While Lizzo might have only spent seven years in the Twin Cities, those seven years were enough to land her a spot on the list of celebrities we claim as our own (think Prince, Winona Ryder, Bob Dylan etc). Rightfully so — from her chart-topping hits to her promotion of inclusion and individuality, who wouldn’t want to be associated with such a force?
Inspired by her recent homecoming show at Xcel Energy Center and correlated social media posts at various local joints across the city, this Twin Cities weekend itinerary includes last week’s stops as well as others that also fit the vibe. So turn up the music, turn down the lights and grab your tennis racket for a weekend in Minneapolis, Lizzo style.
Friday
4 p.m. Uptown Thai
Grab a late lunch/early dinner at Thai restaurant Roat Osha, located in Seven Points. Enjoy Tom Yum Soup, Green Papaya Salad or Cream Cheese Wontons. The latter is said to have originated right here in Minnesota, a la LeeAnn Chin.
6 p.m. Bowling & brews
Make your way to Bryant Lake Bowl. This neighborhood hangout is also home to a 90-seat cabaret theater, in addition to bowling lanes and a restaurant. Sip on a local beer like Pryes’ Miraculum or Bell’s Two Hearted while you bowl.
9 p.m. Arcade endeavors
Round the corner to LynLake’s hopping arcade bar, Up Down. Get lost in a game of Ms. Pac-Man, ski ball or pinball on the first floor. Head upstairs for bar games like Dance Dance Revolution or Jenga.
12 a.m. Late-night ‘za
You’ve been busy tonight — head to Pizza Luce for a late night slice (or two). The Minneapolis-based chain has been around since the early nineties when owner Joe Baier decided to open up his own pizzeria following the closure of the restaurant he’d been working at. Since then, nine additional locations have opened around the Twin Cities and Duluth.
Saturday
10 a.m. Breakfast at a no-frills diner
Open 24 hours a day, founders Sam and Dion Turner opened The Nicollet Diner, an Eat Street staple, in 2014 and have kept the coffee (and crowds) flowing since. Before housing the restaurant, the building was home to a car dealership and dollar store, among other things. Keep it simple with the Hangover Breakfast ($17.95) or a tall stack of Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes ($11.95).
1 p.m. Tennis time
Remember Lizzo’s nod to Serena Williams at the GLAAD Awards in 2019? Reminisce while you head to the University of Minnesota’s Baseline Tennis Court for an afternoon sweat session. Wander around campus for a bit after or head home to get ready for your evening out.
6 p.m. Italian eats in the North Loop
Make your way to the North Loop for dinner at Bar La Grassa, an Italian spot featuring a delightfully broad menu by James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker. Snag a seat at the pasta bar, if you can, and watch the chefs expo the evening’s orders. Don’t skip the pillowy cauliflower and orange gnocchi or the bruschetta with soft eggs and lobster. With a decently priced wine menu, a mix of simple and elevated plates and an ambiance to match, you’ll leave dreaming of Italy.
8 p.m. Music at a Minneapolis staple
Catch a show at First Avenue, the longest-running music venue in the Twin Cities. Beyond its status as the place where “Purple Rain” was filmed, the venue has served as a starting point for a variety of Minneapolis-based musicians including Hippo Campus, The Replacements and Lizzo herself. She actually had her first solo performance here at the Entry in February 2013, as an opener for Aby Wolf.
11 p.m. Adult entertainment
End your night with a late night venture into Sex World. Nestled in the Warehouse District, the 24-hour establishment has served as a beacon for the Minneapolis kink community for nearly 30 years. While you’re there, let your hair down and take a ride, Lizzo-style.
Sunday
9 a.m. Juice that’s worth the squeeze
Wake up early and head to The Dripping Root for some juice. The spot opened in 2021, with a mission aimed at breaking down barriers between health, wellness and culture. Grab the Nipsey Drip, made with blue majik, guava, passion fruit, pineapple, apple and lemon ($12).
10 a.m. Mid-morning stroll around the lakes
Minneapolis, home to over 22 of the state’s 10,000-plus lakes, has plenty of options for exploration. Head to nearby Lake Nokomis for a wander around the water.
1 p.m. Back to Eat Street for Vietnamese
Grab lunch from Quang’s. Lung Tran, a Vietnamese immigrant, founded the restaurant in 1989 as a 4-table bakery. Tran purchased the building ten years later, and it’s remained a family business ever since — five of her children run the show today. Try the Thit Nguoi, a banh mi with red roasted pork, ham, pate and pork patty ($7), the Ribeye Pho ($17) or one of Quang’s Sunday specials.
