Walking the Stone Arch Bridge is one of the most popular activities in Minneapolis, but what happens when all that walking leads to the first rumble of a hungry stomach?
Well, then it’s time to keep on walking, right over to one of the many amazing restaurants near the Stone Arch Bridge!
Whether you’re just visiting the Twin Cities or a seasoned local looking for a new way to spend a sunny afternoon, you’re sure to love our 13 picks for the best restaurants near the Stone Arch Bridge!
Alma
Café. Hotel. Restaurant. Minneapolis institution.
When it comes to fine dining in the Twin Cities, Alma has it all. A consistent James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant (2012, 2019, and 2020), dining at Alma is one of those “you’re not a Minnesota foodie unless you’ve…” experiences.
- Address: 528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Alma
Aster Café
When patio season hits each spring, the courtyard at Aster Café becomes one of the Twin Cities’ top destinations. Want to make an impression on a first date? Planing a European-inspired staycation? Either way, the cobblestone streetfront on St. Anthony Main, the classic café menu, and the skyline views of downtown Minneapolis from Aster are the perfect ways to pour on the charm.
- Address: 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Aster Café
Bushel & Peck
In 2019, when Mill District heavyweight Spoonriver announced its closing, the Twin Cities restaurant scene wasn’t sure what exactly lay ahead for one of the top dining spots in the city. Bushel & Peck, a partnership between Birchwood Café and the Minnesota Farmer’s Union, has quickly become a favorite neighborhood spot for brunch. Their lunch menu caters mostly to museum visitors, but the weekend fare is also a must-try.
- Address: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: Bushel & Peck
Crooked Pint Ale House
It’s not often you find chain restaurants on a “Best of List,” but in this case, Crooked Pint Ale House on Washington Avenue earns its ranking. The upscale bar fare (including a mouth-watering Juicy Lucy menu), combined with a location near U.S. Bank Stadium, the Mississippi Riverfront, and other Mill District hot spots, make it the right destination for visiting friends and family who want a great meal without all the “fussy city stuff.”
- Address: 501 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Website: Crooked Pint Ale House – Minneapolis
Jefe Urban Cocina
We’ve all been there—those days when happy hour requires tacos and tequila in equal proportions. Look no further than the cozy atmosphere and well-crafted menu at Jefe Urban Cocina on St. Anthony Main to wind down the day. The menu has all your Mexican street food favorites and a few surprises. And be sure to save room for dessert. The roasted plantains and ice cream might be just the perfect end to an extra-long day.
- Address: 219 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Jefe Minneapolis
Kindee Thai Restaurant
The Mill District near the Stone Arch Bridge is well-known for having an eclectic and diverse food scene. Kindee Thai Restaurant, across the street from the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, is part of that neighborhood tradition. The traditional Thai menu might not be as glamorous as some other Twin Cities Thai food institutions, but it’s a good option for lunch or a sit-down dinner before a show.
- Address: 719 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: Kindee Thai
Nicollet Island Inn
Best View. Best Brunch. Best Place for A Romantic Date. Best Business Lunch. If there’s a “Best in Minneapolis” list out there, chances are Nicollet Island Inn was on the list. A regular feature in national publications and travel magazines, it’s a destination that every local and non-local has to experience at least once. And if you’re like most of us, the 1890’s nostalgia and the terrific menu will bring you back again and again.
- Address: 95 Merriam St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: Nicollet Island Inn
Sea Change
When the Mill District near the Stone Arch Bridge began its revitalization, Sea Change was one of the neighborhood establishments to lead the way. Consistently ranked among the best seafood restaurants in Minneapolis, Sea Change is located on the Guthrie Theater’s ground floor. The fresh and sustainable menu is a favorite for theatergoers, and the upscale bar offers the perfect atmosphere for a pre-play drink or two.
- Address: 806 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Website: Sea Change Restaurant
Smith & Porter
If made-from-scratch comfort food and modern farm to table had a love child, it’d be on Smith & Porter’s menu. Located in one of the new construction buildings of the Mill City District, it’s sometimes hard to remember that they haven’t been in the neighborhood forever. Try the house-made Walleye Tots and a smoked old fashioned.
- Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: Smith and Porter
The Sonder Shaker
Tucked into a cozy historic space a few blocks northeast from the Stone Arch Bridge, The Sonder Shaker promises to be the spot where good friends get together. The noticeably smaller menu allows for detailed attention to ingredients and high-quality service. But most people know and return to Sonder Shaker for the cocktail menu. It’s carefully crafted with a mix of classics and new flavors perfect for times with good friends and long conversations.
- Address: 130 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Sonder Shaker
Umbra
Most times, when it comes to hotel dining, we’ll say “thanks, but no thanks.” Located in the Canopy by Hilton Hotel, Umbra Minneapolis is the exception to this rule. The locally-inspired menu, including small plates and craft brews, pair well with the rustic modern atmosphere. Hotel goers love the convenience of having fine on-site dining while Mill District neighbors can’t get enough of the burgers and flatbreads.
- Address: 708 S 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Website: Umbra
Wilde Café & Spirits
As the Wilde Café website notes, 19th-century playwright Oscar Wilde was a man with eccentric tastes and ahead of his time. Crafted with Wilde’s propensity for velvet breeches and peacock feathers in mind, Wilde Café & Spirits on St. Anthony Main combines Victorian Europe with our modern favorites. The brunch menu draws a good crowd on the weekend, but there’s plenty of space to enjoy a latte and the riverfront view during the week.
- Address: 65 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Wilde Café
Zen Box Izakaya
Best Ramen in the Twin Cities? Yes, please.
For more than a decade, Zen Box Izakaya on Washington Avenue has brought Japanese comfort food to Mill District locals. Before that, Chef John Ng with co-owner and wife Lina Goh introduced the lunch bento to the Minneapolis skyways. We promise you the ramen here is meticulously crafted. You won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu, but the Tonkotsu is top-notch. Maybe even deserving of its own social media fan club?
- Address: 602 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Website: Zen Box Izakaya
