Longfellow Grill

The Longfellow Grill is both a place to take your family and somewhere you might take someone special for a late meal on a Saturday night. The Grill features a bar, comfortable booths and patio seating in the warmer months that highlight its proximity to the Mississippi River. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu has a nice variety of urban diner food and some more unusual specialties like Salmon Scramble (for breakfast) and Steak & Pierogies (stuffed dumplings). The full bar features cocktails, bottled beer and close to a dozen craft beers on tap. Open 7 days a week starting at 7 am; Saturday & Sunday until 11 pm. 2990 W River Parkway; (612)721-2711.

Longfellow Community Council

A great resource for all things local is the Longfellow Community Council (LCC), the organization representing the Longfellow, Cooper, Howe and Hiawatha neighborhoods. If you're new to the area and looking to get involved with your neighbors, LCC hosts a variety of community meetings and events as well as committees of people who work on issues of development, transportation, housing, environmental restoration, restorative justice and more. LCC also promotes low-interest home improvement loans through the Center for Energy and Environment that are available to Longfellow residents. Check out LCC's website or call them at 612-722-4529.

Lake Street Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction

Thursday, Nov 17, 5:30-8:00 pm at El Nuevo Rodeo (3003 27th Ave S)

The Lake Street Council's biggest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds supporting the Council's work on strengthening and revitalizing the Lake Street Corridor and surrounding communities. Sample wine (from East Lake Liquor Store), beer (from Harriet Brewing), and authentic Mexican food while bidding on silent auction items donated by many of the businesses and residents that make Lake Street phenomenal. Tickets available at the door or online.

Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar

Situated across the street from Mother Earth Gardens and the Riverview Theatre (at the corner of 42nd Ave & 38th St), the Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar is a great neighborhood meeting place. The cafe offers organic Free Trade coffee, homemade sandwiches, free WiFi, and a fun children's play area. The adjoining Riverview Wine Bar, open Wed-Sun evenings only, serves over 100 wines, 40+ kinds of bottled beer plus appetizers, soups, salads, pizza and dessert. And to top it off, the Cafe and Wine Bar have a busy live music calendar and a weekly open mic night. Call for more info: Cafe (612)722-7234; Wine Bar (612)729-4200.

Mother Earth Gardens

One of the loveliest garden stores in the Twin Cities, Mother Earth Gardens is just across the street from the Riverview Theater at 2728 42nd Ave S. A dog & pet friendly store, Mother Earth specializes in organic gardening, sustainably grown plants and eco-friendly products. They are open year round (except for most of January) and are a popular place for natural Christmas trees, wreaths and gifts for the holidays - their unique gift shop features consignment and local items. Sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed on sales, classes and other info. Or call them at 612-724-2296.

El Nuevo Rodeo Restaurante

Looking for authentic Mexican food in Minneapolis? Look no further than Longfellow's own El Nuevo Rodeo Restaurante at 2709 E Lake St. As a family friendly full service restaurant, El Nuevo Rodeo serves a wide variety of Mexican cuisine, including regional recipes and fun deserts like fried bananas and the chocolate-lover's Kulkukan Chocolate Pyramid. They also offer a Little Amigo's menu for children, happy hour drink and appetizer specials (Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm), and a vibrant dance club with live music upstairs. Call 612-721-6808 for reservations.  Hours: Mon-Thur 11:30 am-9:30 pm; Fri-Sun 11:30 am-4 am.

Falls Liquor

A couple of blocks from the actual falls, Falls Liquor store has brightened up the corner of Minnehaha Ave & 46th St with a scenic mural depicting some of the local landmarks. They offer friendly service, frequent tastings, and a good selection of beer and craft brews from all over. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm. 4604 Minnehaha Avenue; 612-729-5958.