Curated City Guides by Your Favorite Designers and Tastemakers.
Minneapolis:
Allison Vallant
Bars & Restaurants
The new Urban Bean
The recently opened second location of Urban Bean carries its always amazing coffee (their cold press is my favorite!), but also has a completely 100% different minimal design aesthetic from the old location. Its dark grey walls, wood floors and gleaming white bar are the definition of Urban Chic. I am absolutely in love with the space. 2401 Lyndale Ave S
A Bakers Wife
This is the ideal neighborhood bakery that sells fresh pastries, donuts and breads to hoards of people every Saturday and Sunday morning. The Tea Cakes are as big as my head, dense, sweet cakes with a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top, a piece of heaven. In fact, people have been known to wait 45 minutes for the next batch of Tea Cakes to come fresh out of the oven. They're often sold out before they're even in the counter! 4200 28Th Ave
Republic
Republic has the best fish tacos I've had in recent memory. A small plate for only $7, you get two tacos, with lots of cilantro and lime, yummy! Plus, an order of their fries for $4 is enough for two to share. And it comes with the most delectable aoili (I've taken a cup of it home with me) The patio is huge and gorgeously-lit at night. Its at a great intersection for people watching and listening to the sounds of the city. 221 Cedar Ave S
Haute Dish
My husband and I went to Haute Dish on a blustery winter night, and had the most amazing meal, so much so that the warm-fuzzy feelings lasted us the whole long bus ride home (a large feat when you're talking about Minnesota winters). Try the charcuterie platter, the classic dish called Duck-in-a-Can (opened for you right at your table and dumped out onto your plate!) or the lobster mac and cheese, is seriously what dreams are made of. I love the warm pub-style interior, with tin ceiling, huge well-stocked wooden bar, and old-fashioned tile floors. 119 Washington Avenue North
Pepitos
The Pepitos on 48th and Chicago, next door to the Parkway Theater, is definitely the best authentic Mexican spot in Minneapolis. It cheap, delicious and the family-owned casual atmosphere brings everyone from families, the young urban crowd, hipsters, older couples and locals alike. Everyone loves Pepitos. Their gigantic Chile Rellenos are oozy with delicious melty cheese and the homemade hot salsa they bring to the table with hot chips is thick and tomatoey. (You can even buy it by the jar to bring home with you!) When you're stuffed, hop next door for a movie and margaritas! 4820 Chicago Avenue South
Shops
Via's Vintage
Via's is a must see for any vintage lover. Their perfectly edited, pristine clothing is organized by waist size and by color (which makes for a beautiful shop)! They have a vast collection that will keep you drooling for hours. ANd the shop ladies are rockabilly, gorgeous and the most friendly girls to chat with. 2408 Hennepin Avenue South
Mighty Swell Vintage Pop-Up Shop
This new pop-up shop represents what the Twin Cities vintage fashion scene is all about. The sales they have once (or twice) a season are a frenzy of young hip shoppers that want a deal and a bag full of everyday, wearable vintage. They carry clothing for both men and women and have great little perks like a free grab bag with purchase, and complimentary baked goods and coffee. What could be better? 3109 E 42nd St
ETC.
Mill City Farmers Market
Saturday mornings, head down to the Mill City Museum near the Guthrie Theater on the and stroll one of the best markets in Minneapolis (there are many to choose from). "The Market overlooks a beautiful sunrise on the Stone Arch Bridge crossing the mighty Mississippi River." There's everything from fresh local veggies, to handmade clothing to cheeses and smoked salmon. A regular at the Market is the celebrated food truck Chef Shack, where you can get the famous Indian Spiced Donuts. They sell out every time! South 2nd Street
Lake of the Isles
I live near this beautiful lake, and think it is the perfect picturesque area to take a nice walk, rent a bike or canoe to take around for the day, or have a picnic on the grass and dog-watch. The homes around the lake are also gorgeous. Lake St W & Thomas Av S
The Heights Theater
This beautiful vintage movie-house theater has an organ player to keep you entertained before every weekend show. The interior is ornate, a nice small size and the preview film is also old-fashioned and hilarious. The curtains open up, the projector flickers on, and the movie magic begins. They host vintage movie series put on by the Trylon Microcinema, my favorite in recent memory a Sci-Fi theme that included favorites such as The Forbidden Planet, and the Body Snatchers. But the Heights also plays modern movies, usually cult favorites such as Harry Potter, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Midnight in Paris. Hop next door to the Dairy Queen, owned by the theater, and take your treats inside with you! 3951 Central Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights