Neighborhood Guide: North Loop and Uptown

Minneapolis: a city of many hats — or should I say neighborhoods. From Central to Northeast, the neighborhoods of Minneapolis are just as diverse as the people in them. With so many neighborhoods and so many different places to go, it can often be difficult to find the right local spots that suit our own personal needs. With this neighborhood guide for two of Minneapolis’ most popular neighborhoods, North Loop and Uptown, we offer up some options for your consideration.

NORTH LOOP

Minneapolis’ fastest-growing neighborhood, North Loop is located in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District and is now one of Minneapolis’ most prominent spots to eat, drink, shop, live, and work. Located in downtown Minneapolis, North Loop is easily accessible from every other neighborhood of the city.

Martin Patrick 3
Dedicated to helping men look and feel their best with accessories, apparel, home goods, apothecary, gifts, and tech, Martin Patrick 3 has it all. While you shop around for clothing and accessories, don’t forget to check out the display tables themselves. Almost everything in the store is for sale, so not only does your wardrobe get some TLC, but your entire home does too. Martin Patrick 3 works directly with interior designers, architects, and contractors, and trade items are often offered at a discount. Brands include American Essentials, Four Hands, Naked & Famous, and a long list of others.
212 3rd Ave. N #106, Minneapolis
www.martinpatrick3.com

Jetset Bar
Known around North Loop for having the best cocktails in Minneapolis, Jetset Bar is a gay lounge and nightclub with DJs, karaoke, and specialty cocktails. Jetset is known for getting people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. From the current top hits to songs that will bring you a nostalgic blast from the past, the DJs play music that appeals to everyone in the crowd, especially those who aren’t afraid to bust out some moves. Although there is no food menu, you’ll forget all about it when you taste the famous (and strong) Jetset cocktails.
115 N 1st St., Minneapolis
www.jetsetbar.com

Jeromeo
Previously located in Nicollet Mall, Jeromeo relocated to North Loop in 2013. The shop and wellness center focuses on massage therapy while offering antiques, furniture, jewelry, pottery, art, and essential oils to shoppers. Items are from local designers as well as imported from places as far as Asia. You can also schedule an appointment with a massage therapist and participate in their wellness center’s yoga classes. For new clients, a BOGO massage special is available including 60- and 90-minute sessions.
250 3rd Ave. N, Minneapolis
www.jeromeo.com

The Lab Theater
Old warehouse-turned-playing-space, The Lab Theater is a treasure of North Loop. The Guthrie Theater converted the space into a performance venue while conserving the unique history of the warehouse. Today, various groups use the space for live theater, music, dance, cabaret, fashion, and burlesque. The Lab Theater recently opened parking across the street which opens at 6 p.m. and goes at a rate of $5 per customer. Tickets to performances are available online as well as at the doors of each event.
700 N 1st St., Minneapolis
www.thelabtheater.org

Gay 90’s
One of Minneapolis’ most iconic rainbow nightclubs, the Gay 90’s serves customers with its dance club sprawled out through various rooms, multiple bars, and restaurant. Known for being gay- and straight-friendly, the 90’s is a hot spot for anyone looking for a good time. With themed events including Kinky Friday, Eggs and Drags Brunch, Burlesque nights, and several others, Gay 90’s always has something new in store. Also, 18+ nights are hosted every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and every third full weekend of the month.
408 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
www.gay90s.com

Moose & Sadie’s Cafe
Owned by Peter Kirihara, same owner as Jetset Bar, Moose & Sadie’s Cafe opened in 1991 and is the first coffee shop in the Warehouse District. Known for their diverse staff and openness to diverse customers, Moose & Sadie’s is somewhere that truly makes you feel like family. With a menu full of homemade treats like pastries, cornmeal pancakes, chicken pot pie, and more, Moose & Sadie’s will give your taste buds a stroll down memory lane as you’re reminded of the delicious hot meals Mom or Dad served up when you were a kid.
212 3rd Ave. N #107, Minneapolis
www.mooseandsadies.com

Red Rabbit
Delicious pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and more — what else could you ask for? Red Rabbit does it all with their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus featuring items like fresh oysters, salmon, tortelloni, and a long list of pizzas. As much as you’ll want to eat up every last bite of your scrumptious meal, don’t forget to save room for dessert. Their sticky toffee cake, panna cotta, chocolate budino, and affogato will make you glad you did.
201 N Washington Ave., Minneapolis
www.redrabbitmn.com

UPTOWN

A popular commercial district of Minneapolis, Uptown is home to some of the most vibrant businesses, restaurants, and entertainment. Uptown Minneapolis is an intersection between Minnesota’s rich history and modern day culture. The endless array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues keeps Uptown just as lively at night as it is during the day.

Uptown Art Fair
Come August, you can enjoy the unique art scene of Minneapolis at the Uptown Art Fair hosted by the Uptown Association. The event includes professional works of art in various media including sculptures, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and several more. For the young artists, a Youth Art Fair is held inside Calhoun Square where artists between eight and 18 years old can display and sell their work. A variety of entertainment, food, beverages, and competitions are also available for people of all ages.
1406 W Lake St. #202, Minneapolis
www.uptownartfair.com

Midwest Makeup Supply
From daily wear to high-performance stage makeup, Midwest Makeup Supply has it all. Known for its great products for burlesque and drag performers, the shelves of Midwest Makeup Supply are stocked with everything you need. Whether it’s lashes, body paint and powder, or makeup advice, the staff of Midwest Makeup Supply is prepared to help.
617 W Lake St., Minneapolis
www.midwestmakeupsupply.com

Penzey’s Spices
Warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, and sweet curry — the plethora of spices at Penzey’s Spices will leave you wandering the aisles and taking in the wonderful smells for hours. Penzey’s Spices of Uptown has everything you need for baking, cooking, or simply adding some flavor to any meal. Gift boxes also make excellent options for birthdays and holidays. Penzey’s Spices proves that it belongs on everything that comes out of the kitchen, and their social media presence pushes messages of love and acceptance that we can get behind. With spices for grilling to seasonings for salads, it’s likely that you won’t step into Penzey’s Spices and leave empty-handed.
3028 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis
www.penzeys.com

Twin Cities Leather & Latte
By the kinky for the kinky, Twin Cities Leather & Latte started out as a small business run out of the basement of a mansion and today serves as the top kink and BDSM-related leather goods and sex toys retailer in the Midwest. Twin Cities Leather & Latte understands that everyone is different, so it’s no wonder that our sex lives are too. Known for their variety of harnesses, staff measure customers in-store to ensure that each harness is made-to-measurement and makes every customer feel comfortable in his or her own skin. Be sure to get a latte and baked good for good measure.
2717 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
www.twincitiesleather.com

YWCA
It can often be difficult to find a gym that perfectly suits our own individual workout needs. YWCA’s Uptown location provides every customer a personalized experience that brings comfort and peace of mind to everyone using the gym. With a seven-lane lap pool, indoor track, whirlpool and sauna, fitness classes, group trainings, and personal trainers, YWCA has something for everyone and provides it all in a safe and accepting community setting.
2808 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis
www.ywcampls.org

Phoenix Theater
With such deeply rooted culture, Uptown celebrates art in every form. As a well-known city for theater, Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood does not disappoint. Phoenix Theater, located on Hennepin Avenue, offers the community a variety of shows from dramas to comedies. Also, Phoenix Theater celebrates this community with a variety of performances and events including one of their most popular events “April Showers Bring Rainbows.”
2605 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
www.phoenixtheatermpls.org

Patrick’s Cabaret
A queer-led performance art incubator, Patrick’s Cabaret puts the spotlight on performers of color, disabilities, and those with queer and trans identities. By encouraging their artists and performers to celebrate their diversity, they create a unique setting of trying new things, taking risks, and connecting the community to education, performance platforms, and various talents. Support local artists, experience new forms of art, or challenge yourself by stepping into the spotlight. You can do it all at Patrick’s Cabaret.
2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis
www.patrickscabaret.org

Common Roots Cafe
With a French and Yiddish background, Common Roots Cafe brings the tradition of delicatessen and nosherie to the modern dinner table. From bagel sandwiches and breakfast burritos to lamb meatballs and chipotle polenta, the menu of Common Roots Cafe is so diverse that you’ll get a new experience every time you dine. A kids menu is also available for the younger crowd or picky eaters of all ages. Much of the produce comes from their own garden; vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
25576 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis
www.commonrootscafe.com

While the neighborhoods of Minneapolis can sometimes be intimidating with so many places to try, hopefully this neighborhood guide will give you a better idea of the places that should be at the top of your list. From North Loop to Uptown, the possibilities for a welcoming atmosphere to get some exercise, a modern spot for a quick bite to eat, or a dance club with cocktails as good as the DJ truly are endless.