Dinkytown, Mpls

The neighborhood that spreads out from the main entrance to the U of MN, Dinkytown really means a lot to me. I worked on the East Bank for a couple of years and ate lunch somewhere in the area almost everyday and would go to Cheapo every other week or so (it has since been replaced by a big chain that I won't name here). My mom and her sisters also grew up very near by and so I've known the area as long as I can remember.


In case you are completely ignorant of Mpls history, Bob Dylan wrote the song about this 4th Street. He was at the U for a year, but lived in the area for a little while before heading off for the Village. My dad always said he knew a bar owner in Duluth who fired a young Dylan because he was "absolutely terrible."


It's so awesome to see The Varsity re-opened, it gives me hope...


This was one of the most tagged doors I have ever seen...


The Hair Shaft? Well, at least its upstairs. Lots of Dinkytown businesses are upstairs.


I loved this half-assed attempt to advertise the fax at a copy shop...


The Dinkydale Mall is like this old London arcade, pretty cool...


Mmm, Annie's. Decent burgers and good malts. Has been here as long as I can remember. Mpls natives might remember that there was once one in Uptown, too...


Kinda wondering why this old gas range is in the alley behind the Loring's kitchen...


I died a little inside when, on this 95 degree day (yes it gets that hot in Minnesota), I headed to the Purple Onion for an iced coffee, only to find it closed with the big chains moving in! Screw "progress" and screw you developers! But, my anger subsided when, with a little research, I learned that they have found a new home! Unfortunately it is in a new overpriced apartment complex and will have none of the old atmosphere...