many restaurants with fresh fish. If you think you can't get Hawaiian opa in Minnesota, think again. The mongers are friendly and knowledgeable and will de-bone, de-skin, portion, etc. exactly the way you want.
Cub Foods
1201 Larpenteur Ave WRun-of-the-mill, massive grocery store. But it gets the job done.
I think I love walking around this place as much as anything. Rows and rows (and rows) of sauces, pastes, oils, spices. Huge Asian produce section (you can get mushrooms, peppers, basil for a fraction of the "normal" price), large fish/meat counter, and lots of frozen things. Local treat: get some Hmong sausage (spicy is best).
Shuang Hur Supermarket
654 University Ave WI think I love walking around this place as much as anything. Rows and rows (and rows) of sauces, pastes, oils, spices. Huge Asian produce section (you can get mushrooms, peppers, basil for a fraction of the "normal" price), large fish/meat counter, and lots of frozen things. Local treat: get some Hmong sausage (spicy is best).
My recommendations for restaurants within walking distance of the house.
Note that on game days at Allianz field, the food trucks will also be out.
*2021 update: limited seating and takeout available.*
This place has a cult following. Look for On herself, often seen in the open kitchen with her signature knit hat. The service here is notoriously pesky (be patient, it's worth it). If the food is too hot for you, they usually blame you for ordering it that way. :)
19 現地メンバーのおすすめ
On's Kitchen Thai Cuisine
1613 University Ave W*2021 update: limited seating and takeout available.*
This place has a cult following. Look for On herself, often seen in the open kitchen with her signature knit hat. The service here is notoriously pesky (be patient, it's worth it). If the food is too hot for you, they usually blame you for ordering it that way. :)
*2021 update: takeout only.*
Always packed, but the service is brisk and friendly. It's a bit of a sensory overload at first, but that ends up being part of the fun.
30 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Blue Door Pub St. Paul
1811 Selby Ave*2021 update: takeout only.*
Always packed, but the service is brisk and friendly. It's a bit of a sensory overload at first, but that ends up being part of the fun.
*2021 update: takeout only.*
There are many Ethiopian places to choose from in the Twin Cities, but this one is just 5 minutes from the house and it's good. If you have never had Ethiopian fare, you really should try it.
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Fasika Restaurant
510 Snelling Ave N*2021 update: takeout only.*
There are many Ethiopian places to choose from in the Twin Cities, but this one is just 5 minutes from the house and it's good. If you have never had Ethiopian fare, you really should try it.
*2021 update: website says they are open for business and will soon expand.*
I love this place so much. People come from all over the Twin Cities just to grab a brownie. Not kidding.
Eureka Compass Vegan Food
629 Aldine St*2021 update: website says they are open for business and will soon expand.*
I love this place so much. People come from all over the Twin Cities just to grab a brownie. Not kidding.
*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
This place originated in Minneapolis and now has a cult following. Really good BBQ.
Hint: if walking there, avoid Snelling Av altogether by taking the pedestrian bridge over I94. Much quicker!
FireBox
1585 Marshall Ave*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
This place originated in Minneapolis and now has a cult following. Really good BBQ.
Hint: if walking there, avoid Snelling Av altogether by taking the pedestrian bridge over I94. Much quicker!
*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
Exactly .9 miles from the house, this is a local favorite. Hand-pulled, Chinese noodles are lovingly crafted on site (you get to watch the chefs through a big window), and served in a variety of traditional dishes. My favorite is the chicken/mushroom broth. Start with some dumplings (so delicious). Very reasonable prices.
Magic Noodle
1337 University Avenue West*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
Exactly .9 miles from the house, this is a local favorite. Hand-pulled, Chinese noodles are lovingly crafted on site (you get to watch the chefs through a big window), and served in a variety of traditional dishes. My favorite is the chicken/mushroom broth. Start with some dumplings (so delicious). Very reasonable prices.
Restaurants: longer walk/short drive
*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout/delivery available.*
This place is on the top of my list and likely will always be there. The salads are huge, the pizzas yummy, good wine/beer list, prices reasonable, service great, lots of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options. They serve late and also deliver.
99 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Pizza Luce
2200 E Franklin Ave*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout/delivery available.*
This place is on the top of my list and likely will always be there. The salads are huge, the pizzas yummy, good wine/beer list, prices reasonable, service great, lots of vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options. They serve late and also deliver.
*2021 UPDATE: takeout available.*
Run by a local Palestinian family, this is one of my local faves. If you want hummus like they make in the Old City of Jerusalem (the Muslim Quarter, not the Jewish Quarter), this is it.
Zait & Za'atar
1626 Selby Ave*2021 UPDATE: takeout available.*
Run by a local Palestinian family, this is one of my local faves. If you want hummus like they make in the Old City of Jerusalem (the Muslim Quarter, not the Jewish Quarter), this is it.
*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
Good menu with lots of organic, veg/vegan/gluten-free options. Wine bar and bakery as well.
23 現地メンバーのおすすめ
French Meadow Bakery & Café
1662 Grand Ave*2021 UPDATE: limited indoor seating and takeout available.*
Good menu with lots of organic, veg/vegan/gluten-free options. Wine bar and bakery as well.
*2021 UPDATE: takeout available.*
This place opened only recently and has been a HUGE hit. Packed every time I go there. It offers vegan takes on American classics (burgers and tacos), but so much better than that sounds. Also, they serve kombucha. And there's a bar overlooking the kitchen where you can watch the hottie vegan cooks doing their biz. Love it.
28 現地メンバーのおすすめ
J. Selby's
169 Victoria St*2021 UPDATE: takeout available.*
This place opened only recently and has been a HUGE hit. Packed every time I go there. It offers vegan takes on American classics (burgers and tacos), but so much better than that sounds. Also, they serve kombucha. And there's a bar overlooking the kitchen where you can watch the hottie vegan cooks doing their biz. Love it.
*2021 UPDATE: takeout and free delivery available.*
There's also a location on University Av W.
See house manual in kitchen for menu.
20 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Naughty Greek
181 Snelling Ave N*2021 UPDATE: takeout and free delivery available.*
There's also a location on University Av W.
See house manual in kitchen for menu.
Pharmacy within walking distance/train/short drive
CVS Pharmacy
1040 Grand AveCVS
2001 Nicollet AveTarget
900 Nicollet MallThe pharm is run by CVS (big surprise).
GYM SWIM FITNESS WALKING
I've been a member here for 25 years. They just rebuilt and the facility is outstanding. You should be able to buy a day/week pass.
St. Paul Midway YMCA
1761 University Ave W2 blocks from the house
The ol' Mississip is only 1.7 miles from the house. Driving is easy, and it's a lovely walk as well. The faster route is Marshall Avenue (from Fairview), but for something more scenic walk past Marshall until you get to Summit and then turn right. Gorgeous old houses, huge trees, etc.
Mississippi River Boulevard South
Mississippi River Boulevard SouthThe ol' Mississip is only 1.7 miles from the house. Driving is easy, and it's a lovely walk as well. The faster route is Marshall Avenue (from Fairview), but for something more scenic walk past Marshall until you get to Summit and then turn right. Gorgeous old houses, huge trees, etc.
Green Line Outings
Sometimes I like to hop on the train and go for a mini-adventure. It's fun, great people watching, and you can have a couple of drinks without having to worry.
Located in Minneapolis' Seven Corners neighborhood, this place boasts a HUGE beer list, yummy food (happy hour deals as well) and a large outdoor seating area. Check out the local art on the walls inside.
7 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Republic
221 Cedar AveLocated in Minneapolis' Seven Corners neighborhood, this place boasts a HUGE beer list, yummy food (happy hour deals as well) and a large outdoor seating area. Check out the local art on the walls inside.
It's at the end of the Green Line in downtown St. Paul's thriving Lowertown neighborhood. This is also where CHS Stadium is, along with lots of restaurants and bars.
47 現地メンバーのおすすめ
セントポールファーマーズマーケット
290 5th St EIt's at the end of the Green Line in downtown St. Paul's thriving Lowertown neighborhood. This is also where CHS Stadium is, along with lots of restaurants and bars.
Plop yourself in downtown Minneapolis and wander around. Even with all the gentrification, the city that brought us Prince is still pretty cool.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
528 Hennepin AvePlop yourself in downtown Minneapolis and wander around. Even with all the gentrification, the city that brought us Prince is still pretty cool.
Tap rooms, micro-breweries within 1.6 miles of the house
Not that long ago, there were only dive bars in my neighborhood, and no one walked anywhere. Now we have fantastic public transport, new sidewalks, and businesses popping up everywhere...including a LOT of microbreweries!
1/2 mile from the house. Dedicated gluten-free brewery. Welcome to the Twin Cities!
11 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Burning Brothers Brewing
1750 Thomas Ave W1/2 mile from the house. Dedicated gluten-free brewery. Welcome to the Twin Cities!
I love this place so much. It's an old tin-can factory which now features massive windows, plants, sunshine...oh, and good beer.
21 現地メンバーのおすすめ
BlackStack Brewing
755 Prior Ave NI love this place so much. It's an old tin-can factory which now features massive windows, plants, sunshine...oh, and good beer.
Lake Monster Brewing Company
550 Vandalia StFirst women-owned microbrewery in Minnesota. They do food now, too.
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Urban Growler Brewing Company
2325 Endicott StFirst women-owned microbrewery in Minnesota. They do food now, too.
ALL ORGANIC ALES AND LAGERS BREWED AND SERVED IN A TWO-STORY GRAIN BIN . This is actually 1.8 miles from the house (sorry), but it's worth it for sure. Plus, it's right next to Urban Growler, where they have a restaurant.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Bang Brewing
2320 Capp RdALL ORGANIC ALES AND LAGERS BREWED AND SERVED IN A TWO-STORY GRAIN BIN . This is actually 1.8 miles from the house (sorry), but it's worth it for sure. Plus, it's right next to Urban Growler, where they have a restaurant.
This is a community-focused brewhouse with inspired, modern takes on classically-styled beers. All with a focus on celebrating community roots and developing local pride. BIg space, lots of seats, great for meeting people and striking up a conversation. It's more of an intellectual vibe than just a beer hall (at least that's how I see it).
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Dual Citizen Brewing Company
725 Raymond AveThis is a community-focused brewhouse with inspired, modern takes on classically-styled beers. All with a focus on celebrating community roots and developing local pride. BIg space, lots of seats, great for meeting people and striking up a conversation. It's more of an intellectual vibe than just a beer hall (at least that's how I see it).