If there’s an award for “most underrated city in Minnesota,” Hopkins should most definitely be in the conversation. It really is one of the up-and-coming cities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. They have a cute and historic downtown with so many places that should get more credit! The small businesses are unique and fun and most certainly worth supporting—especially during this pandemic when they are forced to be even more creative. Don’t sleep on Hopkins, Minnesota anymore!
7 Best Places to Go in Hopkins MN
1. Cream and Amber
Cream & Amber is a unique bookstore ran by a couple of young, down-to-earth women who have made browsing for books even more fun. This is hands down my favorite bookstore in the Twin Cities. Not because it has my name in it, but because beer and books collide and you can browse for new (and used!) books with a beer in hand. There’s a bar, a back room with comfy couches, and even an outdoor space to take advantage of in the warmer months—all when we’re not in a pandemic, of course.
How You Can Support: If you’d like to go in, they are still open with restrictions on the number of people inside, plus of course a mask requirement. If you’d rather, order your books, holiday gifts, and gift cards online. Items can be shipped straight to your door or picked up curbside. Don’t forget to throw in a panini if you go pick up your order!
2. The Vine Room
If you haven’t heard of The Vine Room yet, you are missing out. They serve/sell quality wines from sustainable farms, cheese & charcuterie boards, and the best vibe in their beautifully decorated space. Their owners and employees are sooo friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful when it comes to the wines and there is a ton of variety. I’m a red blend fan and love the La Cuadrilla—which I had as part of the red wine flight and purchased next door at The Vine Shop.
How You Can Support: Have the perfect date night at home and order wine and charcuterie boards online during curbside pick-up hours. They also have a gift guide full of their swag, bottles of wine, and holiday packs. Plus, they will be doing virtual wine tastings for the perfect party at home!
This small business is one that gives back to the community a ton, making them an even better place to support right now.
3. LTD Brewing Company
This is a really cool space to check out when these rules are lifted. It’s spacious with big-screen TVs, board games and has an industrial vibe going on. If you’re a brewery hopper and love checking different ones off your list, don’t miss LTD Brewing! They have a great rotating selection no matter which type of beer you prefer–I swayed from my typical light beer and had to try the Peanut Butter Cup because if it’s named after your favorite candy, you drink it. And it was delicious. But don’t worry, if that’s not your style, there are also plenty of IPA’s, lagers, and sours to choose from.
How You Can Support: You can order both growlers and crowlers and pick-up in a no-contact zone. Perfect for your next Zoom happy hour!
4. Pub 819
Cool bar. 90+ whiskeys. Crafted cocktails. 32 craft beer taps. And a modern, rustic-chic indoor atmosphere. Pub 819 is best known for great pub burgers and I was a fan of the Volcano Style Ahi Poke Bowl and the Southwest Chicken Quinoa Salad. Prices are a bit high but you get what you pay for here in both food-quality and portion size.
How You Can Support: Order your meal online and it can be picked up near the front door on Mainstreet. They also do delivery.
5. Mainstreet Bar and Grill
If you want a cheaper option from a no-frills bar with good food, give Mainstreet Bar a try. When things are “normal,” the bar is usually full of Hopkins locals grabbing post-work drinks and watching the game. Though it’s all quality bar food, don’t skip out on the Steak Bites from the appetizer menu. YUM. We have decided to come here because of these alone!
How You Can Support: Order for take-out. Reminder: Steak Bites. 🙂
6. Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe
Sweet tooth? Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, right on the corner of Mainstreet and 7th in Hopkins Minnesota, bakes some delicious desserts! In addition to cupcakes of all flavors, they make custom cakes and macaroons–all of course made from scratch. And you can’t grab a dessert without a coffee–they serve City Girl Coffee Co. Another girl boss business!
How You Can Support: Order cakes, cupcakes, coffee, and baking necessities online and they will have it ready for you at curbside pick-up.
7. Cam Rahn Bay
Hungry after too many last night? This Vietnamese Kitchen is one of the best. The Cam Rahn Bay menu has a ton of great appetizers, soups, stir fry’s, and noodle bowls. I loved everything I tried from here including the Spring Rolls, Pho Thai Chin Soup, and Cashew Chicken. The servings are huge so be prepared to get a couple of meals out of this order!
How You Can Support: Cam Rahn Bay is take-out only and very safe.
Support Hopkins Minnesota
I’m telling you, Hopkins is full of creative minds who have started small businesses and come together to bring us a cute, underrated town. Let’s not let it lose its charm!
& Stay Positive
Things may be weird but we’re all going to get through it. We’ve done it before and we can do it again! Plus, in addition to supporting small businesses, we can still get outside and enjoy MANY things winter has to offer.
Don’t miss the #BestWinterEver Checklist
You can have your best winter yet, pandemic or not! Go take a look at the checklist and get to planning!
Great job! I love your blogs!! they are so well written and informative!! Please keep doing them! You have a real talent!! God Bless -Chibby
You forgot Samba. Best steak, sangria and seafood. Everything is amazing there and they have been Hopkins staple for years!
I’ll have to check it out! Thanks!