Where to Eat at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport

Where to Eat at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport

People’s Organic – MSP Official

A strong showing of homegrown favorites — plus some well-loved chains — offer travelers at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport a taste of the Twin Cities. On the way to your gate, stop for an oozy cheese-stuffed burger, a half-dozen gourmet doughnuts, or a plate of fresh pasta. If there’s only time for a drink, grab a beer by a local craft brewer, or a cocktail from a lauded Minnesota distillery. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a handful of airport favorites have closed, but MSP still offers an array of excellent restaurants for a pre-flight meal.

Travelers who’d rather bypass restaurant crowds can take advantage of the airport’s new online ordering platform MSP ASAP, and get takeout or delivery straight to their gate in a 15 to 20 minutes. Here’s a guide to what to eat at MSP: First Eater’s recommendations, then a comprehensive list, organized by location.

Best Bets

Smack Shack

A true food truck success story, Smack Shack got its start in the Twin Cities in 2010. In the intervening decade, it has joined the ranks of the metro’s most popular restaurants and become the definitive local spot for lobster rolls. Fill up with a fried shrimp basket, clam chowder, or a lobster quesadilla. [Terminal 1, MSP Mall]

Stone Arch

This sprawling bar at the south end of the airport mall celebrates the local craft beer scene with a rotating tap list filled exclusively with members of MN Brewer’s Guild. A list of flavorful eats includes fresh fish, juicy burgers, and wild rice. [Terminal 1, MSP Mall]

People’s Organic

Located in the old French Meadow space on the north end of the airport mall, People’s Organic offers next-generation fare from organic restaurant pioneer Lynn Gordon. The sprawling space includes a baked goods counter, cozy cocktail lounge, and cafe serving sprouted wraps, sandwiches, and “Earthbound” salads. [Terminal 1, MSP Mall]

A photo of the bar at People’s Organic. The corner of a bar is set with yellow bar stools; through large windows a large yellow Spirit plane and the tarmac are visible.
The sleek setup at People’s Organic offers views of the tarmac. MSP Official

Blue Door Pub

Enjoy a local brew under the indoor pergola and bask in eternal summer. An eclectic pub menu offers wings, totchos, and the full-blown “Juicy Blucy” burger experience it’s known for. [Terminal 1, Concourse A, Gate A1]

The Cocktail Room at 18th and Central

Located off the beaten path — as in a few moving walkways and tram ride away — this drinking gem showcases the rising Twin Cities distillery scene. Exclusive MSP cocktails and liqueurs from Tattersall are served alongside light apps and snacks. [Terminal 1, Concourse A, Gate A10]

Angel Food Bakery

A breakfast savior at the airport, open at 5 a.m. daily for grab-and-go sweets like pastries, cupcakes, and scones. You know what makes every flight better? Doughnuts. Plan accordingly. [Terminal 1, Concourse E, Gate E5]

Hi-Lo Diner

An airport outpost built to mirror the classic diner car in Minneapolis’ Longfellow neighborhood. A reliable stop for decadent breakfast classics like “Hi-Tops” — fried dough piled with savory or sweet toppings — as well as other diner classics like burgers and shakes. [Terminal 1, Concourse F, Gate F10]

Fright dough topped with bacon, eggs, and sprouts sit on a white plate on a white table. A cooper mug and silverware are also on the table; teal chairs are place around the table.
Hi-Tops from Hi-Lo Diner. MSP Airport Official

Shoyu

Solid ramen, quick service, and streamlined ordering via tablets. Always popular, but not always easy to grab a seat. Look for a spot and plug in quickly. [Terminal 1, Concourse G, near entrance]

Mimosa

A venture by acclaimed chef Russell Klein, whose restaurant Meritage is a local bastion of fine French cuisine, Mimosa is a raw bar and brasserie influenced by simple Provencal cooking. Pair French onion soup with pan-seared lamb chops or butternut squash risotto, and save room for a creme brulee. [Terminal 1, Concourse G, Gates 1&2]

Volante

Celebrated local chef Doug Flicker takes three seasonal ingredients and transforms them into a modern Italian menu of antipasti and insalata, pasta, and paninis. Order a few small plates of broccolini, truffle fries, and Sicilian tuna, or classic lasagne. [Terminal 1, Concourse G, Gate G12]

Vero

Local chef Ann Kim has won James Beard awards for her thin-crust pizzas — Vero is her airport outpost. Get a classic cheese or margherita, or try combos like the Hot Hawaiian, made with garlic cream, bacon bits, roasted pineapple, and jalapenos. In the morning, stop by for the extensive breakfast menu. [Terminal 1, Concourse G, Gate 16]

Surdyk’s Flights

Options at MSP’s smaller Terminal 2 are a bit sparse, but Surdyk’s is a great option for a light meal before a flight. Pair a glass of merlot with a cheese plate, panini, or salad, and save room for dessert. Surdyk’s also has a case of gourmet cheeses if you’re looking to bring a treat home with you.

Terminal 1

Airport Mall

A pepperoni pizza and a pizza topped with arugula and parmesean shavings are on a light wooden table.
Pizzas from Settlebello. MSP Airport Official

People’s Organic: Organic wraps, sandwiches, salads, and hearty breakfast dishes

Ike’s Clubhouse: Golf-themed restaurant with classic grill food and a broad selection of beers on tap

Stone Arch: Elevated pub food, a breakfast menu, and a robust tap list of beers from MN Brewer’s Guild craft brewers

Firehouse Subs: Specialty and build-your-own sub shop founded by firemen; beer, wine, and cocktails are available

Escape Lounge: Vast lounge set away from airport bustle; admission buys you food and drinks

Settlebello: Neopolitan pizza, salads, and charcuterie, plus a full bar

Starbucks

Dunkin’ Donuts

Auntie Anne’s

Chili’s

Caribou Coffee

Concourse A

Blue Door Pub: Local burger spot offering Juicy Blucys (blue cheese-stuffed burgers), wings, totchos, salads, and sandwiches, plus a full bar [At the tram stop between Gates C28 and A1]

The Cocktail Room at 18th and Central: Spirits and craft cocktails from local Tattersall Distillery, plus bar snacks like cheese plates, flatbreads, and wings [Gate A10]

Concourse B

All options are temporarily closed.

Concourse C

An employee wearing a pink shirt and blue baseball hat raises their arms behind the counter of juice bar Joe and the Juice.
Joe and the Juice. MSP Airport Official

Joe & the Juice: Fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, plus sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and coffee [Gate C1]

Buffalo Wild Wings [Gate C3]

Bottle Rocket: Fast-casual restaurants with sandwiches, snacks, salads, and full bar, plus grab-and-go options [Gate C5]

Verdi Market: Gourmet grab-and-go market with sandwiches, salads, and fresh-made pastries delivered daily from popular restaurant the Lynhall, plus local Dogwood coffee [Gate C6]

Vino Volo: Full-service wine bar with small plates, flights, and bottles to-go [Gate C7]

Twins Grill: Minnesota Twins-themed full-service sports bar with burgers, nachos, wings, salads, and more [Gate C12]

Starbucks [Gate C12]

Chick-fil-A [Gate C12]

Concourse D

McDonald’s [Gate D1]

Republic: Nachos, fish and chips, burgers and more, plus a small breakfast menu and bar service on Tuesdays and Saturdays [Gate D6]

Concourse E

Diners sit at long wooden tables in Red Cow restaurant.
Red Cow in Concourse E. MSP Airport Official

Holy Land Deli: Local halal restaurant serving shawarma, kebabs, gyros, greek salads, and hummus [In food truck alley]

Red Cow: Local spot known for burgers, also serving cheese curds, wings, local beers, and cocktails [Gate E5]

Angel Food Bakery: Grab and go sweet treats, known for excellent gourmet doughnuts [Gate E5]

Qdoba [Gate E6]

LoLo American Kitchen: Elevated small plates, burgers, tacos, steak and salmon entrees, and desserts, plus a creative bar menu [End of Concourse E]

Concourse F

Two people wearing black sweatshirts smile at each other as they both sip from straws in a pink shake with whipped cream and a cherry.
Shakes from Hi-Lo Diner. MSP Official

Caribou Coffee [Gate F1]

Camden Food Co.: Paninis, baked goods, and sandwiches [Gate F2]

Panda Express [Gate F5]

Wendy’s [Gate F7]

People’s Organic: Organic wraps, sandwiches, salads, and hearty breakfast dishes [Gate F7]

Chick-fil-A [Gate F7]

Zona Cocina: Mexican restaurant serving tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more, plus a full bar [Gate F8]

Hi-Lo Diner: Local retro diner with decadent breakfast options like Hi-Tops (fried dough with sweet or savory toppings), burgers, malts and shakes, and a full bar [Gate F10]

Concourse G

Shoyu: Modern Japanese menu of sushi, ramen and other noodle dishes, and dumplings [Near the entrance of Concourse G]

Mimosa: French brasserie-style restaurant and bar by local chef Russell Klein [Near Gates G1 and G2]

Cibo Food Hall: Walk-through dining options like burgers, hot and cold bars, and pizza by the slice [Gates G1 – G6]

Minnibar: Small bar and cafe with sandwiches, starters, and hearty entrees [Gate G2]

FlyBar: Ten-seat cocktail bar with a menu of ramen, sushi, and sashimi [Gate G9]

Volante: Full service modern Italian restaurant with pasta and paninis by local chef Doug Flicker [Gate G12]

Cibo Express: Grab-and-go market with salad, snacks, and sandwiches [Gate G13]

Vero: Thin-crust pizza from James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim [Gate G16]

Terminal 2

Where to eat when flying out of MSP’s smaller Humphrey terminal

Minnesota Wild Bar and Restaurant: Hockey-themed sports bar with classic bar and grill food, beer, and wine [After security]

Caribou Coffee [After security]

Starbucks [Gate H5]

Cocina Del Barrio: Latin American and Mexican menu of tacos, tortas, and enchiladas, plus a wide selection of tequilas [Gate H8]

Surdyk’s Flights: Food and wine market with gourmet cheeses, plus a bar and a menu of salads, paninis, sandwiches, desserts [Gate H8]

MSP MKT: Bistro-style marketplace with pizza, salad, sandwiches, and an array of grab-and-go items [Gate H8]

Subway [Gate H8]

ICYMI

North Designer: Lauren Good Day – The Tee Collection

Guacaya Bistreaux Guest Chef Series – North Loop, Minneapolis

Guacaya Bistreaux Guest Chef Series – North Loop, Minneapolis

 Guest Chef Dinner Series

The second installment of Guacaya Bistreaux’s chef dinner series. Chef Yia Vang of Union Hmong Kitchen joins Chef Pedro Wolcott of North Loop’s Latin-Caribbean tapas restaurant Guacaya Bistreaux to collaborate on a dinner. This dinner series will showcase the collaborative spirit, talent, and camaraderie that exists between talented and diverse chefs in the culinary scene in the Twin Cities.

Menu

Scallop Ceviche

Bay Scallops / Leche de Tigre / Mango Amba / Watermelon Radish

Hmong Boudin

Pork/ Lemongrass/ Ginger/ Garlic/ Thai Chilies/ Rice / Kua Txob

Papa Huancaina

Purple Potato / Aji Sauce / Quail Egg / Olives / Queso Frito

Crispy Chicken

Chicken Thighs/ Fermented Sweet and Sour Crab/ Garlic Fried Rice

Alligator Grattons

Trini callaloo / Alligator Cracklings / Creolaise

Croquettes

Coconut Milk/ Rice Flour/ Mango Chili

Diners can select either 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. seatings. Tickets are $90 per person, and optional beverage pairings can be added for an additional $50; otherwise, cocktails and mocktails created by Guacaya’s partners from Meteor Bar, plus beer, wine, and other NA options, can be ordered à la carte.

Pairings by Meteor Bar & Tattersall Spirits are available optional with purchase of tickets:

 Book Your Table

doitinnorth shop/share gallery

Chef’s PSA: Culinary Leadership Fundamentals

Upcoming Events

January 24, 2024:

Sean Sherman (Owamni)

February TBD:

Jon Wipfli (Animales)

March TBD:

Linda Goh (Zen Box Izakaya)

Advance Reservations

Guacaya Bistreaux
337 North Washington Avenue
 Minneapolis, MN
Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve 2023: The Pour House – Minneapolis, MN

Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve 2023: The Pour House – Minneapolis, MN

Are you ready for the premiere New Year’s Eve event in Minneapolis? Join us for the 20th Anniversary of The Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve at The Pourhouse in Downtown Minneapolis. The Crystal Ball is the LONGEST RUNNING New Year’s Eve celebration in Minneapolis. With outstanding entertainment, amazing music, and an elevated guest experience, the Crystal Ball has been the best way to spend New Year’s Eve for the past two decades.

This New Year’s Eve, The Crystal Ball will feature top-notch entertainment including DJs RUCA, The Story of One, Sax Sells, ISAAK, and Nautix on the decks to help you ring in 2023. The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy the wildly hilarious and entertaining Dueling Pianos from Rock It Man Entertainment, performances from the Twin Cities’ own Dragons Fire Theater, plus enjoy games in our Game Room, and more!

TICKETS

General Admission Presale $59
Entry to the Crystal Ball New Year’s Eve.
VIP Presale $89
Each VIP Ticket includes early event entry, VIP reception with champagne and light hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

SPECIAL OFFER for General Admission and VIP Tickets: For a limited time, buy 5 tickets and get 1 free! To redeem, add the number of tickets you would like to purchase. When at the shopping cart page, you will have the option to add your FREE tickets (1 FREE ticket for every 5 tickets purchased!).

VIP BOTTLE SERVICE $110/Per Person
Level up for your VIP Experience! VIP Bottle Service tickets include a reserved VIP Bottle Service Table for the entire night for you and your party with a server, early event entry, and VIP reception with champagne and light hors d’oeuvres. Bottle Service Tables are available in our Main Room and the Hideout Lounge.
Bottle Service Tables in our Main Room are located on the second level balcony overlooking the dance floor and stage. In the Hideout Lounge, our Bottle Service Tables are located in an intimate space, separate from the main room and will feature DJs and Dueling Pianos during the evening.
Please Note:
• All guests at the table must have a Bottle Service Ticket and all tickets must be purchased at the same time (one transaction).
• VIP Bottle Service Tables are available for four (4) or more guests and space is limited. $300 minimum purchase required per table.

• VIP Bottle Service is available for purchase for up to 10 people on ETIX. For larger parties, please contact us.

doitinnorth shop/share gallery

Great Lakes Map Stemless Wine Glass – Unique Engraved Glassware 

Event

THE POURHOUSE DOWNTOWN

10 South 5th Street

Minneapolis, MN

ICYMI

After wowing the fashion world in”Project Runway,” Minnesota’s Christopher Straub expands his empire!

 
 
Farm Direct Holiday Cooking with Tangletown Gardens – Minneapolis, MN

Farm Direct Holiday Cooking with Tangletown Gardens – Minneapolis, MN

Tangletown Gardens 

Tangletown Gardens: Looking to impress your guests? We’ve heard time and time again that the food from our farm is some of the best you’ve ever prepared. Our farm direct store is open 24/7 and is fully stocked with everything you need to make a memorable meal.

Tangletown Gardens CSA and Farm Direct Store

Welcome to our farm-fresh food store, featuring year-round Farm Direct options and our seasonal Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Shares.

We feature products from our 140 acre farm in Plato, MN, where we follow ecological principles that produce the most nutritious food possible while respecting our animals and environment. We also partner with select local vendors to round out our assortments.

Notes from the Farm

Our fields are busting with the bounty of summer. Enjoy the very best from our farm. We raise our animals right and care for and nurture the soil so it can feed us. We never compromise and only harvest the very best for you. Take advantage of either our Tuesday or Thursday pick up option at Wise Acre! As always, THANK YOU! -Farmer Dean

Shop

Our Farm Direct Store offers products available directly from our farm – veggies, meats, eggs, and more. Create your own assortment, choosing from the entire bounty currently available that week.

Order online anytime. After your order has been placed, it will be available for pickup on the selected Thursday, between 2-6pm at Wise Acre Eatery (5401 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis), or at our farm in Plato (11389 County Road 9, Plato) between 12-4 pm on the selected Thursday.

ICYMI

Karen Morris Millenery @Dayton’s Marketplace – Minneapolis, MN

 

The Kitschiest, Most Delightful Holiday Pop-Up Bars in the Twin Cities

The Kitschiest, Most Delightful Holiday Pop-Up Bars in the Twin Cities

The cozy set up at The Jingle Bar in Excelsior Old Log Theatre

‘Tis the season for merry tunes, twinkling lights displays, and holiday pop-ups. With festive decor and seasonal drinks galore, these Twin Cities bars and distilleries have enough holiday spirit to warm even a Grinch’s cold, cold heart — a mug of spiked eggnog always does the trick.


Miracle at Lawless

Every year, Lawless Distilling partners with barware company Cocktail Kingdom to transform its tasting room into a dreamland of Christmas kitsch. Come for the garish holiday decor and grab a seat beneath the vast canopy of ornaments dangling from the ceiling. The festive cocktail menu has favorites from previous years, like the Christmapolitan — a cosmo riff with creme de flora, lime, anise, and rosemary — plus brand-new drinks, like a warm mug of chai spiked with whiskey and espresso liqueur. The Santa’s Little Helper is a juniper-based drink made with eucalyptus bitters. Miracle at Lawless will run daily from November 21 to December 31. No tickets or reservations are required, and it’s first-come, first-serve.

A champagne-colored cocktail in a tall glass with reindeer printed on it against a Christmas decor display.

The Santa’s Little Helper from Lawless. 
Lawless Distilling

Miracle at Stilheart

Miracle will also be popping up at Lawless’ sister distillery, Stilheart. Expect a unique menu of festive drinks and two floors of over-the-top holiday decor, from November 21 to December 31. Reservations aren’t available — service is first-come, first-served.

doitinnorth shop/share gallery

Heartland: Farm-Forward Dishes from the Great Midwest

The Jingle Bar

For a holiday pop-up with Up North vibes, head to the Jingle Bar at Excelsior’s Old Log Theatre. Every year, the crew transforms the 125-year-old log cabin into a cozy, kitschy winter wonderland festooned with garlands, lights, and baubles. The theater’s restaurant, Cast & Cru, is serving drinks: Cozy up to the fireplace with a hot buttered rum, an eggnog white Russian, or maple pecan old fashioned. Wine, beer, and spirits are also available. The Jingle Bar is open from November 25 to December 23 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. No reservations.

Mary’s Christmas Palace

Psycho Suzi’s annual Christmas extravaganza is back with the fifth annual Mary’s Christmas Palace. This is the ultimate tiki-to-holiday bar transformation: Mary’s delightfully tacky more-is-more approach has enough tinsel, twinkling lights, and garland to stock the Christmas decor section at your local Target. (There’s also an outdoor patio outfitted with cozy fire pits and Christmas trees, for anyone willing to brave the cold.) Mary’s cocktail list suits the season — sip on a gingerbread white Russian or bourbon-spiked hot chocolate. Holiday-themed eats include nutmeg-spiced wings, tots with red and green sauce, a pizza loaded with Thanksgiving fixings, and a DIY cookie decorating kit. Mary’s Christmas Palace is open daily through January 28. Indoor reservations are available for a cover charge, and walk-ins and outdoor seating are accommodated free of charge as availability allows.

A bar with garish Christmas decor and a crowd of people sitting at tables and looking at menus.

Kitsch dialed up at Mary’s Christmas Palace. 
Psycho Suzi’s

eater twin cities

ICYMI

Sever’s Holiday Festival Lights Premier – Shakopee, MN

Mia’s Botticelli-Inspired Interactive Holiday Workshop & Dinner

Mia’s Botticelli-Inspired Interactive Holiday Workshop & Dinner

Enjoy Mia in an entirely different way, with exhibition-inspired culinary experiences!

This holiday workshop, inspired by Botticelli and Italian Renaissance culture, is $260 per person and includes a guided tour of Mia’s special exhibition Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi, a hands-on, interactive class, and a splendid Italian meal prepared by James Beard award-nominated chef Jamie Malone of Paris Dining Club, with pasta from Ailment and charcuterie from Mary Jo Hoffman of Still, accompanied by wine pairings curated by acclaimed sommelier Bill Summerville and delightful table decor designed by atmospherist, Jason Berke, of Warmhouse Story. This purchase supports the museum’s mission.

Each interactive class is designed for fifteen participants and you may select from one of the four following offerings:

– Pasta Making with Alex Dayton of Ailment

– Wine Pairings with sommelier Bill Summerville

– Table Decor & Styling with atmospherist Jason Berke of Warmhouse Story

– Curated Charcuterie Board with Mary Jo Hoffman of Still

Final event, Wednesday, January 4th – 6PM

Select Tickets

Image for Botticelli-Inspired Interactive Holiday Workshop

 

Pin It on Pinterest