MCN is excited to welcome you to Minneapolis for the 2025 conference. This page provides a curated list of recommendations from Twin Cities locals to help you find whatever you might need while you are in town. Below you will find suggestions for restaurants, local art highlights, and places to meetup outside of the conference.
You can also reference this custom Google Map with all of the recommendations listed below. For information about accessible transit, sidewalks, and venue access, check out Minneapolis’ Accessibility Guide.
Need a quick recommendation or local assistance while you’re in town? Keep an eye out for attendees with a LOCAL ribbon on their conference badge.
🍽️ Restaurants
Minneapolis offers a diverse and exciting local food scene. Find some ideas below, grouped by distance from key conference sites.
Walking distance from Walker Art Center (<20-minute walk)
Gai Noi | Open Monday-Sunday 11AM–10PM
Thai fixture featuring modern cuisine, family-style dining and a rooftop patio.
Cardamom | Open Sunday-Wednesday 11AM–8 PM; Thursday-Saturday 11AM–9 PM
Casual restaurant in the Walker Art Center offering Turkish-inspired plates and small plates, plus cocktails.
Walking distance from conference hotel and Ignite venue (<20-minute walk)
Fhima’s | Open Sunday & Tuesday 3–11PM; Wednesday-Saturday 3PM–12AM
A modern take on French Moroccan cuisine using the highest quality ingredients in partnership with Minnesota and local farmers.
Murray’s | Open Monday-Thursday 5–9PM; Friday-Saturday 5–10PM; Sunday 4–8:30PM
Classic upscale steakhouse serving prime cuts & signature cocktails, plus a more casual bar area.
Brit’s Pub | Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30AM-11PM; Friday and Saturday 11:30AM-1AM
Classic fare & English pints in a relaxed, wood-clad setting with fireplace & rooftop lawn bowling.
Lotus Restaurant | Open Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM; Sunday 12-8PM
Cozy, counter-order Vietnamese spot for rice & noodle dishes, as well as pho & many veggie options.
Within easy driving/ride share distance
Eat Street | Multiple restaurants, hours vary
Eat Street is a stretch of Nicollet Avenue south of Downtown that’s known for packing a wildly diverse mélange of restaurants into a few short blocks.
Diane’s Place | Brunch Thursday-Tuesday 8AM–2:30PM; Dinner Thursday-Sunday 5–10PM
Hmong American full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Named 2025 Restaurant of the Year by Food & Wine.
Hey Y’all Tipsy Taco Bar | Open Tuesday-Thursday 4–10PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM–2AM, Sunday 11AM–9PM
Casual restaurant dishing up tacos, cocktails and other Tex-Mex specialties alongside BBQ dishes.
Northern Fires | Open Monday-Saturday 12–8PM
Family-friendly pizzeria featuring sourdough-crust pies, fresh, local ingredients and vegan options.
Baba’s Hummus House | Open Monday-Sunday 11AM-8PM, until 9PM Friday and Saturday
Casual eatery featuring a range of hummus bowls, plus falafel and pita puffs.
🎨 Art Highlights
Walking distance from Walker Art Center (<20-minute walk)
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden | Open daily 6AM–midnight
Explore more than 60 sculptures from the Walker’s collection on 11 scenic acres in the heart of Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Pride Cultural Arts Center | Open Monday, Wednesday 12–8PM; Tuesday, Thursday 9AM–4PM, Friday 9AM–1PM
The PCAC serves as a dynamic platform for expression, education, and support.
First Avenue
Housed in an old depot, this rock venue & tiny side bar have hosted & launched many acts since 1970.
The Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts
A citywide initiative supporting creative pop-ups and installations. Check out the downtown temporary art spaces, murals, and design-forward retail projects.
Within easy driving/ride share distance
Minneapolis Institute of Art | Open Tuesday-Sunday 10AM–5PM, until 9PM on Thursday
Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, Mia is one of the largest art museums in the United States.
Dreamsong | Open Wednesday-Saturday 12–5PM
Dreamsong is a space for contemporary art comprised of a gallery, a standalone Cinema, and an artist’s residency.
Midway Contemporary Art | Open Wednesday-Saturday 11AM–5 PM
Midway Contemporary Art is a nonprofit organization that supports the creation of and reflection upon visual art.
Weinstein Hammons | Open Tuesday-Saturday 12–5PM
Since 1996, Weinstein Hammons Gallery has worked with internationally recognized artists working in all media, with a special focus on modern and contemporary photography.
David Peterson Gallery | Open Friday-Sunday 12–5PM
☕️ Meetup Spots
Looking for a place for an informal meet-up, group conversation, or just a place to hang out? Check out these nearby places.
Gray Fox Coffee | Open Monday-Friday 7AM–4PM
Gray Fox Coffee and Wine | Open Monday, Friday 7:30AM–2PM, Tuesday-Thursday 7:30AM–6PM
Fawkes Alley Coffee | Open daily 8AM–4PM
Thank you to the 2025 Local Committee for their work in preparing these recommendations and providing support throughout the planning process.
MCN Local Committee
- Amanda Hunt
- Janine DeFeo
- Jessica Hakala
- Sarah Lampen
- Megan Leafblad