Restaurants by the Northrop

There are not a ton of restaurants by the Northrop that are not college bars or fast food. The one thing the UofMN is missing is fine dining. But then again, why would you put up an upscale restaurant when the main neighborhood clientele is college students.

When I think of a 'nice place' to have dinner by the Northrop Auditorium, Loring Pasta Bar comes to mind. It is a unique one of a kind space that is beautifully decorated. In the summer the front panels of the building come off so the 15th Avenue side is completely open. The Loring Pasta Bar offers a unique atmosphere that cannot be replicated.

If you're not in the mood for Stub n Herb's greasy bar food, Big 10 or Jimmy Johns subs, McDonalds, or Mesa Pizza or Pizza Hut Loring Pasta bar is your place. They specialize in affordable pasta dishes and awesome appetizers. You can read their full menu here.

Also, the Loring Pasta Bar offers a 30% off your total bill with your student ID. Which you can use at any time except 6-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For a restaurant by the Northrop Auditorium just off campus that is a very generous discount. Since the Varsity Theater and Loring Pasta Bar are owned by the same person, you can also receive a 10% off discount at the Loring on the night of your Varsity Theater show. All you need to do is present your ticket stub when you pay your bill.

After you have purchased your Northrop Auditorium tickets for the Chelsea Handler show or an upcoming dance performance you can chose from a few Northrop Auditorium restaurants, but my recommendation is always going to be the Loring Pasta Bar!


Fun fact: Loring Pasta Bar has won the City Pages' 'Coolest Bathroom in Minneapolis' award more than one year in a row.