Marcy-Holmes - Minneapolis, MN Area Guide

Originally home to Native Americans living along the Mississippi River, Marcy-Holmes later attracted residents with its lumber and milling industries. The neighborhood takes its name from a 19th century statesman, William L. Marcy, and the famous poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Its incessant arts scene caters to the diversified interests of a university center. Performing arts — from ballet and opera to Broadway musicals — take center stage at the Ritz Theater. Galleries in the Solar Arts Building and the Northrup King Building showcase local and national artists. A calendar of film festivals and themed showings make St. Anthony Main Theater a go-to for entertainment and education.

One of Marcy-Holmes’ quirkier events, the Ten Second Film Festival, speeds viewers through 100 films: ten 10-second movies in ten different categories. Bring a chair or blanket to the event, which takes place in the field outside neighborhood gallery The Soap Factory.

Marcy-Holmes’ dining and evening entertainment scene, like its daytime scene, jumble old and new together. Choose from traditional restaurants with Midwest meals, ethnic establishments or a burger at some dive bar. Because the portion of neighborhood southeast of I35, Dinkytown, is primarily a business district, most nightlife options run from Marcy-Holmes along University Avenue and into nearby Sheridan and St. Anthony.

Inside Marcy-Holmes, Restaurant Alma focuses its culinary expertise on dinner only, opening from 5 p.m. daily. Higher prices reflect the quality of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Order a la carte or a three-course tasting menu. It pays to make a reservation and arrive early so you can find a parking spot on the surrounding residential streets.

Brasa Rotisserie, also in Marcy-Holmes, serves creative southern and Caribbean-style dishes, such as fried yucca, pulled pork and the local favorite, cornbread. A special meatless menu makes this a handy haunt for vegetarians. Portions are small-plate size and meant to be shared.

Head along Main Street going north and you’ll hit the Anchor Fish & Chips. Named after their specialty, these might be the best fish and chips in the city. Pub fare fills up the tasty and simple menu; but vegetarians watch out, The Anchor says all their food comes into contact with meat.

After dinner, Marcy-Holmes and its northern neighborhoods rock to the sounds of live music and karaoke. Locals belt out the classics at 1029 Bar, which orders in seafood meals from the Smack Shack next door. The tiny 331 Club has DJs, indie bands and a weekly drinking spelling bee.

For your clubbing experience, head to Honey or Ground Zero Niteclub. Here, the D.J.s pump tunes through darkened lounges and across dance floors, pushing the party until 2 a.m.

The Metro Transit Light Rail – Green Line runs down University Avenue, with the nearest stop south of Marcy-Holmes at East Bank Station. On this line, passengers access downtown Minneapolis and Target Field to the west and downtown St. Paul to the east. Buses serve the neighborhood along major roadways Central Avenue and University Avenue.

Interstate 35 cuts the neighborhood in half; hop on and cross the river to reach the city center in under 5 minutes. If you would rather avoid the hassle of parking, several taxi services operate out of neighboring St. Anthony. The ride sharing service Uber operates around greater Minneapolis, and the service’s convenient app allows you to access potential lifts around the city from your phone.

Due to its size and flatness, pedestrians and cyclists clog the streets here. Well-maintained bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks mean you can accomplish errands without the use of a car.

With four main parks in the neighborhood, Marcy-Holmes residents enjoy direct access to the state's green and leafy spaces.

Holmes Park contains basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. A wading pool, picnic tables and a tot lot keep families busy on sunny afternoons. Father Hennepin Bluff Park, located at the corner of Main Street, sees the neighborhood’s foot traffic as workers, students and visitors amble through or sit down for a lunch break. Though great for people-watching, the park’s overlooks highlight the Mississippi River Gorge and city skyline.

In all parks, dogs are welcome but are not allowed off leash. Active cyclists and locals seeking exercise should pound the bike trails running through the University of Minnesota and across the river at 3rd and 16th Avenues.

The cost of living in Marcy-Holmes is 7 percent higher than the citywide average. Goods and services cost roughly the same as they do elsewhere in the city, but housing costs much more. The median rent for a one-bedroom unit is also higher here than in other parts of the city. Rental rates for a one-bedroom unit begin at $1,000 per month and climb upward depending on the location. Many houses date back to the 1950s, but the development of condominiums and apartment buildings along the waterfront have increased rates.

A bus ride from the East Bank Station to the downtown area costs $1.75. If you choose to drive, you’ll pay roughly 1 percent less for gas than the national average. Food prices in the neighborhood also vary depending on the venue. A pint of beer at the local pub costs $6 to $8, and a mixed drink will set you back $10 or more.

The shopping in Marcy-Holmes matches its clientele: confident and creative. Clustering along Central Avenue and the neighborhood’s border with St. Anthony, stores sell consignment clothes, boutique accessories, handmade stationary and gardening items. Given the neighborhood’s higher cost of living, the shopping is surprisingly moderate in price. Broke students and wealthy businessmen both manage to spend somewhere along this street.

If you’re looking gifts for other proud Minnesotans or out-of-area friends, I Like You celebrates the state with clever t-shirts, cards and eccentric decor. Much of the stock is locally made and rolls off the shelves quickly, so it’s advisable to buy what catches your eye.

Residents complain about the same problem — disappearing merchandise — at Findfurnish, an antique and furniture store down the block from I Like You. Pieces, mostly from the middle of the century, get refurbished before sales and can be delivered. Join the store’s Facebook page to keep up with recent arrivals.

Grocery and convenience stores dot the neighborhood. A large Lunds Market stands near the waterfront; however, smaller family-owned and operated businesses like Surdyk’s and the Eighth Street Market compete for your dollars. Surdyk’s features cheeses, wines and beers, with weekend drink tastings. The Eighth Street Market sells snacks, toiletries and canned goods.

Every Saturday, farmers and vendors gather at 7th and University Avenue for the Northeast Farmer’s Market. Test the quality of fruit and vegetables, sample handmade condiments, bounce to live music and enjoy hot lunch sponsored by neighborhood food trucks.