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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

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Axios Twin Cities

Twin Cities breweries are rolling out THC-infused beverages. Here are eight places to try the trending drinks. 

What to know:  The legal limit for edibles and beverages in Minnesota is 5 milligrams of THC. Though these are sold at breweries, THC beverages can't also include alcohol. 

🫖 Surly Brewing: The popular Twin Cities brewery created "Take Five," a THC-tonic with 5 milligrams per can, and a lemon tea with the same dosage. 

🥤Burning Brothers Brewing: "Kite Soda" claims to be Minnesota's first THC-soda, with root beer, citrus and ginger ale flavors out now. It's 5 milligrams per serving, with 2 servings per can. 

In cans and in the taproom now, according to a press release. 

🍍 Modist Brewing: THC seltzer TINT, which stands for "Thanks, I Needed That," comes in three fruity flavors with 3 or 5 milligrams of THC per can. 

🍋 Bauhaus Brew Labs: "Tetra" is a lemon-lime sparkling water with 5 milligrams of THC and 15 milligrams of CBD.  

Available in mid-September, the brewery said on Instagram. 

🥭 Eastlake Craft Brewery: "High and Dry," a pineapple and mango-flavored non-alcoholic sour beer, is infused with 5 milligrams of THC. 

Available in cans in the taproom and for online delivery. 

🍋 Indeed Brewing: The “Two Good” has 2 milligrams of THC and 2 milligrams of CBD, a hemp-derived ingredient that doesn’t get you high. 

The lavender lemon sparkling drink is available at the taproom now, but only to-go. 

🍎 Minneapolis Cider Company: "Trail Magic," a seltzer with “hop water” and berry basil flavors, contains 3 milligrams of THC. 

Find the cans at the taproom and in liquor stores now around the Twin Cities. 

🍍 Wild Mind Ales: For those looking to try a full dose, the “WLD WTR Infusions” is a pineapple, orange and cherry sparkling water with 5 milligrams of THC. 

Available in cans hopefully by early September, the brewery told Axios. 

8 places to get THC-infused drinks in the Twin Cities

Wild Mind Ales has created a pineapple, orange and cherry sparkling water with 5 milligrams of THC.

An orange sparkling water surrounded by pineapples, oranges and cherries.

The "WLD WTR Infusions" at Wild Mind Ales. Photo: Wild Mind Ales

Twin Cities breweries are rolling out THC-infused beverages. Here are eight places to try the trending drinks. What to know: The legal limit for edibles and beverages in Minnesota is 5 milligrams of THC. Though these are sold at breweries, THC beverages can&#x27;t also include alcohol.

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

Animales Barbeque says enforcement of an "archaic" city ordinance may soon put a damper on its meat-smoking operation.

The issue: Current Minneapolis city code says food trucks can't have equipment outside the truck. 

That means the offset smokers used by businesses like Animales and Boomin Barbecue are technically off-limits. 

Shedding the smoker would cut meat production by 70%, Animales said in an Instagram post.

Threat level: Serious if you're a fan of smoked meats — Animales and Boomin serve some of the best barbecue in the state. 

Yes, but: City leaders, including officials with the health department and the city attorney's office, are working on a fix. 

"These awesome local joints are putting Minneapolis on the BBQ map, and we will find a way to keep them smoking," Mayor Jacob Frey told Axios in a statement. 

The intrigue: It's not clear why the ordinance, which also applies to common food truck features such as picnic tables and trash cans, is being enforced now. 

Owners of both trucks says health inspectors haven't raised the issue in the past. 

Situational awareness: Both trucks operate from fixed locations — Animales is at Bauhaus Brew Labs and Boomin is outside the craft beer store Ombibulous. 

Animales owner Jon Wipfli told Axios the rules were created when food trucks primarily parked downtown for lunch service on food truck row. He argues they should be updated to reflect current trends.

What they're saying: Wipfli said Sunday that while city leaders have been helpful, he's still waiting on a resolution. 

“I know they don’t want us to relocate to the suburbs, where the food we’re cooking and in the manner we’re cooking it would be welcomed," he said. 

Smoker showdown: Minneapolis barbecue trucks say "archaic" city rule threatens business

The issue: Current city code says food trucks can't have equipment outside the truck.

The exterior of a red and purple food truck.

Animales Barbeque's food truck. Photo by Brandon Werth, courtesy of Animales Barbeque

Animales Barbeque says enforcement of an &quot;archaic&quot; city ordinance may soon put a damper on its meat-smoking operation.The issue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Current Minneapolis city cod" data-vars-click-url="https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT10FOCO_CH188ADLI_ARTIIILIHORE_188.485MOFOVEVE" data-vars-content-id="088106c8-7514-45d2-a6f1-5acbb9a19a0f" data-vars-headline="Smoker showdown: Minneapolis barbecue trucks say &quot;archaic&quot; city rule threatens business" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT10FOCO_CH188ADLI_ARTIIILIHORE_188.485MOFOVEVE" target="_blank">Current Minneapolis city cod</a>e says food trucks can&#x27;t have equipment outside the truck.

The Twin Cities is home to a host of nationally recognized restaurants. But today, we want to recognize the ones that have been quietly doing their thing for years. 

From family-owned institutions to under-the-radar cocktail bars, here are some of the places we go back to again and again.

Why we love it: If there's one stop you need to make on Eat Street, it's this Vietnamese institution. It's run by five of owner Lung Tran's children and has kept its traditional dishes at affordable prices. 

Tip: Don't sleep on the cookies at checkout. They're cheap and the size of your head. 

Why we love them: The sister restaurants serve great burgers with a small town feel — and The Nook has an adjacent bowling alley for additional fun. 

Tip: Both have five different kinds of Jucy Lucy's, including one inspired by Guy Fieri.

Why we love it: Brasa is one of the rare restaurants where the takeout is just as great as dining in. The rotisserie chicken is consistently delicious and the family-style meals can feed the whole crew.   

Tip: The side of baked macaroni and cheese is a must-order.

Why we love it: This authentic Ecuadorian restaurant is a local secret in Northeast Minneapolis, known for its date night deal, breakfast menu and saltado sandwich special. 

Tip: The Ecuadorian Elvis Sandwich — sweet plantain, jam and bacon on toast, served with peanut sauce — is a brunch must. 

Why we love it: The family-owned Italian restaurant is a south Minneapolis staple for a reason: the atmosphere is cozy and the pasta is fantastic. 

Tip: Their date night special is a steal. An appetizer, two salads and two entrees for $40 a couple?  Unbeatable. 

Why we love it: Manny's may be the steakhouse best known to out-of-towners, but this St. Paul institution has all the charm of your favorite supper club and the menu to match.

Tip: Come for the relish tray, stay to watch grandparents dance. 

Why we love it: The unassuming, takeout-only Turkish restaurant in St. Paul has been serving huge portions at affordable prices for decades. 

Tip: Order the Black Sea combo with extra fries and thank me later.  

Why we love it: The decades-old coffee shop in the heart of the Cathedral Hill neighborhood is the perfect spot for eavesdropping and Instagrammable lattes.

Tip: The locals know it's actually pronounced like "nine-ahs". 

Why we love it: Meteor is the newest establishment on our list, but this under-the-radar cocktail bar on the edge of North Loop is beloved by bartenders and those in the know. 

Tip: The shot of the moment is always worth the $4. 

Why we love it: This cafe and bakery in St. Louis Park is the go-to spot for breakfast business meetings and affordable family brunches. 

Tip: The dinner menu also includes breakfast entrees. 

10 restaurants Twin Cities locals love

The Twin Cities is home to a host of nationally-recognized restaurants. But today, we want to recognize the ones that have been quietly doing their thing for years.

For those who want takeout, Broders' Cucina Italiana sells Pasta Bar favorites. Photo: Broders'

Restaurants

The Twin Cities is home to a host of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="5a29c8b4-c683-4f2e-b4ea-4beb7ef6c00c" data-vars-headline="10 restaurants Twin Cities locals love" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" target="_self">nationally </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recognized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/24/twin-cities-chefs-james-beard-semifinalist-nods" data-vars-content-id="5a29c8b4-c683-4f2e-b4ea-4beb7ef6c00c" data-vars-headline="10 restaurants Twin Cities locals love" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/24/twin-cities-chefs-james-beard-semifinalist-nods" target="_self">recognized</a> restaurants. But today, we want to recognize the ones that have been quietly doing their thing for years. <ul><li>From family-owned institutions to under-the-radar cocktail bars, here are some of the places we go back to again and again.</li></ul>

Twin Cities restaurants are adding THC-infused drinks to their menus.

Driving the news: The Howe, Red Wagon Pizza and and World Street Kitchen are among more than a half dozen local spots now offering the mind-altering beverages for dine-in customers. 

State of play: Breweries and other local drink producers began debuting seltzers and other non-alcoholic drinks containing up to 5mg of THC this summer, following a new state law legalizing hemp-derived edibles. 

What they're saying: Craft & Crew Hospitality introduced THC seltzers from breweries Indeed and Modist at its six Twin Cities restaurants about two weeks ago,  co-owner Luke Derheim tells Axios.

The restaurants, which include The Howe, The Block and Duke's on 7th, have already gone through the "vast majority" of what Derheim described as large case buys. 

"It's really moving," he says. "People are just more curious about it." 

Yes, and: Coffee shops are getting in on the trend, too. Milkweed's Mitchell O’Brion says the shop has already gone through several cases of "very, very popular" speciality THC drinks, which it sells for $10. 

What they're seeing: Most customers ordering THC beverages so far are sticking with one or two of those drinks, instead of alternating with beer or hard liquor, Derheim says. 

"We're seeing a large shift with people really gravitating toward [non-alcoholic] cocktails, and NA beverages," he says. "We see this as kind of an extension of the non-alcoholic category."

Between the lines: The new law passed the Legislature quietly last spring without many rules regulating the products, leaving local officials and businesses to navigate a "wild west" state of legalization.

While the Board of Pharmacy's guidelines suggest restaurants can't prepare THC-infused goods themselves for on-site consumption site, they can serve the pre-packaged cans, per state guidance.

Yes, but: Derheim says the uncertainty prompted Craft & Crew to do extra due diligence before debuting the drinks, such as checking with their insurance agent and adding extra training for staff. 

The restaurant group's current policy is to sell no more than three THC drinks per patron. 

Of note: Craft and Crew's restaurants are also able to sell the beverages to-go, since they don't contain alcohol, Derheim says.

What to watch: The Bar Draft House, a Craft & Crew-owned bar in Hastings, plans to start selling THC gummies soon. Derheim sees offerings expanding to include desserts and other pre-packaged items from there.

 "I think it's going to be become pretty prevalent in the next quarter," he says. 

Twin Cities restaurants add THC seltzers to the menu

Twin Cities restaurants are adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="THC-infused drinks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/08/11/thc-seltzer-minneapolis-st-paul-breweries" data-vars-content-id="913d8a82-603e-408e-8a76-f2a7ac671abf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities restaurants add THC seltzers to the menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/08/11/thc-seltzer-minneapolis-st-paul-breweries" target="_self">THC-infused drinks</a> to their menus.Driving the news: The Howe, Red Wagon Pizza and and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Street Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CifpwW2uhsz/" data-vars-content-id="913d8a82-603e-408e-8a76-f2a7ac671abf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities restaurants add THC seltzers to the menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CifpwW2uhsz/" target="_blank">World Street Kitchen</a> are among more than a half dozen local spots now offering the mind-altering beverages for dine-in customers.

🍻 Oktoberfest celebrations have begun, and plenty of breweries around the metro are partying this weekend. Check out Fulton Beer, Wild Mind Ales, Inver Grove Brewing Co. and The Black Forest Inn. Free entry. 

For a family-friendly event, check out ROCtoberFest at the St. Louis Park recreation center tomorrow night. $5 entry, kids 5 and under free.

😱 Shop some spooky memorabilia at the Fright Night Market tonight at Arbeiter Brewing, and stay for a free screening of “Fright Night” the movie. Free. 

🌮 Take a delicious walk down Lake Street for the annual Taco Tour on Saturday. It’s self-guided, but there are free family-friendly activities along the way. Free, registration requested.

🌵 Bring a plant, take a plant at the Plant Swap at Modist Brewing on Saturday. Tickets are $6 and include a free t-shirt.

🥞 Shop local art and eat unlimited free pancakes at the Pancakes and Booze Art Show, an underground pop-up exhibit in Minneapolis this Saturday. $15.

🍎It’s the perfect time to visit an apple orchard. We found 22 across the state with U-pick apples, hayrides, hard cideries and more — check out the list. 

🎨 Take a day trip to the Spirit of St. Croix Art Festival in Hudson this weekend. The free outdoor event features over 80 artists, street performers and live music. Free.

🐷 Participate in a pig scavenger hunt, bacon eating contest, and free tasting tent at the Bacon Bash in River Falls this weekend. Plenty of “pig-themed activities” planned. Free. 

Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend

Bring a plant, take a plant at the Plant Swap at Modist Brewing on Saturday.

Illustration of a jack o' lantern with Axios logos as eyes and nose.

🍻 Oktoberfest celebrations have begun, and plenty of breweries around the metro are partying this weekend. Check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fulton Beer" data-vars-click-url="https://fb.me/e/22Rxttm2P" data-vars-content-id="e08d7b67-3548-4562-843e-f712d30260d1" data-vars-headline="Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fb.me/e/22Rxttm2P" target="_blank">Fulton Beer</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wild Mind Ales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wildmindales.com/happenings/2022/9/24-oktoberfest" data-vars-content-id="e08d7b67-3548-4562-843e-f712d30260d1" data-vars-headline="Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wildmindales.com/happenings/2022/9/24-oktoberfest" target="_blank">Wild Mind Ales</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inver Grove Brewing Co." data-vars-click-url="https://fb.me/e/1SIT5Nna3" data-vars-content-id="e08d7b67-3548-4562-843e-f712d30260d1" data-vars-headline="Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fb.me/e/1SIT5Nna3" target="_blank">Inver Grove Brewing Co.</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Black Forest Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://fb.me/e/2fLVPjyjx" data-vars-content-id="e08d7b67-3548-4562-843e-f712d30260d1" data-vars-headline="Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fb.me/e/2fLVPjyjx" target="_blank">The Black Forest Inn</a>. Free entry.

Audrey Kennedy

Featured stories

8 places to get THC-infused drinks in the Twin Cities

Smoker showdown: Minneapolis barbecue trucks say "archaic" city rule threatens business

10 restaurants Twin Cities locals love

Oktoberfests and taco tours: What to do in the Twin Cities this weekend

Twin Cities restaurants add THC seltzers to the menu