DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

About the Neighborhood

Downtown Minneapolis is the city’s central hub — home to stadiums, theaters, riverfront parks, Fortune 500 employers, and an endless mix of restaurants, cafés, shopping, and entertainment. It’s one of the most walkable, transit-connected, and business-friendly areas in the state, making it ideal for extended stays and furnished rentals.

 

Transport & Mobility

Downtown is one of the easiest neighborhoods in Minneapolis for getting around by foot, bike, transit, or rideshare.

• Walking: Streets are dense, walkable, and connected to the Skyway System, a climate-controlled network of indoor walkways linking dozens of buildings, restaurants, and offices — perfect for winter mobility.

• Light Rail (Blue & Green Lines): Fast connections to the Airport, Mall of America, U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, St. Paul, and major business districts.

• Bus Transit: Multiple high-frequency bus lines serve downtown and provide easy trips to Uptown, the North Loop, Dinkytown, St. Louis Park, and suburbs.

• Biking: Dedicated bike lanes and access to the Mississippi River trails make biking an easy commuting option.

• Shared bikes & scooters: Lime, Spin, and Lyft scooters are widely available spring–fall.

• Car access: Easy freeway connection to I-94, I-394, I-35W, and Hwy 55 for traveling across the metro.

• Parking: Downtown has ample ramp parking, monthly passes, and street parking (metered). Ramps are usually the most reliable option. For street meters, the ParkMobile app is the primary tool used to pay, extend time, and manage parking sessions.​

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Coffee & Breakfast

Perfect for starting your day, remote work, or a quick morning pickup.

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• Spyhouse Coffee (Nicollet Mall) — A stylish, design-forward café known for excellent espresso, handcrafted drinks, and a comfortable work-friendly atmosphere. Great for remote workers, casual meetings, or a slow morning with high-quality coffee and pastries.

• Dunn Brothers Coffee (3rd Ave S) — A Minneapolis staple featuring in-house roasted beans, spacious seating, and a warm, relaxed vibe. Ideal for working, studying, or grabbing a consistent, reliable coffee and breakfast sandwich.

• Fairgrounds Coffee — Large, bright space with multiple roasters, great for working or casual meetings.

• Nordstrom Ebar (Nicollet Mall) — Popular for quick coffee and small bites while shopping or commuting.

• Hen House Eatery — A lively, all-day café and breakfast spot known for hearty morning plates, pastries, fresh juices, and a friendly sit-down atmosphere. Great for both quick breakfasts and relaxed brunch meetings downtown.

• FRGMNT Coffee – Mill District — A bright, modern café offering high-end specialty coffee, pour-overs, and pastries in a clean, minimalist setting. Known for its strong work-friendly vibe, fast Wi-Fi, and proximity to the riverfront — ideal for remote work or a quiet morning.

 

Restaurants for Lunch & Dinner

Downtown offers everything from casual favorites to upscale dining.

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• Spoon and Stable – A celebrated fine-dining destination known for exceptional service and seasonal menus. Perfect for special occasions, client dinners, or a memorable night out.

• Mara (Four Seasons Hotel) — A high-end Mediterranean restaurant led by James Beard Award–winning chef Gavin Kaysen. Known for its refined coastal-inspired dishes, handcrafted cocktails, luxurious ambiance, and exceptional service. Ideal for upscale dinners, business meals, or special occasions.

• Fogo de Chão — Brazilian steakhouse with full table service and a large salad bar — great for business dinners.

• The Butcher’s Tale — Famous for smoked meats, sausages, and a spacious outdoor patio.

• Gai Noi — A James Beard–recognized Lao restaurant offering bold, modern dishes with vibrant flavors, shareable plates, and a lively atmosphere. One of Minneapolis’ most acclaimed new dining spots — perfect for elevated dinners or date nights.

• 801 Chophouse — An upscale, classic American steakhouse known for prime cuts, seafood, an extensive wine list, and a refined dining room. Ideal for business dinners, celebrations, or a polished night out downtown.

• Roti — A fast-casual Mediterranean option offering bowls, salads, pitas, and fresh ingredients — great for quick lunches, takeout, or healthier everyday meals.

• Lotus To Go Go — Longtime, fast-service Vietnamese option for pho, noodles, and rice dishes.

 

Grocery Stores & Essentials

• Target (Nicollet Mall – flagship store) — Full groceries, home goods, pharmacy, electronics, and daily essentials.

• Trader Joe’s (Washington Ave) — A popular grocery option just across from the edge of downtown near North Loop.

• Whole Foods Market (North Loop) — Easily accessible for organic, specialty, and ready-made food.

• Delivery Options: Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh, Target Delivery, and Uber Eats Grocery.

 

Gyms, Yoga & Fitness

• Life Time Target Center — A luxury multilevel gym connected to the arena with pools, group classes, weight training, and workspaces.

• YMCA Downtown — Full gym, track, group classes, basketball courts, and community fitness options.

• CorePower Yoga — Hot yoga and sculpt classes — great for structured workouts.

• Altius Performance — Personal training, strength sessions, and athlete-focused programs.

 

Activities, Entertainment & Fun

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• Puttery  — Indoor mini-golf with three themed 9-hole courses, cocktails, food and lounge bars. Ideal for a fun night out, relaxed brunch, group events or celebrations.

• U.S. Bank Stadium — Home of the Minnesota Vikings, plus concerts, major touring acts, and large events year-round.

• Target Center — Home of the Timberwolves & Lynx and host to concerts, comedians, and sporting events.

• Orpheum Theatre — Broadway shows, musicals, and large-scale stage performances in a historic venue.

• State Theatre — Comedy, concerts, and live performances in a restored historic theater.

• Guthrie Theater — A nationally renowned theater offering plays, tours, and a beautiful view of the riverfront.

• Mill City Museum — A unique museum with exhibits on Minneapolis’ milling history and Mississippi River heritage.

• St. Anthony Main / Riverwalk — Great for scenic walks, running, patio dining, and movie nights at St. Anthony Main Theatre.

• The Armory — A historic, state-of-the-art music and event venue hosting major touring artists, EDM shows, hip-hop acts, pop concerts, and large-scale productions. Known for its incredible sound system, massive open floor, and immersive lighting setup, The Armory is one of Minneapolis’ premier spots for high-energy concerts, festivals, and special events just steps from the heart of downtown.

 

Bars & Nightlife​

• Prohibition Bar (W Hotel) — Rooftop speakeasy-style bar with skyline views.

• Hewing Rooftop Bar (North Loop border) — One of the best rooftop experiences near downtown.

• Public Domain — A sophisticated cocktail bar known for its inventive, technique-driven drinks, minimalist vibe, and constantly rotating menu. Great for a polished night out, intimate conversations, or a pre-dinner cocktail in a stylish setting.

• Union Rooftop — One of Downtown’s most recognizable nightlife spots, featuring a year-round enclosed rooftop with skyline views. Offers cocktails, dinner, weekend brunch, and a lively atmosphere that works well for groups, celebrations, and night-out plans.

 

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (Nicollet Mall) — Easy access for prescriptions, personal care items, and late-night essentials.

• Walgreens (Hennepin Ave) — Another convenient downtown option for pharmacy needs and everyday items.

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Haircuts: Barbers & Salons​

• Floyd’s 99 Barbershop (Downtown) — Reliable barbershop for men’s and women’s cuts and beard services.

• Gent Cuts & Grooming — Modern barbershop for classic and modern cuts.

• Haus Salon (North Loop border) — High-end salon known for precision cuts and color.

 

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Accommodations & Furnished Rentals

Downtown is one of the most convenient places to stay for extended work trips, relocations, medical travel, or transitional housing. Our furnished units offer full kitchens, in-unit laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, secure buildings, and access to the neighborhood’s restaurants, parks, and transit.