All Aboard: The Green Line Is Not Just For Commuters

St. Paul and Minneapolis have always been attached at the hip, and the new light rail line between the two downtowns makes it even more official. The Metro Transit Green Line  has been all the buzz among 9-to-5ers. But guys, the Green Line is not just for commuters.

To prove it, we rode the path its entirety from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul and spent a whopping six hours exploring on this light rail crawl. While we weren't able to see it all in one day, we found many hidden gem shops, hole-in-the-wall bars and Asian supermarkets serving up wax gourd-flavored beverages that we think you'll like. (Okay, you'll like everything minus the wax gourd. We weren't too keen on that flavor.)

Whether you're visiting the Twin Cities for just a couple of days or you're a longtime local and just don't feel like driving this weekend, grab a Go-To Card and get a Green Line outing on the books. Oh, and do let us know what else you find along the way!

First Stop:  Raymond Ave

Alright, we skipped a few stops right outta the gate (sorry, Minneapolis), but we cannot lie, Raymond Ave is one of our favorites on University Avenue. If you're in to Art Deco, intimate atmospheres and Italian food — and we'll stop you right there, because if you're not, what ARE you into? — Caffe Biaggio will be up your alley. Another fun fact? It's housed in the old lunchroom of Speciality Manufacturing Co. from the 1930s. (We bet the food is better now.) Across the street you'll find MidModMen + friends, a store that feels like walking onto a Mad Men set. They specialize in restoring Mid-Century modern furniture, so every piece is 100% unique

For the music aficionados, this stop has two great record stores within walking distance, Agharta Records and Barely Brothers Records. While Agartha may look like a small shop, it specializes in heavily curated finds, so you're destined to find something cool. Barely Brothers has new and used vinyl, in addition to a large selection of 45s and 7" singles. If you are into world music or mid-century jazz, this is the spot.

Really, you could spend an entire lovely afternoon on this part of Raymond. Start with traditional diner-style brunch at the original Keys Café & Bakery. Hunt for more vintage at Succotash and Junk Love and snack on all the house pickles, curry falafel and gluten-free desserts you can handle at Foxy Falafel. This block is a gem, but there's more to see... including half a Broken Crow mural on the way to the next stop.

Second Stop:  Snelling Ave

We're not going to lie, when we found out we can take the Green Line to Turf Club shows we were so psyched. The Turf Club renovation is very well done, giving the St. Paul staple updates in sound, seating and restrooms. They also uncovered an amazing mural behind the stage. This beloved watering hole also has a kitchen now, so feel free to chase your whiskey shot with cheese curds. The new menu boasts all kinds of comfort food, plus Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and hush puppies (not pictured in our story, because we ate them too quickly). If you go earlier in the evening, you can catch band rehearsal while you eat.

Across the street, you'll find Midway Used & Rare Books. Don't be intimidated by the gated windows. This bookstore has everything from material on "Caring for your Shar-Pei," to vintage Playboys. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to poke around and don't forget about the discount basement! If you work up another appetite exploring the stacks, On's Kitchen and Fasika are tops.

Third Stop:  Dale Street

Alright, so we skipped a few stops again, but truthfully, going from dive bar to dive bar on the next stretch would have led to a very sloppy report. Thus, we landed at Dale and University, home of Shuang Hur Supermarket. If you're ever feeling stuck in your food routine, try something totally new here and see if that doesn't wake you up. Shuang Hur's snack aisle is impressive and there are so many flavored beverages that we just had to find out for ourselves what "wax gourd" tastes like.'Twas not pleasant, but we'd play beverage roulette again in a heartbeat. 

Fourth (and Final) Stop:  Union Depot

The sun was setting, so we thought there'd be no better way to cap off the trip than with a stop at the majestic Union Depot. The building is over 80 years old, so you absolutely must walk through it to admire the architecture and impeccable construction. (And in 2014 we think IKEA furniture is difficult to assemble?) Before you go, check their event calendar and catch some live music in the space. Across the street is The Bedlam Lowertown, a "bar/restaurant/performance club," that's based off of the old Cedar-Riverside space. Comedy, cabaret, concerts and drag shows are all part of the Bedlam's eclectic line-up.

Early risers, if you're in the neighborhood on a Saturday or Sunday, get ye to the Saint Paul Farmer's Market for what is likely the best in the metro for local produce. You'll be so happy you didn't hit snooze. Afterwards, caffeinate at the charming Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar. It's housed in an old brownstone, so plan on firing up your Instagram accounts. There are so many fun bars and great restaurants in Lowertown — and even more on the way soon! 

In short, we are so happy to have the Green Line open to take us from here to there for just $1.75 (or a little more if you make it a whole afternoon like we did). While we saw a lot, we didn't see it all, so in the timeless words of Arnold, "We'll be back." 

Until we return, do let us know what else we should see the next time we ride the rails. What did we miss?

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Words and Photos by Alexandra Heide