Parks
Bde Maka Ska Park - (
3000 Calhoun Pkwy.,
612-230-6400, website) is situated on one of the three big lakes in Minneapolis. It is a popular destination in the summer, and it has something for everyone who likes being in the great outdoors, including archery, a soccer field, a softball field, a biking path, a walking path, a fishing pier, and more. It also has a picnic area so bring along a picnic basket when you visit on a sunshiny summer day with your friends and/or family.
Bryant Square Park - (
3101 Bryant Ave S,
612-370-4907, website) is known for its amphitheater and various sporting facilities such as a basketball court, a soccer field, a softball field, a hockey rink, and an ice-skating rink. There is a wading pool for the kids as well.
Mueller Park - (
2509 Colfax Ave S,
612-230-6400, website) is a friendly neighborhood park that has plenty to do. It has a half-court basketball court, a wading pool, a playground, and plenty of other amenities. Sometimes, movies are shown in the park, too. The park was once home to famed Minnesota writer, Maud Hart Lovelace.
Restaurants
Amazing Thailand - (
3024 Hennepin Ave S,
612-822-5588, website) offers delicious Thai food. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and they're open well into the night when those late-night Thai cravings must be satisfied. Try their golden pumpkin as an appetizer, followed by crispy pork belly, sai oua, or Sriracha fried rice. Have the durian with sticky rice for dessert if you're feeling particularly adventurous.
Amore Uptown - (
1601 W Lake Street,
612-826-0250, website) offers traditional Italian fare in a restaurant that has an old-world feel. The service is friendly and welcoming, and the food is plentiful and tasty. Plus, wine! Pasta and wine is a classic combo, and they do it really well. They have rooftop dining if you're in the mood for something romantic. Try their spaghetti pomodoro or one of their pizzas.
Barbette - (
1600 W Lake Street,
612-827-5710, website) is a French Brasserie whose mantra is serving good food all day long. They have partnerships with several local farms, and they're generous in their charities (to organizations and arts) as well. Have a ham and gruyere omelette for breakfast or Steak Helene as an entree. Sip an espresso or a fine red wine as you enjoy the contemporary atmosphere that surrounds you.
Chino Latino - (
2916 Hennepin Ave S,
612-824-7878, website) is a hip, trendy restaurant that focuses on upscale tropical street food. It's face-paced, noisy, and festive--yet, family-friendly. The dishes are meant to be shared, and they range from Filipino seafood paella to what they call Sushi Loco, and the Brazilian looks mighty tasty, too. Sip a Chino mojito as you dine, then finish off your dinner with the Chocolate Flandango.
Darbar India Grill - (
1221 West Lake Street #106,
612-822-3300, website) serves authentic traditional fare in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Fresh ingredients and a friendly, knowledgeable staff are their hallmark in dishes ranging from samosas to naan to vindaloo. They also have plenty of tasty vegetarian options as well. Located in Uptown Row.
Hoban Korean BBQ - (
2939 Hennepin Ave S,
612-345-7214, website) serves traditional Korean food in a relaxed atmosphere. They have been around since 1989 (first in Eagan), and they pride themselves on their authentic Korean fare, which is plentiful. Green onion pancakes, rice bowls, hot pots, noodles, tempura, and so much more. There is something for everyone, and no matter what you are craving, you are sure to find something to suit you.
India Palace - (
2546 Hennepin Ave S,
612-377-5000, website) serves traditional Indian food in a bright and comfortable atmosphere. They have lamb, chicken, beef, and vegetarian dishes, and they have balti curries as well. Sip on a mango lassi as you dine, then finish off your meal with a helping of kheer.
Isles Bun & Coffee - (
1424 W 28th Street,
612-870-4466, website) was opened in 1993, and they've been serving warm, homemade buns with inches of frostings and cups of coffee ever since. They are known for their classic cinnamon rolls and puppy dog tails, but they also have rustic cakes, scones, and cookies. Couple it with a cup of piping hot coffee, and you have yourself a great start to the morning.
Namaste Cafe - (
2512 Hennepin Ave S,
612-827-2496, website) is welcoming and hospitable, and they believe in sustainable practices. They offer Nepalese and other Southern-Asian fare in a tranquil atmosphere, and they support local artists at the same time. From spicy fried potatoes to squash curry with bison, every dish is guaranteed to be a delight to your taste buds. They have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as well.
Nightlife
Lake & Irving Bar + Restaurant - (
1513 W Lake Street,
612-354-2453, website) is a neighborhood gastropub with a focus on culinary quality. They serve classics such as eggs & bacon, but they also have more unusual fare such as Furikake chicken and a Kalua pork sandwich. They offer a variety of wine and cocktails, and they have specific happy-hour and late-night menus as well.
Libertine - (
3001 Hennepin Ave S,
612-877-7263, website) has a rooftop, and they're not afraid to use it! You can be all chic as you sit up there, sipping on your Canadian Tuxedo or munching on a duck ravioli. If you're more in the mood for games, they have Beer Pong under the stars! They also have (inside) a Nintendo 64, Risk, a Ping-Pong table, Skee-Ball, Foosball, Pinball machines, and a plethora of board games.
Nico's Taco and Tequila Bar - (
2516 Hennepin Ave S,
612-345-7688, website) is a bright and colorful cantina serving authentic street tacos and agave tequilas. The atmosphere is festive and the service is friendly. Of course they serve more than tacos. They have flautas, carne asada, and tostadas, too. They have elote, tamales, and pozole as well. They have margaritas, but they also have other cocktails and draft beers as well.
The Fremont Restaurant & Bar - (
1300 Lagoon Ave #100,
612-345-4172, website) is a sports bar/burger joint that doubles as a dance club late at night--complete with a DJ. They have tater tot poutine, their signature Fremont Burger, and all kinds of baskets. They have bottle service, cocktails, and brunch, too. You can also reserve the space for parties as well.
The Pourhouse Uptown - (
2923 Girard Ave S,
612-354-3575, website) is a Prohibition-themed bar that is a lot of fun. They have 50 TVs and a 25-foot HD projection screen, so you can watch any sports game in style. They have loaded totchos, funnel cake fries, and several cleverly-named bowls, burgers, and desserts. They have plenty of libations as well, of course, so enjoy a Poison Apple as you watch the game.
Troubadour Wine Bar - (
2827 Hennepin Ave S,
612-871-4073, website) wants to serve you wine in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. They have a small menu of food, mostly meats and cheeses, but their wine menu is vast and varying, and they have craft beers as well. They have live music every night, so this is a great place to go with your friends for a fun night out.
Uptown Tavern & Rooftop - (
1400 Lagoon Ave S,
612-824-3333, website) has 30 craft beers and all sorts of event nights ranging from Beer Tappings to Paint Nights. If you need something to munch while you sip your beer, try their Surly cheese curds, The Uptown Hipster burger, blackened tilapia wrap, or the stuffed French toast. They also book parties, so make sure to make your reservation for a special event.
William's Uptown Pub & Peanut Bar - (
2911 Hennepin Ave S,
612-823-6271, website) has been a popular Uptown hangout for over 50 years. They have a 98-foot bar, 75 tap beers, and free peanuts and popcorn. They have a game room with pool tables, dart boards, and other games. It's a great place when you want to have a good time hanging out with your friends.
Community Arts & Recreation
Bryant Square Recreation Center - (
3101 Bryant Ave S,
612-370-4907, website) is part of Bryant Square Park. It has a computer lab, a craft room, a meeting room, and an all-purpose room. Outside, there is a skating rink, an amphitheater, a playground, and other amenities.
Calhoun Beach Framing - (
1517 W Lake Street,
612-920-5979, website) has been serving the Uptown community for more than 20 years. They have a design team staff who are all artists, and they are eager to work with you to create the perfect frame for your works of art. They also have a gallery in which they display paintings, pottery, and sculptures.
Lagoon Cinema - (
1320 Lagoon Ave,
612-823-3020, website) is known for showing independent and arty films, and of course more popular movies as well. Its name is iconic in Uptown because the original Lagoon Theater was what Uptown was built around, and it was established in 1995. Whether you want to see the latest Oscar winner or the newest avant-garde experimental film, this is the place to go.
Magnetic Originals - (
3001 Hennepin Ave S,
952-939-4150, website) sells art that uses magnet vinyl as the canvas, vibrant colors, and has natural/mystic themes. The artist is prolific, and he -has a passion for what he does. He also sells artistic supplies such as pencils, so it's the perfect place to visit whether you want to buy a piece of art or the supplies to create one yourself. It is located in Calhoun Square.
Phoenix Theater - (
2605 Hennepin Ave S,
612-377-2285, website) is a small theater that features a variety of performances, community events, and educational classes. In addition to putting on plays, they offer Monday Night Mingles and The Story Studio workshops.
Arts Nest is committed to supporting fledgling artists as well as art professionals.
Uptown Theater - (
2906 Hennepin Ave S,
612-823-3005, website) is a historic theater that was originally called Lagoon Theater, then changed to the Uptown Theatre. The Uptown Theatre burned down in 1939, was rebuild, and the community leaders decided to make it the center of their city. Thus, Uptown was born, and the theater is still one of the high points. The theater shows independent, foreign, and classic films, and they serve you cocktails, beer, and wine to sip and enjoy while you watch the movie.
Events
AUG: Uptown Art Fair - (
3000 Lyndale Ave S,
612-823-4581, website) is a nationally-recognized juried art fair held annually by the
Uptown Association. It features over 350 artists from around the world in 12 different media, and no matter your taste in art, you are sure to find something you like. There is a Youth Fair that features artists between 8-18 as well, so younger artists can have exposure for their work as well. Different kinds of music is played all day long, and there is a variety of food to buy from 25 different food vendors (and beverages, too!). There is plenty more to do, including swing dancing and family activities, and there's plenty to see such as the Kitchen Window Culinary Arts Competition. The Uptown Art Fair has won several prestigious awards.