Here's what’s cooking at North Minneapolis restaurants
Photos and story by Kyle Lor, North News Intern
North Minneapolis has been a classified food desert for years. It’s hard to get access to healthy foods, and sit-down restaurants are sparse.
Lately, new restaurants have been opening on the Northside, combating the problem of both issues. Some restaurants are new, and some are staples that have existed in the community for years as pop-ups.
If you’re wondering where you can sit for a bite to eat with family and friends, here’s a review of just some of North Minneapolis' eateries and their fan favorites.
Soul Bowl
Soul Bowl’s signature southern hospitality bowl features fried chicken, candied yams, mac and cheese, collard greens and a side of corn bread.
Soul Bowl is a comfortable spot for the soul.
Soul Bowl was founded in 2017 by Gerard Klass and Brittney Alise Klass. The soul food restaurant is currently located in the V3 Center and is a concession stand at Target Center and Target Field.
The Soul Bowl menu is pork, nut, and shellfish-free. Its menu includes fried chicken, mac and cheese (dairy-free available), fish, beef and much more.
Soul Bowl’s fan favorite meal is its signature southern hospitality bowl, which includes crispy fried chicken with delicious meat inside the crispy layer of fried crust, cheesy mac and cheese, candied yams that are tastefully sweet and collard greens that pair great with the other food that are a part of the bowl.
The environment at Soul Bowl’s newest location at V3 has a comforting environment with warm lighting, a modern interior, plants, and soothing music.
Soul Bowl is located at 701 Plymouth Ave. N. And is open Sunday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Minne’s
The Minne’s classic includes two double cheeseburger sliders on toasted buns, white American cheese, and a side of seasoned fries
Come slide at Minne’s.
Minne’s, a restaurant in North Minneapolis owned by Cordell Richardson, opened in 2024. Minne’s expands the taste of Chicago with its signature sliders.
The menu at Minne’s includes sliders, hot dogs, bowls, salads, fries, onion rings and tater tots. Minne's also serves floats and shakes.
Minne’s signature meal is the Minne’s classic, which is two double cheeseburger sliders with white American cheese and fries. The signature sliders are tasty and juicy, while the fries are fluffy.
Minne’s environment is very open, having seating and benches with board games and card games that customers can play. It's a great place for family and friends to have fun while eating.
Minne’s is located at 1825 Glenwood Ave. It is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lowry Cafe
The waffle combo at The Lowry Cafe includes waffles, eggs and bacon.
The Lowry Cafe is a classic for the people of North Minneapolis.
First opening in 2011, The Lowry Cafe has been passed down by many owners, but it hasn’t changed its menu.
It is a well-known establishment, having many regular Northside customers.
The Lowry Cafe consists of a breakfast menu, serving classics such as waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos and omelets. The cafe also serves lunch.
The fan favorite meals are The Jordan and the breakfast burrito. The meals at The Lowry Cafe have a classic taste, just like the feeling of being at home. The waffles and pancakes are fluffy and the bacon and eggs are cooked well.
The atmosphere at The Lowry Cafe is clean and features art along the walls, with decent lighting and wide windows allowing natural light to enter. They also have comfortable booth seating and a bar area.
The cafe is located at 2207 Lowry Ave. N. is open every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
The breakfast sandwich at Sammy’s Avenue Eatery includes egg, cheese, turkey, and spinach on Texas toast. On the side are tomatoes in the signature sauce.
Sammy’s Avenue Eatery is a place of family, giving and hope in North Minneapolis.
Sammy’s was founded in 2012 by Sammy McDowell.
After the passing of McDowell in 2024, his family took over operations to maintain the business and his legacy.
The food at Sammy’s focuses on sandwiches plus soups, sweets, pastries and coffees.
One of the fan favorites at Sammy’s is the breakfast sandwich with its signature sauce. The sandwich is freshly made hot, and you are able to get a taste of everything that is in the sandwich.
Sammy’s is very welcoming, with many shades of green that contrast with the black interior. Plants are seen through its tall windows that allow natural sunlight to shine into the sho,p making the place feel bright and welcoming.
Sammy’s Avenue Eatery is located at 1101 W. Broadway Ave. and is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tap In
The catfish sandwich at Tap In includes catfish, onions, tomatoes, spring mix, house-made tartar sauce and a side of fries.
Tap In is a lot more than just food and drinks. It's a space for the community to gather, connect, and build.
Tap In was founded in June 2024 by Chris Webley. Webley wanted to create a Northside landmark destination where cultures and food collide, and where people can come together and access food.
The food at Tap In is prepared fresh. On the menu, there are entrees, shareables, and sides.
One of their fan favorite meals is the catfish sandwich. The sandwich is nicely crisp on the outside, with a juicy center. The sides of fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
There is a cocktail bar as you walk into Tap In. The place is a very relaxing space with its dimmed lighting, ample comfortable seating and music. The interior is filled with neutral tones that complement the greenery all around.
Tap In is located at 2618 Lowry Ave. N, and is open Sunday through Wednesday, noon to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.