As a lively hub of small businesses, activities, events, and art there is something for everyone on Lake Street.
Lake Street, Minneapolis
For generations, Lake Street has been a welcoming place for people of all cultures and backgrounds. Lake Street’s strength lies in the rich diversity of the many people who live by, work on and visit it. Together, each person’s unique experiences make Lake Street what it is.
Lake Street brings everyone together. From the river to the lakes, it serves as an important connector for Minneapolis and beyond.
Whoever you are, there’s a place on Lake Street where you belong.
Lake Street Bucket List
Lake Street in Minneapolis stretches over 6 miles and is home to more than 2,000 businesses and non-profits! It’s hard to know where to start.
Whether you only have a weekend, are new to the area, or you’re already in love with Lake Street, here are the 10 Lake Street activities you should be sure to check off your bucket list.
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE MAP HERE.
EAT BIRRIA
One of the food trends that is nothing new on Lake Street!
For a traditional bowl of birria at Taqueria y Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas (1526 E Lake St). For a modern form of birria in tacos visit Taco Taxi (1511 E Lake Street). For a trendy form of birria visit La Bodega (2829 Hennepin Ave) where you can find it topped on ramen.
GRAB A CUP OF SHAAH OR CHAI TEA
Gathering over a cup of Shaah is integral in East African cultures. This spicy and sweet beverage is brewed from black tea, milk, and various spices.
Find notoriously good tea at Uncommon Grounds (2809 Hennepin Ave) and Muhim’s Cafe (115 E Lake St).
MIDTOWN FARMERS MARKET
The Midtown Farmers Market (2225 E Lake St) was founded 20 years ago to assure equitable access to fresh, locally-produced food. The Midtown Farmers Market also became the first in Minnesota to accept SNAP-EBT, pioneering healthy food access for communities beyond South Minneapolis.
Find fresh produce, locally prepared foods, and more twice a week at the Midtown Farmers Market in Market Square.
VISIT THE 5 CULTURAL MALLS
Find food, drinks, shopping, culturally-specific services, and more inside Lake Street’s many malls!
For Latino-owned businesses visit Mercado Central (1515 E Lake St) and Plaza Mexico (417 E Lake St). For East African-owned businesses visit Karmel Mall (2910 Pleasant Ave) and Madina Mall (2833 13th Ave S).
Want to travel the world all under one roof? Visit Midtown Global Market (920 E Lake St).
GET LOST IN UNCLE HUGO’S SCIENCE FICTION & UNCLE EDGAR’S MYSTERY BOOKSTORE
Wander the endless stacks and piles of books at Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction & Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore (2716 E 31st St).
Explore thousands of science fiction and mystery used books in this independent bookstore. You can also find a wide selection of new releases, movies, and games.
TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF A MURAL… OR A HUNDRED
There are over a hundred murals in the Lake Street corridor. You can’t miss them!
If you want to learn more about the public art pieces, check out our Mural Tour.
EAT A BANANA WITH A SOMALI MEAL
There are no exceptions, when dining in a Somali restaurant on Lake Street, you’ll receive your meal with a banana.
Whether it’s a halal goat meat with rice or suugo suqaar (Somali spaghetti) Enjoy the banana simultaneously with your main course!
BRYANT LAKE BOWL & THEATER
There are so many ways to enjoy this Lake Street institution!
Devour breakfast in their dining room or enjoy a drink on their unique sidewalk benches. Want to move around a bit? Bowl away in their vintage eight-lane bowling alley! Want more entertainment?! Watch a show in their live-performance theater!
PICK YOUR OWN TREATS AT A PANADERIA
Grab a tray or bag and some tongs to select your own fresh-baked bread at a panaderia!
This Lake Street bucket list activity isn’t limited to when you have a sweet craving, you can find bread with mole and other savory fillings at Panaderia San Miguel (1623 E Lake St). Aside from the dedicated panaderias you can visit the panaderia section of supermarkets like Super Mercado Morelia (1417 E Lake St) and La Mexicana Supermercado (1522 E Lake St).
VISIT THE CHAIN OF LAKES
Walk, roll, or stroll along the Chain of Lakes at the end of West Lake Street in Minneapolis.
Better yet - get in one of the 3 lakes, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet by renting a paddleboard or pedalboat from Wheel Fun Rentals.
There’s so much more to Lake Street…
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