The trend for warehouse condo conversions began in the North Loop with The Itasca in the 1980s. Now it is the spot for the newest and trendiest restaurants and bars. When condo development exploded in this neighborhood in the early 2000s there weren't many services nearby. That is rapidly changing while still maintaining its gritty and independent energy.
One of the new restaurants in 2013 is Smack Shack, the new year-round home for casual fresh lobster that started with a food truck that attracted long lines. I drive through the North Loop regularly, and noticed all the activity on their corner after they opened this winter.
We decided to check it out for brunch on a Sunday not long ago. It turned out to be a good time to go... not crowded or fancy, just delicious fresh lobster in an atmosphere that reminded me of the East Coast. It made me think of smacking lobster from a walk-up lobster shack in Nova Scotia while sitting at an outdoor picnic table and watching the highest tides in the world roll in.
The Smack Shack food truck became famous for its lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese, which are still on their menu, but there are also many more offerings. You are greeted by their big lobster pot as you enter... no question that the Smack Shack is all about fresh lobster!
In addition to restaurants and bars, the North Loop has become a hotbed for men's boutique stores and shops that embrace the area's Scandinavian roots. It is also the site of the new Interchange project near the Twins Stadium, which will be a transportation hub connecting all modes of public transportation including light rail and commuter rail... as well as an adjacent multi-million dollar year-round entertainment plaza.
Forbes included the Minneapolis North Loop on their list of America's Best Hipster Neighborhoods.
Also known as the Warehouse District, this centrally located hood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its large warehouses have been converted to apartments, boutiques and restaurants in recent years. Bike trails, a park and an arts collective Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art also boost the hipness quotient.
This area has fascinated me for years... I am excited to see the infrastructure developing to make this an even more awesome place to live.
Check out North Loop homes for sale and homes for sale in the Minneapolis Warehouse District if you would like to think about living in this trendy area close to Downtown, light rail and Target Field that attracts both young professionals and empty nesters.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email- Minneapolis North Loop Realtor
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