ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCESCO ZORZI
Nestled between the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis, the North Loop takes its name from the trolley line that once ran through the area’s rail yards and factories. Today, those industrial spaces have been transformed into unique shops, award-winning restaurants, and a boutique hotel. Here, six locals share their favorite spots in the ’hood.
MartinPatrick3 sales associate Todd Fliginger recommends…
“The rooftop bar at the Hewing Hotel has a view of the city, food, drinks, and comfortable seating. It’s got this atmosphere where you feel like you’re part of the neighborhood.”
Hewing Hotel director of lifestyle Katie Szczepaniak recommends…
“Go to the Russell + Hazel flagship store for practical and pampering purchases. Their office-supply and organizer items help to upgrade your work life, and I’m a fan of their bath bonbons, made with cocoa butter, that melt into your bath water.”
Russell + Hazel retail curator Gail Lewis recommends…
“My favorite hidden gem in the North Loop is Blink, a by-appointment beauty bar. They do facials and brow tints, and you’re usually the only one in there. It’s extremely relaxing.”
Blink co-owner Brook DuBois recommends…
“The Bachelor Farmer Cafe
space is beautiful, and they have good coffee. I would say the scones are the best—they’re more savory if you don’t want eggs or bacon but want to feel like you’ve had more than sugar for breakfast.”
The Bachelor Farmer Cafe manager Kevin Burk recommends…
“They do pasta in-house at Spoon and Stable. One thing they do on Saturdays—it’s kind of secret; they only post about it on Instagram—is ramen night, which happens at the bar.”
Spoon and Stable chef/owner Gavin Kaysen recommends…
“MartinPatrick3 is a men’s clothing store I go to fairly often. I’ve had suits and chef coats made there, and they also have a hair salon, Marty’s, where I get my hair cut. It’s a one-stop shop.”
