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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting the Twin Cities.

Axios Twin Cities

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

Axios Twin Cities Weekender

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Axios Twin Cities Deep Dive

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Too Good To Go, an app that lets consumers purchase surplus food from local restaurants at a discount, launches in the Twin Cities on Wednesday with 55 participating vendors. 

The Buttered Tin, Mama Sheila's House of Soul, T-Rex Cookie Kitchen, Backstory Coffee, and Butter Bakery Cafe are partnering with the app, which is currently available in 19 cities across the U.S.

The average discount is 1/3 of the retail price, according to a news release.

🍳 Minneapolis landmark Band Box Diner reopened last week for the first time in three years, it announced on Facebook. It's currently open Wednesday-Sunday.

🧋Twin Cities Chatime franchise locations will be rebranded as Niko Niko Boba. The bubble tea shops are now independently owned and will make the change in late September, per a news release.

🥐 Café Cerés hinted at opening a new location inside a Hiawatha apartment building sometime this fall, it said on Instagram. 

The acclaimed bakery led by James Beard Best Pastry Chef finalist Shawn McKenzie currently has three locations across Minneapolis.

🍕 New York-style pizzeria Slice Pizza opened its first St. Paul location in Frogtown late last week. A fourth will open in Mall of America later this year. 

✨ Restaurateur Kim Bartmann's latest project Star Bar & Bistro, a French restaurant and cocktail bar, is now open inside the new Indigo Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that 55 vendors are participating in the app, not five.

Restaurant roundup: Too Good To Go launches in Minneapolis, St. Paul to cut food waste

Too Good To Go lets consumers purchase surplus food at a discount that would otherwise be discarded from local restaurants.

Star Bar & Bistro is now open in downtown Minneapolis. Photo: IHG/ Placemaker Hospitality

Restaurants

Too Good To Go, an app that lets consumers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purchase surplus food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/17/too-good-to-go-app-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="05b17684-6047-448e-9b45-5ef042c8ed8a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Too Good To Go launches in Minneapolis, St. Paul to cut food waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/05/17/too-good-to-go-app-san-antonio" target="_self">purchase surplus food</a> from local restaurants at a discount, launches in the Twin Cities on Wednesday with 55 participating vendors. <ul><li>The Buttered Tin, Mama Sheila&#x27;s House of Soul, T-Rex Cookie Kitchen, Backstory Coffee, and Butter Bakery Cafe are partnering with the app, which is currently available in 19 cities across the U.S.</li></ul>

News

Food and Drink

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

I didn't plan on searching for a new apartment last month, but Minnesota weather had other ideas...

What happened: Golf ball-sized hail damaged my apartment building's roof while I was on vacation last month. When my friend came to check on my cats the next day, they found water pouring from the ceilings and growing water spots in every room.

We left our vacation early to try and save the place, but it was too late. Another storm hit the next day, resulting in over 20 major leaks that made the unit uninhabitable.

Watch this video to see what happened to one of the rooms.

Why it matters: I had planned on staying in that apartment, which I spent months painting, decorating and making my own, for at least three more years.

Instead, I had days to find a new home — and I hadn't checked out the rental market in over three years.

My criteria: I was searching for an 800-square-foot or more two-bedroom apartment (I use the second bedroom as an office) in Minneapolis' Wedge neighborhood available Sept. or Oct. 1. I widened my search to Lowry Hill, East Isles and Whittier to remain flexible.

My budget was under $1,600. I was previously paying $1,450.

What I found: I didn't realize how much of a steal my old apartment was until I saw what was out there. If I wanted a similar place, I had to raise my budget to $1,800.

My new daily routine included checking about seven different websites for any and all new listings.

When I did find something that matched my criteria, the apartment management company either didn't respond, told me it was already taken or in two cases, scheduled a tour — only for it to be rented before I could show up.

Illustration of apartment doorbells with an intercom shaped like a dollar sign.

I took a day off work and toured 15 units in my desired neighborhoods, most of which I scheduled less than two hours in advance. If I were to wait until the next day, that unit could be gone.

Many landlords were pressuring me to apply on the spot. Application fees (which are non-refundable) ranged from $30-$75.

Even after all those tours, only two were anywhere near what I was looking for.

Yes, but: I still had to apply for both — a 700-square-foot apartment in East Isles for $1,550 and a 900-square-foot apartment in my desired location for $1,850 — in fear they would be claimed before I could make a decision. Each application was $45.

The applications expired after a few days; if I didn't pick one soon, it would go to the person after me.

What I chose: Even though it was at the top end of my budget, I picked the larger apartment less than 24 hours after I toured it because of the location, size and the included parking.

It also had plenty of windows, outdoor space and storage in the basement.

But, but, but: Most of this process was pure luck. I found that listing on Facebook Marketplace just 45 minutes after it was posted, was able to get the first tour of the day and applied on the spot.

If I hadn't, I would have missed out. According to the landlord, three other people applied that same night.

I was also able to get my rent and deposit from my old apartment back, which allowed me to pay the fees that come with securing a new place.

The bottom line: Finding a new apartment was a lot harder — and more competitive — than I expected.

Illustration of a blue street sign that says Be Smart, featuring an Axios logo.

Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that stable housing can be taken away in just one day. Here's what I recommend renters keep in mind.

1. If you don't have renters insurance, get it ASAP.

Though I didn't have to use it this time, my renters insurance would have financially rescued me if more of my belongings were damaged. Mine also covers displacement costs, so if I didn't have a place to stay, I could have been reimbursed for any money I paid for temporary housing.

It's better to buy it right now. There's sometimes a waiting period before it kicks in — so signing up the day before a disaster won't help.

2. Act as soon as you notice the problem.

The first water leaks were containable, and I was hopeful I could leave the majority of my items in the unit to avoid the hassle of moving. But my family insisted on taking everything out, and they were right — the second rainstorm would have ruined all of my belongings within an hour.

It's better to be overprepared and evacuate than wish you had.

3. If needed, contact your local tenants' rights organization.

When I was unsure what I was legally entitled to after the leaks, I emailed HomeLine, a free legal hotline for renters in Minnesota. A lawyer called me the next day, answered all of my questions and helped me figure out the best path forward.

What I learned after hail busted my Minnesota apartment

Our reporter's tale of frantically battling the elements and the housing market.

Some of the damage to my closet and living room. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

Housing

I didn&#x27;t plan on searching for a new apartment last month, but Minnesota weather had other ideas...What happened: Golf ball-sized hail damaged my apartment building&#x27;s roof while I was on vacation last month. When my friend came to check on my cats the next day, they found water pouring from the ceilings and growing water spots in every room.<ul><li>We left our vacation early to try and save the place, but it was too late. Another storm hit the next day, resulting in over 20 major leaks that made the unit uninhabitable.</li><li>Watch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this video" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/_AudreyKennedy/status/1690938281939128320" data-vars-content-id="1198d8f0-3b28-48ec-be92-428fc8e670e4" data-vars-headline="What I learned after hail busted my Minnesota apartment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/_AudreyKennedy/status/1690938281939128320" target="_blank">this video</a> to see what happened to one of the rooms.</li></ul>

Real Estate

Culture

Fall is in full swing! Looking for things to do before the weather turns cold? We found eight activities across the Twin Cities (well, one technically in Wisconsin) to try this season. 

Details: The Fall Colors train ride along the St. Croix River Valley is the perfect low-effort way to see foliage. Sit back, relax and take lots of pictures during the 90-minute tour. 

When: Every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29. 

Details: It's the perfect weather for a fall bike ride to see the changing leaves. There are plenty of trails to explore, no matter your skill level. Here's our guide to some of the best across the metro.

Tip: Check beforehand to see if the trail or park has an entrance fee. 

Details: Take a short trip from the Twin Cities to one of Minnesota's many apple orchards to pick your own peck and enjoy other fall activities, like corn mazes and hayrides. Here's our guide to 21 orchards nearby.

Tip: Check out our Instagram for our tour of Thompsons' Hillcrest Orchard in Elko New Market.

Details: Want to see some spooky movies on the big screen? Indie theater Trylon Cinema has a full calendar of creepy and cult '90s movies this month, like "Scream," "The Blair Witch Project" and "Silence of the Lambs." 

Details: What's fall without a good beer? The Twin Cities Oktoberfest brings together local breweries, cideries and wineries, plus other German fare like schnitzel and bratwurst, to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 

Cost: Entrance is free, but you must buy a $10 wristband to purchase alcohol. 

Details: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit is a must-see. Arboretum staff work with garden centers and locals to create dozens of unique scarecrows each year.

Tip: Walk through the pumpkin display while you're there — they have over 300 kinds!

Cost: Admission to the Arboretum is $15 a person, or free for members, children under 15 and University of Minnesota students.

Details: Plenty of spots around the Twin Cities have fall fare, like cider from Minneapolis Cider Company, spiced maple lattes at Wesley Andrews and hazelnut spiced cake doughnuts from Cardigan Donuts.

Details: Head to the Twin Cities Harvest Festival for their corn maze, partially shaped in the St. Paul Saints logo. Kids can also try the scavenger hunt for signs scattered throughout the maze. 

When: The festival is open weekends Sept. 23-Oct. 29, plus the Thursday and Friday of MEA. 

Cost: $13 per person, kids under 36'' are free. 

Editor's note: This story was originally published October 2022 and updated September 2023. 

8 things to do this fall around the Twin Cities

The Fall Colors train ride along the St. Croix River Valley is the perfect low-effort way to see foliage.

hand holding a red apple in front of a group of apple trees on sunny day

A freshly picked Honeycrisp apple from Thompsons' Hillcrest Orchard. Photo: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

Fall is in full swing! Looking for things to do before the weather turns cold? We found eight activities across the Twin Cities (well, one technically in Wisconsin) to try this season.

Things to Do

Minnesota's own Bourbon Street is already showing signs it won't be the last.

Catch up quick: Anoka recently instituted the state's first "social district" — a dedicated area where visitors ages 21 and up can buy and drink alcohol in public.

The district kicked off on Sept. 6 and spans part of Anoka's downtown and nearby parks. At least six restaurants and bars are participating in the program, which runs 10am-10pm daily through Oct. 7.

Why it matters: It's a unique strategy to attract more people — whether they're residents or newcomers — into the city's downtown on a regular basis, and other towns are already showing signs of following its lead.

Rep. Zack Stephenson, who worked closely with Anoka on the state bill that allowed the district, told Axios many other cities reached out "within days" of the announcement to ask how their communities can replicate the district, though he declined to share names.

What they're saying: The city has already received a lot of positive feedback from residents and business owners, Anoka's community development director Doug Borglund told Axios.

"We want people to have 'shop-ertainment,' where they come to downtown, stroll our sidewalks, and have their favorite beverage while visiting shops they like," he added.

I visited on Wednesday night to check it out.

How it works: I walked into Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts and asked for a glass of wine to go. Once the bartender checked my ID, I was given my drink in a plastic cup with the Anoka Social District logo, which distinguishes it as portable.

Signs marketing the district's boundaries are prominently placed at each end, and several businesses had signs in windows showing if they allowed drinks inside. (Most did not.)

What I found: At least a third of the adults I passed when walking around had the specialty cups, and all six people who walked into the wine bar during my short visit asked for their drink to-go.

It was a beautiful and busy day downtown — hundreds of people were already gathered at Riverfront Memorial Park, which is part of the district, for live music and food trucks.

Though the area is relatively small, it felt bustling, especially for a Wednesday night.

What's next: Anoka will continue the pilot next summer, Borglund confirmed, and report findings to the legislature in 2025.

Touring Anoka's social district, where visitors can stroll and drink in public

Anoka has already received a lot of positive feedback from residents and business owners.

Audrey grabbed a "glass" of wine from Ambi Wine Bar during her stroll around town. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

Minnesota

Minnesota&#x27;s own Bourbon Street is already showing signs it won&#x27;t be the last.Catch up quick: Anoka recently instituted the state&#x27;s first &quot;social district&quot; — a dedicated area where visitors ages 21 and up can buy and drink alcohol in public.<ul><li>The district kicked off on Sept. 6 and spans part of Anoka&#x27;s downtown and nearby parks. At least six restaurants and bars are participating in the program, which runs 10am-10pm daily through Oct. 7.</li></ul>

Welcome back to Burbs Bites, our new occasional feature highlighting bars, breweries, cafés, and restaurants in the Twin Cities suburbs.

Anoka's bustling downtown has plenty of spots to grab a beer, but head a block north of Main Street to find Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts, a charming wine bar surrounded by antique shops with a café-like ambience.

What to expect: A selection of appetizers, cheese boards, and flatbreads alongside an extensive wine and dessert list, with an emphasis on chocolate mousses, cakes, cheesecakes, and gelatos. (Beer fans can still enjoy one of the bar's 10 brews.)

If you can't pick just one drink, the restaurant has wine flights that allow guests to choose four reds or whites for $16.

What we ordered: We started at the bar with a glass of Broletto Lambrusco, a bubbly Italian wine with notes of raspberry, cherry, and lavender.

We then moved to the patio for Truffles & Tortes' decadence, a dense, fudge-like torte created by another local café.

Pro tip: Grab a glass to go and stroll the city's new social district, a dedicated area where visitors ages 21 and up can buy and drink alcohol in public.

Several businesses allow you to bring your glass inside so you can shop and drink.

B-52 Burgers & Brews brings rooftop dining to Inver Grove

Benedict's Morning Heroes is Wayzata's standout brunch

In the mood for pizza and beer? Maple Grove's Omni Brewing offers both

Have a recommendation for a spot we should check out? Submit it here.

Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts is a chocolate lover's dream

The restaurant has "wine flights" that allow guests to choose four reds or whites for $16.

A photo of two chocolate tortes and a bottle of wine.

Truffles and Tortes' concerto and decadence. Photo: Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts

Welcome back to Burbs Bites, our new occasional feature highlighting bars, breweries, cafés, and restaurants in the Twin Cities suburbs.Anoka&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bustling downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/15/anoka-minnesota-social-district" data-vars-content-id="f47dcd32-4e2e-4be2-93af-27e00a54c971" data-vars-headline="Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts is a chocolate lover&#x27;s dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/15/anoka-minnesota-social-district" target="_self">bustling downtown</a> has plenty of spots to grab a beer, but head a block north of Main Street to find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ambiwinebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="f47dcd32-4e2e-4be2-93af-27e00a54c971" data-vars-headline="Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts is a chocolate lover&#x27;s dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ambiwinebar.com/" target="_blank">Ambi Wine Bar &amp; Desserts</a>, a charming wine bar surrounded by antique shops with a café-like ambience.

Audrey Kennedy

Featured stories

Burbs Bites: Ambi Wine Bar & Desserts is a chocolate lover's dream

Restaurant roundup: Too Good To Go launches in Minneapolis, St. Paul to cut food waste

What I learned after hail busted my Minnesota apartment

Touring Anoka's social district, where visitors can stroll and drink in public

8 things to do this fall around the Twin Cities