I thought company bar’s was analog but it’s just a vintage style booth that takes digital photos - super cute and fun but not what I was looking for! Does anyone know of a spot here in the Twin Cities that has a real, old school dip and dunk analog film photo booth?!?

And PLEASE PLEASE someone open something like the automat in Brooklyn or the strip club in Chicago - basically large restored and usable collections of vintage analog photo booths! We’ll be your first and very best customer and will send all our engagement couples there for dates too lol!

Step 1: The Process

Secure Your Minnesota Marriage License

• Crucial Location Note: You do not get your marriage license at the courthouse. In St. Paul, the Vital Records office is now located in the Plato Building across the river
• The Application: Start your application online via the Ramsey County Marriage License portal.
• The Appointment: You must appear in person to verify IDs and sign the final documents at the Plato Building: 90 Plato Blvd W, Saint Paul, MN 55107.
• The Cost: $115 (or $40 with 12 hours of premarital counseling).
• The Timing: There is no waiting period in Minnesota, but the license expires after six months. We recommend picking this up at least a few days before your ceremony so you aren't rushing across the bridge on your wedding morning.

Step 2: Scheduling Your Officiant (The Judge)

Unlike some city halls that offer a "walk-in" style chapel, St. Paul requires you to coordinate directly with a judge from the Second Judicial District - find a list of judges actively performing marriage ceremonies at St Paul City Hall & Ramsey County Courthouse here.

• Booking: You will need to contact the judge’s chambers directly to schedule your ceremony. The court maintains a list of judges who perform weddings. We recommend reaching out at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for Friday afternoon ceremonies.
• The Fee: Judges typically charge a fee ranging from $150 to $300. This is paid directly to the judge and often covers the use of the space for your ceremony.
• The Ceremony Location: While many ceremonies take place in the judge’s private chambers for a more intimate vibe, you can often request to hold your ceremony in the Memorial Hall in front of the onyx statue in the grand entrance - a stunning art-deco space. This is subject to the judge’s availability and the building's schedule.

Step 3: Witnesses and Logistics

• The Witnesses: You are required to have two witnesses who are at least 16 years old. If you are planning a private "just us" elopement, we are always happy to act as your witnesses and sign our names to your history.
• Security: This is a working government building and courthouse. You and your guests will pass through metal detectors upon entry. We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a relaxed transition.
• Parking: Street parking is available along 4th Street and Kellogg Blvd, but for a stress-free morning, we suggest the Victory Ramp or the Lawson Ramp, both of which offer easy access to the courthouse.

Step 4: The Documentation

Because of the building’s unique lighting — rich dark marbles, deep wood tones, and dramatic shadows — this location demands a specific technical approach.

We prioritize a true-to-color methodology that honors the natural tones of the Art Deco era. Our goal is to capture the "lived-in" memories: the echo of your footsteps in the marble halls, the nervous laughter in the vintage brass elevators, and the quiet exhale when the paperwork is finally signed.

We often utilize a hybrid of high-end digital frames for clarity and 35mm film to capture the nostalgic, archival texture that this building practically begs for.

Step 5: The St. Paul Neighborhood Portrait Session

One of the best parts of a St. Paul elopement is the proximity to some of the city's most beautiful textures. After the ceremony, we typically wander for 30–45 minutes to capture your first moments as spouses:

• Rice Park: A classic European-style square just a block away.
• The Avalon (formerly James J. Hill Library): For an editorial, academic feel - closed to the public, request time for photos inside the venue by inquiring and scheduling with the Avalon team here.
• Saint Paul Public Library: Housed next door to the Avalon, the SPPL is peak Italian Renaissance architecture meets quiet, marble-clad elegance for a scholarly and timeless editorial backdrop.
• Landmark Center: For grand exterior architecture that rivals any European city.

Step 6: An Intimate Reception Celebration

A courthouse ceremony is often the prologue to a beautiful afternoon in the city. St. Paul offers several pockets of "unfussy luxury" perfect for a first drink as spouses, an intimate dinner reception, or an intimate park celebration if the weather allows:

• W.A. Frost & Company: Located in the historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood W.A. Frost is among the best of the very best when it comes to a romantic St. Paul aesthetic. Beyond its famous multi-level stone courtyard — widely considered the most beautiful patio in the Twin Cities — the interior offers a series of private enclaves like the Fireside Room. These "hidden" spaces allow for a quiet, long-table dinner or a cake-and-punch reception away from the main dining bustle, all set against a backdrop of heavy stone and flickering fireplaces.
• Moscow on the Hill: For a mood that feels like a tucked-away European corner, Moscow on the Hill is unrivaled. The experience is anchored by their in-house accordionist, whose live, nostalgic soundtrack provides a perfect "lived-in" layer for documentary video and audio capture. Their year-round patio offers a romantic, tree-lined sanctuary for a celebratory vodka flight, providing an unpretentious yet sophisticated transition from the Art Deco formality of the courthouse.
• The St. Paul Hotel Lobby Bar: This is a timeless, dark-wood sanctuary that feels like a direct extension of the city’s history. It is the ideal spot for a classic, high-end cocktail in a space that values quiet over crowd. However, a technical note for your documentation: the staff here can be strict regarding flash photography. Because the space is naturally quite dark, we recommend checking in advance if they will allow the additional lighting or professional flash setup required to properly capture your session or dinner celebration.
• Emerald Lounge: A West 7th gem that balances moody intimacy with a sophisticated cocktail program. With its deep emerald velvet booths and intentional lighting, it offers a more modern, "boutique" alternative to the historic grand hotels. It’s the perfect spot for a couple looking for a stylish, neighborhood-centric toast that feels tucked away from the downtown core.
• MetroNOME Brewery: If your version of a celebratory drink is a local craft pour, this Lowertown spot offers a bright, industrial-chic atmosphere for a casual "cake and punch" style gathering. Beyond the high ceilings and clean lines, the venue is deeply rooted in the St. Paul music scene; their basement event space, Fingal’s Cave, is known for its incredible acoustics and live jazz vibe. It’s an ideal "hidden gem" for couples who want their reception to feel like an exclusive Lowertown house party, though guests should be prepared for the typical Lowertown parking shuffle — we recommend suggesting the nearby Cray Plaza ramp.
• Irvine Park: Often called the "Hidden Jewel" of St. Paul, this park is centered around an ornate Victorian fountain and a historic gazebo. It offers a European-square feel that is unrivaled in the city, though a technical note for video: the fountain is powerful and creates significant ambient noise, so plan your audio capture accordingly.
• Harriet Island Pavilion: The Wigington Pavilion is a massive stone structure with high wooden beams and a "blank canvas" interior. It’s favored for its indoor-outdoor flow, allowing guests to wander along the Mississippi River with the St. Paul skyline as a backdrop. A major win for this space is the lack of restrictive catering contracts, giving you the freedom to bring in any local favorites for a truly customized reception.
• Loring Park (near Downtown Minneapolis, worth the trek!): For an urban garden mood, Loring Park offers a lush escape just steps from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. It’s a high-energy, sophisticated spot that pairs perfectly with a reception at Café Lurcat, which sits right on the park's edge and is the gold standard for "unfussy luxury" dining with park views. The incredible Gai Noi Restaurant can be found right across the street, offering authentic Lao dishes and a lush greenery filled rooftop for private events and group dining options.

Find more Twin Cities restaurants, breweries, and private event spaces for your intimate wedding reception or dinner celebration here.

Comprehensive list of our favorite Twin Cities restaurants, bars (with great NA options especially!), cafés etc - PLEASE add on with your faves in the comments!!!

Steakhouses & Elevated Sit-Down

• Porzana: Argentine steakhouse in the North Loop from Chef Daniel del Prado. Focused on steaks cooked over a wood-fire grill and a menu inspired by flavors of Buenos Aires
• Martina: A Linden Hills favorite from Chef Daniel del Prado, specializing in Argentine and Italian-inspired cuisine cooked over a wood fire
• Khâluna: A high-end dining experience from Chef Ann Ahmed. The menu offers unique Laos, Thailand, and Southeast Asian dishes in a stunning space
• Myriel: A fantastic intimate and hyper-seasonal restaurant in St. Paul by Chef Karyn Tomlinson
• Red Cow: Modern tavern that elevates the classic burger and beer - Gourmet burgers, their extensive craft beer list, and a good wine selection
• Red Rabbit: Elevated italian eatery from the Red Cow team - wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and GREAT oysters in a casual, yet chic environment
• Bar La Grassa: Upscale italian restaurant by James Beard award-winning chef Isaac Becker - legendary soft egg and lobster bruschetta!
• Butcher & the Boar: North Loop spot with wood-grilled meats, house-made sausages, and a massive bourbon list - go for the smoked beef long rib with tabasco-molasses BBQ
• Stock & Bond: American steakhouse in a former bank building downtown, attached to the Westin. Features a massive and dark, ambient dining room, a bar focused on American whiskey, as well as a whiskey vault, and multiple private dining spaces. The caviar tots and bread are staple starters!
• Josefina: Upscale Italian restaurant in Wayzata from Chef Daniel del Prado, specializing in wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas
• Manny's Steakhouse: Solid steakhouse, known for high-quality dry-aged beef, massive portions, and great service
• Butcher’s Tale: High end steakhouse in Minneapolis' Harmon District specializing in house-smoked meats, Minnesota Wagyu, hand-crafted sausages plus they have a year-round beer garden
• Dario: An incredible and elevated Italian restaurant with global influences in the North Loop.
• St Pierre: North Loop restaurant by Chef Isaac Becker & Nancy St. Pierre, focused on high-quality, sustainable beef and fresh seafood
• Moscow on the Hill: Authentic Russian comfort food and a legendary vodka bar in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood - live accordionist on site and a stunning courtyard
• WA Frost: A gorgeous St. Paul classic with European vibes located in the Dacotah Building. Known for its award-winning patio, cozy basement lounge, and contemporary American menu - they also have a lovely bar space separate from the main area of the restaurant
• Barbette: Brasserie in Uptown serving local, organic French food with an extensive natural wine list
• JD Hoyt's Supper Club: popular steakhouse in the Warehouse District with fire-grilled meats prepared on a hardwood charcoal grill
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room: higher end downtown seafood room providing the freshest seafood flown in daily from around the world in a supper club setting
• Woolley's Kitchen & Bar: Bloomington staple in a greenery-filled atrium, serving American steaks and fresh seafood
• Gai Noi: An amazing Laotian spot in Loring Park from Chef Ann Ahmed. Gorgeous, fantastic greenery filled rooftop for private events!
• Oro by Nixta: A Northeast restaurant and full service masa kitchen - Reservations encouraged.



Eateries & Cafes

• Parcelle: A NE neighborhood cafe from Chef Kamal Mohamed in the Saint Anthony & Main corridor focused on nutrient-dense food with no seed oils. House-made sourdough, macro bowls, clean-ingredient smoothies, coffee offerings and more.
• Diane’s Place: Upscale yet accessible Hmong-American restaurant and bakery by Chef Diane Moua, located in the Thorp Building in Northeast. Also offering a fantastic space for private event rentals.
• Silver Fern: Northeast cafe and wine bar serving specialty coffee and pastries by day and natural wine and small plates by night.
• Kizzo: Formery StepChld, the Northeast Minneapolis spot transitioned to a lounge and kitchen concept from Kamal Mohamed inspired by counter-service restraints and offering a modern take on American comfort food & cocktails - doubles as a great spot to catch a game on one of their many wide screens. Also try their incredible and unique cinnamon rolls during brunch hours. The Kizzo Burger is the renamed StepCHld Burger (Thank goodness!) and their cauliflower wings are delcious. Attached to WildChld - which is chic & casual bar also by Kamal Mohamed & team with coconut rice dishes, creative cocktails and a friendly staff!
• Bûcheron: Upscale neighborhood bistro in South Minneapolis with a focused cocktail program & high-end wine list.
• Eli's East: Cozy neighborhood restaurant and bar with a sophisticated menu, dark wood interior, and library-like atmosphere.
• Salt & Flour: North Loop counter-service spot specializing in handmade pasta bowls, delicious focaccia pizza, and fresh salads.
• ie (Italian Eatery): A restaurant in South Minneapolis serving approachable Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, handmade pasta
• Luna & the Bear: A neighborhood kitchen and bar in South Minneapolis (just off Eat Street corridor) serving elevated pub food and local craft beers.
• Brasa Premium Rotisserie: Chef Alex Roberts' casual spot for slow-cooked meats and sides inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean and Southern US.
• Restaurant Alma: A Minneapolis institution featuring a three-course prix fixe menu in the dining room and a more casual, all-day cafe next door - also a hotel!
• Fabled Rooster: A delicious and intentional Southern-style smokehouse by Chef Shaun Holley located in the Graze Provisions + Libations food hall in the North Loop.
• The Lexington: A historic Grand Avenue landmark in St. Paul. Features a classic dining room, the iconic circus bar, and a modern rooftop
• Bar Rufus: European-style lobby bar in the Rand Tower Hotel serving classic cocktails and French-inspired small plates.
• 112 Eatery: Award-winning intimate restaurant from Chef Isaac Becker with elevated comfort food
• Lumi: Modern Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant located on Nicollet Mall - kebabs, mezze, and Turkish coffee!
• Prima: A cozy, family-friendly Italian restaurant in South Minneapolis focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients and fresh pasta
• Maxwell’s American Bistro: A classic neighborhood bistro in the Downtown East area serving American comfort food and cocktails.

Hole-in-the-Wall, Local Gems, + Casual Favorites

• Matt’s Bar: Home of the "Jucy Lucy" - cheese-stuffed burger that is a Twin Cities rite of passage. A no-frills, cash-only dive bar.
• Parlour Bar: In the North Loop & famous for their Parlour Burger and high-end craft cocktails
• The Red Sea: West Bank staple for authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, plus its also a bar and live music venue.
• Afro Deli: Popular community spot serving a fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American flavors with multiple Twin Cities locations
• Hard Times Cafe: A legendary worker-owned, vegetarian collective on the West Bank known for late-night service, great vegan brunch, $1.50 coffee (up from the $1 cup they sold for decades, crazy I know!), plus generally filling and large portions! I love their breakfast sandwich and daily assortment of muffins pastries.
• MayDay Cafe: Beloved worker-owned cafe in South Minneapolis with excellent fresh-baked bread, seasonal soups, and an amazing sense of community
• Hola Arepa: Started as a food truck, and now a South Minneapolis brick and mortar spot for Latin coastal food, specifically Venezuelan stuffed arepas.
• Tropico: A casual spot in South Minneapolis serving authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean food.
• Xai Wong: A local favorite for authentic Hmong and Southeast Asian cuisine, located in the North End of St. Paul - loveeee their lunch specials!!
• Reverie Kitchen: A plant-based kitchen and bar in South Minneapolis serving creative, scratch-made vegan comfort food and craft beer.
• El Burrito Mercado: West Side St Paul Mexican grocery store, bakery, deli, counter-service and full-service restaurant + bar!
• Black Forrest Inn: First restaurant on the now historic Eat Street, open since 1965. Known for massive portions of sausages, schnitzels, and spatzels, and their beer garden.
• Rainbow Chinese: Led by Chef Tammy Wong this Eat Street staple has been serving unique Chinese-Minnesotan dishes for more than 38 years on Eat St. in Minneapolis.
• Lil Tijuana: An Eat Street staple serving "post-work, late-night" food and cocktails in a dark, red-lit, sticker covered space. Their burgers and fries to go is a popular late-night go-to for us!
• My Huong Kitchen: A cozy Vietnamese spot owned by the legendary Tracy on Eat Street known for their pho, spring rolls, and broken rice dishes on Nicollet Avenue’s Eat Street.
• Centro: Fast-casual Mexican spot in Northeast known for its tacos, margaritas, and their take on "crunch" wraps.
• El Sazón: delicious Mexican food that started in a gas station and now has a full-service location at Eat Street Crossing - I'm obsessed with their quesabirria tacos!
• Pho 79: A family owned Vietnamese and Chinese restaurant located on Eat Street
• Quang: A family‑owned, no‑frills Vietnamese spot on Eat Street since 1989, GREAT Pho & banh mi sandwiches, and recently remodeled to include expanded seating, a private event room, and even outdoor patio options.
• Lu’s Sandwiches: Famous for their tasty & authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches on Eat Street - they also make great noodle bowls and delicious sesame donuts, plus Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea too!
• Pimento Kitchen: Authentic Jamaican comfort food born from a backyard BBQ, with a community-focused mission.
• Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen: A "farm-to-table" farmhouse-chic restaurant and bakery on Eat Street with elevated rustic vibes. Their mini mason jar cakes are super popular on the dessert table at weddings too!

Diners & Cafes

• Nicollet Diner (Downtown Minneapolis): 24-Hour Destination for Breakfast, Burgers, Malts and Milkshakes in Minneapolis. Crispiest fountain Diet Coke in the city I swear! Attached is Roxy's Cabaret - The best drag venue in Minneapolis for Drag Shows, Drag Bingo or a Karaoke, Game, or Cult Cinema Movie Night. Best Drag Show in the city every Thursday and Friday night with a drag brunch on Sundays.
• Mickey’s Diner (St Paul): Designed to resemble an old railroad dining cars, serving delicious, homemade, wholesome and affordable meals - from breakfast to dinner! They steam and shred our own hash browns, fresh local butcher meats, fresh local family farm eggs.
• Hi-Lo Diner: A fully restored, original 1957 Fodero Diner - they offer fantastic from scratch breakfast options and burgers, sandwiches, full bar serving craft cocktails, local beers, wine, and THC beverages, and breakfast all day plus desserts including house-made pies and malts/shakes make from hand-scooped ice cream!
• Cossetta: A St. Paul landmark featuring an Italian market, a world-class bakery, and a bustling cafeteria-style eatery.

Delis & Sandwiches

• Marty's Deli: Popular sandwich shop in Northeast Minneapolis known for its delicious and unique menu of sandwich options served on fresh, house-baked focaccia!
• Paperboy Deli: Also from Kamal Mohamed, a new high-end sandwich shop in the downtown Minneapolis Skyway, serving deli sandwiches on fresh-baked tuscan bread
• Little Bird Delicatessen: A modern take on the classic neighborhood deli, focusing on high-quality meats, fresh-baked goods, and delicious gelato!
• Carbon Kitchen + Market: Woman-owned, scratch-kitchen sandwich shop in Northeast Minneapolis known for its charcoal grilled meat and veggies
• The Brothers Deli: New York-style Jewish sandwich shop in the Minneapolis Skyway. With roots dating back to 1935, it is one of the oldest family-run deli's in the city
• North Star Deli: A retro, hockey-themed sandwich shop in Kingfield in South Minneapolis
• Mi-Sant: A modern Vietnamese bakery and cafe in Roseville and Brooklyn Park known for their signature banh mi and croissants.

Sushi & Sashimi

• Kado no Mise: Translating to “Corner Restaurant,” this upscale North loop spot serves Edomae sushi and simple, delicate Japanese fare, Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa is actually the sole 2026 James Beard Award finalist from Minnesota - for Best Chef: Midwest
• Kaiseki Furukawa: Located within Kado no Mise, offering a traditional multi-course Japanese Kaiseki dining experience on select nights. INCREDIBLE.
• Hikari Hand-Roll: A modern hand-roll bar located in the Eat Street Crossing food hall, focusing on high-quality fish and crispy nori. We always ask what the chef suggests and we always do that, always the best possible decision! Last time it was albacore tuna that he had gotten in fresh that morning and it was insane (good!)
• Kyatchi: Sushi restaurant in South Minneapolis and Lowertown, serving high-quality fish and hot Japanese comfort food.
• Coastal Seafoods: THE seafood market of the Twin Cities - they have a cafe serving fresh sushi, oysters, and fish tacos.
• Kiku Bistro: A Japanese spot in Uptown serving a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and hibachi dishes.
• Billy Sushi: A super high-energy sushi spot in the North Loop from Chef and local social media star Billy Tserenbat, plus they have Billy After Dark (B.A.D) their cocktail bar and lounge (reservations required) - back of the building (120 N 1st Ave) down the alley. Look for the dinosaur or neon light above the door and ring the bell!
• Sushi Train: A fun, casual conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in downtown Minneapolis
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: Revolving sushi bar at the Mall of America with robot servers and cute prizes - their sushi is surprisingly super fresh for a revolving bar and you can order off the menu as well
• Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar: A local chain offering a massive menu of American favorites alongside a full sushi bar and rooftop views - tbh their sushi is mainly what we'd go for.

Pizza

• Pizza Luce: A local staple with creative specialty pizzas, including fantastic vegan and gluten-free options. Open late for dine-in and delivery!
• Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza: The first coal-burning pizza oven in Minnesota, a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients and a signature charred crust
• Rosalia: Italian kitchen in Linden Hills serving wood-fired, Mediterranean-style pizzas and seasonal small plates
• Pizzeria Lola: A wood-fired pizzeria in South Minneapolis by James Beard winner Ann Kim. Known for creative pies like the Korean BBQ and Lady Zaza
• Northern Fires Pizza: A sourdough pizza spot in South Minneapolis focusing on seasonal, locally sourced toppings and a naturally leavened crust
• Element Wood Fired Pizza: Northeast neighborhood pizza place specializing in Neapolitan wood fired pizzas with a great local beer list
• Wrecktangle Pizza: Award-winning Detroit-style pizza known for its thick, crispy cheesy crust and creative toppings. Legendary community mutual aid and solidarity efforts!
• ElMar’s NY Pizza: Known for their specialty filtration system dough and classic NYC style pizza, this Plymouth spot is also famous for their authentic New York-style bagels.
• Sanjusan: Elevated North Loop spot blending Italian and Japanese influences, featuring wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas
• Fat Lorenzo's: Classic South Minneapolis spot located near Lake Nokomis. Known for New York-style slices, gelato, and hey have these massive colorful murals!
• Slice of New York: Authentic New York-style thin-crust pizza served by the slice or the whole pie on Nicollet Avenue!
• Mothership Pizza Paradise: Modern take on the classic pizza shop by the team behind Travail, located on France Ave in Edina
• Galaxy Pizza: An uptown neighborhood staple with a large range of delivery service and classic specialty pizzas in a casual, classic parlor style space
• Boludo: Argentine-inspired pizza and empanadas by Chef Facundo Defraia, unique flavors for both plus they have really yummy mini donuts
• Leaning Tower of Pizza: Long time uptown spot with greasy pizza, pasta options, bar appetizers, and beer/cocktails - people either hate their pizza or love it as a solid late night (drunk) slice - there is no in between here

Bars & Lounges (Great NA Options!)

• BERLIN: North Loop jazz club and lounge with a fantastic cocktail list and a dedicated "Low & No" proof menu - their food is insanely good, and you can book it out for events - it makes an excellent spot for intimate receptions, dinner parties etc
• Earl Giles Distillery: A massive Northeast distillery and apothecary with wood-fired pizza and a massive menu of house-made craft spirits and NA options.
• Thor’s Cigar Lounge: Gorgeous and relaxing upscale outdoor cigar lounge located at the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis
• Masa & Agave: A "speakeasy" style cantina and tasting room at Hotel Ivy, specializing in rare tequilas and mezcals
• Petite León: South Minneapolis bistro combining Latin and French influences with an acclaimed cocktail & natural wine programs
• Juche: Quaint Korean lounge in St Paul serving Korean specialities, as well as burgers, sides & desserts.
• Flora Room: A botanical-inspired speakeasy style cocktail lounge under Porzana in the North Loop.
• Hai Hai: Southeast Asian street food spot in Northeast with tropical cocktails and an impressive list of unique and creative NA options!
• Public Domain: North Loop cocktail bar with no set menu - instead the bartenders craft drinks based on your suggestions for ingredients, they then write what they made on a napkin you can take with you to have remade in the future! A great little keepsake too!
• Meteor Bar: Classic dive style bar in North Minneapolis with high-quality cocktails, and A+ hot dogs
• Bina's: Fancy-ish dive bar (the oxymoron is intended) in Northeast Minneapolis from the team behind Centro - midwestern comfort food, Wagyu-butter burgers, deviled eggs, and craft drinks

Pubs & Taverns:

• Lyon’s Pub: A classic English-style tavern in downtown Minneapolis known for its pub fare, burgers, and reliable lunch specials.
• Brit's Pub: Minneapolis’s own little corner of the UK for over thirty years. fantastic rooftops great spot to catch a (UK) football game and they have summer lawn bowling on the rooftop deck
• The Prodigal Public House (Prodigal Pub): A cozy, Irish-inspired neighborhood spot located on the edge of the Whittier and Phillips, with radical hospitality, one of the absolute best chicken pot pies in the Twin Cities
• George & the Dragon: Family-owned English-style spot in Southwest Minneapolis offering pub fare and a tavern feel. It’s famous for its warm, community-focused vibe and a menu that blends British classics with Asian-inspired flavors.

Breweries & Taprooms:

• A Bar of Their Own: A Seward neighborhood bar that exclusively screens women's sports, massive tap list & great NA beer and mocktail options!
• Urban Growler: The state's first women-owned microbrewery in a historic St. Paul warehouse, where the vibe is very communal and they also sell scratch-made NA sodas
• Bruhaven: Formerly Lakes & Legends, this Loring Park brewery is very inclusive, has great craft beer selections on tap but also great NA adaptogen options on tap too! They also have lots of to-go options including THC cans.
• Modist Brewing Co: North Loop staple, top-tier lineup of THC elixirs and craft NA brews - we get them to bring home a lot too.
• Fair State Brewing Cooperative: The first co-op brewery in the state, known for a community-first model that prioritizes inclusivity and great NA hop waters and lines of THC beverages
• Wild Mind Artisan Ales: A South Minneapolis spot focused on "wild" fermentation, also with a curated list of non-alcoholic and THC-infused options.
• Blackstack Brewing: Family-owned operation housed in a massive historic St. Paul canning factory with heavy-hitting IPAs and unique NA and THC cans!
• Barrel Theory Beer Company: Lowertown Saint Paul with good IPAs and wonderful small-batch NA releases
• Bauhaus Brew Labs: Spacious Northeast brewery that reimagines classic German styles, including their "Nah" NA beers
• Indeed Brewing Company: Northeast taproom with some of our favorite CBD and THC options in the region!
• Pryes Brewing Company: Spacious craft beer taproom with wood-fired pizzas & snacks, plus a large patio & riverfront views, and a good NA menu
• Arbeiter Brewing Company: Korean Adoptee/American–owned brewery in Longfellow focused on high-quality lagers and an inclusive vibe that treats its NA and THC offerings with serious respect and we appreciate it
• Falling Knife Brewing Company: a craft brewery and taproom in Northeast Minneapolis with a fantastic staff - their theme is "beer, pinball & rock 'n roll", they have a big front lounge and a backroom with games. They also have a great NA and THC menu.
• Bang Brewing: A minimalist, sustainability-focused organic brewery in "The Bin" that offers a small, intentional selection of non-alcoholic options that mirror their eco-conscious ethos.
• Utepils Brewing: A European-inspired retreat on Bassett Creek that uses historic spring water for its traditional lagers and a clean, refreshing lineup of NA beers and sodas.
• Saint Paul Brewing: Located in what used to house the historic Hamm’s Brewery, they have a fun patio and a good menu of NA options
• Venn Brewing: Bright Longfellow shop with award-winning beer and a rotating selection of NA and THC options.
• Yard House: High-end sports bar (chain) in St Louis Park with a huge menu of New American fare & a massiveeeeee list of draft beer

Donuts, Bagels, & Pastries

• Diane’s Place: Hmong-American bakery in Northeast Minneapolis by world-renowned pastry chef Diane Moua. Their croissants are TO DIE FOR.
• Glam Doll Donuts: Staple retro-themed donut shop in South Minneapolis, the first place in Minneapolis I ever went actually, and known for artistic, creative and vegan options! They also have the cutest shops and a super fun (digital - like mall style) Photo Booth in their Eat Street spot. The Showgirl Donut has been my favorite for 12 years now!
• Asa’s Bakery: South Minneapolis neighborhood pastry and bagel spot with the best sourdough bagels!
• Cardigan Donuts: Downtown Minneapolis donut shop in the IDS Center and City Center skyway, known for their old-fashioned and raised donuts with unique flavors that rotate monthly.
• Donut Trap: A Black-owned Minneapolis business with amazing , unique mini donuts and donut vending machines throughout the city!
• Bogart’s Doughnut Co: Local favorite known for brioche dough and their signature brown butter glaze
• Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris: A high-end French pastry shop in St. Paul’s Frogtown with world-class croissants, macarons, tarts, and other French pastries by French pastry chef Marc Heu
• Mogi bagels: Mogi Bagel is a woman-owned business serving up NY-style bagels in Minneapolis, MN. Every bagel is hand-rolled, boiled in a malt bath, then baked! Literally incredible and they have delicious savory flavors too!
• Black Walnut Bakery: A James Beard finalist bakery in Uptown with amazing croissants.
• Mother Dough: Parisian bakery by the Fhima family in the downtown skyway with incredible pastries, salads, and sandwiches
• Rise Bagel Co: A North Loop bagel shop with amazing traditional organic bagels and yummy bagel sandwiches with fresh veggies
• Mochinut: A fusion shop specializing in fun flavors of Mochi Donuts (a cross between American donuts and Japanese mochi) and Korean rice flour hot dogs
• Whaddup Dough: Unique and flavorful donuts, donut-ice cream sandwiches, and boba drinks
• YoYo Donuts: A nut-free and allergy-friendly donut shop in Minnetonka, great classic raised and old-fashioned donuts.
• The Baker’s Wife: Neighborhood bakery in South Minneapolis - known for their donut holes, cinnamon rolls, and affordable prices.
• Angel Food Bakery: Bakery in St. Louis Park known for giant donuts & custom donut walls, - they were featured on Food Network!
• Sarah Jane’s Bakery: A Northeast Minneapolis classic serving traditional donuts, cookies, and cakes for generations!
• Milkjam Creamery: An innovative ice cream shop known for their unique seasonal flavors and their "Jam Bun", which is their take on the glazed donut ice cream sandwich.
• Thirsty Whale Bakery: A North Minneapolis favorite specializing in custom cakes, creative donuts, and pastries
• Krown Bakery & Eatery: Scandinavian bakery in Anoka making authentic Swedish cardamom buns and pastries.

Coffee & Tea

• FRGMT Coffee: A multi-roaster specialty coffee shop with gorgeous locations in the North Loop, St. Anthony Main (a massive multi-use space with tons of light and seating), and Eden Prairie.
• Albi Kitchen: A Somali-American cafe in Loring Park with the most incredible traditional Somali tea, coffee, house made cakes and pastries, and fusion takes on traditional Somali food like buffalo chicken sambusa!
• Caphîn: Casual and cozy spot serving Vietnamese-style coffee, plus pandan lattes, espresso drinks and pastries.
• Fawkes Alley Coffee: A great little coffee shop in Loring Park, supporting youth in the community through the Kwayse program
• Hola Coffee: Cozy neighborhood coffee shop in South Minneapolis with a focus on community, Latin American culture, + intentionally sourced beans.
• Gray Fox Coffee: Stylish downtown coffee bar with a limited pastry and bites menu, plus fun and creative seasonal drink options
• Caffetto Coffee House: Artsy, late-night neighborhood staple in South Minneapolis with pinball machines and a basement gallery
• Five Watt Coffee: A Minneapolis roaster with multiple locations and truly fantastic espresso, cold-press and pour-overs, and specialty coffee drinks
• Crema Coffee & Cafe: A tiny South Minneapolis neighborhood shop serving the very best espresso and gelato with super fun flavors.
• Dogwood Coffee Co: Solid Twin Cities coffee roaster with spots in Northeast, Lake Street, and St Paul.
• SK Coffee: Specialty coffee roasters in the North Loop and St Paul using single-origin beans
• Tact Coffee: Minimalist St Paul coffee shop with meticulously brewed specialty coffee.
• Backstory Coffee Roasters: A Twin Cities roaster with a focus on ethical sourcing and community-focused spaces in Minneapolis and St Paul