Dinkytown, USA: A Must-See When Visiting the University of Minnesota

Dinkytown is a diverse and eclectic college neighborhood located right in the heart of the University of Minnesota's east bank campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although the University of Minnesota has a very large student body and an enormous campus that takes newcomers months to become accustomed to, its surrounding neighborhoods offer a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere.

Dinkytown has an old-school feel that is reminiscent of earlier and simpler times. Many of its restaurants and shops have been around for decades, while others are new to the area. Although the University of Minnesota has many different neighborhoods, Dinkytown is a favorite because of its urban hippie vibe and its locally owned businesses (as opposed to mostly chain restaurants in other parts of the campus.).

Dinkytown has the best variety of restaurants out of all the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota campus. Al's Breakfast is a popular favorite with the breakfast crowd and is an example of a restuarant that has been around for decades. This famous little eatery has an outdated décor and a very small interior, but visitors will soon forget about their discomfort as soon as their food arrives. Al's makes the best omelets and scrambled eggs in Minnesota, along with light fluffy pancakes and other breakfast goodies. Annie's Parlor is another popular restaurant in DInkytown that features an old-fashioned malt-shop atmosphere with tasty hamburgers, malts, and sodas. Adjacent to Annie's Parlor is the uber hip Kitty Cat Klub where guest can sip on drinks while lounging on a hodgepodge of comfy furniture, enjoy live music, and play a game or two of pinball or pool.

The performing arts is a large part of Minneapolis culture, and this is reflected in the Dinkytown neighborhood. The Varsity Theater in Dinkytown is a remodeled theater that can be used to accommodate events such as company parties, weddings, folk festivals, trade shows, and dance festivals. Visitors to Dinkytown can learn about upcoming events by checking out the Varsity Theater's website or by stopping in at the box office.

Dinkytown's variety of shops is great for someone who likes to collect old, vintage jewelry and clothing. A visit to Dinkytown wouldn't be complete without visiting the city's only belly-dancing supply shop, SaraCura. Even if you aren't a belly-dancing enthusiast, the shop's eclectic mix of henna tattoos, jewelry, and other world goods is sure to be interesting.

On cold winter days when simply walking to class means risking frostbite, locals are thankful that there is such a variety of coffee shops to choose from. Of course, Dinkytown does have a Starbucks (what neighborhood doesn't have a Starbucks these days?), but it also has many family owned coffee shops that entice passer-bys by offering organically grown coffee and fairly traded goods. These coffee shops provide a great place for students to study and an ideal spot to people watch.

If you ever get the chance to visit the University of Minnesota campus, I highly recommend a trip to the Dinkytown area. Hint: If you're concerned about the cold, I wouldn't suggest a visit in December or January.