Downtown West: The Heart of Minneapolis

You’ll never run out of things to do with family and friends in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Downtown West is full of nightlife, restaurants, shopping and successful businesses, including Foshay Tower and the headquarters of Target and Wells Fargo. Leave your work commute (and traffic) behind — Downtown West residents can walk to wherever they need to go. The Minneapolis Skyway System connects buildings with indoor walking bridges, convenient for all times of year.

Home Styles

Because there are very few traditional single-family homes in the Downtown West area, residents enjoy city life in the comfort of condos. One bedroom, one bathroom condos typically range between $200,000–$500,000. These homes are cozy, elegant and come with great amenities, such as outdoor community pools, entertainment areas with fire pits and balconies with breathtaking views of downtown.

More spacious condos are available in Downtown West for $530,000 or more. Many of these homes have two bedrooms, three baths, additional storage spaces and private garages. Some condos offer residents rooftop access for enjoying the city scenery from great heights.

Things to Do

Shopping, cheering on your favorite sports teams and appreciating art are just a few of residents’ favorite activities in Downtown West.

Nicollet (formerly known as Nicollet Mall) has long been downtown’s core shopping and entertainment district. People come to work, eat and shop year-round at the enormous center, which spans 12 blocks.

If you love theatre or want to plan a classy date night, you must attend performances at the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre, State Theatre and Pantages Theatre. The extraordinary buildings have been restored to reflect the style of their original, early-1900’s construction and updated for modern audiences.

Hear spectacular concerts by the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. The building is particularly renowned for its acoustics. From the patterned ceiling to the angle of the balconies, each feature was designed to enhance the warmth and richness of sound in the unique and beautiful space.

To simultaneously take in the arts and fresh air, walk around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The park features a range of contemporary visual, performing and media arts that can be viewed daily from 6 a.m.–midnight.

If sports are more your speed, get your team together to watch the popular Minnesota Twins at Target Field, or root for your favorite Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx basketball teams at Target Center.

Local Flavor

After you’ve worked up an appetite, make a reservation at Butcher & the Boar for locally sourced food, handmade sausages and quality meats, and an open-kitchen dining experience. Their large portions are great for sharing with family and friends. Try their specialty Knob Creek® bourbon cocktails, or choose from a variety of craft beers and wines.

Indulge in a heavenly experience in an underground restaurant known famously as Hell’s Kitchen. Enjoy made-from-scratch meals, such as Minnesota-favorite lemon-ricotta hotcakes. Chat with friends over drinks during happy hour, every day from 3–6 p.m. Surprise your taste buds with a mystery beer for $2. A bloody Mary bar, with over 247 sauces and a variety of garnishes, and a mimosa bar, with five different juices and fresh fruit, are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Prohibition Bar, located on the 27th floor of Foshay Tower, is a 1920’s-style bar with history and beautiful views overlooking Downtown West. This sophisticated speakeasy has happy hour food and drink specials Monday–Friday from 5–7 p.m., featuring $8 wines and cocktails.

At Brit’s Pub, located at Nicollet Mall, enjoy imported and locally brewed beers while watching soccer and rugby events on TV. This bar features traditional English dishes, and you can enjoy an afternoon tea special Monday–Friday including sandwiches, fruit, imported English cheeses and fresh scones.