Minneapolis: North Loop Food Tour with 6 Local Tastings

If you’re visiting Minneapolis and want to experience the city through its flavors and stories, the North Loop Food Tour by Secret Food Tours offers a solid way to do just that. For about three hours, you’ll stroll through two of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods—North Loop and St. Anthony—sampling six different dishes that highlight local ingredients, immigrant influences, and creative culinary twists. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour combines food, history, and a bit of Minnesotan charm.

What we especially appreciate is how this tour balances casual fun with authentic, well-prepared tastings. The coal-fired pizza and cheese curds are real highlights, showcasing regional favorites prepared with care. The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of context that turns a simple food walk into a genuine glimpse of Minneapolis life. Plus, the ending with small-batch ice cream and a surprise secret dish** keeps the experience playful and memorable.

On the flip side, this tour might feel a bit light for those seeking a highly gourmet or unusual culinary adventure—some reviewers note that the selections are familiar comfort foods like pizza, fries, and pierogies. Also, since the tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are a must. It’s best suited for travelers who want a taste of the city’s casual food scene and local history without straying too far off the beaten path.

Overall, if you’re after a friendly, informative walk with good food, this tour is a fine choice—especially if you’re curious about Minneapolis’s blend of Scandinavian roots, immigrant traditions, and modern creativity. It’s an experience that works well for first-time visitors, food lovers, or anyone wanting to see a couple of neighborhood highlights with a tasty twist.

Key Points

• Authentic Neighborhoods: Explores the vibrant North Loop and historic St. Anthony neighborhoods.
• Delicious Tastings: Enjoys 6 local favorites, including coal-fired pizza, cheese curds, pierogies, and more.
• Local Stories: Guided by a passionate local who shares history and food insights.
• Scenic Walks: Crosses the Mississippi River and explores lively streets and waterfront views.
• Casual & Accessible: Suitable for most, but requires comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk.
• Family-Friendly: A fun experience for curious foodies and visitors wanting a relaxed tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Minneapolis North Loop Food Tour

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Minneapolis’s evolving food scene while exploring two distinct neighborhoods. The starting point is outside Graze Food Hall, easily recognizable with a bright orange umbrella, where your local guide will greet you. Over about three hours, you’ll walk through the North Loop, a former warehouse district turned trendy hub, and cross over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge into St. Anthony, the city’s oldest neighborhood.

What makes this experience appealing is how it weaves food with storytelling. You won’t just eat—your guide, whose passion clearly shows, shares stories about the city’s past, its Scandinavian and European immigrant roots, and the transformation of these neighborhoods. This storytelling enriches each bite, giving you context that makes the food more meaningful.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in the North Loop

Your journey kicks off among the revitalized warehouses, now home to top-rated restaurants and artisanal food spots. The first stop features coal-fired pizza, blistered to perfection, topped with seasonal ingredients. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a local staple that showcases Minnesota’s love for hearty, seasonal flavors. The fire imparts a smoky depth that’s hard to match.

Next, the group heads to try golden cheese curds—a Minnesota classic. These are battered and fried until crispy on the outside, irresistibly melty inside, served with a house-made ketchup. It’s a simple dish, but one that demonstrates the region’s love for comfort foods with a gourmet twist.

Crossing into St. Anthony

Crossing the Hennepin Avenue Bridge offers a scenic view of the Mississippi River and a glimpse into Minneapolis’s historic core. Once in St. Anthony, known for its Eastern European heritage, the focus shifts to pierogies—handmade, rich with tradition. These dumplings are served with traditional sides, giving a hearty taste of immigrant culinary heritage.

Ending on a Sweet Note

The tour wraps up with small-batch ice cream, crafted locally with seasonal ingredients, providing a refreshing finish. Hidden among the last stops is a surprise secret dish—a fun element that keeps the experience lively and engaging.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer noted: “Our guide was fun to be with and the food was good,” mentioning that the selections were familiar but enjoyable. Another pointed out that while the food was tasty, it felt like “loaded fries, pizza, cheese curds, and hot cocoa”—nothing overly fancy or unusual, but authentic and satisfying.

The emphasis on comfort foods is clear, making this tour ideal for those seeking a relaxed, unpretentious food experience. If you’re looking for gourmet tasting menus, this might not satisfy, but for a well-rounded introduction to Minneapolis’s casual culinary scene, it hits the mark.

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Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: 3 hours, making it manageable for most visitors.
• Walking: Expect a fair amount of walking along streets and across the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.
• Meet Point: Outside Graze Food Hall, easy to find with the bright orange umbrella.
• Price and Value: Considering six tastings, the tour offers good value, especially since it includes stories and scenic views.
• Group Size: Not specified but generally small enough for a personal experience.
• Dietary Needs: Make sure to communicate dietary restrictions in advance; the tour staff are accommodating but need prior notice.
• Suitability: Best for travelers who enjoy laid-back food adventures and are comfortable on their feet; less suitable for mobility-impaired visitors.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re visiting Minneapolis and want a casual, friendly way to explore local neighborhoods while sampling classic comfort foods, this tour is a winner. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, families, or foodies curious about the city’s immigrant influences and modern culinary twists. The guide’s stories add a warm, personal touch that elevates the experience beyond just tasting.

While some may find the menu somewhat predictable, the quality of the food and the scenic walk make it worthwhile. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a combination of history, local culture, and good, honest food in a relaxed, small-group setting.

This experience provides a genuine taste of Minneapolis’s personality, revealing how history, neighborhood revitalization, and food come together in this Midwestern city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the tastings and explore the neighborhoods at a relaxed pace.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside Graze Food Hall at 520 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Look for the guide holding an orange umbrella for easy spotting.

How many tastings will I get?
You’ll enjoy six different food samples, including pizza, cheese curds, pierogies, and more, with a couple of surprises included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it involves a fair amount of walking and isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, but it’s best to contact the organizers ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate special dietary needs.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially if you enjoy casual, delicious food and interesting stories about the city.

If you’re eager to enjoy Minneapolis through its flavors and stories without fuss, the North Loop Food Tour makes for an enjoyable, authentic outing. With good food, scenic walks, and a friendly guide, it offers a slice of Minneapolis life that’s both satisfying and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby