Referred to as Minneapolis’ first neighborhood, Northeast Minneapolis was originally founded as the City of St. Anthony in 1855, 12 years before Minneapolis. Since then, Northeast, or “Nordeast” as it has come to be called by locals, has grown into one of the most vibrant and eclectic areas of Minneapolis.
With a rich tradition of northern and eastern European immigrants, homes in many parts of Northeast are typically smaller and more condensed, reflecting the long history of the working class neighborhood. While the homes may be a bit smaller than those in other parts of Minneapolis, each older home seems to have its own unique story to tell, giving the neighborhood a charming, affable quality. Newer areas of development are also available for those who are looking snag a spot near the river in one of the many upscale condos, townhomes or apartments.
Northeasterners have the convenience of choosing from many different outdoor activities without leaving the neighborhood. Northeast Park provides several baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and the Jim Lupient Water Park. The park is also home to the Grand Rounds Miniature Golf Course for golfers looking to work on their short game before heading to the 18-hole golf course at the Columbia Golf Club.
With such an abundance of artists in Minneapolis, Northeast has taken to filling entire warehouses with them, providing plenty of space to rent and create in studio settings throughout the neighborhood. The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association has more than 700 members alone, fashioning everything from jewelry to paintings to clothing. Events like the annual Art-A-Whirl, greet visitors with an open and free look at the work of over 500 artists in more than 70 locations in studio buildings, art galleries, restaurants, storefronts and homes. The weekend-long event is perfect for those looking for local art to proudly display at home.
One of the most uniquely “Nordeast” spots in town is Kramarczuk’s. A one-stop shop for anything and everything that’s edible and from East Europe, Kramarczuk’s is a delicatessen, bakery and restaurant all in one sausage-scented setting, serving up imported and house-made food you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere outside of Europe, or Target Field where they serve up Kramarczuk’s acclaimed house-made sausages.
A bar that’s been a longtime favorite amongst locals to show off to unsuspecting out-of-towners is Nye’s Polonaise Room. Esquire Magazine named Nye’s the “Best Bar In America” in 2006 and again in 2010 as one of the “15 Bars Every Man Should Drink In Before He Dies.” A completely unique experience, Nye’s is a Northeast institution that is not to be missed, especially if the “World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band” is on stage.
With no shortage of spots to hangout, you’ll find “Nordeasterners” eating at the landmark steakhouse Jax Café to trying out the acclaimed sushi at the buzz worthy Masu Sushi & Robata, or sipping on coffee at the new Spyhouse Coffee Shop location or head downstairs and you’ll find others sipping on a beer at the newly opened taproom of 612 Brew, or walk down the street and you’ll… well… you get the idea.
