There’s absolutely nothing dinky about Dinkytown—with the exception being its square footage compared to other neighborhoods. But in its relatively small footprint, expect to be amazed by the cultural and culinary offerings here. Rubbing shoulders with the University of Minnesota, Dinkytown, nearby Stadium Village and Prospect Park feature a vibrant mashup of college-town coffee shops, plus refined dining and lodging for when the parents come to visit. During Gophers sporting events, the neighborhoods amp up the excitement at sports bars and restaurants. Arts lovers find plenty to engage with, too, at cultural meccas Northrop Auditorium, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum and the iconic Varsity Theater.

Things to Do

Since the opening of Huntington Bank Stadium in 2009, Dinkytown and Stadium Village have aptly taken on the role of being giant college football tailgating parties before, during and after Minnesota Golden Gophers football games. Fans hit up neighborhood restaurants and bars before packing the 50,805-seat venue, the first college or pro football stadium to receive LEED certification for its environmentally efficient construction and design. If you have a ticket to a game or concert here, don’t miss the T. Denny Sanford Athletics Hall of Fame on the stadium’s southwest end. Here, you’ll find images, artifacts and interactive kiosks that celebrate the U of M’s 22 athletic programs. Just across the street, you can catch Gophers basketball games at Williams Arena and Maturi Pavilion, or hockey contests at 3M Arena at Mariucci and Ridder Arena. If you're planning on attending a game as a Minnesota fan, you'll need some maroon and gold gear from Goldy's Locker Room.

Arts and cultural offerings abound on and off campus, with some of the biggest events taking place at Northrop Auditorium. Masterfully restored in 2014, the main theater seats nearly 2,700 people for concerts, dance performances and lectures. Past guests have included everyone from Bruce Springsteen to The Dalai Lama. Once housed within Northrop, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum is now a shimmering multi-angular showpiece that overlooks the Mississippi River. Inside the Frank Gehry-designed building, a permanent collection of more than 25,000 pieces highlights modernist works and ceramics as well as traditional Korean furniture.

Back on the streets of Dinkytown, the cultural tour continues with a live show at the art deco Varsity Theater. With its intimate, eclectic vibe, rich history and superb acoustics, the Varsity has become one of the most sought-after music venues in the Midwest. World-renowned artists such as Janelle Monaé, Brandi Carlile, and Mumford and Sons have played gigs here.

Looking for that college bar atmosphere? You're in luck with The Kollege Klub and Blarney Pub & Grill in Dinkytown, and Sally's Saloon and Stub & Herbs in Stadium Village. Close to Dinkytown, the Como and Prospect Park neighborhoods hum to their own tune with a variety of bars, breweries and distilleries drawing the young adult crowd. Favorites include Insight Brewing & Taproom and Norseman Distillery.

Where to Eat & Drink

The dining offerings around Dinkytown and Stadium Village are about as diverse as the more than 50,000 students who attend the U of M. In other words, there’s literally something for everyone.

The line to get into 14-stool Al’s Breakfast is more than worth the wait. Their eggy and affordable breakfasts (including a unique New Orleans omelet with shrimp, almonds and capers) are a big draw for college students and locals alike. Another solid breakfast option is a fresh-baked pasty filled with steak, potatoes, rutabaga and onion from Lands End Pasty Company.

If you strategize your portion sizes, you can easily take a world tour of Dinkytown and Stadium Village eats in one afternoon. Start with a couple crispy falafel, samosas or stuffed grape leaves at Mediterranean Wally’s Falafel, Hummus and Bakery, then make your way to the authentic Chinese Sidewalk Kitchen for an order of pan-fried pot stickers or steamed Shanghai pork sliders. The sweet plantains at Afro Deli & Grill (featuring a delightful mix of African, Mediterranean and American eats) make for a not-too-heavy and low-sugar dessert. Shaung Cheng is a staple in the neighborhood, known for some of the most authentic and tasty Cantonese food. Cruncheese Korean Hotdog has been an exciting addition to the area with their uniquely flavored corndogs.

Still not enough options for you? The list goes on and on, from zereshk polo (barberries and onions with basmati rice and chicken breast) at Middle Eastern Caspian Bistro and Marketplace to beef and brisket pho at Bona Vietnamese to Southern Gentleman pizza (Cajun chicken, mashed potatoes, bacon cheddar cheese) at Mesa Pizza Dinkytown. Looking for a bit of the East Coast in Minneapolis? That's where Frank and Andrea's comes in. Open late and serving Philly cheesesteaks, New York Style Pizzas and plenty of other delicious and greasy favorites, this is a must stop after any Dinkytown adventures.

Craving somethings sweet? Bubble tea is a Dinkytown staple. You'll find several boba places within walking distance, but start with Tiger Sugar, a Taiwanese chain with over 40 locations across the world (this Dinkytown spot is one of their only locations in the Midwest). Try their famous brown sugar bubble tea, which takes eight hours to make. Niko Niko Boba or Mango Mango Dessert are other great options for boba and other sweet treats. And if you need more sugar with your boba, you'll need to make a stop at Bober tea and Mochi Dough for their colorful and fun shaped Japanese donuts.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is right next to the University of Minnesota, and is known for scenic views and great dining and drink options. You'll know you’re getting close to Prospect Park territory when you see the historic water tower dubbed the “Witch’s Hat” for its prominent triangular cap. While you're in the neighborhood, make a stop at the Textile Center, a nationally-known center for fiber arts. Explore the galleries and then pay a visit to the shop. After visiting the Textile Center, stop by Dogwood Coffee for creative lattes in a colorful and trendy setting.

You can't visit Prospect Park without getting a beer from Surly Brewing, one of Minneapolis' most popular breweries. More than a beer hall, the brewery grounds include Surly Festival Field music venue, and has two restaurants onsite, a bar food burger/bowl main attraction and, upstairs, a classic and simple pizzeria with an overhead view of their spacious outdoor beer garden. There are fireplaces on the patio for when it's chilly.

Just a short walk away is the popular Market at Malcolm Yards. It’s a food hall home to several vendors that serve anything from sushi to po boy sandwiches to Detroit-style pizza. You'll also find a pour-your-own beer and wine wall and a full cocktail bar. For the ultimate whiskey lounge experience, walk over to O’Shaughnessy Distilling. Enjoy a glass of whiskey in one of the comfortable couches or on their patio by a firepit and snack on charcuterie creations, dips, and flatbreads.

Where to Stay

Graduate Minneapolis

No diploma required to stay on campus at Graduate Minneapolis. The character-filled boutique hotel showcases Gophers pride and Minnesotan touches throughout, including headboards and lamps printed with fishing scenes. A Topgolf Swing Suite allows guests to get their golf game on, and on-site The Beacon pours creative cocktails like the Minnesota Nice with gin, peach puree and lemongrass simple syrup.

Coming to town for a Gopher game? Days Hotel by Wyndham University is just steps from Huntington Bank Stadium and many other athletic venues, not to mention all the restaurants and bars of Stadium Village. Also not far is the Hampton Inn & Suites. The University of Minnesota campus, Medical Center, and Huntington Bank Stadium are all within five minutes.

University Inn caters to those seeking both short and extended stays, offering kitchenettes and mini-fridges in every studio apartment-style room. Guests also love the free parking and 24-hour fitness center. Located right on the light rail's Green Line, Home2 Suites by Hilton has suites for an extended stay, a seasonal rooftop bar with great city views and a heated indoor pool and hot tub.

Getting to and around Dinkytown/UMN

Metro Transit

(Starting point of Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet)

Metered on-street parking is usually your best bet around Dinkytown. Meters run $1.25 per hour with a 2-hour limit and are enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m (credit cards accepted). If you’re planning to linger longer than two hours, opt for the 4th Street Parking Ramp (1625 4th St SE) for around-the-clock covered parking.

Bus routes 3 and 6 serve the area from downtown. It’s a quick jaunt: just 10 minutes or so.

If you don’t mind a short, scenic stroll through campus before reaching Dinkytown, take the Metro Transit Light Rail Green Line and hop off at the East Bank Station.

Public Transit Routes:
The Green Line
Route 3
Route 6

Neighborhood Map