Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with minneapolis

We are looking for great Minneapolis (& suburbs) pre-kindergarten programs.

rdurbin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:18:06 -0800

Our son will be 5 in July and could go to Kindergarten next Fall but we want to wait a year before we send him. He is currently in preschool but has reached the end this year. What kinds of programs/language schools/preschools are in the Minneapolis or Southern & Western suburbs for 5-6 year olds that are waiting a year before entering school? The main reason we are asking is his current program is going away and is not going to be offered next year. Also +1 for programs that are reasonably priced.

Late-night wifi in the Twin Cities

beautifulstuff — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:13:41 -0800

Where can I find late-night wifi in the Twin Cities? I love bringing my laptop to coffee shops and working while I sip a nice latte, but my problem is that I prefer to work late, and no coffee shop with which I'm familiar is open past 8pm.

What other locations would you recommend where I could work until 11 or midnight on weekday evenings? The location should have power outlets, free (speedy) wifi, and not care if I take up a table for four hours. Good food, coffee, and/or beer are bonuses. It doesn't need to be quiet, but super loud and jammed with people might make getting work done a little difficult.

Libraries close way too early. I've tried Borders and B&N, but they usually close at 10pm and their wifi sucks. Few bars or restaurants seem to have free wifi, and those that do don't have power outlets and don't like me taking up a table all evening. Do places like this even exist? Am I asking for too much?

I'd prefer locations on the Minneapolis side of town, but if you know of a hidden gem somewhere in the East Metro, I'm willing to drive.

Thanks Twin Cities Mefites!

Reliable Taxi Co in Twin Cities, MN

judybxxx — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:26:41 -0800

Seeking a good (reliable) taxi company in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul). A long term Insomniac, now I'm having trouble staying awake more than 25 minutes if driving alone, and want to have the option of getting off the road and calling a cab. Reviews on the web seem totally variable. I can take a pill in advance, but I try to minimize that. The thing is, traffic can change my travel time. If coming home, Minneapolis Lakes area and St Louis park would be the area, but I occasionally go all over (i.e. Maplewood, this Thurs, St Paul, North Mpls, etc). The reviews I read go from 'best in the cities' to 'horrible, never use them' for the same company. What do you use if you want a good chance they'll show up when they say, drive reasonably, etc.
(if I catch a cab, then I'd come back to get the car with a friend, at a convenient time, if you are wondering about the strategy).

I appreciate your concern, but please, lets not start with insomnia suggestions - believe me, I work hard at getting more sleep, in lots of ways, and that's not the question I'm asking now.

(I recommend the book, Insomniac )
So, cab recommendations, please!

Minneapolis restaurant recommendation

Juicylicious — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:15:24 -0800

Restaurant recommendation for Minneapolis. Must have easy access for someone driving from downtown St. Paul and a menu friendly to a gluten-free, high protein diet. I'm thinking something on Washington Ave? Steakhouse?

Where to buy a Carry On Garment Duffel Bag in Minneapolis?

xotis — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:43:02 -0800

Minneapolis Filter: Where can I find this bag in or near Minneapolis tomorrow (Tuesday 9/22)? I am looking for a garment duffel/bag that's as minimal as possible, yet has room for 1 suit, 1 shirt, and a few undergarments/extras. I need one that will fit in an overhead bin on my flight tomorrow as I'd prefer to not check it if possible.

This bag is exactly what I'm looking for, but I can only find it online. I don't have time to order it online unfortunately, as I need it tomorrow by 9pm. I'd be happy with anything similar, as long as it's in the $100 or less price-range.

Thanks!

Canadian flag stuff needed!

sucre — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:01:33 -0800

where can one get Canadian flag memorabilia in Minneapolis or St. Paul before Saturday afternoon? ...for a friend. he's looking for things like patches, stickers, et cetera, for a party this saturday, 9/19.

thanks everyone!

How to give Minneapolis theater tickets as a gift?

Salamandrous — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:43:28 -0800

I want to get theater tickets or maybe a subscription for my 'sister' in Minneapolis. I know that she and her partner are somewhat into the alternative theater scene there, and she also has a strong background in literature and music, so more classical theater works as well. They're also super busy so it has to be possible for them to fit the show(s) into their schedule. I know nothing about Minneapolis, or really about the theater world in general. Is there such a thing as a gift certificate to a theater? Which Minneapolis theater would you recommend? Other related present ideas are also very welcome. Thank you!

Is it best to be completely transparent or selectively revealing?

pithy comment — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:25:03 -0800

I am quitting my job and moving to Minneapolis at the end of the month. Should I tell prospective employers (in the Twin Cities) this information, or be vague about the fact that I will soon be unemployed? Fortunately my wife has a job in MN so we won't be without income, but I know that negotiating from unemployed is a lot harder than from an employed position. I don't like the idea of lying about when I am moving or even putting a MN address on my resume when I don't live there.

Tips for a train trip across the West.

the jam — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:00:53 -0800

In September, I've got 10 days to see everything I can see from Minneapolis to Portland, OR along the route of Amtrak's Empire Builder. Know anything about these places? I'm looking for some Metafilter reconnaissance about my route. My vague plans so far:

Camping at the Minnesota State Fair

Camping in Glacier National Park, being eaten by bears

Another yet-to-be-determined stopover in Idaho or Washington

Powell's Books, Stumptown Coffee in Portland

That's all I have so far. While I'm a fan of winging it, I'd still appreciate any suggestions of things to see, hikes to take, sites to camp, friendly coffee shops and bars in the cities, or anything you can throw at me, really -- this is my first time visiting this part of the country.

Where to go for a midwest photography trip?

hijinx — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:51:50 -0800

I want to go on a photography weekend trip next month. I'm in Chicago, and want to drive no more than 6-8 hours to a destination. With my preferences (inside) in mind, I'd like advice on where to go. Help? Already asked a few friends and got some ideas... looking for more.

The primary focus of this trip (no pun intended) is photography, and secondarily it's just time to sightsee and laze around. I'm looking to shoot nature and also urban goodness - architectural photography and people watching. When I was first researching a trip, SF and Yosemite were the ideals. But plans have scaled back and I'm not going that far, and I'll be driving instead of flying.

Bonus items:

* Walkable city, decent public transit (might use)
* Good food
* Good coffee houses

Friends recommended Nashville, St. Louis, and Detroit. I considered Minneapolis and like it a lot, but have already been there twice. Been to Madison, Milwaukee. In looking at these cities, I have yet to see anything to really tip me over and say, "Wow - I need to go there!" So, any advice on where those things are would be great.

Help me help a good new mom intent on divorce.

Arch1 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:20:26 -0800

Best of friends-- kind person and new mom-- is intent on getting a divorce. As "Angie's List" doesn't have a 'divorce lawyer' section, can anyone recommend a Minneapolis attorney or a system to find one? To complicate things, hubby is threatening to run away with their newborn and disappear in Canada. I'm able to help her set up a new financial plan-- and she'll follow through like a champ-- but I lack other connections. So, bonus: divorce support suggestions or great advice, as I'm having lunch with her Thursday. (BTW... She's asked for all the great advice I can find on short notice.)

Aero in Minneapolis

punishinglemur — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:54:08 -0800

Where can I buy an Aero bar in Minneapolis?

where have all the gundersons gone?

tylerfulltilt — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:28:02 -0800

Me and the fam are in minneapolis. What should we see and do besides mall of america? We're here for a few days. Recommendations for toddler friendly stuff is most appreciated

Circuit Builder in Minneapolis

ian1977 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:54:42 -0800

Circuit builder in Minneapolis area? I would like to find a circuit builder in the Minneapolis area to build some prototype circuitry for me.

Does anyone have a favorite circuit builder in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/Saint Paul) area that they would recommend?

Thanks!

Is Minneapolis Wireless any good?

voltairemodern — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:51:20 -0800

Is the USI Wireless service in Minneapolis any good? I'm interested in any recent experiences (positive or negative, preferably within the past year) that you've had with the Minneapolis Wireless program.

I'm going to be living right by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and will need a connection for two laptops and an imac.

Blogs about the twin cities or Minnesota

TheClonusHorror — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:08:57 -0800

I'm looking for your favorite blogs about things to do in or around the twin cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) or in Minnesota in general. In Los Angeles, I read Eating L.A., which is about restaurants around town, and Big Orange Landmarks, which is done by a guy who travels around to all the places on the National Historic Register and takes photos. It hasn't been updated in awhile but the archives are still great. This guy chronicles his walks around Los Angeles' various neighborhoods and his road trips.

So I'm looking for blogs along those lines (or loosely related), but about Minnesota. Or if you have any ideas of google terms I should search for or other jumping-off points, those would be helpful too!

hungry weekend in Minneapolis

Jason and Laszlo — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:58:56 -0800

Minneapolis: Hip, delicious, adventurous and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Also, bars that know how to make a good cocktail. My hotel is at 8th and Marquette. Planning 1 day at Mall of America, and 1 day at Walker. Any recommendations around these sites appreciated.

Already too far from Lake Itasca?

vytae — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:34:29 -0800

There are a couple of gorgeous beaches on the west side of the Mississippi river near Lake Street in south Minneapolis. Is it safe to swim or wade at them? Maybe I'm crazy for considering this, or maybe worrying is silly. Swimming in nonchlorinated water has always squicked me out a bit, so the mental alarms yelling "don't swim there!" are often just crying wolf. I need your more rational judgment to prevail.

Now, I don't want to swim across the river or anything, and I know the current out in the middle is swift. I certainly wouldn't go out far enough to get myself hit by a barge. I just want to cool off. If I stayed near the shoreline, would the water currents/pollutants/pathogens/man-eating-fish be too dangerous? What about wading, is that out of the question?

I know there are lots of other (lake) beaches around the city, but this one is close and relatively deserted at most times. I'd love to be able to bask with a book and then take a dip when the heat overwhelms me, as long as I wasn't risking illness or injury. What say you, twin-citians?

Non-corporate bagels in the Twin Cities?

caution live frogs — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:02:22 -0800

Minneapolis MeFites: Is some non-chain store place in the Twin Cities metro area where I can get a decent bagel? I'm looking for bagels the way they ought to be: Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and delicious, made fresh daily at the kind of store or deli that knows damn well lox is a standard bagel topping, and doesn't call it a "sandwich" and add a $6 markup just to drop 1/4 ounce of Nova Scotia goodness on top of the cream cheese. Lots of flavor combinations a plus - I don't want a place that only offers three or four types of bagel.

I am so sick of the chain stores. Surely there's a locally-owned and operated place in the metro that can do it better than a chain store, right? My wife and I haven't been able to find any place so far that fits the bill.

Bonus, for anyone who's spent time in Ann Arbor (or East Lansing back in the early 90s): My ideal match would be someplace approximating the Bagel Fragel. Awesome bagels, tons of topping combos, reasonable prices, and darn good deli sandwiches to boot - lunch was never more than $5 and change. Damn do I miss that place. I'd kill for another go at the "experimental" flavor bagel batches.

Crap. Now I want a fragel, too.

Twin Cities restaurant recommendations please!

triggerfinger — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:51:50 -0800

Calling all Minneapolitans - looking for a restaurant recommendation. I am looking for a restaurant in the Mpls/St Paul area which has a good view of a lake or the river. The restaurant must serve standard American food - steak, burgers, pizza, tacos etc. Price doesn't matter as much as the food. I know about Lord Fletchers in Minnetonka, Maynards in Excelsior and Sunsets in Wayzata and while these are good, something in either of the cities would be preferable to the suburbs. It's been years since I've lived there so I'm not fully up to date on all the restaurants. Any help much appreciated, thanks!

Where can I help a friend find a screen printing class or workshop in Minneapolis/St.Paul?

deinemutti — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:37:07 -0800

Where can I help a friend find a screen printing class or workshop in Minneapolis/St.Paul? Where can I help a friend find a screen printing class or workshop in Minneapolis/St.Paul? I've tried looking in google, community ed sites, local schools, websites for NE studio buildlings and more well-known screen printing studios (i.e. Aesthetic Apparatus, Burlesque, etc), but no dice. Anything I might have overlooked?

Road trip: Minneapolis to . . . ?

sciapod — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:41:59 -0800

We have four days to take a road trip from Minneapolis to wherever we want. Where should we go? My friends and I (female, in our early twenties) are looking for suggestions for a fun and manageable four-day road trip out of Minneapolis. Ideally, we'd like to take this trip over a four-day weekend, but we could probably stretch it to five days if the sights or route demanded it.

We're not opposed to driving longish days or visiting our Canadian neighbors, and we're not picky on the natural wonders vs. big city front. We're looking to do this on the cheap end, but we don't want to cut any corners. Basically, we're just looking for a good time, some interesting sights, and the open road.

Destinations we've talked about include Mount Rushmore (Wall Drug, Sturgis, Black Hills, Badlands, etc.), driving around one of the Great Lakes, or hitting up Winnipeg or Toronto, but I thought I'd poll the experienced masses.

So, travelers, where to?

Minnesota Vikings - buy tickets now or from scalpers on game day?

gfroese — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:17:22 -0800

Roadtrip to see Minnesota Vikings. I'm looking to head to Minneapolis in November to catch a Vikings game and I'm wondering what my chances are of getting tickets from a scalper on game day. We'll have 4 or 5 guys and we obviously want to sit together, is that even possible from a scalper? Any suggestions for accommodations and other activities to take in on the weekend?

9th and Hennepin and all the donuts have names that sound like prostitutes.

mesh gear fox — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:03:37 -0800

Please suggest things to do in Minneapolis this weekend. My SO and I are spending the coming weekend (3/27 - 3/29) in Minneapolis. We're looking for suggestions for fun and/or interesting things to do for the weekend. We're already planning on checking out the Walker and/or the MIA. We're in our mid 20's and don't have a huge budget.
We're staying at a downtown hotel, but we do have a car.
Any suggestions welcome. We'll especially need recommendations for good but not-too-expensive bars and restaurants in the downtown area, but also: good live music and shows, unique shops (not the Mall of America, thanks), museums, etc.
Thank you!

Best Apple Dessert

yellowbkpk — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 10:30:34 -0800

The best Apple Crisp/Cake dessert in the Twin Cities? It's my birthday weekend and after dinner I'd like to find the best Apple Crustata/Crisp/Cake a la Mode dessert in the Twin Cities area. Can the Hive Mind make any suggestions?

The best I've had so far is Bravo Cucina's version that they recently took off the menu.