Taste Your Way Through the Minneapolis Cultural Districts

Author credit: Natalia Mendez

Minneapolis’ rich cultural districts are the gateways to learning more about the food, culture, and traditions of the many communities that make up our city—looking for a bite to eat? This list is just the tip of the iceberg for the countless dining options in the seven districts.

38^th Street Restaurants

Smoke in the Pit

For over 25 years, Smoke in the Pit has brought high-quality barbequed and smoked meats to South Minneapolis. From tender brisket to perfectly-lacquered ribs to smoky wings and crispy breaded catfish, their savory mains do not miss. Add sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, or their signature fried spaghetti for additional southern flavor.

 Cedar Ave S

Red Sea Ethiopian

Minneapolis’ first Ethiopian restaurant has been serving authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean fare since 1990. Red Sea is cozy, features a full bar with a happy hour that stretches until 7 pm and often has live music and DJs to add another sensory layer to an already delicious experience. Vegetarians have plentiful options, and for hungry groups, check out their “feasty” combos that can be served omnivorous or veggie-only.

Central Ave

Maya

Get your Mexican food fix at Maya on vibrant Central Ave. Cheery paint and the scent of rich corn tortillas greet diners upon entry. Walk through the efficient line to select your food options – tamales, tacos, sizable burritos, and much more – and dress your meal at their impressive salsa bar. If you’re dining in, post up in the moodily-lit back bar to slurp a refreshing margarita.

East Lake

Taqueria el Primo 2

Unpretentious Taqueria el Primo 2 features the classic meaty tacos and stuffed-to-the-gills burritos, but the sure crowd favorite is their quesabirria tacos. Blaze orange tortillas from the birria oozing with cheese are served with a styrofoam cup of rich red broth for dipping, slurping, and the bliss that comes with the umami blast that this dish provides.

Franklin Ave

Maria’s Cafe

Brightly-lit Maria’s gets any day started cheerily. Diners can find arepas, empanadas, and traditional Colombian breakfast options alongside classic American diner breakfast dishes. A standout on the menu is the large, plate-sized pancakes with flavors like ripe plantain, raisin and walnut, and the exquisite Cachapas Venezolanas, lightly sweet corn cakes crowned with salty crumbles of cotija cheese.

Lowry Ave

Lowry Cafe

Charming Lowry Cafe serves up generous portions for breakfast and lunch. Succulent, sweet shrimp are served on a bed of cheesy grits, and there are countless omelette options and breakfast skillet choices are plentiful, too. Looking for lunch? Burgers, wraps, soups, and salads will quickly fix your hunger. Simply looking for a quick coffee or latte? They have a cozy coffee bar to get you caffeinated for the day ahead.

West Broadway

Sammy’s Avenue Eatery

Beloved neighborhood corner Sammy’s is a sunny spot to grab breakfast or lunch. Hearty sandwiches are king at Sammy’s, with breakfast items served on garlic bread, and lunches served on satisfying whole-grain hoagie rolls. Try spicy Jerk chicken or sticky, sweet, and salty chicken teriyaki. They’ve got hot sandwiches covered, too, with turkey, ham, or chicken melts, perfect for cool days.

 
Learn more about the Minneapolis Cultural Districts by visiting minneapolis.org/cultural-districts