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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Northeast Minneapolis

Cool spots

You are looking for a place that stands out from the crowd. You want an environment that feels intentional and avoids the generic feel of everywhere else.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated April 2026
01
PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar image 1
PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar image 2
PILLLAR Forum Cafe & Bar image 3
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Coffee shop blends skateboard store and art-filled decor with an intimate live music venue. Shows feature local and alternative artists on a half pipe stage. Atmosphere stays relaxed but gets loud during metal shows, drawing a creative, music-loving crowd.

Skater merchandise and art create a cool atmosphere. The venue hosts metal shows and keeps a chill vibe throughout.

People are saying

"The coffee here is some of the best I've ever had."

"It's a solid local spot for live music from local bands."

"The vibe here is so chill and relaxing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on Central Ave, but can be tight; free street parking is nearby.

2

Live music events typically charge around $17 for local artists.

3

The cafe stops serving coffee in the evening, so plan accordingly.

02
Curioso Coffee Bar: Northeast image 1

Huge space blends lofty warehouse vibes with comfy seating and fun arcade games. Dog-friendly patio offers Mississippi River views for work or social time. Loud music and games add energy but can distract. Overall, a consistently cool atmosphere makes it a great hangout.

Indoor vibe feels super cool and nice. The spot has a consistently cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I had anywhere."

"It's a comfy, dog-friendly place where your dogs can hang out."

"The lattes here are amazing, especially the lavender and cardamom almond."

Good to know

1

They offer a $5 weekly special with a fun new latte to try each week.

2

Trivia nights happen every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

03
Mestiizo image 1

Small space with cool decor and close tables creates an intimate vibe. Lighting casts a red glow, making it fun and cozy. Cocktails have unique touches that pair well with a menu blending Tex-Mex and Asian fusion flavors.

Small space with cool decor and tables close together creates a cozy atmosphere. Artwork adds to the cool vibes throughout.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the elote and carne asada, was amazing."

"I dreamed about the tacos all night; they didn't fall apart."

"You have to try the elote; it's the best dish here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights.

2

Bottles of wine are half off, making it a good deal.

3

The restaurant has gluten-free and celiac-safe options available.

04
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative image 1

Brewery boasts a river patio and pinball machines for a cool vibe. Family-friendly play area keeps kids happy while live music energizes the space. Close-knit community hosts popular events, making it welcoming and lively.

Space feels cool and clean with great views. An eclectic pinball machine collection adds unique charm.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is massive and fantastic."

"The outdoor seating has a great river view."

"I found the space to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Weekly yoga sessions are held on Sunday mornings.

3

The brewery hosts special events like vinyl nights and pinball competitions.

05
Northeast Social image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot shines with metal tin ceiling and local art. Friendly, lively vibe buzzes with live music and open windows. Small space feels intimate yet energetic, blending eclectic decor and minimalist design perfectly.

Metal ceilings and eclectic decor create a cool atmosphere. Art and architecture add to the unique vibe.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have such friendly service and a cozy feel."

"The art and architecture here are really cool."

"I tasted the best Panna Cotta I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy Hour runs from 4:00 to 5:00 PM with special menu items.

3

The restaurant has a limited menu, so check online before visiting.

06
56 Brewing image 1
Brewery

Spacious brewery offers a dog-friendly patio and pinball tournaments for fun. Live local music creates a friendly vibe while fire pits add warmth outdoors. Combines restaurant, music venue, and crafts fair for a super cool experience.

A super cool spot with a friendly vibe, combining a restaurant, music venue, and crafts fair all in one place.

People are saying

"I thought their beers were amazing and wonderful."

"They have a killer selection of pinball machines."

"It's a really cool spot with a friendly vibe."

Good to know

1

The Barrel Room is available for private events like weddings.

2

A $650 bar minimum is required for private events.

3

A mandatory 20% tip is added to the final bill for events.

07
The Anchor Fish & Chips image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Old structure hosts a cozy spot with an open kitchen by the bar, creating a warm Irish pub atmosphere. Friendly vibe blends with British Invasion music softly playing, adding to its local cool appeal. Small, historic space feels welcoming despite limited seating.

Atmosphere feels cool and cozy with a local vibe. Offers lots of options that add to its cool appeal.

People are saying

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the fish and chips were crispy, golden, and delicious."

"It's a cool, cozy local spot with lots of options."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because the place gets very busy.

2

There was barely any seating available, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking can take about 30 minutes to find a spot.

08
Mayslack's image 1
Bar & grill

Classic dive bar with graffiti-covered walls offers a nostalgic atmosphere and lively energy. Friendly crowd enjoys live shows and darts. Outdoor patio and extensive seating make it great for groups and weekend fun.

Nostalgic atmosphere and an old-fashioned interior create a cool vibe. The music adds to the hole in the wall bar feel.

People are saying

"It's a classic neighborhood dive bar with its own character."

"The roast beef sandwich here is epically large and stacked high."

"The atmosphere and vibes here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Mayslack's is open late on Sundays.

2

Parking at Mayslack's is tricky; street parking is the only option.

3

Mayslack's is known for large portions of food.

09
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Northeast image 1

Vintage industrial building offers a rustic ambiance with large bright windows and high ceilings. Comfortable chairs and high tables support work or relaxation in a spacious setting. Consistent coffee and outdoor seating add to the cool vibe inside and out.

Consistent coffee pairs with a cool vibe inside and out. Outdoor seating and nearby cool spots add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious coffee and tea made with care."

"I found the atmosphere to be very cozy and relaxing."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and chill."

Good to know

1

A big FREE parking lot is available for customers.

2

Connecting to the wifi is easy, and no password is needed.

3

Expect busy times on Saturday mornings around 11am.

10
Stargazer image 1
Cocktail bar

Cozy 40-seat bar offers an intimate vibe with a constellation ceiling and interactive star chart menu. Loud, dark setting suits lovers of finely crafted cocktails and flavorful finger foods. Space feels carefully designed to elevate the experience.

The space feels cool and cozy with an intimate vibe. It works well as a cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The menu here is interactive and totally cool."

"The bathrooms are designed like space shuttle pods, a quirky, on-theme touch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait on busy nights like Thursdays.

3

Parking can be difficult; consider street parking if you're willing to walk.

11
Uncle Franky's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and a homey vibe. Rowdy servers and 80โ€™s baseball games on TV keep energy high. Cool artwork, including a Wesley Willis drawing, adds unique charm.

Rowdy servers and 80โ€™s baseball games on TV create a lively vibe. Cool artwork and an awesome mural add to the atmosphere, with a Wesley Willis drawing standing out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be outrageously delicious and cheap."

"I thought the American food, especially the hot dogs, was the best."

"The Italian Beef sandwiches here are huge and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a dog-friendly patio for outdoor dining.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible near the restaurant.

3

The menu features authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef.

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Northeast Minneapolis, Minneapolis

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