Located just 15 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale has a small town feel with the convenience of a big city. Nestled in the northwest corner of Hennepin County, this city offers a variety of single-family homes, plenty of green space and two area lakes. While the city may be small, the spirit of this community is evident to anyone who passes through.
As you stroll along the downtown sidewalks, the height of the buildings allows you to peer inside shop windows while the street is just narrow enough for you to say hello to the person passing by on the other side. Overall, the close layout reinforces the tight-knit vibe of this community.
Speaking of a small town vibe, the city is able to maintain its charm by being selective about which businesses they allow downtown. For instance, Hackenmueller Meats is an old-time meat market that has served the residents of Robbinsdale with choice cut meats for more than 120 years. Known for their specialty sausages, this hometown business has built a reputation as one of the premier butcher shops in the metro area.
Likewise, the mural found in Robbinsdale Plaza adds a splash of color to this historic downtown. However, the city has plans to update this mural with a design by local artist, Shawn McCann, at the beginning of September.
Hungry? Well, you won’t find any chain restaurants in this historic district. Luckily, Robbinsdale offers a variety of unique restaurants including Pig Ate My Pizza, a pig-themed pizza pie shop and Nonna Rosa’s, a classic Italian restaurant with some famous fans (we ran into the mayor of Robbinsdale, Regan Murphy, enjoying a late lunch). However, if you are seeking a more upscale experience you may want to give Travail a whirl. While the menu is written on a simple chalkboard, the culinary experience to be had is quite the opposite. At the restaurant, which was recently named one of Bon Appetit’s nominees for America’s Best New Restaurant, you can embark on a culinary adventure while sampling a ten-course tasting menu. Though Travail may be on the pricier side, they do offer date nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the tasting menu at a reduced price.
The citizens here are so passionate about their local fare that they even started “The Birdtown Club.” On the first Friday of each month, residents meet at one of Robbinsdale’s bars or restaurants as a way to connect and reinforce their love for the city.
If you are in search of something more leisurely, you should check out one of the 14 parks in the city, including Lakeview Terrace Park. This sunny park adjacent to Crystal Lake lends itself to a variety of recreational activities with its baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground, numerous walking paths and opportunities for boating and swimming.
Additionally, the schools in Robbinsdale are known to be both dynamic and diverse. Both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Robbinsdale Cooper high schools repeatedly earn national acclaim for academic excellence. They offer one of the largest AP programs in the state, in addition to boasting a state and nationally recognized orchestra program.
If an unexpected accident happens, look no further than North Memorial Medical Center. Featuring a Level I Trauma Center as well as cancer treatment, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, and women and children’s services, you are sure to be in good hands. Accordingly, they have won numerous awards including the Patient Safety Excellence Award for five consecutive years. Moreover, North Memorial Medical Center was the only hospital in Minnesota to receive Healthgrades’ recognition as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2014.
For those looking to become a part of the community, the housing market in Robbinsdale offers a variety of options. From charming historic homes, town homes and newer two-story homes, this town suits a wide variety of styles and budgets. Even more, it is evident that Robbinsdale is a place were many choose to plant their roots as 72% of the 14,000 who live there are homeowners. Overall, Robbinsdale is a city that prides itself on their high quality of life and works hard to promote relationships among its residents that last a lifetime. If you are looking for small town charm with big city convenience, Robbinsdale is the place for you.
Neighborhood Resources
