Dinkytown - Minneapolis, MN Area Guide

During the 1880s to the 1920s, peak of the streetcar era, Dinkytown was a transportation hub. Trollies used to be referred to dinkies, which may be where Dinkytown got its quirky name.

Dinkytown played an important role in the development of Bob Dylan’s early music career. The story goes that Dylan traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic one while also being introduced to folk music during his 15-month stint enrolled at the U of M.

If you’re in search of some cultural stimulation, you won’t need to look far. Drop in to the historic Varsity Theater for live musicals, dance performances and film screenings among other events. Centrally located on 4th Street SE, Varsity has been entertaining the citizens of Dinkytown since 1915.

Aside from the usual chain restaurants, Dinkytown offers a variety of culturally diverse food options including Korean, Greek, Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines.

If you’re looking for the best breakfast in town, look no further than Al’s Breakfast. Be ready to stand in line since this modest local favorite has only 14 stools. Hungry breakfast-goers insist that it’s worth the wait for the fast service and cheap bacon and eggs that are rumored to be the best cure for a long night out on the town.

Burrito Loco has something for everyone including karaoke, trivia nights, beer pong and free food specials. Among the many weekly specials are Monday’s flip for a free drink night. Choose a burrito from the menu, or create your own, choosing from a variety of fresh meats and veggies and top it off with a spicy homemade salsa or sauce of your choice.

Make your way to the Loring Pasta Bar for some hardy authentic Italian dishes. With old-time decor and nightly live music, Loring provides atmosphere as well as creative dishes. Try the signature artichoke ramekin appetizer with toasty garlic bread for dipping paired with a $3 glass of house wine. If you’re in the mood for some dancing, stop in on a Sunday evening for Tango Dancing.

The Library Bar and Grill will spice up your night with the best happy hour in town. Grab a seat to watch the game on Wednesdays for 50 cent wing nights. If you’re feeling like you need a break from studying, Mondays are $2 rail drink nights.

Conveniently located east off Highway 35W near the banks of the Mississippi, Dinkytown is well connected with many local bus routes, which makes getting around to the surrounding areas of Minneapolis a breeze.

If you’re coming by car, Dinkytown has a centrally located parking lot along 5th Street, which you can use for $2 an hour. There are also campus connector buses running daily that serve the Dinkytown area. You can hop on one of these free buses to get to the U of M’s West Bank on the other side of the river or over to the St. Cloud campus.

If you’re keen to be green, Dinkytown offers some of the most well-kept bike paths in the city. The Dinkytown Greenway connects Minneapolis and St. Paul by way of a bike trail that goes along the railway tracks. If you don’t have a car or a bike, no need to worry. Well-maintained sidewalks will make it easy for you to get wherever you need to go on foot.

The area boasts plenty of places to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun all year round. Located on the corner of 15th Ave and Como, Van Cleve Park houses many facilities for all your recreational needs such as baseball, basketball, broom ball, soccer and tennis grounds. Pass the summer months by packing up a picnic and sprawling out on the grass in Van Cleve’s picnic area. During the winter, you can grab your skates and go for a spin on the park’s ice rink.

With the TCF Bank Stadium only a few minutes walk away; there is no shortage of entertainment for football fans. The stadium opened in 2009 and has been hosting games while shelling out popcorn and cheese curds to victory-hungry fans ever since.

Amidst the abundance of student housing options you’re bound to find something that fits your budget. University Commons Along Huron Blvd you can find a one-bedroom apartment for as low as $639. The usual median cost for an apartment averages out to be around $944, making Dinkytown an affordable alternative to pricier neighborhoods around the area. If it’s a house you’re after, the prices go upwards of $2,000.

Catering to a large number of the U of M’s student population, Dinkytown is famous for serving up affordable entertainment and food. Many of the restaurants and retail stores offer special student discounts using your ID card.

Shopping in Dinkytown combines affordable prices with the unique flare of individual style. If you don't want the typical U of M merchandise such as jerseys and T-shirts, spend the day meandering along the historic streets and exploring the area's many boutiques.

Casual readers and bibliophiles alike stop by the Book House for a quick browse. With more than 40,000 books on the shelves, this unique used book store has been a staple of historic Dinkytown since 1976. Thanks to a partnership called Books and Brew, you can find even more literary gems from Book House's collection at Espresso Royale of Dinkytown.

After you've had your fill of shopping, grab some groceries at Target, which offers the usual grocery staples alongside natural foods and produce. For your personal necessities, Target also includes home goods and personal items.