Greg's Automotive Services

When I first moved to Minneapolis over 20 years ago, a friend recommended Greg's Automotive Services to me when my car needed some work. Over the years, I've frequented Greg's Auto many times and recommended his shop to my friends. Greg and his staff are reliable, friendly and stand behind their work, and they keep prices down by using used parts whenever possible. Located at 4737 Minnehaha Avenue; (612) 724-4081.

Transition Longfellow - Building Resilient Sustainable Community

Transition Longfellow will have it's 1st annual Pancake Breakfast with wheat and gluten-free pancakes, real maple syrup and apples! 

Saturday January 7th, 9:00 - 11:00 AM Bethany Lutheran Church - 3900 36th Ave South.                    Donations will be accepted to cover the costs of the event. 

From Transition Longfellow:  "The Longfellow Sustainability Group --  now called Transition Longfellow -- began one year ago. Let's celebrate  what we've accomplished as individuals and as a community. If you've ever attended a Saturday morning group, a movie night or a book group, we hope you will join us again. If you've never attended a meeting, this would be a great time to start! We're planning our program for 2012 and we'd love your input."

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El Norteno Mexican Restaurant

If you like Mexican food, you owe it to yourself to try El Norteno at 40th and East Lake St. This family owned and run restaurant serves fresh, traditional Mexican food at reasonable prices in a casual, family friendly environment.  The homemade tortillla chips and fresh lemonade are favorites (they also serve beer and wine). El Norteno is attached to a small Mexican market & deli, and in the summer features a lovely outdoor patio. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm. 4000 E Lake St; (612)722-6888.

Special Offer at Natural Built Home

Welcome to 2012! Living in Longfellow will be offering a new feature this year, that of special offers and coupons from some of the businesses I've highlighted on my blog. For the inaugural special offer, Natural Built Home is offering $5 off a gallon of paint or primer during the month of January to Living in Longfellow blog readers. Just click on the coupon below to enlarge, print and bring it to Natural Built Home to receive your discount. The paints and primers sold at Natural Built Home are non-toxic and very low odor - perfect for painting indoors in the winter!

Falls Hardware Hank

Maybe you're still thinking about what holiday gift to give that hard to buy for friend or relative . . how about taking a trip to your local hardware store? They have just about everything you need for your home or apartment, and a gift certificate is both practical and helps support a small, community business. One of several hardware stores in Longfellow, Falls Hardware Hank at 4008 Minnehaha Avenue is within walking distance of my home. They can be reached at 612-724-2441, or fallshardware@hotmail.com. Hours are: Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm; Sat 8 am-5 pm; closed Sunday.

Prairie Woodworking

In a small shop at 3535 East Lake St, some really beautiful furniture is being made. Prairie Woodworking, run by artist and woodworker Tim Granlund, designs and builds custom Prairie-style furniture, cabinets, built-ins and hardwood radiator enclosures. Prairie Woodworking's blog may be the best place to see photos of their recent projects, but you can also call and visit their showroom and workshop at 612-724-6805.

Riverview Theater

As we head into the cold, dark months of winter I feel lucky to have a good old fashioned, big screen movie house in our neighborhood. The Riverview Theater is truly a classic, featuring 1950's lobby decor, stadium seating with high-back rocker seats, and popcorn with real melted butter! This month's calendar features the 7th annual showing of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Dec. 18), as well as holiday favorites A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life (Dec. 21-23). General admission - $2 ($3 after 6 pm for ages 12-61) - special screening prices vary. They only take cash, so don't forget the wallet (there is an ATM on site). Located at: 3800 42nd Ave S; 612-729-7369.