North Loop Wins Big in Mpls-St. Paul Magazine 2026 Readers Poll
The May issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine started arriving in mailboxes this week, with the cover story announcing readers’ “Best of the Twin Cities” choices in dozens of categories. More than thirty North Loop businesses won or placed in the magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Poll. Individual winners spanned several categories, including dining, cocktails, shopping, lodging, entertainment, health, fitness and beauty. The neighborhood won Silver in the “Best Shopping District” category, improving from last year’s Bronze finish. According to the magazine, more than 118,000 votes were cast.
“North Loop’s designation as a top shopping destination reflects the incredible diversity of our retail landscape, from home goods and clothing to accessories, art, gifts and specialty boutiques,” said Kyle Ingebrigtson, chair of the North Loop Neighborhood Association’s Business Engagement Committee.
North Loop retailers won Silver in Mpls-St. Paul Magazine’s Best Shopping District category.
Bringing Home the Gold
Sixteen North Loop businesses were voted Gold winners in 25 categories, with several businesses winning Gold in more than one category. The top winner was Hewing Hotel, taking Gold in four categories: Best Boutique Hotel, Best Staycation Hotel, Best Hotel Bar and Best Girls’ Night Out. Barcelona Wine Bar took Silver for Best Girls’ Night Out, along with Silver for Best Wine Bar.
Red Cow won Gold in three categories: Best Budget Eats, Best French Fries and Best Happy Hour. Red Rabbit took the gold for Best Espresso Martini; Hewing Hotel won Silver for its espresso martini offering.
Bar La Grassa also earned Gold in three categories: Best Italian, Best Date Night Dining and Top Restaurant in Minneapolis. Spoon and Stable was also named a Top Restaurant in Minneapolis.
Parlour was voted Gold for Best Burger and Best Old Fashioned; its French fries won Silver, just behind Red Rabbit.
Billy Sushi took Gold for Best Japanese/Sushi, and Porzana won Gold for Best Steak, along with a Bronze award for Best Zero-Proof-Friendly Bar. Cuzzy’s was voted Gold for Best Dive Bar.
In the Beauty category, Sloane’s Beauty Bar North Loop stylist Dana Lang was voted Gold in the Best Hairstylist category, and Sloane’s also won Gold for Best Wedding and Events Hairstylist. Hjem Aesthetics earned Bronze for Best Cosmetic Dermatology.
Nothing Bundt Cakes took Gold for Best Wedding and Event Dessert. The Grind was voted Gold for Best Fitness Studio.
Jaxen Grey was voted Gold for Best Men’s Fashion Boutique, Mitrebox earned Gold for Best Frame Shop and sweetleaves won Gold for Best Cannabis Store.
MartinPatrick3, recently named “Retailer of the Year-Specialty Store” by industry leader MR Magazine, was voted Silver just behind Jaxen Grey for Best Men’s Fashion Boutique, as well as earning Silver honors for Best Weddings and Events Menswear and Best Luxury Home Goods Store.
Look for the Winning Logo
Winning businesses can display the magazine’s official Readers’ Poll logo, so visitors know they’re walking into a business that’s already earned high praise from customers. In addition, the NLNA will use the medallion in its own marketing efforts to boost the neighborhood beyond our boundaries to continue to attract visitors.
Winners can display this logo and use it in marketing.
“These honors across so many categories — dining, cocktails, entertainment, fitness, health and beauty — demonstrates North Loop has evolved into one of Minneapolis’s most complete urban neighborhoods,” said Ingebrigtson, who is a small business owner himself, with North Loop photo studio Profeshie. “The NLNA extends its congratulations to all our North Loop business neighbors who continue to elevate this community!”
Subscribers to Mpls.St.Paul Magazine have already started receiving their copies of the May issue. A full list of North Loop winners can be found in a full-page ad within the issue, which will arrive on newsstands in early May.
— By Mary Binkley, NLNA President