The main housing type in Longfellow is the
standard bungalow. There are so many that the Longfellow Community Council came up with a
Longfellow Planbook as a resource for homeowners to expand their bungalows to gain the needed space for today's lifestyle without having to move out of the neighborhood. These bungalows line many of the streets in Longfellow. There are, of course, other styles as well, such as
the Craftsman, some
Tudors, and some
Colonials along the river. If you are wanting to search for homes, or list your home for sale, click on the links below.
Parks
Adams Triangle - (
4100 37th Ave. S,
612-230-6400, website) Adams Triangle is a small section of greenery in the midst of the city. They're a nice way to add a splash of color to the neighborhood.
Hiawatha School Park - (
4305 E 42nd St.,
612-370-4952, website) Hiawatha School Park is part of the Hiawatha School property, but it also has a lot to offer for the community as well because it is open to the public. The park has an ice rink in the winter, a garden, sport courts and fields, a small pool, a playground, and a picnic area. It’s great for both the school and the community.
Longfellow Park and Recreation Center - (
3435 36th Ave. S,
612-370-4957, website) Longfellow Park is a place for the community to gather and to engage in many activities. Some of those include tumbling class, MEA basketball clinic, youth volleyball, and music monkeys. They have a basketball court, a football field, a hockey rink, an ice skating rink, and much more. There is something for everyone here.
Minnehaha Regional Park - (
4801 S Minnehaha Dr.,
612-230-6400, website) Minnehaha Regional Park (4801 S Minnehaha Dr., 612-230-6400), covering almost 170 acres, is a favorite for many Minnesotans. It is home to the 53-foot high Minnehaha Falls, which has a Native American background and many tales told about it. The well-known Hiawatha Statue is also located within this park. It is a representation of a poem called ‘The Song of Hiawatha’, which was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the man this neighborhood association was named after. Aside from the falls, the park has many hiking and biking paths throughout, a dog run, and a wading pool. For city residents the park offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and venture out into nature.
Mississippi Gorge Regional Park - (
5114 Mississippi River Blvd. S,
612-230-6400, website) Mississippi Gorge Regional Park is located right along the Mississippi River and has trails and picnic shelters. It is pristine and untouched as it was set aside expressly for this purpose, and people enjoy visiting it as a respite from the world around them and their regular lives. This is actually what most people love about it.
The Longfellow Gardens - (
3933 E Minnehaha Pkwy,
612-230-6400, website) The Longfellow Gardens are also located within the neighborhood association. It is a landscape garden along a creek dedicated to the writer and poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote a poem about Minnehaha Falls. There is also a replica of his home near the gardens.
Restaurants
Gandhi Mahal Restaurant - (
3009 27th Ave S,
612-729-5222, website) Gandhi Mahal is warm and inviting Indian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a great staff. It opened in 2008 and has quickly become one of the favorite Indian restaurants in Minneapolis. They are passionate about sustainability and using quality ingredients (so much so, they grow some of their own food) along with providing a peaceful atmosphere to their customers. They are so committed to sustainability, they have several projects around it such as starting an urban backyard farm and two beehives on their rooftop. Their menu includes tandoori, korma, and curry dishes, and they have seasonal dishes as well. They have a daily lunch buffet as well as catering, too.
Hi-Lo Diner - (
4020 E Lake St.,
612-353-6568, website) Hi-Lo Diner is a 1957 Fodoro Diner that made its way from Pennsylvania to Minnesota to continue dishing up classic American diner food. There's a retro vibe to the place and a cheerful staff. Their specialty is the Hi-Top, which is their signature fried pastry dough topped with a combo of sweet and savory, such as The Minneapolis Bliss. They also have big, beefy burgers, meatloaf, and spicy cheese curds. Try an old-fashioned egg cream as you eat your meal.
Himalayan Restaurant - (
2910 E Lake St,
612-332-0880, website) is a Nepalese restaurant that is warm and casual with a personable staff. They serve authentic Himayalan, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options and some gluten-free dishes as well. The menu includes daal, tandoori, biryani, and so much more. You can order online before you go.
International Cuisine Bar & Grill - (
(3508 E Lake St.,
612-353-6296, website) International Cuisine Bar & Grill is a counter-top restaurant with a low-key and casual atmosphere. Their Latin-infused food is creatively presented and satisfyingly tasty. Their menu includes ceviche, parrillada mi tierra, and taquiza del chef along with plenty other dishes. You can order online, and they have delivery as well.
Katar River Restaurant & Bakery - (
2751 Minnehaha Ave S,
612-245-0556, website) is a casual and warm restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine. It has a homey atmosphere and offers a wide array of tempting dishes. Their vegetarian options include tikel gomen, shiro, and the vegetarian combination. Their meat options include Team Lammaa (Kitfo and Tibs), minchet abesh, and quanta firfir.
Midori’s Floating World Café - (
2629 E Lake St,
612-721-3011, website) is a neighborhood favorite Japanese restaurant. It is a casual spot with bright colors and fun decor, and the staff is very friendly. Their sushi is creative and pleasing to the eye as well as to the taste, and they have other traditional Japanese food such as tempura, donburi, bento boxes, and even sake cocktails.
Sea Salt Eatery - (
4825 Minnehaha Ave.,
612-721-8990, website) Sea Salt Eatery is a seafood restaurant located in Minnehaha Park right near Minnehaha Falls with a casual atmosphere. It is only open seasonally from spring through late fall, and it serves many different styles of seafood. The menu includes clam fries, calamari, and a crab-stuffed avocado for starters. For their entrees, they have po'boys, tacos, sandwiches, and something called an oil pan!--whiich is much like a large sampler plate with a side of a pitcher of beer/carafe of wine.
Sonora Grill - (
3300 E Lake St,
612-722-2500, website) is an open and inviting restaurant that features Spanish and South American cuisine. Their breakfast menu includes chilaquiles, molletes, and a breakfast burrito, whereas their lunch menu includes Argentinian pork empanadas and bocadillos. They are known for their tacos, which they call carmelos--and they can be filled with many different ingredients. They have several other dishes for dinner as well, and they pride themselves on their carefully-crafted cocktails.
The Riverview Cafe - (
3753 42nd Ave. S,
612-722-7234, website) The Riverview Cafe (3753 42nd Ave. S, 612-722-7234) was started in 1998 by Mara & David Bernick, who had always dreamed of owning their own cafe. The cafe is open and airy, and the staff is very welcoming. They have a colorful corner with toys for children as well as shelves of books for adults to read as they enjoy their meal. Their menu includes crab cakes, house-cured duck breast, and pizzas. The cafe is connected to The Riverside Wine Bar, which is also owned by the same couple. They have open mics some nights, and you can bring wine from the wine bar into the cafe to enjoy yourself.
Nightlife
Du Nord Craft Spirits - (
2610 E 32nd St,
612-799-9166, website) Du Nord Craft Spirits is a distillery opened in 2013 by Chris Montana. He and his wife, Shanelle, opened a cocktail room in 2015, the first in the Twin Cities. The cocktail room only serves drinks made on-site from scratch. It has the best cocktails in the cities according to the StarTribune. During the day, the room serves local food and drink and people can take tours of the distillery, but it's during nights and weekends that the place really livens up. It is open late, which is a draw for those who don’t want the party to stop.
Lawless Distilling Company - (
2619 S 28th Ave suite 100,
, website) The Lawless Distilling Company is all about the carefully-crafted Minnesotan cocktails. Their cocktail lounge is warm and inviting with a relaxed atmosphere and a great staff. They distill their own gin, rum, vodka, and liqueurs in small batches, and use them to create unique and tasty cocktails. They have seasonal cocktail classes, too.
Longfellow Grill - (
2990 W River Pkwy,
612-721-2711, website) Longfellow Grill is a comfortable and casual hangout spot where you can grab a bite and a beer late at night. It has a low-key atmosphere and a friendly staff. They call themselves an urban diner, and all their food is made from scratch. They have hearty fare such as a breakfast burrito, a farmer's breakfast, and biscuits and gravy. Their drinks include beer, wine, and cocktails, and they have delivery as well.
Merlins Rest Pub - (
3601 E Lake St,
612-216-2419, website) Merlins Rest Pub is a British Isles-styled pub and has been voted the Best Neighborhood Bar in Minneapolis for several years. It has a homey feel to it with a friendly staff. They are most famous for its authentic fish and chips. The live music and great list of whiskeys easily make it a favorite. Speaking of whiskey, you can schedule a private whiskey tasting. The community loves to come here for an exciting night on the town!
Pepper & Fries - (
3900 E Lake St,
612-353-6730, website) Pepper & Fries was opened in 2014 by a man (Steve and his daughter, Marie) who loved burgers and baseball. The decor is dedicated to their love of baseball, and their staff is welcoming. It's a great place to grab a burger or a burrito (another of Steve's 'b' loves!) while watching a game (baseball or not) and drinking a beer with your friends. They also have sandwiches, hot dogs, and desserts such as the malt cup, which is also beloved at baseball games.
Schooner Tavern - (
2901 27th Ave. S,
612-729-4365, website) Schooner Tavern is a local bar that has been serving the neighborhood for a very long time. It's an unassuming bar with plenty to do, including pool, BINGO, and pull tabs. They have meat raffles, and they have live music as well. They have two heated patios so you can enjoy the outdoors while hoisting a few, and they have karaoke nights, too. It's a good way to spend an evening with a couple of friends.
The Blue Door Pub - (
3448 42nd Ave S,
612-315-2470, website) The Blue Door Pub opened its first (blue) door in St. Paul in 2008, and they've expanded to three other locations including Longfellow since. It's a casual and comfortable place with a cheerful staff. Their specialty is the Jucy Lucy, which they call a Blucy. They also have flaming-hot curds, deep-fried green beans, and sandwiches. They have craft beers and wine to sip on as you eat. You can order online, and they have takeout as well.
The Riverview Wine Bar - (
3747 42nd Ave S,
612-729-4200, website) The Riverview Wine Bar opened in 1995 by Mara & David Bernick and offers an intimate and warm space which is perfect for date night when you want to have a couple glasses of wine. The wine comes from all over the world, and the craft beer is brewed locally. Their food is locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared. They have live music at nights sometimes, too. It's run by the same owners as The Riverview Cafe.
Community Arts & Recreation
Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center - (
4259 Minnehaha Ave,
612-721-8619, website) was opened in 1998 by Ann Williams because she wanted to share her passion for dancing with others. In the twenty years since, she has developed a nurturing environment in which anyone at any age and any skill level can feel comfortable learning. They teach tap, ballet, jazz, modern, and cardio funk to adults. For the little ones, they teach fundamental tap and ballet. They have the Performing Art Program which is for youths who are more serious about their dancing. If you want to learn dancing in a supportive atmosphere, this is the place for you.
Dock 6 Pottery - (
4206 E 34th St,
612-327-0429, website) Dock 6 Pottery was opened by Kerry Brooks because of her love of pottery. She started doing it as a hobby, but it quickly grew into a profession. The store is a gallery/studio, and it's fascinating to watch the products being made. The staff members are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and they love sharing both with their customers. The designs are vibrant and earthy, both artistic and pragmatic (for the houseware). You can order online as well, and they have wedding registries, too. They are now offering classes, too.
Glass Endeavors - (
2716 E 31st St.,
612-721-9553, website) Glass Endeavors is the premier art glass (stained, fused, mosaic) in the neighborhood. It opened in 1996 by John and Zoi Sandy, who were enthusiastic about sharing their passion for glass art. In addition to selling glass art supplies, they also provide classes and guidance on projects their customers are attempting. They also have events from time to time that feature glass art. If you have an interest in glass art, this is a must-visit store for you.
Jawaahir Dance Company - (
3010 Minnehaha Ave,
612-872-6050, website) Jawaahir Dance Company is a professional dance company and school that performs and teaches Middle Eastern dance. It was founded by Cassandra Shore in 1989, and she is a world-renowned performer/choreographer of Arab dance. She blends both the traditional and contemporary forms while always respecting the traditional source material. She is a mesmerizing performer and an excellent teacher. She founded The Cassandra School in 1978, and she enjoys teaching belly dancing and other Arab movements to women of all ages and skill level.
LoLa Art Crawl - (
Longfellow,
612-399-6546, website) LoLa Art Crawl is the art crawl hosted by the League of Longfellow artists since 2009. It's one of the best lesser-known art crawls in the Twin Cities, and it's attended by thousands every year. Last year, they had over a hundred artists at more than sixty sites, including businesses and backyards. If you are an art lover, then you have to check it out.
Longfellow Park and Recreation Center - (
3435 36th Ave. S,
612-370-4957, website) Longfellow Park is a place for the community to gather and to engage in many activities. Some of those include tumbling class, MEA basketball clinic, youth volleyball, and music monkeys. They have a basketball court, a football field, a hockey rink, an ice skating rink, and much more. There is something for everyone here.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra - (
2712 41st Ave. S,
612-724-6927, website) Minneapolis Pops Orchestra is a local orchestra that started in 1950 with the goal of performing free concerts throughout the Twin Cities for the enjoyment of anyone who wanted to listen. They members are professional musicians, and they get great joy in performing these concerts. They mostly perform in the Lake Harriet Bandshell Park, but they have performances in other venues as well. They sometimes perform with students, and they have free performances for seniors at the Nicollet Island Pavilion every year.
Music and Movies In The Parks - Minnehaha Park - (
4801 S Minnehaha Drive,
612-230-4600, website) is a beloved tradition that happens every summer at five parks around Minneapolis, including Lake Harriet Band Shell, Nicollet Island Park, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minnehaha Park, and Bryant Square Park. The music includes rock, swing, classical, pop, alternative, and so much more.
Tapestry Folkdance Center - (
3748 Minnehaha Ave,
612-722-2914, website) Tapestry Folkdance Center opened in 1983 with this vision: "To create opportunities for participating in the joys of dance and music from around the world." To that end, they offer classes for a diversity of interests, ranging from zumba and other Latin dances to karate, international dances, and the waltz. They believe in bringing their community together through dance and other customs from around the world.
The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge - (
3010 Minnehaha Ave,
612-345-7166, website) The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge opened in 2016 to support independent artists. They encourage originality and diversity in their performers. They host music concerts, art shows, outdoor festivals, book signings, and many other events. They also do wedding rentals, community programming, non-profit fundraising and more. They are a partially solar-powered venue, and they are focused on sustainability. They have two indoor stages and the MPLS lounge.
Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre - (
3012 Minnehaha Ave,
612-234-1653, website) Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre was opened in 1982 by Susana di Palma who has studied flamenco under several maestros and is a mesmerizing performer to watch. She choreographs vivid, passionate pieces, and she is currently working on a piece called Casita, which focuses on homeless women. She also has a school and teaches beginner's classes as well as advanced. If you want to learn flamenco or see a flamenco performance, this is the place to go.
Events
JAN: LCC Annual Chili Cook Off-Fundraiser - (
Longfellow,
612-722-4529, website) Annual Chili Cook Off-Fundraiser is an annual event hosted by the Longfellow Community Council (LLC) that invites all the chili cooks in the neighborhood to show their mettle. If you like chili, this is definitely the event for you. There are vegetarian options as well. All the money from the event goes back into the community as the LLC uses the funds for future events. Tickets are reasonable, and children under five eat for free.
APR: LCC No Pie Charts! Only Pies! - (
Longfellow,
612-722-4529, website) This free neighborhood-favorite takes place from 5:30-8pm on a Tuesday evening in April. The meeting features a Resource Fair, Board Member Elections, and Committee Updates. Remember, this is a pie potluck, please plan on bringing a pie (or two, or three) to share with your neighbors!
JUN: LCC Community Garage Sale - (
Longfellow,
612-722-4529, website) Join our neighborhood-wide event! Residents of Cooper, Howe, Hiawatha, and Longfellow neighborhoods register their addresses and sale details with LCC and we provide a neighborhood map at local businesses to give shoppers a guide to all the amazing sales within one area!
JUN: LCC Annual Summer Celebration - (
3800 37th Ave S,
612-724-9895, website) takes place at the end of June every year at the . The event offers free appetizers, a silent auction, and plenty of activities for kids. It’s a fun party that gets the community connected during the hottest days of summer. It's sponsored by the Longfellow Community Council (LCC).
JUL: LCC Share the River Gorge - (
35th St. and W River Pkwy.,
612-722-4529, website) Share the River Gorge has been an annual tradition since 2004, featuring an ice cream social for the whole neighborhood to enjoy. There are free canoe rides, free ice cream, and free tours, enjoyable walks in nature, and other outdoors experiences. It is sponsored by the Longfellow Community Council (LLC) and its River Gorge committee.
AUG: LCC Corn Feed - (
3435 36th Ave S,
612-370-4957, website) takes place every August in Longfellow Park, and it has been doing so for over four decades. There is obviously corn, but there are also food trucks in addition. There are activities for kids planned as well as live entertainment and other festivities. There is a Resource Fair as well.
OCT: LCC Autumn's Winter Warming Party - (
2727 26th Ave. S,
612-722-4529, website) LCC Autumn's Winter Warming Party happens every year, though the name may change. It's a good way to get to see what the members of the Longfellow Community Council do behind the scenes, as well as chat with your neighborhoods while sampling tasty holiday treats. It is held by the LLC.
NOV: LoLa Art Crawl - (
Longfellow,
612-399-6546, website) LoLa Art Crawl is the art crawl hosted by the League of Longfellow artists since 2009. It's one of the best lesser-known art crawls in the Twin Cities, and it's attended by thousands every year. Last year, they had over a hundred artists at more than sixty sites, including businesses and backyards. If you are an art lover, then you have to check it out.