Welcome to the Lyndale neighborhood. We asked our readers what they would recommend for a day, afternoon, or night out in the area. Enjoy this guide of things to eat and drink, places to shop, and places to explore – curated by our readers.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE DO WITH A FREE DAY IN AND AROUND LYNDALE?

On a nice day, I'd say walk down to Lake Street, have dinner at Hola Arepa or Pat's Tap on the patio.

Enjoy ice cream at Sonny’s and eat it in Painter Park, check out the B-Squad vintage store, and eat at Hola Arepa for the yucca fries and cocktails

Hang out in Painter Park. You can bring your dog, shoot some hoops, and have a picnic. There is a great playground for kids of all ages, too.

WHAT ARE THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS, BARS, AND RESTAURANTS IN AND AROUND LYNDALE?

Ramen Kazama - The best ramen in town. On the southern edge of Eat Street.

Hola Arepa - A neighborhood favorite. The arepas and yuca fries are must-tries.

Los Andres Latin Bistro - Serving Ecuadorian food and open late. Highly recommended by local restaurant publication Heavy Table.

Pat’s Tap - A tavern with skee-ball, brunch, and Packers games.

Iron Door Pub - Classic sports bar with excellent wings, other bar food, and a great atmosphere for watching games, drinking a beer, or something in-between.

Cheng’s Garden - The take-out Chinese place that people have been going to for years. Now you are in on the secret.

WHAT ARE THE BEST STORES TO SHOP AT IN AND AROUND the LYNdale neighborhood?

Present Moment Herbs & Books is a unique store in Lyndale selling herbs in bulk and in supplement-ready bottles. Photo courtesy of Samuel Wagner.

My favorite dry cleaner is Colonial Cleaners at 3701 Lyndale Ave S.

Present Moment Herbs & Books - A Black-owned bulk herb and homeopathic remedy shop. As you get your herbs weighed out for you, browse their books and gifts section. A hidden gem in Lyndale.

36 LYN Refuel Station - A community-favorite gas station, not just due to their low gas prices. The store inside the station offers a wide selection of grab n’ go foods, including organic and local products.

There is a fun little strip of stores at 35th and Nicollet with B Squad Vintage and the new Marigold non-alcoholic beverage shop.

Extreme Noise Records - a unique record shop that started as a volunteer-run co-op. Ask them about their recent talk at the Walker Art Center.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FREE THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LYNDALE?

Check out the side of the Lyndale Community School's building for a beautiful mural. 312 W. 34th St.

Walk around Pleasant Avenue, 33rd Street, Garfield Avenue, Harriet Avenue, and Pillsbury Avenue.

Check out the great front gardens on Garfield between 35th and 36th Streets, cut behind Lyndale Community School to see the mural, and play tennis or frisbee at Painter Park.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS IN AND AROUND LYNDALE?

The Lyndale neighborhood garage sale. A bunch of people have garage sales all on the same day.  

The Lyndale Neighborhood Organization events because they are a great time to connect with neighbors.

Lyndale Avenue Open Streets - Lyndale Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic and is filled with live music, vendors, and people walking and biking down the street.

WHO ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT KEEP the lyndale neighborhood GOING?

Charlie talking with on the Lyndale Walkers co-founders, Michael, at a Lyndale Neighbor Association gathering in 2022.

The Lyndale Walkers, who has been meeting and walking together for 30 years.

Doug Herkenhoff, the Lyndale Neighborhood Association president.