Como and 15th
Is it Dinkytown? Is it Southeast Minneapolis? Is it Como or Marcy? This intersection seems like the crossroads to many Minneapolis neighborhoods. The homes in the area are mostly converted duplexes for student living but some remain historical single family homes built in the early 1900’s. Van Cleve Park marks the SW corner of the intersection if you like Minneapolis history here’s a blurb about the park’s beginning.
Name: The name was adopted on May 15, 1893 to honor Charlotte Ouisconsin Van Cleve and her husband, Major General Horatio P. Van Cleve. Charlotte Van Cleve was known as “Infant Pioneer” having resided with her parents at Camp Coldwater, the predecessor to Fort Snelling, in 1819. Before the name was officially adopted, the park was referred to as Second Ward Park.
Como Imports
Adjacent to the park is Como Imports. Como Imports is a favorite local shop of mine. I’ve been taking my cars (imported and domestic) there since I was a student at the U of MN a million years ago. 😉 Como Imports has been there since the 70’s, ASE certified since 1981 and are good, down to earth, honest, Minnesota men. They work with a lot of starving students so they know how to get your car running safely without breaking the bank.
Ask for Mark or Norm and tell them we sent ya, we’ll pay for your oil change!
Crescent Moon
Crescent Moon next door is known for their FOOTBALL PIZZA! Its a Halal middle eastern influenced pizza and YUM! Don’t worry they also have a full menu for gyro lovers. Stop in for a quick lunch or take it to go. They have another location in NE Mpls on Central Ave.
Oaks Hardware
Oaks Hardware is next door to Crescent Moon. When you walk in there you will feel like Ralphie from A Christmas Story and its 1950. Pat Clough is the owner and has been there for 46 years!! I told them I was going to do a blog on them and they said “what’s a blog” OUT LOUD! Apparently Pat’s daughter (who is internet friendly) and his son also work there to help dad out. Don’t forget to give some love to Frankenstein the tiny dog who greets customers. They are your neighborhood hardware store for keys, screens, windows and spare parts. They have local landlord credit accounts there so if you live nearby your landlord likely visits Pat.
Gopher Nutrition
Gopher Nutrition sits next to Oaks, stop in and see Curt for a protein pick me up. He will tell you his testimonial about his cousin who lost 200 pounds switching to his teas/shakes/meal replacements. Herbalife is the brand name and they have a fantastic reputation for health, fitness and supplements. With over 100 concoctions to choose from lunch has never been healthier. ‘Students and athletes flock to the shop’ says the Minnesota Daily-news for students. Check them out on Facebook for menu, hours and location.
Blacks Coffee and Waffle Bar
Across the intersection from Como Imports is Black Coffee and Waffle Bar previously Muddsuckers. In January 2014 they underwent a huge rebranding campaign and are now Black Coffee and Waffle bar. Stop in for some Dogwood micro roast coffee and a specialty waffle.
Here’s what they have to say about their waffles:
“Our waffle batter and toppings are all prepared in-house using homemade recipes. Ingredients are freshly prepared each day. We also offer a daily selection of bakery items from Uptown Ovens. Every weekend we introduce a different specialty waffle”. Find them on Facebook, Instagram and HERE.
Craigs
Craigs (since 2010) Como Barber, previously Pete’s Como Barber since 1909. I think Oaks and Craigs are in cahoots. This is another charming, old school shop that hasn’t changed since 1950. When I stopped in every chair was filled with a man waiting for a trim. Craig says his clientele are half students and half neighborhood regulars that have been getting their hair cut here since the beginning of time. They have 5 star ratings on yelp, yellow pages and google plus! Cash only folks. No website but you can check them out HERE on youtube.com.
Obent-ya
Obento-ya is my favorite traditional sushi place in Minneapolis. Unfortunately for you the reader I stopped in during the lunch rush so they didn’t have time to chat but fortunately for me my bento lunch was fabulous! Check them out HERE.
This little nook in Como/SE/Marcy/Dinkytown offers so much diversity and its just a cool place to sit and people watch. Unless you want to feel young and thin, then stay away from neighborhoods filled with college students because I swear those kids look younger every year!!
City of Lakes Home Team 