A Local Actor’s Guide to the Best Culinary and Cultural Gems in Minneapolis

Famous for its vibrant arts and culture, Minnesota has been the backdrop for iconic figures such as Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, the Coen Brothers, and Prince. Among the emerging talents from the rich cultural landscape of the state’s largest metropolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, is Isabella Star LaBlanc. We spoke with LeBlanc, who recently gained recognition from her role in HBO’s True Detective: Night Country, to explore how to fully engage with a community that celebrates fresh creative voices in music, theater, art, and cuisine.

Heartfelt Indie Theaters in Minneapolis

LaBlanc, a St. Paul native, began her journey in performing arts through children's theater before advancing to larger venues in Minneapolis, where she developed a deep appreciation for the local theater scene. “I believe it’s the most incredible theater city in the nation—the sheer number of theaters, their diversity, and the variety of performances are simply outstanding,” LaBlanc shares. “The audiences are so passionate and insightful, creating the ideal environment for producing exceptional art.”

She expresses her admiration for venues such as the Children’s Theatre Co., Guthrie Theater, and Theater Latté Da. For those daunted by the 500 arts and cultural venues and exhibition spaces in the area, LaBlanc suggests honing in on the unique stories being shared. “Discovering the narratives that resonate with you will enhance your experience. There’s an abundance of great content here. The smaller theaters are just as thrilling as the larger ones.”

The Jungle Theater in South Minneapolis provides a unique atmosphere for both performers and audience members, as LaBlanc discovered while acting in its 2018 production of The Wolves. “It’s an intimate setting, which makes it exhilarating for an actor to connect so closely with the audience,” she explains. “And as an audience member, it’s thrilling to be so near the performers, creating a truly personal and intimate theater experience.”

LaBlanc also highlights Mixed Blood Theatre for its remarkable productions and innovative radical hospitality model. Located in a former firehouse in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside area, this independent theater showcases works that resonate with communities often underrepresented on stage, such as Full Range, a piece based on interviews with rural Minnesotans from the Iron Range region during the 2024 season.

For cinematic experiences, LaBlanc favors Main Cinema. “It’s nestled in a charming area near St. Anthony Main, and they showcase fantastic films,” she notes. This movie theater features a riverside setting and offers a selection of indie and arthouse films.

Historic venues, music festivals, and emerging hotspots

When she’s not performing, you can often catch LaBlanc enjoying live music at Minneapolis’ other renowned venues. “I’m not a musician myself, but many of my friends are. The theater and music scenes are deeply intertwined here,” she explains.

LaBlanc's enthusiasm shines when she talks about First Avenue, a downtown concert hall famous for launching Prince’s career. Today, it showcases a variety of emerging talents alongside established artists. “I adore 7th St. Entry at First Avenue. My close friends play in a band called Kiss the Tiger, and I’ve seen them perform there as well as on the main stage at First Avenue countless times.”

During the summer, LaBlanc enjoys attending Surly Summer Concerts, an outdoor music series held in a field behind Surly Brewing Co., famous for its Surly Furious IPA. This summer, the brewery will host performances by Black Pumas, Nickel Creek, Andrew Bird, Pixies, Modest Mouse, and Cat Power. “It has a relaxed vibe, and it’s never too chaotic,” she shares. “You get the best of both worlds—it feels like a festival without the stress.”

One of LaBlanc’s recent discoveries is Berlin, a European-style cocktail bar and jazz lounge in the vibrant North Loop of Minneapolis. It’s conveniently located near her favorite staycation spot, the stylish Hewing Hotel. “I wandered in on the way to dinner at Porzana and we had some time to spare, so we checked it out. There was an incredible musician performing, and the cocktails were fantastic! I’ve only visited once, but I can’t wait to return,” she recounts.

Minneapolis’ acclaimed dining scene

In addition to dining at Porzana, a restaurant led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Daniel del Prado, LaBlanc appreciates the entire culinary scene in the city. “The quality of food here is pretty extraordinary,” she shares.

“I grew up here, and it’s always been a great place, but the number of incredible restaurants has really exploded. Even in my Northeast neighborhood, known for its fantastic dining and brewery options alongside many artist studios, we have Young Joni and Oro by Nixta,” LaBlanc explains. “Plus, Owamni, the Sioux Chef’s restaurant, is just across the river from me. It’s an outstanding place, another James Beard Award winner.”

For a reliable pre-show meal, LaBlanc enthusiastically recommends Sanjusan, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant (make sure to order the pasta!), also found in the North Loop. She also suggests trying the omakase restaurant in the same building, Kado no Mise, where she celebrated her latest birthday with sushi prepared right at her table by the chef.

LaBlanc also has some great options for pre- or post-show cocktails. “If you’re at the Jungle Theater, grab a cocktail at Nightingale. If you’re at the Guthrie, enjoy a beer at Maxwell’s. For a show at Theater Latte Da, visit Young Joni. I’m a huge fan of Young Joni overall, but the bar is exceptional,” she notes.

The same inspiration driving the food scene is what keeps LaBlanc connected to the artistic community that nurtured her. “There’s a wealth of intriguing and creative work happening all the time that makes it thrilling. It’s why I always return,” LaBlanc states. “I feel my artistic energy gets recharged when I’m here. I constantly encounter things that challenge me, transform me, and inspire me.”

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