Living at Waterbury House means more than lakeside views and thoughtfully designed residences — it also places you at the heart of one of Minneapolis’ most dynamic dining neighborhoods. From independent coffee shops and cafés serving great coffee to destination restaurants, Uptown and the Bde Maka Ska area are packed with local favorites. Here’s a curated guide to some of the best cafés and restaurants near Waterbury House, all within walking distance or a short drive from your front door. Before we highlight the neighborhood’s cafés and dining destinations, it’s worth noting that Waterbury House itself offers a unique dining amenity right at home.
Dining at Home: Waterbury Restaurant
For days when you’d rather stay in, the Waterbury Restaurant makes it easy to enjoy a great meal without leaving the building. With a morning café, crafted evening cocktails, and chef-led menus, it serves as both a neighborhood hub and a rare amenity for residents.
Morning Starts: Coffee & Local Cafés
Isles Bun & Coffee (1424 W. 28th St.)
A longtime Uptown favorite, Isles Bun & Coffee is as much about the warm, neighborhood atmosphere as it is about the giant, gooey caramel rolls. Pair one with a drip coffee or freshly brewed coffee before heading out for a walk around Bde Maka Ska
Spyhouse is a Minneapolis staple known for its high quality coffee beans, independent coffee culture, and creative energy. With big tables and a cozy vibe, it’s the perfect spot to settle in for a few hours with your laptop, a good book, or a conversation with a neighbor.
Set inside a Victorian-style home on Hennepin Avenue, Uncommon Grounds offers an eclectic atmosphere and a rotating selection of locally roasted coffee beans, making it a true independent coffee house in Uptown. With character and charm, it’s the kind of place that delivers a café experience unlike anywhere else.
Lunch Spots Near the Lake
For fresh salads and bowls, Crisp & Green makes healthy eating easy. It’s a perfect grab-and-go option before spending an afternoon outdoors, just steps away from the walking paths and bike trails of Bde Maka Ska.
This chef-driven neighborhood restaurant serves elevated American dishes with global inspiration. Their casual lunch menu offers everything from standout sandwiches to creative small plates, ideal for a midday meal with friends.
Bright flavors, bold combinations, and a lively atmosphere make Lago Tacos a go-to for quick bites. The menu spans everything from classic carne asada to unique vegetarian options, all paired with a margarita if the mood strikes.
Dinner Destinations for Every Occasion
Just a short drive from Waterbury House, Martina is one of Minneapolis’ most acclaimed restaurants. With Argentine-inspired cuisine and wood-fired dishes, it’s an ideal choice for a night out or a special celebration.
Located on Lyndale Avenue, Khâluna brings Southeast Asian flavors to Minneapolis with a focus on Lao-inspired dishes and a vibrant, modern setting. Known for its bold flavors, artful presentation, and cocktails crafted with the same care as the menu, it’s become a destination restaurant in the city. Khâluna is perfect for nights when you want to try something adventurous, enjoy a thoughtfully curated dining experience, and stay close to home.
A neighborhood mainstay, Barbette has long been celebrated for its French-inspired menu and warm, art-filled space. Seasonal ingredients, creative cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere make it a favorite for both casual dinners and date nights.
Sweet Treats & Late-Night Stops
Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Café
Family-owned and deeply local, Sebastian Joe’s serves handcrafted ice cream in inventive flavors. The Nicollet Avenue location is a quick trip from Waterbury House and perfect for an after-dinner stop.
World Street Kitchen & Milkjam Creamery
World Street Kitchen offers a global menu that spans everything from Korean BBQ burritos to Mediterranean rice bowls. Next door, Milkjam Creamery makes inventive ice cream flavors that have developed a cult following in Minneapolis. Together, they’re an unbeatable duo for late-night dining and dessert.
Why Minneapolis Dining Stands Out
What makes dining near Waterbury House unique is the balance of lake living and urban variety. Start the day with a cinnamon bun at Isles Bun & Coffee, walk around Bde Maka Ska, and end the night with dinner at Barbette or Martina. The combination of natural beauty and neighborhood flavor is what makes Uptown one of the Twin Cities’ most sought-after areas.
Discover It for Yourself
Living at Waterbury House means being surrounded by some of the best cafés and restaurants in Minneapolis, all just minutes away. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, Uptown offers something for every occasion — and Waterbury House gives you the perfect home base.
Ready to see more of what Waterbury House offers? Explore our residences here and take a virtual tour today.
