There has been a devastating ICE surge in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota over the past few months. A surge that has disrupted the lives of thousands of community members, some sheltering inside their homes in fear for their lives. During the surge, not only have we seen disruption of life and chaos in the streets, but we have also experienced tragic loss of life of two US citizens- Renee Good, an American mom and artist, and Alex Pretti, an ICU Veteran’s Nurse.
In these challenging times, we have seen the community come together unlike any community in the United States has ever before. This blog posts highlights some of our favorite book stores, local businesses, artists, coffee shops and restaurants that have stepped up during time of dire need to sow seeds of love. This is not a complete list of all the businesses helping out- we are lucky for everyone who has helped out their neighbors. I encourage you to save this list, and support these businesses during your next visit to the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
1. Pow Wow Grounds
Pow Wow Grounds is a delicious Native-owned coffee shop in Minneapolis. They have delicious pastries, coffee and also the Frybread Factory Food Truck and catering services . If you have not tried fry bread, I highly suggest you do it ASAP-it’s amazing! The food and coffee is amazing here-but we especially love the vibe, sense of community and how welcoming everyone is. Pow Wow Grounds has been on the front lines when it comes to supporting their community. They have been taking donations for families sheltering in place, collecting supplies for families with the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, and handing out resources.
2. Moona Moono
Moona Moono is located in Uptown Minneapolis and is known for their coffee & matcha options and curated gifts. They have provided well over 25,000 meals through their food drive, and have been supporting ICE relief funds. They also started the 1,000 Crane Project tradition, and always host neat events for the community. We also tried our first Kishu Mandarin here-so delicious!
3. Silver Fern
Located on Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis is a trendy community cafe and wine bar that’s always popping known as The Silver Fern. We especially love their selection of flat breads and coffee flights. They currently launched the I Love Minneapolis coffee flight, donating $4 from each flight to MIRAC to support our immigrant families. You can also join them on Thursdays to taste any three wines for $5.
4. Caphin MPLS
Pay a visit to this trendy women & AAPI owned Vietnamese Coffee shop located on France Ave in Minneapolis. Caphin in Minneapolis has Vietnamese or Pandan coffee options along with unique matcha blends and pastries. They have participated in Emergency Food Drives for the community, and were a drop off site for people making donations as the ICE surge still continues.
5. Glam Doll Donuts
We have been going to Glam Doll Donuts since I can remember-and it’s never disappointed. We love their French Kiss and Cookie Dough donuts, but they have a unique variety available along with coffee. Their vintage theme includes a cute photo booth for customers to use, and plenty of dining space.
Glam Doll Donuts is located across from the memorial for Alex Pretti, who was murdered by ICE agents. Glam Doll Donuts has been a haven for protesters, mourners and has given back in full support of their community. They also have posters of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in their shop.
6. Frgmnt Coffee
We love all Frgmnt Coffee spaces, but it’s hard to beat the views at St. Anthony Main cafe for Frgmnt Coffee. Sitting on the site of former furniture shop from 1917, this cafe has the history with the modern aesthetics. We loved the fire place, the space and all the indoor seating. Frgmnt coffee has donated to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, and has been a safe and welcoming place for all.
7. Hola Arepa
Hola Arepa is one of our favorite go to places to eat. We love the Latin street food options, as well as their tropical craft cocktails. They also have amazing pop up bars during the holidays, and special menus for events. This place is such a vibe. They have also given back to their community in every way possible such as through The Salt Cure Fund, No ICE Margaritas and mutual aid funds.
8. The Copper Hen
If you love places that make everything from scratch with local ingredients, The Copper Hen is for you. Located on Eat Street and down the road from Glam Doll Donuts, this brunch and dinner spot is unlike any other. We especially love their desserts and french toast options. They take reservations. The Copper Hen has been supportive of the ICE Out movement, and had a nurse outfit with a note for Alex outside their restaurant after his death.
9. The Hai Hai
If you love Hola Arepa, you will love this southeast Asian inspired restaurant located in NE Minneapolis. Enjoy unique street food dishes, and cocktails that you will not find anywhere else, as well as cuisine made by the Midwest 2024 Chef Award winner Christina Nguyen. Hai Hai has contributed so much to the community through their work with The Salt Cure Fund, No ICE Margaritas and mutual aid funds.
10. Nicos Taco Bar
We first tried Nico’s Taco Bar during their Christmas holiday pop up, and we fell in love. They have a salsa flight which is a must try, along with the best fish tacos I have ever had. They have supported the Butterfly Project to stand in solidarity with our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Make sure to check them out anytime of the year-but especially during holidays for an immersive dining experience!
11. Hope Breakfast Bar
Image credit to Hope Breakfast Bar Facebook.
If you are looking for breakfast with a twist, consider checking out any of the eight locations for the HOPE Breakfast Bar (located in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Eagan, Edina, Woodbury, North Loop, Blaine and Chanhassen). My personal favorite is the Pina Colada French Toast. We are thankful for all the work from Chef Brian Ingram and his dedicated volunteers as they have served BBQ meals to the community in a time of fear and darkness. Make sure to support this incredible and tasty business.
12. Comma Bookshop
Located in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis is an independent bookstore like no other. Comma Bookshop carries fiction, nonfiction, young adult books and many books from Minnesota authors. However, my favorite thing about them is their goal to build community connections through dozens of events they host. Comma Bookshop has also been vital in mutual aid funds, silent auctions, resources and more when it comes to supporting our community during the ICE surge.
13. Moon Palace Books
Moon Palace Books is an independent book store that has a wonderful selection of literature for all ages, along with a gift shop for everyone. They also hosts several events with stunning writers, such as their Better Things event. They also have stood in solidarity with the community against ICE, as they have hosted a supply drive, supplied resources to the community and mutual aid funds. I also picked up some beautiful posters from Moon Palace of Renee Good. Masks are required to enter the store.
14. Dream Haven Books
If you enjoy fantasy, horror, fiction and science, consider exploring DreamHaven Books & Comics. This long standing, independent book shop has over 100,000 unique selections of books, comics and graphic novels you won’t find anywhere else. Owner Greg Ketter has emerged as a symbol of the resistance against ICE after protesting to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.
15. Queenie and Pearl
Explore this women-owned boutique known as Queen and Pearl, located on Xerxes Avenue. This collection of vintage, modern and one of a kind inventory is ever changing. We can visit every month and find an entirely new selection of clothes, accessories and shoes to explore. This entire shop is a bohemian vibe. They have partnered with Twin Cities Food Justice to fill the Queenie and Pearl Roadshow van up with donations for families in need.
16. Jenny in the City
Jenny in the City is an independent boutique that focuses on supporting women and the community. They are located in St. Paul, and are known for their Be a Kind Human and Town Pride collections. Also-all of my favorite pairs of jeans are from Jenny in the City! They have stood in solidarity with their community during the ICE surge, as well as participated in food & supply drives.
17. Mischief Toys
Mischief Toys is located on Grand Ave in St. Paul, MN. They are a toy store for all ages, with a rebellious twist. We have found some of our favorite games and fidgets here! You never know what you will find next-even though my kids always seem to find something! They have a large supply of ICE OUT themed signs, and have been supportive with mutual aid funding.
18. Smitten Kitten
Smitten Kitten is an adult toy shop that has something for everyone-whether it’s safe toys for in the sheets, or liberation in the streets. They have participated in fundraising events, collected donations for families in need through multiple mutual aid funds, and have been a presence and a voice for their community.
19. Art Price Studios
Art Price Studio teaches, prints, paints and makes resources available to the community. Currently, the studio is open on every Friday and Saturday (10a-6pm) and SUnday2-7 pm until ICE is completely out of Minnesota. Bring a cotton garment and choose an anti-ICE design to speak out against ICE, and show your support for our immigrant neighbors. Art Price has been doing this free of charge.
20. Tangle Town Gardens
Tangletown Gardens is a world of inspiration. This garden center and gift shop strives to create sustainable living through garden art. You can hire a designer to create your own dream garden, or visit the shop to see what unique plants they have for spring! During the weekend, they have been donating 20% of sales to the Advocates for Human Rights.
21. Wrecktangle Pizza
Choose between six locations for Wrecktangle Pizza (Lynlake, Malcolm Yards, Graze North Loop, Wild State Cider, Falling Knife Brewery and Xcel Energy Center) to experience some of the best pizza! We love to visit the Graze North Loop location, and eat our pizza on the patio during nice weather. Also, I can’t even begin to emphasize how much owners Gab and Brianna have done for the community. They have been organizing donation drives, food drives and mutual aid funds with other organizations helping families through the ICE crisis. Keep supporting them!
22. Wildflyer Coffee
Check out Wildflyer Coffee at their Minneapolis (Minehaha Ave) or in St. Paul (7th Street West) locations. They are open daily from 7am to 5 pm. This artsy coffee shop is one of my go to work places when I am reading, researching travel plans or creating a blog post. Besides the amazing seasonal coffee drinks, they are a welcoming, safe space for all. They have done a lot of work for addressing Youth Homelessness, holding gift card drives for families impacted by ICE, giving away ICE out signs and holding fundraisers.
Did we miss anyone? Leave in the comments or message me a local business you love that has been doing their part during these difficult times. We take care of us. ICE out of Minnesota, and our country.
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