Hidden Gems: The Places I Take My Favorite People

Ready to go beyond the “best of” lists? Here’s your curated guide to the Twin Cities’ most delightful hidden gems-places that surprise, inspire, and make you fall in love with Minneapolis and Saint Paul all over again. From soulful restaurants to secret parks, each spot is paired with practical info and visual inspiration suggestions to make your next adventure effortless.

If you know, you know: Estelle is where St. Paul’s food lovers go to impress out-of-towners and treat themselves on a Tuesday. It’s the kind of place where the piri piri chicken is so juicy you’ll want to order it twice, and the staff remembers your favorite wine by your second visit. The Mediterranean flavors are bold, the prices are gentle, and the neighborhood vibe is pure comfort-no pretense, just pure pleasure.

Blink and you’ll miss it-a nondescript strip mall hides some of the best Cantonese in the metro. House of Kirin is a pilgrimage for dim sum diehards: honey walnut shrimp that’s perfectly crisp, beef chow fun that tastes like it was flown in from Hong Kong, and weekend-only rice rolls that regulars refuse to share. No frills, just family-style hospitality and food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever.

This is the pub where Minnesotans go when they want to feel like regulars—whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth. The fish and chips are legendary (seriously, don’t skip them), the Elizabeth Salad is a sleeper hit, and the Key lime pie is so good it might start a neighborhood feud. Settle in, swap stories with your server, and soak up the “everyone’s welcome” energy.

Curioso is the riverside hideout you wish you’d discovered sooner. Mornings here are golden: sunlight streaming over the Mississippi, the scent of fresh-roasted beans, and dogs snoozing on the patio. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a still-warm pretzel from Aki’s BreadHaus next door. Come for the coffee, stay for the sense of belonging.

Part hardware store, part fever dream, Ax-Man is where you go when you need…well, you’re not sure what you need, but you’ll know it when you see it. Bins of mannequin heads, vintage electronics, and “what even is that?” oddities make every visit an adventure. Artists, tinkerers, and the perpetually curious have called this place a treasure trove for decades.

Comma is the kind of indie bookstore that feels like a love letter to readers. The shelves are stacked with staff picks you’ll actually want to read, the owner will happily chat about your latest obsession, and there’s a cozy nook in the back perfect for losing track of time. Bonus: it’s dog-friendly, and the Minnesota-themed stickers make the perfect “just because” gift.

Finding Bumbling Fools is half the fun—follow the bee-themed arrows through a maze of hallways and you’ll land in a basement taproom straight out of a storybook. The mead is small-batch and wildly creative, the furniture is reclaimed and comfy, and on trivia night, the regulars will treat you like family. It’s a little weird, a lot welcoming, and completely unforgettable.

Descend into this brick-walled basement and you’ll find the beating heart of the Twin Cities comedy scene. Comedy Corner Underground is intimate, affordable, and always a little unpredictable—one night it’s local up-and-comers, the next it’s a national headliner dropping in unannounced. Grab a cheap ticket, order a drink, and prepare to laugh until your face hurts.

Forget the crowds at MinnehahaHidden Falls is where you go for a real sense of discovery. The waterfall is tucked away behind a short, leafy hike, and the riverside trails are perfect for quiet reflection or a lazy picnic. Birdwatchers, anglers, and daydreamers alike will find their happy place here.

Step inside this 15-acre sanctuary and you’ll forget you’re in the city at all. Winding trails meander through prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats-each bend brings a new wildflower or bird to spot. Spring is especially magical, with bloodroot and trillium popping up everywhere. It’s a living postcard and a balm for busy souls.

Ready to plot your next local adventure? Use the map below to see exactly where each hidden gem is tucked away. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous Saturday or a full-on Twin Cities treasure hunt, this map will help you wander smarter and discover something new-no matter which side of the river you call home.

The best parts of the Twin Cities aren’t found on Top 10 lists or tourist maps—they’re hiding in plain sight, waiting for curious locals like you to stumble in, strike up a conversation, and make a memory. So go ahead: try the mead, get lost in a bookstore, find your own secret picnic spot. And when you do, let me know what you discover—because the real magic of this city is how it keeps surprising us, one hidden gem at a time.