Minneapolis in 1 Day for Friends - Tastings at four locally loved restaurants
In Collaboration with North Star Tours. Updated on February 1, 2026.
Starting in the trendy North Loop neighborhood, we visit some of the best restaurants in Minneapolis! Learn about the city over a bite to eat (or four)! From the best-ranked pizza joint in the country, to classic Upper Midwest cuisine, and a little bit from northeast Minneapolis' Eastern European heritage, this tour will leave both your brain and belly full. Leave room for dessert!
This itinerary was created in collaboration with North Star Tours, inspired by the tour Minneapolis Local Food Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Tastings at four locally loved restaurants
- North Loop and Northeast neighborhood walk
- Local pizza, Upper Midwest cuisine, Eastern European deli, and a sweet finish
Itinerary
Day 1
Two-hour guided walking food tour from North Loop to Northeast Minneapolis, sampling four local favorites.
Meet at North Loop Galley — tour check-in & welcome
Group meet and quick intro to the tour. Guide will confirm dietary notes and hand out a short route overview. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet near the main entrance at 729 N Washington Ave — the food-hall style frontage is easy to spot; look for the North Loop Galley sign.
- Public transit & parking: there are short-term street parking options and a pay lot nearby (expect typical downtown pricing). Consider Maple Grove/Minneapolis Metro Transit light-rail + short rideshare if coming from outside downtown.
- Summer note for groups: bring a small backpack for bottled water and sunglasses; the guide will provide napkin packets and a map of the stops.
Spoon and Stable — Classic Upper Midwest tasting
First sit-down tasting focused on modern Upper Midwest flavors—seasonal small plate or chef-selected bite with a short talk about local produce and culinary history.
Tips from local experts:
- Spoon and Stable is group- and photo-friendly; ask for the chef's seasonal small plate (usually highlights local produce in June).
- Service & seating: this is a popular spot—your guide will pre-arrange small tasting portions but if you love something, note the menu item and come back for a full meal later.
- Friends hack: split a tasting plate and a shared cocktail (or a local beer) so you can try more flavors without filling up too fast.
Young Joni — acclaimed pizza & behind-the-scenes notes
Wood-fired pizza tasting at one of Minneapolis's best-regarded pizza kitchens. Guide explains pizza style and local pizza scene as you sample a signature slice.
Tips from local experts:
- Young Joni is known for creative wood-fired pizzas — try the tour's recommended bite (guide will pick a sharable slice).
- Seating & vibe: it's lively in summer. If your group wants more space afterward, the guide can recommend quieter outdoor patios nearby.
- Photo moment: the open-fire oven makes a great backdrop for food photos — position your group toward the oven for a quick shot.
Kramarczuk's Sausage Company — Eastern European deli sampling
A taste of Northeast Minneapolis' Eastern European heritage: cured meats, pierogi or a small plate from this long-standing deli and butcher.
Tips from local experts:
- Kramarczuk's is a deli + market—try the sampler (sausage slice + pierogi bite) recommended by your guide.
- Group shopping tip: if someone wants to take home sausages or preserves, small packaged items travel well and make great souvenirs.
- Insider: counter service moves fast; order the guide-recommended sample to avoid waiting and get local history from the staff behind the counter.
Dessert & wrap — sweet finish (ice cream or pastry) and tour close
End with a locally loved dessert — a seasonal ice cream or pastry — while your guide closes with neighborhood stories and local recommendations for the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Summer scoops: prioritize fruit- or cream-based flavors for a refreshing finish; the guide will point out the best seasonal flavor on the day.
- Split and sample: order a couple of flavors to share — great for groups who want to keep tasting without overeating.
- Post-tour plans: your guide will suggest nearby bars, live-music spots, or late dinners ideal for groups continuing the night.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Restaurant |