Halfway through writing this article I had to stop and make myself a snack, simply because writing about all the incredibly-delicious food that will be served during the 10-day festivities leading up to the Super Bowl made my stomach grumble. And, unfortunately, the mediocre snack of carrots and hummus I prepared didn’t quite satisfy; paling in comparison to the extravagant and tasty fare being offered during game time.
We have a thriving food scene here in Minnesota, and with all eyes trained on our state, Minnesota is taking the opportunity to shine and showcase the best of our local fare. Now is the time for you to take advantage: Every restaurant, food truck, and food stand will want to impress and conveniently for you, they will all gather together for a smorgasbord of delights along Nicollet Mall between 6th and 12th streets, and inside the first floor of the Dayton’s Project building. Even if you’re not one to shell out the thousands of dollars for a ticket to the game, this is the perfect excuse to still be a part of the action and energy surrounding the Super Bowl.
And, hey, you still have to eat, right?
Be sure to wear your stretchy pants and come on an empty stomach as you’ll be able to devour a pulled pork sandwich from the Chef Shack, mini donuts from Fair Faves, a bulgogi taco bowl from K-Town Street Foods, jerked chicken from Lola’s on the Plaza, scarf down the classic Minnesota Juicy Lucy, and enjoy so many more delicious treats. Featured local food stands also include the delectable giant cookies from the T-Rex Cookie Company, a cinnamon sugar butter waffle from Nordic Waffles, and tasty brats from Nord Haus Foods.
And of course. you’ll be able to wash down all these savory and sweet goodies from the multiple bar stands along Nicollet Mall that have created Minnesota-themed specialty drink options including the Nordic Mule, Bold Fashioned, and the Bold North Hot Toddy.
In a press release Maureen Bausch, CEO of the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, wrote, “We want guests to have the Super Bowl experience of a lifetime, and that includes sampling all the great food the Bold North has to offer. For 10 days at the end of January, downtown Minneapolis will become one giant celebration, and we hope everyone comes down to be part of it.”
If you’re hesitant to join in on the festivities because parking will be, frankly, quite hellish, metro transit is offering weekend park and ride options much like during the State Fair. You can drop your car off at the several lots located throughout the suburbs and for $2.50 each way, the bus will shuttle you right into the heart of the Super Bowl experience.
Though, if you’d like to embrace the true Bold North spirit you can hop on an electric-assisted fat tire bike. A temporary fat tire bike sharing program is being set up in downtown Minneapolis through February 4th by companies Koloni Share and Defiant Bicycles. By downloading the Koloni Share app you’ll find where you can rent a fat tire bike for free and hopefully more easily navigate the traffic chaos.
Here is the full menu and list of food trucks and food stands that you’ll be able to indulge in – good luck choosing where to start.
