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Empanadas at Prieto
Lucy Hawthorne/Eater Twin Cities

Where to Eat and Drink in the Lyn/Lake Neighborhood

There's a lot to discover in this thriving Minneapolis neighborhood

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Empanadas at Prieto
| Lucy Hawthorne/Eater Twin Cities

Lyn-Lake is the aptly named neighborhood found at the intersection of Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis, and a huge part of the thriving soul of the city. This eminently walkable area boasts bowling, vintage Tetris, sake brewery, Fruity Pebble-flavored ice cream and more.

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The Lynhall

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This cafe is open all day long from pastries and coffee in the morning to fantastic wines put together by one of the city’s top sommeliers and soulful, seasonal cooking. Don’t miss the sweets, the pastry chef has been creating sweet tooth cravings inside this kitchen since day one. The long, communal tables mean there is plenty of seating and just a little bit of forced camaraderie. It’s become a go-to meeting place for in-depth, interesting conversations about food and the restaurant industry.

A large white room with bookshelves, exposed wood beams, and a long farmhouse table set for dinner Photo courtesy of The Lynhall

World Street Kitchen

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For a fast casual take on global street foods, World Street Kitchen is the go-to. Chubby burritos are stuffed with Korean bbq short ribs. Moroccan fried chicken sandwiches are piled high with preserved lemon salad and a spicy feta spread. Rice bowls that inspired legions of fans are topped with lemongrass meatballs and a soft cooked egg.

Stephanie A. Meyer

Milkjam Creamery

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This ice cream shop serves inventive flavors, like one inspired by Fruity Pebbles and one variety of chocolate so rich it's literally black. Chef and owner Sameh Wadi also runs next door's World Street Kitchen and knows how to build the kind of flavors we desire in the darkest depths of our hearts. Come for the scoops and stay for the spiked milkshakes at Milkjam.

Katie Cannon

Lago Tacos Lyn-Lake

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Lagos Tacos serves 25 different types of tacos that range widely from the classics to unique mash-ups like Szechuan beef, BLT, and Thai peanut chicken. Pair with one of ten margaritas or try a tequila flight. In the summer, check out the gorgeous, shaded patio space.

Mercado at LynLake

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Tacos, tortas, an out-of-the-way patio, and fantastic tap cocktails makes this spot an under-sung hero of the neighborhood.

Zesty Mexican and fantastic cocktails at the base of an apartment building
Mercado by Earl Giles/Facebook

Galactic Pizza

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Galactic pizza serves vegetarian and meaty pizza toppings with ethically sourced ingredients. It's hard not to laugh when the delivery drivers arrive, dressed in DIY superhero costumes.

Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery

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From well-loved coffee to shop to eclectic bar and restaurant, Muddy Waters is a great spot to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks. The menu ranges from butcher’s steaks with chimichurri to achiote mock duck sandwiches, pleasing meat eaters and vegans.

LynLake Brewery

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This local brewery with a rooftop patio recently added a kitchen and now there’s a rotating selection eats.

Rooftop views, beer, and food
LynLake Brewery [Official]

Moto-i was the first sake brewpub in the United States when it opened almost 10 years ago. With an average of six different types of sake available daily, ask the server which one might pair best with ramen, steamed buns, or the savory pancake called okonomiyaki.

Trio Plant-based

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Vegan comfort food comes with a side of feel-good story. Owner Louis Hunter came into the business as a first-time restaurant owner during a distressing time of his life, but he has since been thriving in this location, and things continue to look up.

Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater

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Armed with one of the best cheap date nights in town, Bryant Lake Bowl brings together bowling, food, drinks, music, and theater in the best way. The food suits a bar, but with the added bonus of several vegetarian and vegan options.

Prieto Taqueria Bar

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Chef Alejandro Castillon is making use of the massive smoker inside this bustling, new taco spot and bar. Start with the empanadas, order up a bunch of tacos, before sliding into the blended margaritas.

A spread of tacos, chips, salsa, and ceviche on a black table
tacos, empanadas, and a killer bar
Lucy Hawthorne/Eater Twin Cities

Up-Down

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Up-Down is a dream come true for old-school arcade lovers. There are 60 beers on tap and a selection of pizzas offered by the slice or whole. Get nostalgic with games like Street Fighter II, Skee Ball, giant Jenga, Super Mario Bros, and Pac-Man.

Szechuan Spice

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The gigantic menu at Szechuan Spice can be daunting. Start with the classic dishes from China's spice-loving province like ma po tofu and pair with a cup of hot tea to balance that heat.

The Lynhall

This cafe is open all day long from pastries and coffee in the morning to fantastic wines put together by one of the city’s top sommeliers and soulful, seasonal cooking. Don’t miss the sweets, the pastry chef has been creating sweet tooth cravings inside this kitchen since day one. The long, communal tables mean there is plenty of seating and just a little bit of forced camaraderie. It’s become a go-to meeting place for in-depth, interesting conversations about food and the restaurant industry.

A large white room with bookshelves, exposed wood beams, and a long farmhouse table set for dinner Photo courtesy of The Lynhall

World Street Kitchen

For a fast casual take on global street foods, World Street Kitchen is the go-to. Chubby burritos are stuffed with Korean bbq short ribs. Moroccan fried chicken sandwiches are piled high with preserved lemon salad and a spicy feta spread. Rice bowls that inspired legions of fans are topped with lemongrass meatballs and a soft cooked egg.

Stephanie A. Meyer

Milkjam Creamery

This ice cream shop serves inventive flavors, like one inspired by Fruity Pebbles and one variety of chocolate so rich it's literally black. Chef and owner Sameh Wadi also runs next door's World Street Kitchen and knows how to build the kind of flavors we desire in the darkest depths of our hearts. Come for the scoops and stay for the spiked milkshakes at Milkjam.

Katie Cannon

Lago Tacos Lyn-Lake

Lagos Tacos serves 25 different types of tacos that range widely from the classics to unique mash-ups like Szechuan beef, BLT, and Thai peanut chicken. Pair with one of ten margaritas or try a tequila flight. In the summer, check out the gorgeous, shaded patio space.

Mercado at LynLake

Tacos, tortas, an out-of-the-way patio, and fantastic tap cocktails makes this spot an under-sung hero of the neighborhood.

Zesty Mexican and fantastic cocktails at the base of an apartment building
Mercado by Earl Giles/Facebook

Galactic Pizza

Galactic pizza serves vegetarian and meaty pizza toppings with ethically sourced ingredients. It's hard not to laugh when the delivery drivers arrive, dressed in DIY superhero costumes.

Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery

From well-loved coffee to shop to eclectic bar and restaurant, Muddy Waters is a great spot to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks. The menu ranges from butcher’s steaks with chimichurri to achiote mock duck sandwiches, pleasing meat eaters and vegans.

LynLake Brewery

This local brewery with a rooftop patio recently added a kitchen and now there’s a rotating selection eats.

Rooftop views, beer, and food
LynLake Brewery [Official]

moto-i

Moto-i was the first sake brewpub in the United States when it opened almost 10 years ago. With an average of six different types of sake available daily, ask the server which one might pair best with ramen, steamed buns, or the savory pancake called okonomiyaki.

Trio Plant-based

Vegan comfort food comes with a side of feel-good story. Owner Louis Hunter came into the business as a first-time restaurant owner during a distressing time of his life, but he has since been thriving in this location, and things continue to look up.

Bryant-Lake Bowl & Theater

Armed with one of the best cheap date nights in town, Bryant Lake Bowl brings together bowling, food, drinks, music, and theater in the best way. The food suits a bar, but with the added bonus of several vegetarian and vegan options.

Prieto Taqueria Bar

Chef Alejandro Castillon is making use of the massive smoker inside this bustling, new taco spot and bar. Start with the empanadas, order up a bunch of tacos, before sliding into the blended margaritas.

A spread of tacos, chips, salsa, and ceviche on a black table
tacos, empanadas, and a killer bar
Lucy Hawthorne/Eater Twin Cities

Up-Down

Up-Down is a dream come true for old-school arcade lovers. There are 60 beers on tap and a selection of pizzas offered by the slice or whole. Get nostalgic with games like Street Fighter II, Skee Ball, giant Jenga, Super Mario Bros, and Pac-Man.

Szechuan Spice

The gigantic menu at Szechuan Spice can be daunting. Start with the classic dishes from China's spice-loving province like ma po tofu and pair with a cup of hot tea to balance that heat.

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