Minneapolis: North Loop Food Tour with 6 Local Tastings

The Minneapolis North Loop Food Tour with 6 Local Tastings offers a tasty and walking exploration of two vibrant neighborhoods: the North Loop and St. Anthony. This 3-hour guided experience features six delicious food stops, showcasing local favorites like coal-fired pizza, golden cheese curds, and handmade pierogies. The tour departs from outside the Graze Food Hall at 520 N 4th St, where a guide holding an orange umbrella welcomes you.

While the tour is packed with authentic flavors and local stories, it’s worth noting that the menu may focus on familiar comfort foods like loaded fries, pizza, and hot cocoa. Some visitors find these selections enjoyable but not particularly unique, suggesting the tour is best suited for those wanting a straightforward taste of Minneapolis’s food scene rather than seeking culinary surprises. The 3-hour pace offers an accessible introduction to the city’s neighborhoods, perfect for curious visitors and locals alike.

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, walking through Minneapolis’s North Loop and St. Anthony neighborhoods.
• Stops: 6 tastings including coal-fired pizza, cheese curds, pierogies, and small-batch ice cream.
• Guide: Led by a passionate local guide who explains the city’s food culture and stories.
• Meeting Point: Outside Graze Food Hall at 520 N 4th St, with the guide holding an orange umbrella.
• Experience Focus: Emphasizes local favorites and global influences, with a mix of historic and trendsetting neighborhoods.
• Limitations: Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking requirements.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Graze Food Hall and Neighborhood Introduction

The tour begins at Graze Food Hall, a lively spot in downtown Minneapolis, serving as a natural gathering place for food lovers. From here, the guide leads you along red-brick streets and revitalized warehouse districts, where you get a sense of the city’s transformation. The North Loop, once a hub for warehouses, now hosts award-winning restaurants and local artisans.

Crossing into St. Anthony over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, the tour introduces the neighborhood’s Eastern European heritage with stops for handmade pierogies. The guide shares stories about Minneapolis’s immigrant influences and how these traditions shape the city’s food scene today.

Tasting the Coal-Fired Pizza and Cheese Curds

The first tasting spot features coal-fired pizza, blistered to perfection and topped with local, seasonal ingredients. This Twin Cities-style pizza highlights the city’s take on a classic, emphasizing chunky, flavorful toppings in a blistered crust. Next, the group enjoys golden cheese curds, battered and fried to crispy outside, with an original house-made ketchup, creating a satisfying contrast.

These stops showcase Minneapolis’s flair for comfort food with a modern twist, and the guide offers insights into how local chefs elevate these staples. The cheese curds, in particular, appeal to those who appreciate crispy, melty bites that evoke a sense of Midwestern hospitality.

Exploring St. Anthony with Handmade Pierogies

Crossing over the Mississippi River, the tour enters St. Anthony, known as Minneapolis’s oldest neighborhood. Here, handmade pierogies take center stage, echoing the area’s Eastern European roots. The pierogies are paired with traditional sides that bring comfort and authenticity.

While the pierogies are a highlight, some might find the offerings familiar if they’re already acquainted with Eastern European cuisine. However, the storytelling from the guide adds context, making the stop more meaningful and a window into the neighborhood’s cultural history.

Sweet Endings with Small-Batch Ice Cream and a Secret Dish

The tour wraps up with a small-batch ice cream, crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The ice cream is a delightful way to cool down and enjoy locally made desserts. As a special touch, the tour includes a secret dish, which remains a surprise until the end—adding an element of fun and curiosity.

The ice cream and secret dish leave a pleasant, sweet memory, balancing the savory stops and reinforcing Minneapolis’s craftsmanship in food.

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Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

The meeting point at Graze Food Hall is convenient for downtown visitors, with the guide easily recognizable by the orange umbrella. The tour involves walking along city streets, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised. With a group size that encourages engaging conversations, the experience feels intimate and manageable.

However, it’s important to note that people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users may not find the tour accessible, as it requires a fair amount of walking over potentially uneven surfaces.

Comparing the Food Selections and Overall Value

The menu features familiar favorites like loaded fries, pizza, and cheese curds, which may not feel especially exceptional to seasoned food explorers. Some might find the offerings predictable, but the guide’s storytelling and neighborhood context add value.

The 3-hour duration, combined with the local flavor and historic sights, makes this a good choice for those wanting a casual introduction to Minneapolis’s culinary scene. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors or those interested in neighborhood stories alongside food tasting.

Why Choose This Tour in Minneapolis

This North Loop Food Tour offers a relaxed pace with six tastings that showcase local ingredients and global influences. The guide’s enthusiasm and local insights enrich the experience, making the stops more than just eating—it’s about understanding the city through its food.

While the menu may not include rare or exotic dishes, the tour’s strength lies in its authentic neighborhood vibe and accessible, friendly atmosphere. It’s best suited for those who enjoy familiar comfort foods and want a taste of Minneapolis’s evolving culinary identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, walking through Minneapolis’s North Loop and St. Anthony neighborhoods.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is outside Graze Food Hall at 520 N 4th St, with the guide holding an orange umbrella.

How many tastings are included?
There are 6 tastings featuring foods like coal-fired pizza, cheese curds, pierogies, and small-batch ice cream.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not accessible for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking involved.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, but it’s recommended to contact the tour provider in advance to ensure they can cater to specific needs.

What is the price of the tour?
Pricing details are not explicitly provided in the data, but the experience typically includes food tastings and a guided walk.

Is the menu fixed or can it change?
The itinerary and menu are subject to change based on availability and circumstances.

What makes this tour stand out?
The tour combines local food stops with historic neighborhood stories, making it a comprehensive introduction to Minneapolis’s food scene.

Is this tour good for locals or only visitors?
It caters well to both locals eager to explore their city and visitors wanting a guided food experience.

What type of foods will I taste?
Expect comfort foods like loaded fries, pizza, cheese curds, pierogies, and seasonal ice cream.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made online, with options to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

This Minneapolis North Loop Food Tour provides a friendly, flavorful way to explore two of the city’s most lively neighborhoods. It’s a straightforward experience that balances food, history, and local stories, making it a solid choice for those seeking a casual yet engaging culinary walk through Minneapolis.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby