Believe it or not, Southeast Como is home to more than just basement parties and Row House concerts (R.I.P.).
The Minneapolis neighborhood just outside of Dinkytown has more of a laid back feel with one of a kind vintage and streetwear shops to casual restaurants you can explore when you’re craving that residential feel on campus.
Caffeinate
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar: You may be familiar with Black Coffee and Waffle bar because of their infamous big-as-your-head sweet and savory waffles, but their coffee menu is just as expansive and tasty as their waffle menu. They source their coffee beans from Vitality Roasting, who are known to roast only five pounds at a time. They also make their own flavoring syrups in house. During the day, the natural light shines through the big front window, giving the space a warm and bright ambience for the perfect breakfast and coffee spot with friends. At night, the string lights turn on and it moonlights as a chilled hangout or study space.
Shop
Piff: If you’re a self-proclaimed hype beast or simply enjoy looking at cool shoes and clothes, make sure to drop in to Piff. Piff is a streetwear store that sells everything from Yeezy slides to Supreme skateboard decks. If you’re also looking to get those old Jordan 1’s off your hands, Piff is open to buying, selling, and trading.
Water Wave TV: Across the street from Piff, Water Wave TV is also another place to buy and sell shoes. Water Wave TV has a bigger vintage tee and Minnesota based-brand inventory. If you’re feeling daring, go to their website to purchase a Mystery Box. These Mystery Boxes range in prices from $150-$500, where you can choose to purchase a box containing shoes or clothes.
Eat
Ramen Kazama: With a menu that expands beyond ramen to desserts like matcha mille crepe slices, this cozy spot is a great place to rejuvenate after a long day. If you make your way here around the evening, they also serve beer and wine.
Relax
Van Cleve Park: Van Cleve Park has a lot of different spaces to offer for whatever type of park outing you’re looking for. If you’re feeling up for some movement, grab some friends and play kickball at the baseball diamonds, or a game of pick up soccer in the open grass field. You could also find a shady spot under a tree and read a good book, or invite some friends to join you for a picnic. Van Cleve is the perfect place to take a breather and reconnect with a bit of nature when the college campus can start to feel like a concrete jungle.
Drink
Blue Door Pub: If you are over 21 and want to enjoy a warm summer night with food and friends, head to Blue Door Pub’s outdoor patio. Honorable mentions for drinks are the Fulton Blood Orange Seltzer and the War Pigs Foggy Geezer — and all drinks are between 2 dollars and up to 8 dollars for a bottle of wine. They also offer a happy hour for the first and last hour of every day they are open. Make sure to save some room for food as Blue Door Pub is home to the “Blucy,” which is their own version of a Juicy Lucy.
