- Attraction: Graze Food Hall by Travail
- Location: 520 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Industry: Food Hall
- Website: https://www.grazenorthloop.com/
Five James Beard-nominated chefs working in perfect harmony beneath a single roof sounds almost too good to be true, yet this Minneapolis marvel makes it reality every single day.
Graze Food Hall by Travail brings together seven distinct culinary concepts in Minneapolis’s trendy North Loop neighborhood, creating a dining destination that transforms the traditional food hall experience into something extraordinary.
The innovative chefs behind Travail – Mike Brown, Bob Gerken, and James Winberg – took over this 14,000-square-foot space in late 2024, breathing new life into what was previously struggling as a food hall.
Their radical approach to dining, which originally featured “equal love for molecular gastronomy technique and a steadfast refusal to color inside the lines,” now extends to creating a collaborative space where Minneapolis’s most talented chefs can showcase their creativity.
The space includes multiple seating areas inside, a patio deck and bar on the second level, with a main bar and picnic tables at street level, plus the only front lawn in the North Loop.
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Keep Exploring →Culinary Highlights That Define the Experience
Tixtli by Nixta: Kate and Gustavo Romero have brought their highly sought heirloom corn tortilla game to the upper level, creating what food critics describe as masa perfection.
Their tacos showcase the authentic flavors that made Nixta a Minneapolis sensation, with each tortilla crafted from heritage corn varieties that deliver extraordinary depth and texture.
Two Mixed Up: This burger concept takes comfort food to exhilarating new heights. You can get Just a Burger, a rightly double-smashed beauty with crisp edges and signature sauce for $18. But why not get a peanut butter and jelly burger which breaks through a winter-eating rut like a slap in the mouth?
Their approach feels like two best friends competing at a backyard cookout, creating inventive combinations that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Also, no one is mad at the chicken mac with buffalo sauce and hot honey. P.S. there is a s’mores cookie that must be respected.
Fabled Rooster: Chef Shaun Holley has been an anchor at the food hall for a while. House-smoked meats are great and you can’t go wrong with a pulled pork sandwich.
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Discover MoreBut the club is a winner, and the Whistle Stop BLT with thick bacon and smoked Duke’s Mayo might be ascendant. The smoking process creates incredible depth in every bite, transforming simple sandwiches into memorable meals.
Graze on the Greens: Salads and grain bowls are the name of the game at this counter tucked into the corner. Get the tuna poke bowl, which is piled with high-quality ingredients.
This isn’t your typical health-conscious afterthought – these bowls deliver genuine satisfaction with premium ingredients and thoughtful combinations. And once you’ve eaten your fill of healthy bits, there are also pints of Dream Creamery ice cream to balance that out.
Wrad by Wrecktangle: The pizza masters behind the thick-crust sensation Wrecktangle have ventured into thin-crust, tavern-style territory, continuing their brand dedication to creative excellence.
Each pizza delivers crispy perfection with toppings that showcase both technical skill and playful innovation.
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Keep Exploring →MRKT: A resurrection of the collaborative’s pop-up, last seen in free-standing form in 2018 in Uptown, is now a counter in the food hall. Street-food snacking from Asian countries leads to sushi hand rolls, rice bowls, a Big Freakin’ Egg Roll, and build-your-own sashimi bites.
Plus, they feature signature dumplings from Saturday Dumpling Co. The fusion approach creates exciting flavor combinations that transport you across continents with each bite.
Atmosphere & Entertainment Programming
Multi-Level Social Experience: The space features both indoor and outdoor areas, two full bars, and a diverse selection of local food vendors, creating natural gathering spots for every mood. Graze has 2 patios and an outside bar.
Even winter can’t hold us back. Gather around our firepits in cold weather and shelter in our heated tents to enjoy our patios in all seasons. The rooftop deck provides stunning views of the North Loop while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
Revolutionary Event Programming: Herrmann will spearhead event “activations.” Think morning boxing classes or yoga on the rooftop patio, or trivia nights mixed with wine classes.
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Discover MoreThe programming goes far beyond typical food hall offerings, creating community connections through Buzzed Spelling Bee events, Bundle Up Babe activities, and Pride Family Fest celebrations.
Collaborative Creative Energy: “We change concepts as a brand 10 times a year,” said Brown. “And then we activate 10 times a year with major events. This is what we’ve always done. Creatively, as a group, we’ve always challenged ourselves to do new things.”
This philosophy permeates the entire space, creating an environment where innovation never stops.
Contemporary North Loop Vibes: The interior design celebrates Minneapolis’s industrial heritage while feeling thoroughly modern and welcoming. Multiple seating configurations accommodate everything from solo dining to large group celebrations, with each area offering a distinct personality.
Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: Expect mid-tier to higher pricing that reflects the caliber of chefs and quality of ingredients. The investment feels worthwhile when you consider you’re experiencing some of Minneapolis’s most celebrated culinary talent in one location.
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Keep Exploring →The food hall concept allows you to sample multiple concepts without committing to a full restaurant experience at each.
No Reservations Policy: They do not accept advanced reservations. It is first come first serve unless you are a private party of 12 or more. This approach maintains the casual, accessible nature of the food hall while encouraging spontaneous dining adventures.
Pet-Friendly Paradise: The patio at Graze is dog-friendly year-round! Friendly dogs are welcome to join their people for a drink and a wide variety of cuisine in the sun or under the protection of a tent and by the warmth of outdoor heaters.
This makes it perfect for Minneapolis dog owners looking for inclusive dining experiences.
Convenient Parking Solutions: Located on the corner of 4th Street and 5th Avenue in North Loop, Minneapolis, Graze has ample street parking, however, the parking garage across from us on 5th Avenue offers parking for those who would prefer to skip the trials of parallel parking.
The location puts you within walking distance of Target Field and downtown Minneapolis attractions.
Perfect for Group Dining: The food hall format shines when dining with groups who have different tastes. Everyone can order from their preferred concept while still eating together, making it ideal for accommodating diverse dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
Event Space Capabilities: With both indoor and outdoor areas, two full bars, and a diverse selection of local food vendors, we provide a fun setting for any gathering. The flexible space configuration makes it suitable for everything from casual meetups to corporate events.
Graze Food Hall by Travail
📍 520 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
