Southeast Minneapolis

Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota

Southeast Minneapolis is a district in Minneapolis. Although it isn't in the southeastern quadrant of Minneapolis, it is called "Southeast" because it is east of the Mississippi River and south of East Hennepin Avenue, which divides streets into Southeast and Northeast. It is home to the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus, the largest portion of the U of M's Minneapolis campus.

Get in

Almost all streets and avenues in SE Minneapolis are numbered, except for a few named on or around the University of Minnesota campus. Most of this area follows the same river-aligned grid as downtown. Like downtown, streets parallel the river and avenues are perpendicular to it; the only exception is University Avenue, which in Southeast is the equivalent of "3rd St SE". The famous Dinkytown area is a good place for hanging out at a coffee shop. It's located nearby 14th Ave and 4th St SE. The Prospect Park neighborhood is also part of Southeast Minneapolis, but it has an entirely different street grid, with winding streets with English names, such as Seymour, Warwick, and Arthur.

By car

If driving along Interstate 35W, take the exit marked "University Ave SE/4th St SE" and turn on University Avenue (a one-way street). Most of Dinkytown is between 13th and 15th Avenues; turn on one of these streets as most of the action is not along University Avenue, but along 4th Street SE (one block to the left; it's a one-way in the opposite direction) and the cross-streets mentioned above (especially 14th Avenue SE). If you are going to Stadium Village, continue driving down University Avenue past Dinkytown until you get to Oak St SE, then turn right.

If driving along Interstate 94, take the exit marked "Huron Blvd"; there will only be one direction to head in: north. If heading to Stadium Village, turn left on Washington Ave SE. If heading to Dinkytown, keep driving along Huron Blvd, which runs directly into 4th St SE. Continue along 4th St SE until you get to Dinkytown. You can also take the MN-280 exit off I-94 and either go west on University, which will turn into 4th St, or go west on Kasota which will turn into Rollins, make a left on 15th Ave straight into Dinkytown.

In addition to the freeways, car access to Southeast from the other side of the river is available via the Hennepin Avenue, Third Avenue (connects 3rd Ave S on the west side with Central Avenue on the east side), 10th Avenue (connects 19th Ave S on the west side with 10th Ave SE on the east side), Washington Avenue, and Franklin Avenue bridges.

The stretch of Washington Avenue between the Mississippi River and Oak Street has been converted to a pedestrian/transit mall and is inaccessible to cars.

By Metro light rail

The Metro Green Line cuts through the University of Minnesota campus along Washington Avenue as it runs between the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The relevant stations are East Bank (on Washington Avenue between Union and Harvard Streets, and the most convenient stop for the U of M East Bank campus), Stadium Village (on 23rd Avenue between University Avenue and 4th Street, next to TCF Bank Stadium), Prospect Park (on 29th Avenue between University Avenue and 4th Street), and Westgate (on University Avenue at Berry Street in Saint Paul right at the Minneapolis border).

By bus

• Route 2 comes from Franklin and Hennepin and runs down Franklin Avenue through South Minneapolis and Riverside Avenue through the West Bank. The bus zig-zags its way through Southeast Minneapolis, running on Washington Avenue through the middle of campus until Oak Street (in the middle of Stadium Village), then turns north toward 4th Street, which it runs on through Dinkytown (in the opposite direction, the bus runs on University Avenue). At 10th Avenue the bus jogs over to 8th Street where it runs northwest to its terminus at 6th Street and East Hennepin Avenue in Old St. Anthony.
• Route 3 comes from Downtown and the West Bank and runs on 15th Avenue through Dinkytown, then Como Avenue through the Como neighborhood. The bus continues into Saint Paul, going past the State Fairgrounds and Como Park before terminating in Downtown St. Paul.
• Route 6 comes from Southwest Minneapolis, Downtown, and Old St. Anthony. In Southeast, University-bound buses run on University Avenue while Downtown-bound buses run on 4th Street, through Dinkytown, until Oak Street at which point they run on University in both directions. The bus runs past the Stadium Village Metro Green Line station and terminates at 27th and University.
• Route 67 comes from the Franklin Avenue Metro Blue Line station in Seward and runs along Franklin Avenue through Prospect Park. The bus continues into Saint Paul, running mostly along Minnehaha Avenue before terminating in Downtown Saint Paul.

There are also many limited-stop buses linking the U of M with various spots around the Twin Cities, but service is limited.

See

The best part of Southeast Minneapolis is the Mississippi River. Walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and see St. Anthony Falls (now manmade) and the lock and dam. Maybe you'll get to see a boat go through. The Southeast side of the river also features restaurants with great views of the downtown skyline, and if you turn north on East Hennepin, you'll find a wonderful collection of restaurants and shops.

Museums

• 1 Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Rd (at Washington; Light rail: East Bank; 2), ☏ +1 612 625-9494. Tu Th-F 10AM-5PM, W 10AM-8PM, Sa-Su 11AM-5PM. Frank Gehry-designed art museum on the University of Minnesota campus. Free. 

Parks

• 2 Tower Hill Park, 55 Malcolm Ave SE (University Ave SE between Malcolm and Clarence; Light rail: Prospect Park or Westgate). A small city park that is home to the Prospect Park Water Tower (commonly known as the Witch's Hat), which is on one of the highest points in the city. The top of the tower has great views of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, but it is only open on one day of the year, typically the Friday after Memorial Day from about 5PM-8PM. If you are visiting the city on that day, don't pass the opportunity to climb up to the top of the tower. Free.  

Do

Varsity Theater, Dinkytown

• 1 Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St SE (between 13th and 14th Aves; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 217-7701. Elegantly decorated theater that now acts as a music venue. Shows are mostly all ages or 18+. (updated Jan 2019)
• 2 Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St SE (north end of Northrop Mall; Light rail: East Bank; 2, 3), ☏ +1 612 624-2345. Box office: M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. 2,700-seat performing arts venue. (updated Aug 2017)
• 3 Huntington Bank Stadium, 2009 University Ave SE (between Oak St and 23rd Ave; Light rail: Stadium Village; 2, 6). Home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAA football team.  
• 4 3M Arena at Mariucci, 1901 4th St SE (at Oak St; Light rail: Stadium Village; 2, 6). Home to the Gophers men's hockey team. (updated Apr 2016)
• 5 Williams Arena, 1925 University Ave SE (between 18th Ave and Oak St; Light rail: Stadium Village; 2, 6). Home to the Gophers men's and women's basketball teams. (updated Apr 2016)

Buy

• 1 The Book House, 1316 4th St SE, #201 (inside the Dinkydale building between 13th and 14th Aves; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 331-1430. M-Sa noon-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Huge selection of used books. Also has a rare book collection and a small selection of vinyl records. (updated Aug 2017)

Eat

Dinkytown

Around 14th Ave and University Ave SE.

• 1 Al's Breakfast, 413 14th Ave SE (between 4th and 5th Sts; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 331-9991. M-Sa 6AM-1PM, Su 9AM-1PM. A slightly hidden diner that is perfect for mornings. Seating at a single counter, line forms behind stools. Delightfully crunchy hash-browns and greasy egg-dishes will take care of that American diner breakfast craving. Some think it gets by on reputation these days and anywhere with elbow room is better. $5-15. 
• 2 Annie's Parlour, 313 14th Ave SE (between University and 4th St; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 379-0744. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Burgers and malts on the second-story patio. They charge extra for every single item, so a burger/fries/shake starts getting expensive but it's worth it if you're in the mood. $5-15. 
• 3 Burrito Loco, 418 13th Ave SE (between 4th and 5th Sts; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 746-5626. M-W 11AM-1AM, Th F 11AM-3AM, Sa 10AM-3AM, Su 10AM-1AM. A burrito joint plus a full service bar. Service can be quite dodgy earlier in the evening; they seem to forget about customers outside of rush times. 
• 4 Mesa Pizza, 1323 4th St SE (at 14th Ave; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 436-3006. M-W 11AM-2:30AM, Th-Sa 11AM-3AM, Su 11AM-midnight. Dozens of varieties of pizza, available by the slice or a whole pie. Some varieties are bizarre (some may even say grotesque), such as the infamous macaroni-and-cheese pizza. One vegan pie available daily. Very popular with the post-2AM drunkards. Slices $3-3.50, whole pies $14-24. 
• 5 Shuang Cheng, 1320 4th St SE (between 13th and 14th Aves; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 378-0208. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM. A perennially popular and surprisingly authentic Chinese restaurant. Often raved about in reviews due to its dishes' abundances of vegetables and unique offerings (such as Walleye with Black Beans Sauce), it also offers standard fare. Vegetarians welcome. Lunch specials $6-7, meat and vegetable dishes $9-15, seafood dishes $12-35. 
• 6 Tony's Diner, 1327 4th St SE (at 14th Ave; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 378-4730. M-Th 8AM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-3AM, Su 8AM-8PM. Features gyros—stuffed with french fries like they do in Greece—and baklava mixed in with excellent burgers and hot sandwiches and hoagies. Breakfast $5-9, sandwiches $4.50-7, platters $6-11. (updated Dec 2017)

Stadium Village

Located closer to Oak St and Washington Ave SE.

• 7 Bona, 815 Washington Ave SE (between Oak and Ontario; Light rail: Stadium Village or East Bank; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 331-5011. Su-Th Sa 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM. Vietnamese. Vegetarians welcome. $5-15. 
• 8 Hong Kong Noodle, 901 Washington Ave SE (at Ontario; Light rail: Stadium Village or East Bank; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 379-9472. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-2AM. Mandarin character menu, authentic Chinese cuisine that is good for cheap eats. Vegetarians welcome. $5-15. 
• 9 Stub and Herbs, 227 Oak St SE (at Washington; Light rail: East Bank or Stadium Village; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 379-1880. Su-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. If you're not up for a perpetual Ladies' Night and preening Greeks, Stub and Herbs is a great bar/for those seeking standard American fare. They offer fresh soft pretzels with sweet'n'hot mustard and an expansive shot list and draft beer selection, helping to make it a local institution. Better than your average college hangout, but if you hate crowds it is best avoided on weekend evenings and game days (especially Gopher's hockey). $5-15. 

Other areas

• 10 Ramen Kazama, 1510 Como Ave SE (at 15th Ave; 3), ☏ +1 612 331-4205. W-M 11AM-9PM, Tu closed. Small Japanese bistro serving ramen and rice plates. $10-20. (updated Aug 2018)
• 11 Alma, 528 University Ave SE (at 6th Ave; 6), ☏ +1 612 379-4909. Su-Th 5PM-9PM, F Sa 5PM-10PM. Amazing food which can best be described as a combination between French, Fusion, and small-town Minnesotan. They use almost exclusively organic ingredients. $30-60 per person for a three-course meal with wine. (updated Aug 2018)

Drink

Alcohol

• 1 Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave SE (between University and 4th St; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 331-9800. 4PM-2AM daily. A swanky nightspot. Hosts live music at night. Cover charge at night usually less than $5, often times free. 
• 2 Sally's Saloon, 700 Washington Ave SE (at Walnut; Light rail: East Bank; 2, 6). M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa Su 10AM-2AM. The daily dining specials at Sally's help make it a popular afternoon and evening destination among University students. At night, this is the place on the East Bank to see drunk college kids tripping over each other. (updated Aug 2016)
• 3 Blarney Pub and Grill, 412 14th Ave SE (between 4th and 5th Sts; 2, 3, 6). M 11AM-2AM, Tu-F 9AM-2AM, Sa Su 8AM-2AM. A faux-Irish college bar that has nightly drink specials, multiple levels and three full bars. Karaoke and long island ice tea specials bring in huge crowds on Thursday nights. 

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Days Inn University of Minnesota, 2407 University Ave SE (at Washington; Light rail: Stadium Village; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 623-3999, fax: +1 612 331-2152. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A couple blocks east of the University of Minnesota. Convenient access to Downtown Minneapolis. Free shuttle within a two mile radius, plus shuttles to and from the airport for a fee. $100+. (updated May 2016)
• 2 University Inn, 925 4th St SE (at 10th Ave; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 746-1300. $129+. (updated May 2016)

Mid-range

• 3 Graduate Minneapolis, 615 Washington Ave SE (between Harvard and Walnut; Light rail: East Bank; 2, 6), ☏ +1 612 379-8888, toll-free: +1-800-822-6757. All rooms feature a 42-inch flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and free high-speed internet. The hotel also has a gastropub and a fitness center. $200+. 

Connect

There is free wifi available to the general public on the University of Minnesota campus. Look for the network UofM-Guest.

• 1 Arvonne Fraser Library (Southeast Library), 1222 4th St SE (at 13th Ave; 2, 3, 6), ☏ +1 612 543-6725. M W F Sa 9AM-5PM, Tu Th noon-8PM, Su closed. (updated Apr 2022)

Go next

Routes through Southeast

Downtown ← South Minneapolis ←

W  E

→ Saint Paul → END