Minneapolis/ Food & Drinks
Published on March 04, 2019
Check out the 5 top spots in Minneapolis's University District neighborhoodPhoto: Bruegger's Bagels/Yelp

Visiting University District, 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 an African restaurant to a bagel cafe.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in University District, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Afro Deli

Photo: kai w./Yelp

Topping the list is African and Mediterranean spot Afro Deli, which offers sandwiches and more. Located at 720 Washington Ave. SE, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 175 reviews on Yelp.

Look for menu options like the Afro Steak Dinner marinated in African spices served with lime, cilantro and bell peppers; Gopher Lamb Gyros served with onion, tomato and tzatziki sauce; and the Chapati Wrap, including your choice of beef, chicken or lamb served with Somali rice and ranch dressing. (The full menu can be seen here.) Afro Deli also caters.

2. Bordertown Coffee

Photo: bordertown coffee/Yelp

Next up is bakery Bordertown Coffee, which offers coffee, tea and more, situated at 315 16th Ave. SE. With 4.5 stars out of 52 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.

This spot offers a variety of caffeinated beverages and a plethora of baked goods. Scoop up a slice of banana bread or a giant chocolate chip cookie along with an espresso, Americano or latte. (Check out the website here for a full line of offerings and more information.)

3. Burrigato

Photo: trish d./Yelp

Asian fusion spot Burrigato is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 314 15th Ave. SE, four stars out of 39 reviews. 

The spot has six mashups you can throw in a bowl or in a burrito. Look out for options like Bokkeum, which is pork stir-fried in a Korean pepper paste with red bell peppers, onions and jalapeños; Panang with chicken breast, bamboo slices and Kaffir lime leaves; and Karē, a hearty beef stew slow-cooked in Japanese curry with potatoes, carrots and red bell peppers. (Here's the full menu.)

4. Ichiddo Ramen Dinkytown

Photo: nhina y./Yelp

Ichiddo Ramen Dinkytown, a spot to score ramen and more, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 28 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1501 University Ave. SE, Suite 130, to see for yourself.

Start off with short ribs, deep fried crab jalapeños or sweet potato fries as appetizers before opting for one of Ichiddo's many ramen noodle entrees. Favorites include Tan Tan Ramen in a spicy broth; Kimchi Ramen with fish cake and bamboo shoots; and Seafood Ramen with a smorgasbord of different seafood. Extras can be added for an additional fee. (Check out the full menu here.)

5. Bruegger's Bagels

Photo: bruegger's bagels/Yelp

Last but not least, check out Bruegger's Bagels, which has earned four stars out of 19 reviews on Yelp. You can find the breakfast and brunch spot, which offers bagels and sandwiches, at 720 Washington Ave. SE.

The New York City-based national chain started in 1983 and offers bagels with cream cheese, as well as both breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Check out bagel sandwiches like the Western with bacon, cheddar cheese, chipotle sauce and a mixture of peppers, or the Herby Turkey with turkey and garlic cream cheese. (Here's the menu.) Bruegger's also caters. 


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.