Quick visit to Minneapolis, any recs?

Completely disagree about Minneapolis. Winter isn't great, obviously, but it's one of my two or three favorite cities once the summertime hits. Hit-or-miss, but you'll see plenty of nice days in the spring and fall, too. Used to live there and visit once every couple months since a number of college buddies live in MSP.

OP, immediate downtown MPLS sucked before the pandemic / riots, and it still sucks today. There was never a reason to stick around in that area - explore some neighborhoods.

North Loop is my favorite neighborhood. It's chalked with young professionals, warehouse-style apartments and condos, walkable, and plenty of great restaurants and bars. Hanging at Graze on a sunny day is a vibe, for sure. Freehouse, Fulton, Inbound and Fulton are four breweries in the neighborhood, all of which have fun atmospheres. Best beer of the four is Modist. Only food you'll find is Freehouse, but it's pretty good - usually my go-to on Friday lunch when I get into the city. Make it a point to grab a bagel sandwich at Rise and pizza at Black Sheep. Target Field is in North Loop, so it makes for a fun pregame in-season.

Northeast is a great neighborhood in its own right. You'll see a generous mix of single families and young professionals. Large concentration of Eastern Europeans, too. Probably the neighborhood with the most breweries. Mojo Coffee is my favorite coffee shop I've visited - super eclectic and quirky. Doesn't sound like you'll be Minneapolis for dinner, but Young Joni is a worthwhile stop.

Dinkytown probably isn't worth visiting on a random afternoon, but it's where the the University of Minnesota is. A lot of bars and you can get to it by walking across Stone Arch Bridge, which has an incredible view of the skyline.

Have a few friends that live near Lake Harriet in South Minneapolis. This is almost entirely single family homes, but there are some good restaurants and bars scattered around. Lake Harriet has a really nice path.

I used to spend a lot of time in Uptown 5-7 years ago. Once had a lot of good bars and it was a booming neighborhood for young professionals. Really leveled off once the pandemic hit, and most of my friends hate going out there - sounds like it's gotten pretty trashy.

Doesn't sound like you'll get into St. Paul. Let me know if you do - I don't know it as well, but know of a few places.

Thanks

On the far side of the lake, but this bbq joint is miles better than it has any business being:

http.s://buddyboybarbeque.com/

Thanks again everyone. Great ideas

If you're still there...you'll still have enough fall leaves still out.

A lot of good recommendations pointed out. North loop is my favorite area to go out or do stuff after work. Freehouse is solid but also love Red Cow

I lived near Lake Harriet for a while and loved it.

Bring some cash and go to Matt’s Bar for a Juciy Lucy

The Basilica is beautiful for sure. I've been in the Cathedral in St Paul once but want to go back again.