Visiting Linden Hills or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Minneapolis neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a children's bookstore to a butcher shop.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Linden Hills, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Martina
Topping the list is the brunch, dinner and cocktail spot Martina. Located at 4312 S. Upton Ave., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 198 reviews on Yelp. With a menu from chef Daniel Del Prado, Martina specializes in Argentinian-inspired cuisine.
Expect an array of seafood and meat dishes as well as other plates cooked over a wood-fired grill. Notable menu options include appetizers like grilled beef tongue and cinnamon fried calamari; plates like olive oil poached salmon with burrata, squash and salsa verde; and grilled swordfish served with potatoes. Check out the dinner menu here.
Thirsty? Pair your fare with one of the numerous signature cocktails like the vodka-infused Toro Y Gallo with ginger and turmeric lime; the rye-based Box Cutter with vermouth and amari truffle; or the tequila-centric Naked Ballerina #2 with curaçao, lemon, passionfruit and absinthe.
2. Clancey's Meats and Fish
Next up is meat shop and butcher Clancey's Meats and Fish, which offers sandwiches and more, situated at 4307 Upton Ave. South. With 4.5 stars out of 174 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
This spot has been running since 2003 and prides itself on its daily delivery of farm-fresh meat and sustainable seafood. On its website, the business says the "kitchen is always creating new, seasonal deli items and our sandwich bar is open until the bread runs out."
Clancey's shelves are packed with meats that can be bought in bulk. Look for pastured beef, pork and poultry; goat, lamb and rabbit; house-made sausages and brats; select cheeses, dairy and eggs; as well as deli meats, smoked fish and canned veggies.
3. Wild Rumpus
Children's bookstore Wild Rumpus is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 95 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2720 W. 43rd St. to see for yourself. The shop has been in business for a quarter of a century and was named the Bookstore of the Year by Publisher's Weekly in 2017, according to the Star Tribune.
With its focus on young readers, the store schedules events such as field trips, school author visits, summer reading bingo and more. The shop is filled with animals, from cats to birds to ferrets, and has a number of best-sellers and staff picks to choose from. Check out the spot's website for more information.
4. France 44 Wines & Spirits
France 44 Wines & Spirits, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 83 reviews on Yelp, was established in 1959. You can find the shop at 4351 France Ave. South.
Grab a gift box with a combination of wine, beer, spirits, cheese and meats or stop by the location for wine tasting on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Libations include everything from domestic and international white and red wines; rye, whiskey and bourbon spirits; and canned and bottled brews. France 44 hosts events and caters. Check out the website for a complete list of offerings.
5. Rose Street Patisserie
And then there's Rose Street Patisserie at 2811 W. 43rd St., a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 52 reviews. The cake shop and cafe is helmed by chef John Kraus, who believes "that the lifeblood of a patisserie is the neighborhood." Stop by for brunch and lunch fare as well as baked goods, desserts and sweets.
Hungry? Offerings include avocado toast, egg sandwiches, scones and muffins for breakfast. Or grab a brownie, peanut butter cookie, raspberry macaron or vanilla bean eclair to satisfy your sweet tooth.
