Best in the Neighborhoods

Dinkytown [top]

Bookstore
Dinkytown has several used bookstores, but for one of the area’s largest and most diverse selections of new and backlist titles, proceed to the University of Minnesota Bookstore in nearby Coffman Memorial Union. Besides books, you’ll find a wide array of school supplies and Gopher gear, plus a busy, first-rate schedule of reading events featuring regional and national authors. 300 Washington Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-625-6000

Boutique
Enough grunge! Stacy Larson’s Covered stocks fashion-forward pieces inside her postage-stamp–sized store. Students and savvy off-campus shoppers alike head here for trend-right tops, party dresses, and premium denim, including the it-jean du jour. 402 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-378-4776

Convenience
Step into one of the restrooms at the popular Loring Pasta Bar and check out the funky exposed brick, chandeliers, and vines that provide a bit of enchanted forest in an unlikely setting. 327 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-378-4849

Landmark
The Varsity Theater marquee is the very symbol of Dinkytown. The longtime cinema has been, more recently, a photo studio, but now is suitably theatrical again with shows onstage and rental options for special events. 1308 SE 4th St., Mpls., 612-604-0222

Pancakes
Take heart, you hungry souls who brave the cold morning hour and watch through the steamy window of Al’s Breakfast as the town’s most satisfying pancakes hit the griddle—at some point, one of the joint’s fourteen seats will open up and you can have your own stack of the fluffy, filling, Atkins–indifferent fare. 413 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-331-9991 [top]

Excelsior & Grand [top]

Bridal Boutique
Brides-to-be shouldn’t miss Che Bella. This little accessory shop is filled with jewelry, tiaras, veils, and handmade headpieces with crystals and pearls. Bridesmaids can stock up on goodies for the bachelorette party and the honeymoon—and go back later for everything needed for the baby shower. 3826 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-746-2561

Cheap Wine
Budget party throwers head to wildly popular Trader Joe’s first Minnesota store for cheeses, snacks, gourmet desserts, and the legendary Two-Buck Chuck, AKA Charles Shaw California varietals. If the thrifty vino gives you a headache, check out the store’s many excellent, slightly more expensive wines from around the world. 4500 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-285-1053

Jewelry Store
Max’s well-edited jewelry selection includes pieces by local artisans as well as celebrity-favored designers such as Vicente Agor. 3831 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 612-922-9405

Photo Studio
Your kids and pets will look great in cameos taken at quirky Smirk. Order your favorite in black and white or check out the kid grids and Warhol–like Dandy collages in wild colors. 4617 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-922-2826

Tailor
Some of the metro’s top independent fashion boutiques send customers to Josephine’s Tailors for alterations. Owner Thanh Stonebraker does impeccable work on everything from slacks and skirts to formal attire. 4617 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-920-2493

T-shirt Selection
You’ll find a wide selection of wild tees for men and women at Q. Quirky statements and vintage logos printed on soft shirts are a great way to liven up the jeans-and-blazer look. 3825 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-465-0100 [top]

North Loop [top]

Breakfast
After their morning run or yoga class, the locals congregate at Moose & Sadies. The renovated warehouse space is welcoming, and the huevos rancheros hit the spot after a workout. 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-371-0464

Deli
Artichoke-mushroom lasagna, chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo salad are among the goodies at D’allesantro’s, a family-run Italian market and deli. Seating is limited, but you can reserve the chef’s table in the kitchen—and feel like you’re smack in the middle of a good Italian movie. 600 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-3536

Framing Studio
Mitrebox Framing Studio owners Mary Fajack and Sara Nachreiner get creative with their framing, layering different styles for visual impact. Aside from stunning frames, the shop carries cards, blank journals, and little gifts. There’s parking in the back. 213 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-676-0696

Modern Home Décor
On nice days, the garage door is rolled up and SoHo–like ID Inside Design spills out onto the sidewalk. Owner Greg Walsh creates killer vignettes with his to-die-for contemporary furniture and affordable home accents, including Adler lamps and Denyse Schmidt quilts. 211 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-317-0045

Mojito
Café Havana is still the place for one mean mojito. Not too sweet, with just the right blend of mint and rum, the drink is the perfect antidote to a cold winter night. Live Latin music is another reason to make this little Cuban hideaway a destination. 119 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-8484 [top]

Grand Avenue [top]

Baby Bohemia
Lisbet Pia Franc honors her native Denmark with her happy shop, Danish Bohemia. Among the home décor and fashion items are must-haves for babes and toddlers, including adorable felt toys, dresses, hats, and pint-sized jackets so distinctive you’ll always be able to pick them out on the playground. 1144 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-222-8383

Boutique
Catering to fashionistas of every age, charming Karma has it all: urban, bohemian looks, comfy fabrics, tailored separates, and a few home finds for that hostess gift you need in a pinch. 841 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-291-1997

Day for Dogs
During, yes, the dog days of summer, Grand Avenue teams up with the Humane Society for Companion Animals for the annual Paws on Grand. Participants open their doors to dogs, put out water and treats, and stage silly games and dog-trick contests along the avenue.

Gifts
Down the hall from Cafe Latté, Quince has something for everyone, including jewelry, cards, clothing, and home accents from national lines and local artisans. 850 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-225-9900

Lunch
Speaking of Cafe Latté, what’s not to love at this perennial favorite? Salad samplers, spreads, and soups are in the front, pizzas and wine in the back. Whatever your choice, don’t leave without a slice of cake. 850 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-5687 [top]

Linden Hills [top]

Bookstore
Wild Rumpus's enchanting storefront includes a small door for tots built into the grown-up portal. Inside is a friendly zoo of cats, chickens, birds, and bugs, plus—more to the point—bookshelves stuffed with new titles and children’s classics. Visit Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for story time. 2720 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-920-5005

Boutique
Ensemble is one place where you, your mom, and your grown daughter can shop together happily and harmoniously. This family-run shop fits the bill for timeless, hip, comfy clothing. 2812 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-922-9450

Butcher Shop
Custom cuts, chops, fillets, and some of the city’s best breakfast sausages make Clancey’s Meat & Fish a home cook’s destination. Did we mention the gourmet charcoal? 4307 Upton Ave. S., Mpls., 612-926-0222

Chilaquiles
Who knew the erstwhile firehouse now known as Café Twenty Eight would serve such kick-ass Mexican specialties? Sunday brunch includes huevos rancheros and the fiery chilaquiles—salsa rojo or verde sautéed with corn tortilla strips and served with queso fresco, sour cream, and scrambled eggs. Best washed down with a fresh mimosa. 2724 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-926-2800

European Antiques
Charge up the hill for a little slice of Paris at Victory. Find both vintage and new goods, including chairs, candles, journals, lighting, and gifts. Check out the back room for beautiful linens and more. 3505 W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-926-8200

Roastery
You can smell the roasting coffee a block away, but you’ve got to check in at Coffee & Tea Ltd. to learn which corner of the world the beans come from. Jim Cone carries an international array of coffee—many are fair trade—and a wide range of teas. 2730 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-920-6344 [top]

Uptown [top]

Boutique
Ini Iyamba added menswear to his mix this year so guys and gals can shop together at Ivy. Hard-to-find labels, premium denim, cocktail dresses, shoes, handbags, and more. Calhoun Sq., Mpls., 612-827-2764

Fish taco
There’s a lot more at The Tin Fish than fried fish. The fresh mahi-mahi taco comes with cheese, salsa, and citrus, and when enjoyed with a lemon slushy and a Lake Calhoun sunset—all for under ten bucks—you have one great little dinner on the beach. Too bad you have to wait till April for it to reopen. 3000 E. Calhoun Pkwy., Mpls., 612-823-5840

Neighborhood Café
Lucia’s Bakery & Take Home, adjacent to Lucia’s better known restaurant and wine bar, offers great food in a casual, European–style setting that’s perfect for everyday dining. Awesome baguettes, soups, sandwiches, sweets, and coffee are offered into the evening. And there’s half-price wine every night! 1428 31st St., Mpls., 612-825-9800

Paperie
The Paper Source energizes the DIYer in all of us with its creative window displays. Inside the light, bright corner store, beautiful wrapping paper, ribbons, and high-quality papers are available in every color of the rainbow—for handmade holiday cards and invitations, perhaps? 3048 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-377-0700

Vintage Jewelry
At Brides of France, exquisite brooches, earrings, and necklaces recall the Gilded Age, especially when complemented with a vintage fur, compact, and bag, which are all within reach at this little boutique that caters to way more than brides. For that matter, don’t miss the great selection of affordable jewelry fresh from Paris flea markets. 3042 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-0500 [top]