Understanding Late Night Dining in Minneapolis
Defining “Late Night”
Let’s define “late night.” For the purposes of this guide, we’re talking about eateries that are open roughly from 10 PM onwards, and, in many cases, extending their hours until the wee hours of the morning, particularly on weekends. This definition allows for flexibility, accommodating those seeking a bite after the theater lets out, or after a long night of dancing.
Restaurant Types and Availability
The types of establishments that typically keep their doors open the latest include a diverse mix: classic diners, casual and often quick-service restaurants, bars with dedicated kitchen operations, and occasionally, some ethnic restaurants. Finding late-night food often depends on the neighborhood. Downtown, Uptown, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to have more readily available options than some of the quieter residential areas.
Tips for Late Night Dining
Before you venture out, a few helpful tips can elevate your late-night dining experience. Always double-check the restaurant’s hours by calling ahead, especially since these can change. Consider delivery or takeout, which can offer convenience, particularly if you’ve been imbibing. Be prepared for the possibility of crowds. Late-night spots are often popular, and you might encounter a bit of a wait. Finally, parking can be a challenge in some areas, so plan accordingly. Consider using ride-sharing services, or parking a bit further away and walking.
Neighborhood Spotlights: Where to Find the Good Stuff
Downtown Minneapolis: The Heart of Late Night
Downtown Minneapolis pulsates with energy, offering a diverse selection of late-night food spots, especially on weekends. The concentration of entertainment venues, hotels, and residential buildings makes this area a natural hub for hungry night owls.
The Local
This authentic Irish pub is more than just a spot for a pint. The Local’s kitchen stays open late, offering a full menu of Irish comfort food. Expect hearty dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and delicious burgers. The warm ambiance and friendly staff make it a perfect place to relax and refuel after a show at the Orpheum Theatre or a sporting event at Target Field. Open until around 1:00 AM or even later on weekends.
Brit’s Pub
A Minneapolis institution, Brit’s Pub boasts a fantastic rooftop lawn bowling court. While you might be tempted to just enjoy a brew and a game, Brit’s also offers great pub grub, including burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips. Open late, especially during peak seasons.
Hell’s Kitchen
A Minneapolis original, this spot has amazing food and is open late, making it a great option for late night cravings. Whether you are craving something sweet or savory, they have it all! They are known for their incredible brunch.
Sneaky Pete’s
This restaurant is a classic spot open late night. From delicious burgers to appetizers, this place has a little bit of everything.
Uptown: Where the Scene Stays Alive
Uptown, with its lively nightlife and diverse culinary offerings, is another prime destination for late-night dining. The area’s vibrant atmosphere and high concentration of bars and entertainment venues make it a natural magnet for those seeking sustenance after dark.
Moto-i Ramen and Sake House
This popular spot serves up steaming bowls of ramen and offers a wide selection of sake. The rich broths, flavorful noodles, and diverse toppings are perfect for satisfying late-night cravings. Open late, usually until around 1:00 AM or later.
The Lowry
A beloved neighborhood gastropub. This is a reliable spot for satisfying late-night comfort food like burgers, salads, and fries. The bar offers a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails to complement your meal. Open late.
Bar La Grassa
An Italian restaurant that’s known for its great food and ambiance. Enjoy a wide variety of pasta dishes. The restaurant is open until late night on select days.
Northeast Minneapolis: Exploring the Hidden Gems
Northeast Minneapolis boasts a unique character and a growing culinary scene. While late-night options might be slightly less abundant than in Downtown or Uptown, the area offers a selection of hidden gems worth discovering.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
This tiki-themed restaurant and bar is a Minneapolis legend. With its outrageous décor, potent cocktails, and Polynesian-inspired dishes, Psycho Suzi’s is a late-night experience unlike any other. The food menu includes appetizers, burgers, and pizzas. Be sure to check their late-night hours, as they vary.
Young Joni
A destination spot even late at night, Young Joni is known for its wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant is consistently lauded for its innovative pizza creations and stylish atmosphere. Open late.
Categorizing by Cuisine: A Guide to Your Cravings
Pizza Perfection: Late Night Minneapolis Pizzeria Delights
Pizza, a classic comfort food, is a reliable late-night go-to. Minneapolis offers some excellent options for a slice (or a whole pie) after hours.
Young Joni
We’ve mentioned them, but their wood-fired pizzas are always a hit.
Pizza Luce
With several locations across the city, Pizza Luce is a dependable choice for late-night pizza. They offer a wide selection of specialty pizzas, as well as build-your-own options, with vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Many locations are open well into the night.
Pizza Taxi
This spot has many locations throughout the city. They are known for their large selection of pizzas, as well as other delicious options.
Burger Bonanza: Satisfying Your Late-Night Burger Cravings
Sometimes, only a juicy burger will do. Minneapolis delivers on this front.
The Lowry
As mentioned before, The Lowry has a great burger.
Brit’s Pub
Brit’s Pub’s burgers are also a great option.
Sneaky Pete’s
This spot is known for its amazing burgers as well.
Delivery and Takeout: Bringing the Food to You
The beauty of modern life is the convenience of delivery. Minneapolis has a robust network of food delivery services, making it easy to enjoy late-night meals from the comfort of your home, hotel room, or wherever you find yourself.
DoorDash
This popular service covers a wide area and has a vast selection of restaurants, including many that are open late.
Uber Eats
Similar to DoorDash, Uber Eats offers numerous options, including those highlighted in this guide, and provides real-time tracking and easy ordering.
Grubhub
Another major player in the delivery market, Grubhub connects you with a diverse range of local eateries.
Restaurant Specific Delivery
Many restaurants offer direct delivery services, so always check their websites or call to inquire.
Beyond the Food: Completing Your Late-Night Experience
Late-night dining is often intertwined with other activities. Consider where you’re headed before or after your meal. Here are some ideas to enhance your night:
Live Music
Minneapolis has a thriving music scene. Check local listings for late-night concerts. Venues like First Avenue, the 7th Street Entry, and the Dakota Jazz Club often host shows that run late.
Movie Theaters
Several movie theaters in Minneapolis offer late-night screenings. Combine a film with a quick bite beforehand or a post-movie snack.
Bar Hopping
Minneapolis is known for its many bars. If you enjoy a bar-hopping night, make sure to plan your stops and make sure they have kitchen operations open late.
Art Galleries and Cultural Centers
Some cultural centers and art galleries may have late-night events or exhibits. Always check their hours.
Conclusion: Your Late-Night Food Adventure Awaits
Finding late night Minneapolis food is a rewarding experience. With a little planning and this guide, you can navigate the city’s late-night dining landscape with confidence. From classic comfort food to innovative creations, Minneapolis offers something to satisfy every craving. Now, armed with this knowledge, go forth and explore! Don’t be afraid to venture into new neighborhoods, try new restaurants, and create your own late-night dining adventures.
Have a favorite late-night spot that we missed? Share it! Let your fellow late-night food lovers know the hidden gems you’ve discovered. Minneapolis’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and your recommendations can help us all stay informed and well-fed after dark. Happy eating, and may your midnight munchies be both delicious and satisfying!
