Old School
BEST MEN’
S STORE: Heimie's Haberdashery
The ultimate in classic menswear and tailored finery, Heimie’s hasn’t been around long enough to qualify as a historical landmark, but go inside and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an era when men always wore suits and tipped their hats. 400 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-2354,
heimies.com
New School
BEST MEN’S STORE: martinpatrick3
Updating the modern man in the latest looks and coolest brands, the meticulously designed North Loop shop expanded its space and its fashion lines in a major way this year. Now there’s even more to love. 212 3rd Ave. N., Ste. 106, Mpls., 612-746-5329,
martinpatrick3.com
Old School
BEST ACTIVE FAMILY FUN: Roller Garden
It’s just as fun to skate to “Thriller” today as it was in 1982, and a cushioned floor means only egos are bruised if—make that when—you fall. 5622 W. Lake St., St. Louis Park, 952-929-5518,
rollergarden.com
New School
BEST ACTIVE FAMILY FUN: Zero Gravity Trampoline Park
Burn 1,000 calories while throwing balls at kids in a way that is socially acceptable, even encouraged. 2292 Woodale Dr., Mounds View, 763-231-3033,
zerogravitymn.com
Old School
BEST MN SOUP: Byerly's Chicken Wild Rice
When people talk about wild rice being an iconic Minnesota food, they’re thinking about this creamy, comforting version of it. Multiple locations,
lundsandbyerlys.com
New School
BEST MN SOUP: Tanpopo Ramen
The soup of the moment is none other than ramen with chewy-dense noodles, richly flavored broth, greens of consequence, and perhaps even an egg. 308 Prince St., Ste. 140, St. Paul,
tanpoporestaurant.com
Old School
BEST BLT: Peter's Grill
When you have a simple and overpowering need for bread, meat, and veg, Peter’s BLT is there, elemental and expected, waiting for you. 114 S. 8th St., Mpls., 612-333-1981,
petersgrill.com
New School
BEST BLT: Icehouse
You might think some things shouldn’t be messed with. Then you bite into the lush pork belly. 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-276-6523,
icehousempls.com
Old School
BEST BEER: Grain Belt
Premium is a day up at the lake, out on the pontoon playing cribbage before your uncle bellows that he’s cleaned and fried all the sunfish.
New School
BEST BEER: Indeed
The bourgeoning taproom scene is thrilling and exciting for beer drinkers, but Indeed Brewing seems to grasp that it should be welcoming and homey, too.
Old School
BEST HIP HANGOUT: Nye's Polonaise Room
With sparkly gold booths, a piano bar, jaded waitresses, a polka lounge with a ridiculously tiny stage, light fixtures that look like something out of Land of the Lost, and a crowd that runs the gamut from Nordeast old-timers to college kids, Nye’s hasn’t changed since 1950. And we like it that way. 112 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-379-2021,
nyespolonaise.com
New School
BEST HIP HANGOUT: Icehouse
Here’s how you know you’re in the right place: The walls are fragrant cedar, the drinks have clever names such as Wearing Makeup, Playing Guitar, the chicken wings are to-die-for, the servers are mustachioed, and if you hang out long enough you can see a band. Yep, you’re definitely in the right place. 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls., 612-276-6523,
icehousempls.com