DINKYTOWN, USA

Photograph by Jessica Wicks

Just north of the University of Minnesota lies a little neighborhood city called Dinkytown, USA. Possible sources of inspiration for the name "Dinkytown include the rail yard switch tenders and the local streetcars which were commonly referred to as "dinkys". Other theories include references to the smallness of the town itself and some of the venues within the town.

The neighborhood is now like a little industrialized city with low rise apartment buildings, shops, and restaurants that serve as a student refuge.

Photograph by P. Reignman

Cheap eats are easy to find in Dinkytown. The breakfast crowd starts early by standing in line at a matchbox size diner called Al's Breakfast. This 14 stool, counter-only diner is said to be the narrowest restaurant in the city of Minneapolis (keeping with the theme of "dinky"). A handful of other restaurants like Fowl Play, Dinkydale Deli, and Taste of New York all serve up reasonable sandwich fare, fries with skin on, or a Twin Cities favorite - tater tots.
Photograph by Dan Clements

Kaiser-Cartel Photograph by Alexa Jones at flickr.com

Karaoke singers, salsa dancers, and indie bands like We Are The Scientists, Coin Laundry Loser, People Under The Stairs and Kaiser-Cartel all rule the night in Dinkytown. It is a fun little place that served as a great distraction during a recent dinner talk event I did in the area.

Check out Dinkytown if you happen to be in Minneapolis. You can also visit the official Dinkytown website here.

Photograph by wilhelmina_wonka (Shannon) at flickr.com