Reasons to Love Minneapolis in the Summer

Minneapolis is often overlooked as one of the great places to live. Yes, we have almost unbearable winters, but the summers make it so worth it. The city boasts great restaurants, scenery and trails, lakes, and music.

Restaurants

Like most folks, people in Minneapolis love to eat out, especially in the summer when we can sit outside. There is an almost endless supply of restaurants with new ones opening all the time. South on Nicollet Avenue is referred to as Eat Street with many ethnic restaurants and great bars. Downtown has by far the most restaurants and the greatest variety. There is everything from steakhouses to sushi and quite a few of each.

One of my favorite places downtown is somewhat hidden in Loring Park called Café Lurcat. I frequent this divine D'Amico favorite a few times a month. The restaurant itself is large, offers a great menu and an even better wine and drink menu. The patron favorite is the sea bass. I prefer the bar sea bass as it is a smaller portion size and comes with slaw. Another favorite is the Apple, Cheese, & Chive salad. It is a simple creation of shoestring apple slices, grated Spanish cheese, and chives tossed with a little olive oil. It is light and great to share with another person.

The ambience at Lurcat is edgy with an elegant flair. When you first see the bar and restaurant, you would think it to be an upscale diners dream, but you start to notice the tattooed servers and house music and you realize you might be more comfortable than first expected. The dress attire is casual chic. It's not uncommon to see people that look like they may have spent all day getting ready, but you'll also see shorts and tank tops sitting at the table beside you. The price tag for the magical night out will probably run around $100 for two people.

Great Patio Seating
Seven (rooftop)
Zelo
The Local
Joe's Garage
The Newsroom
Pshyco Suzy's
Seven (rooftop)
The Chambers Kitchen (rooftop)

Scenery and Trails