[guido]

I'm starting to get excited for the conference in MSP. Can any locals recommend some craft beer hot spots?

[metron-brewer]

There are a lot of options. I'll throw out a few to get the ball rolling.
Surly, Summit, Town Hall, Republic. If your out and about, my local brewery is Big Wood in White Bear Lake. And for the best pizza in the cities, Pezzo, also in White Bear.

[guido]

The Happy Gnome looks like it has potential.

[mypenguin]

The Happy Gnome looks like it has potential.

Happy Gnome is good.  Try working your way up to NE Minneapolis.  Dangerous Man, Indeed, 612 Brew, Bauhaus, Sociable Ciderworks, and a new one I haven't been to Able Seedhouse.   That's 7 breweries within about 5 miles. Then go get a 2lb gyros from Holy Land Deli on Central. 


Want food?  Go to Matt's which isn't overly far from the Convention Center, or even The Nook.  Both are known for their Juicy Lucy burgers.  Obama ate at Matt's. Both dive bars.  Stub and Herbs on the U of M campus has a pretty good tap list and also good burgers.  If you want some awesome/authentic Korean food, there is a place next door called the Korea Cafe. 
Not overly far from the convention center is Hell's Kitchen.  Awesome breakfast place as well as a good happy hour menu.  I have a feeling Key's Cafe will also be a popular breakfast destination.  Minneapolis is really a foodie town, lots of places.  Butcher & The Boar (also awesome beers), Bachelor Farmer, Haute Dish.  I'm pretty damn excited as you can tell and happy to share any knowledge.

[ncbrewer]

Any locals recommend Psycho Suzi's? I saw it once on D,D&D and the food looked interesting, beer selection weak but acceptable.

[scook13339]

The Happy Gnome looks like it has potential.

Happy Gnome is good.  Try working your way up to NE Minneapolis.  Dangerous Man, Indeed, 612 Brew, Bauhaus, Sociable Ciderworks, and a new one I haven't been to Able Seedhouse.   That's 7 breweries within about 5 miles. Then go get a 2lb gyros from Holy Land Deli on Central. 

Let me second the northeast (or as we say "Nordeast") brewing district. All the places listed are terrific. Across the street from Holyland is Fair State Brewery Co-op which does really interesting sours and funky.

Best of all it is an easy get to on the bus and once there it is an easy and attractive place to walk

[sfletty]

Check out the top 10 from the local committee:

Top Ten places in MSP - https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1pP-NbvhYfPcF3RJVL3c2_7J8EOY&usp=sharing

[sfletty]

So many other places that didn't make the Top 10 cut...all places downtown or close-ish to downtown...easy by light rail or Uber. Places I'd take someone, that I go myself as a local.

Off the top of my head...

Butcher and the Boar
Alma
The Nook
Punch Pizza
Bang Brewing
The Tea House (Chinese food)
Little Szechuan
Tori Ramen
Unideli (for the Ramen)
Hong Kong Noodles
Bona (for the pho)
Hi Lo Diner
Broders Pasta Bar
Utepils Brewery


Will post more later....

[scook13339]

Many great suggestions. Let me add a favorite.

Sea Salt is a seasonal seafood restaurant in Minnehaha Park. Always a line, outdoor seating, often live music. Good to very good  selection of local craft beer.

Take the Blue Line toward mall of America, get off at Minnehaha Park station cross the road turn left over the falls and you're there