2025 Readers Recommend

You told us. We tell all. Announcing your favorites from the annual Readers Recommend poll.

Buy Local

Farmers Market

Minneapolis Farmers Market

As the largest farmer-managed market in the state, Minneapolis Farmers Market is on a mission to help people develop a personal connection to their food — and those who grow it. Since 1876, the downtown Minneapolis market has been making local produce and products accessible to the masses, now with more than 100 vendors to choose from.

Honorable mentions: Nokomis Farmers Market, St. Paul Farmers’ Market

Independent Bookstore

Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Since 1994, Magers & Quinn Booksellers has been a quintessential Twin Cities institution. Nestled not far from the shores of Bde Maka Ska, the brick-and-mortar shop’s impressive collection of thousands of current releases and rare editions — and a million more titles to choose from online — makes Magers & Quinn one of the largest independent booksellers in the Midwest.

Honorable mentions: Birchbark Books, The Irreverent Bookworm, Moon Palace Books, Scout & Morgan Books

Independent Clothing Store

TIE: Larue’s, Leader

Larue’s is a self-described “eclectic boutique with attitude” in Minneapolis, and carries a wide variety of magical wear — from cozy to vintage to business attire — in sizes XS to 3X. Come for the inspiring textiles and unique gemstone jewelry, and stay for the sweet smells of unique bath products and aromatherapy candles.

Cambridge’s Leader retains the friendly, casual atmosphere of days gone by (it’s 106 years young, after all). When locals pop in to enjoy a cup of hot coffee and a meal at the restaurant, they often spend hours browsing Orley’s Market in the back for the best hand-picked garb, gifts, and seasonal decor. Over 100 years later, the old slogan rings true: “If Leader doesn’t carry it, you don’t need it!”

Honorable mentions: Fawbush’s, Primp, Statement Boutique

Independent Gift Shop or Toy Store

14 Hill

The owners of 14 Hill have been in the gift-buying business for over two decades — and it shows. Packed with “everything you never knew you wanted,” including jewelry, clothes, toys, decor, and much more, this South Minneapolis treasure trove isn’t one to miss on your next gift-hunting expedition.

Honorable mentions: Corazon, Curiousity, Mischief Toy Store, Patina

Independent Hair Stylist or Salon

Caiti Shoultz

Caiti Shoultz has been in the hair care business since 2008, and she’s currently working her makeover magic in Apple Valley. Whether it’s a fresh cut, fullness extensions, or a special occasion “do,” Caiti constantly keeps her skills fresh so her clients look their best.

Honorable mention: Pompadour Salon

Independent Thrift Shop

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores aren’t just enjoyed by shoppers throughout the Twin Cities — they are actually part of the largest Catholic organization in the world, serving the hungry, the sick, and those without adequate housing in 150 countries. Closer to home, St. Vincent de Paul stores offer a wide variety of discounted items, and revenue supports emergency assistance programs and food pantries.

Honorable mentions: Arc’s Value Village Thrift, Shalom Thrift Shop, Inc., Tusen Tack Thrift Store

Diversions

Music Venue

First Avenue

What’s more Minnesota than First Avenue? From the star-studded exterior, to the unbeatable calendar of world-class performers, to the signature checkered restrooms, it’s hard to think of a nightlife destination with more local pride.

Honorable mentions: Cedar Cultural Center, Dakota, Parkway Theater

Podcast

It’s Always the Husband

BFFs Sarah and Megan are on a mission. Bonded through a love of shows like Forensic Files, they are cracking open murder cases to prove that it is — in fact — usually the husband behind most real-life horror stories.

Honorable mentions: Island of Discarded Women, New World Women’s Collaboration Is Queen

Retreat Center or Resort

ARC Retreat Center

ARC Retreat Center proves that deep rest and reflection don’t need to happen in a sterile, minimalist environment. ARC provides individuals and groups with a home-away-from-home surrounded by towering trees and nurtured by staff and volunteers who value the space as much as its visitors.

Honorable mentions: Cragun’s Resort, Golden Eagle Lodge, Tri Birches Resort

Theater Company

Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater does more than present Twin Cities audiences with first-rate performances. Upon its opening in 1963, LIFE Magazine heralded it “a miracle in Minnesota.” Since then, the Guthrie has tirelessly supported the thriving performing arts scene in Minnesota and beyond through workshops for aspiring and professional artists, student-focused performances, and resources for educators.

Honorable mentions: Children’s Theatre Company, Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da

Eat & Drink

Brewery, Distillery, or Winery

Urban Growler Brewing Company

At Minnesota’s first woman-owned microbrewery, visitors can choose from local draft beers, and enjoy good company and family-friendly entertainment, such as live music.

Honorable mentions: North Folk Winery, Venn Brewing Company

Co-op or Greengrocer

Seward Community Co-op

Seward Community Co-op is owned by a community — members purchase stock and can run for and vote on the board of directors. The goal is to create a business that serves the people who frequent it, not the other way around. In addition, Seward offers delicious local products, community workshops, and support for those in need through mutual aid efforts.

Honorable mentions: Lakewinds Food Co-op, Mississippi Market, The Wedge

Education

Camp for Kids

YWCA

At YWCA summer camps, campers “travel in place” to a new global destination every week. Hands-on food, music, and science projects and free nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks help kids’ brains and bodies grow.

Honorable mentions: Adventures in Cardboard, Luther Point Bible Camp & Retreat Center

Place to Take a Class

The Loft Literary Center

Those hoping to make a career in writing and those simply wanting to express themselves through fiction, poetry, memoir, and more flock to The Loft Literary Center to hone their skills. Each year, The Loft offers hundreds of classes, awards grants for writers, and hosts a variety of readings at festivals and conferences that draw a national audience.

Honorable mentions: ARC Retreat Community, Minneapolis Community Ed, University of Minnesota

Healthy Directions

Dentist / Dental Office

TIE: Minnehaha Falls Family Dental, Park Dental

Minnehaha Falls Family Dental’s all-women south Minneapolis office works to help patients of all ages feel relaxed and taken care of. Grounded in its surrounding community, Minnehaha Falls Family Dental has pledged to continuously improve its services in order to be a good steward of its south Minneapolis neighborhood.

Park Dental’s doctor-owned practices in Minnesota and Wisconsin were founded in 1972 to ensure patients are at the center of every care decision. Their offices have flexible hours Monday through Saturday with early morning and evening appointments, so patients never have to worry about squeezing in a visit.

Honorable mentions: Greenway Dental, Hale Family Dental, Metro Dental

Gym or Yoga Center

YWCA

The YWCA of Saint Paul provides more than family-friendly gyms for staying healthy and fit. For more than 100 years, the organization has been on a mission to support families fighting homelessness, at-risk youth, and unemployed people.

Honorable mentions: 612 Jungle, Yoga Sanctuary, One Yoga, YMCA

Hospice Service

St. Croix Hospice

Taking inspiration from the river it was named after, St. Croix Hospice can quickly adapt to life’s unpredictability. Sometimes swiftly moving and sometimes nearly still, end-of-life care can be hard to navigate, which is why St. Croix Hospice is here to guide patients and families through this transition at home or wherever they may reside.

Honorable mentions: NC Little, Our Lady of Peace

Independent Eyeglasses Store

Spectacle Shoppe

At Spectacle Shoppe, eyewear isn’t treated as a utility; it’s a fine art. Whether you’re in the mood for retro, classic, pop art, or designer frames, the knowledgeable eyewear experts at Spectacle Shoppe can indulge your every whim.

Honorable mentions: Greenway Vision, Look + See Eye Care

Place for Holistic Care

Dr. Katherine Jones — Northwestern Health Sciences University

Dr. Katherine Jones isn’t interested in diagnosing patients and moving on; she helps people find the root causes of their symptoms and guides them to take charge of their health. With a focus on naturopathic mental health and women’s health, Dr. Jones supports people seeking treatments in addition to or instead of traditional health medications.

Honorable mentions: Katelyn Mariah — Magic of Alchemy, Renee Butters — She Heals Noojimo

Reproductive Health Care Provider

Planned Parenthood

STD testing, birth control, abortion care, and emergency contraception would be much harder to access in Minnesota without Planned Parenthood’s 14 locations throughout the metro and Greater Minnesota. In addition, the organization’s trained experts are accessible to chat online for free to answer those pressing sexual health questions.

Honorable mentions: Family Tree Clinic, Roots Birth Center

In Our Community

Arts Organization

825 Arts

In the heart of Saint Paul’s Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods, 825 Arts has carved a physical home for the area’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Event series like Rondo Double Dutch, LEGO League, and neighbor potlucks bring the community together, while 825’s new Community Trauma Response program provides mental health resources and information on an as-needed basis.

Honorable mentions: Upstream Arts, Minneapolis Institute of Arts,
Walker Art Center

Environmental Organization

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

As a one-stop shop for experienced paddlers and brand-new explorers, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness helps people plan trips into Minnesota’s expansive backcountry. The organization also helps protect these precious waterways for future generations by educating the public about threats to the area’s existence.

Honorable mentions: Environment Minnesota, Metro Blooms, Sierra Club

Political Organization

MN DFL (Minnesota Democratic Party)

In the 1940s, Minnesota Democrats merged with the state’s Farmer-Labor party to better serve each group’s interests. Today, the DFL continues to push for progress in Minnesota by endorsing candidates who support fair wages, access to education, affordable health care, and retirement with dignity and security.

Honorable mentions: ERA Minnesota, Gender Justice, League of Women Voters, Women Winning

Social Justice Organization

ERA Minnesota

In 1972, Minnesota ratified the Equal Rights Amendment to give women equal standing to men in the eyes of the law. However, this did not become a federal law, despite generations of effort, and thus has not become standard law. ERA Minnesota was formed in 2014 to educate, organize, and advocate statewide and nationally. The organization is working to add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution through a ballot measure passed by popular vote.

Honorable mentions: Black Lives Matter, Black Visions, Domestic Abuse Legal Advocacy Center, StandPoint

Spiritual Community

Lake Harriet Spiritual Community

Unlike a traditional church, Lake Harriet Spiritual Community eschews scriptures, rules, and denominations to encourage members to walk their own spiritual path. With speakers, conversation circles, and workshops, Lake Harriet Spiritual Community provides a place for people to ask questions — inside a gorgeous building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Honorable mentions: St. Joan of Arc, Unity Spiritual Center Minneapolis

Pets

Animal Hospital or Veterinarian

Minnehaha Animal Hospital

Minnehaha Animal Hospital has been building lasting relationships with pet owners in south Minneapolis for more than 40 years. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a staff that is deeply knowledgeable about the latest treatments, the hospital ensures pets and their owners don’t have to sacrifice high-quality care for a neighborly atmosphere.

Honorable mentions: Lake Harriet Veterinary, Pet Doctors Animal Clinic

Place for Pet Day Care / Boarding

TIE: Downtown Dogs, Pet Doctors Animal Clinic

Because every Downtown Dogs team member is a shameless dog lover, owners can be confident that their pups are safely cared for by knowledgeable professionals who treat every dog like it is their own.

Similarly, the “kitty cottages” at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic are a feline home away from home in a clean, safe, and loving oasis — providing them with the attention and care they deserve.

Honorable mentions: Now Boarding, Urban Hound Playground

Rescue Organization

Feline Rescue, Inc.

Since 1997, Feline Rescue has rescued countless companion cats from unsafe environments in their no-kill, limited-admission shelter. In addition to providing housing and helping cats find their forever homes, the organization works on behalf of all cats to manage feral populations, provide subsidies for spaying and neutering, and rehabilitate strays socially and medically.

Honorable mentions: The Bond Between, Ruff Start Rescue, Underdog Rescue MN

Professional Assistance

Attorney

TIE: Stuart C. Bear — Chestnut and Cambronne, RB Legal

End-of-life planning is difficult enough without the confusing legal jargon and headache-inducing paperwork. But Stuart C. Bear’s clients feel relieved knowing their will, trust, and asset protection planning are in the hands of someone nationally renowned for succession-planning services.

RB Legal is a woman-owned and -operated firm with over 30 years of commitment to personalized, client-centered service. But expert legal service is only part of the benefit of choosing RB Legal; in addition, clients know they have a trusted and compassionate advocate by their side.

Honorable mentions: Amy Ireland — Schroeder Ireland, PLLC Law Office; Liz Cloutier — Cloutier Law Offices, P.A.

Bank / Credit Union

Wings Credit Union

As a member-owned cooperative, Wings Credit Union is committed to building stronger communities across Minnesota. Founded during the Great Depression by a group of airline employees, the member-owned credit union continues to chart a way forward for financial institutions that prioritize members’ well-being over profit for company leadership.

Honorable mentions: Affinity Plus Credit Union, Blaze Credit Union, TruStone Financial

Financial Planner

Joan Gilles — Financial Planning Partners

Joan Gilles is all too familiar with the financial burden major life transitions can bring. That’s why she’s personally committed to helping clients navigate their financial journeys with ease and preparedness. Understanding her clients’ unique life stories is integral to Joan’s work helping them achieve their dreams.

Honorable mention: Ameriprise, Mark Englund

Insurance Agent

Davina Baldwin — State Farm

Whether they’re choosing insurance plans for the first time or dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident, Davina Baldwin’s clients know they can expect professional, friendly, and patient service. That’s why, almost 30 years after opening her practice, Davina continues to receive stellar reviews and attract loyal clients.

Honorable mentions: Chris Biehle and Elizabeth Hummel — Bullis Insurance, Gretchen Sanna — Crosstown Insurance, Jordan Porteous — Goosehead Insurance

Memorial Service / Green Burial Provider

Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

Despite its 160-year legacy, Washburn-McReavy isn’t stuck in the past. At 19 locations throughout the Twin Cities, the family-owned and -operated business is constantly helping clients discover unique ways to pay tribute without sacrificing tradition.

Honorable mentions: Better Place Forests, Cremation Society of Minnesota, Hamilton Funeral Homes, Lakewood Cemetery

Realtor

Dennis Guldseth — Edina Realty

With Dennis Guldseth as your realtor, buying and selling your home doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Dennis’s exceptional service and industry knowledge mean his clients accurately price their real estate, skillfully negotiate deals, and access an ever-growing network of listings.

Honorable mentions: Emily Green — Sandy Green Realty, The No Place Like Home Team

Services

Car Repair Shop

Turbo Tim’s

Turbo Tim’s is anything but your average car repair shop. At four locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, Turbo Tim’s works hard to turn its loyal customer base into a community through free events, volunteer work, and an army of kitty mechanics.

Honorable mentions: The Lift Garage, Steve’s Tire, TA’s Automotive

Gardening / Landscaping Service

Trio Landscaping

As owner and principal designer at Trio Landscaping, Diana Grundeen helps people create beautiful outdoor spaces that are gentle on the earth. By prioritizing low-maintenance native plants, Trio Landscaping transforms boring yards into pollinator-friendly havens.

Honorable mentions: 3 Bears Landscaping, Green Barn Garden Center, Mother Earth Gardens

Favorite Home Remodeler

Pine & Poplar LLC

With more than 20 years of carpentry experience, Pine & Poplar LLC helps clients with a multitude of home-building needs, including flooring, trim work, fences, decks, and painting projects. As a Native, queer-owned small carpentry business, Pine & Poplar is deeply invested in its South Minneapolis community, volunteering to help build BIPOC and LGBTQ+ spaces around the area.

Honorable mentions: Ms. Greenjeans, North Star Remodeling, Terra Firma