Neighborhood Guide: East Lake Street

Between Minnehaha Avenue and Lake Street Bridge lies a paradise for the common foodie. From Blue Moon Coffee Cafe to Longfellow Grill, my stomach’s growling just thinking about it. Whether you’re new to town or just looking for something new to explore, check out our East Lake Street Neighborhood Guide for great recommendations.

Merlins Rest Pub
I think the pub is my new favorite place to rest. Check out Merlins Rest Pub on Lake Street for some delicious food, cocktails, and whiskey and scotch tastings. Not only does Merlins Rest Pub offer single malt scotch, but they have tastings the first Thursday of every month so scotch enthusiasts can unite over a glass or two. Lunch and dinner are available every day with brunch on the weekends. There’s even a Kilt and Corset night every Friday. ‘Nuff said.
3601 E Lake St., Minneapolis
merlinsrest.com

Blue Moon Coffee Cafe
Coffee from all over the world is a good enough reason to check out Blue Moon Coffee Cafe, but pastries, sandwiches, tea, soda, and games? Yes, please! Head over to Blue Moon Coffee Cafe, owned by community member Lisa Berg, for a quick bite to eat, a caffeine fix, or just to check out their latest art display. Blue Moon is also a longtime drop-off spot for Webster Farm Organics, so if you’re in the mood for some fresh veggies, be sure to stop by every Thursday through September!
3822 E Lake St., Minneapolis
www.drinkbluemoon.com

Hi-Lo Diner
Chicken and gravy and… a donut? Call me crazy, but Hi-Lo Diner knows how to make it work. Stop in Hi-Lo Diner for what will surely be an unforgettable meal. Hi-Lo also offers brunch beverages such as mimosas and bloodys, as well as boozy and delicious ice cream cocktails. From their famous hi-tops—sweet or savory donuts—to their drool-worthy breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, you’ll be planning your next trip before you even pay the bill.
4020 E Lake St., Minneapolis
www.hi-lo-diner.com

Sonora Grill
A Midtown Global Market native, Sonora Grill brings exactly what the culinary scene needs on East Lake Street. With Spanish and Latin American cuisine, Sonora Grill will bring just the right amount of spice to your life. Sonora offers a wide variety of margaritas and cocktails, as well as a plethora of tequila choices. Try their bocadillos, nachos, or paella.
3300 E Lake St., Minneapolis
www.sonoragrillmpls.com

Forage Modern Workshop
With so many restaurants to choose from on East Lake Street, you’ll surely find yourself dining out quite a bit. But what about those nights you don’t want to leave home? Design the perfect kitchen with all the necessities from Forage Modern Workshop. From pottery and glassware to towels and placemats, Forage Modern Workshop will have everything you need to turn your kitchen into your own modern restaurant.
4023 E Lake St., Minneapolis
www.foragemodernworkshop.com

Dogwood Cafe
Right next door to Forage Modern Workshop, Dogwood Cafe is the perfect spot to grab a coffee while you stroll through the unique trinkets next door. Grab an iced lavender vanilla latte to beat the heat and get the kick of energy you’re craving.
4021 E Lake St., Minneapolis
www.dogwoodcoffee.com

Longfellow Grill
You’ll want to come hungry for this one. Swing by Longfellow Grill for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above! From waffles and pancakes to pierogies and stroganoff, Longfellow Grill will feed any and all appetites. With cozy outdoor seating, the Longfellow Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy the numbered summer days.
2990 W River Pkwy., Minneapolis
www.longfellowgrill.com

Urban Forage Winery & Cider House
Wine AND hard cider? My wallet is saying no, but my heart is screaming yes! Check out the Urban Forage Winery & Cider House for cider and wine made from the freshest ingredients. Urban Forage features four ciders on tap: one dry cider, one semisweet cider, and two rotating tap, and they host winery tours and tastings every Sunday. Seriously, they pick their own apples, pears, cherries, apricots, and more.
3016 E Lake St., Minneapolis
urbanforagewinery.com

Bungalow Club
If you’re craving some delicious Italian food, the Bungalow Club is where you’ll want to go. Handmade pasta by Bungalow Club’s chef Andrew Kraft paired with classic cocktails and wine, you’ll be on a cuisine adventure and, trust me, you’ll never want it to end. The presentation may seem laid back, but the Bungalow Club is always buzzing, so make sure to reserve a table post haste.
4300 E Lake St., Minneapolis
thebungalowclubmpls.com