More than thirty North Loop businesses dominated Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's 2026 Readers' Poll, with sixteen securing Gold in an astounding 25 categories. The unprecedented concentration of excellence, reported by the North Loop Neighborhood Association, highlights a powerful local appeal. While the poll aims to crown the 'Best of Twin Cities,' the 2026 results reveal a disproportionate number of wins in the North Loop, raising questions about true city-wide representation. This overwhelming reader preference positions the North Loop to further solidify its reputation as the undisputed cultural and culinary hub of the Twin Cities, potentially drawing even more focus away from other areas.
1. North Loop's Golden Streak: Standout Winners
The North Loop's dominance is clear, with several businesses earning multiple Gold awards. The success not only highlights individual excellence but also elevates the entire neighborhood's profile.
Hewing Hotel swept four categories: Best Boutique Hotel, Best Staycation Hotel, Best Hotel Bar, and Best Girls’ Night Out, as reported by the North Loop Neighborhood Association. The impressive range of wins confirms its versatile appeal and consistent high standards.
Red Cow also shone, securing Gold for Best Budget Eats, Best French Fries, and Best Happy Hour. The multi-category dominance creates a 'halo effect,' where a popular spot enhances the entire neighborhood's reputation for quality dining.
Even the North Loop neighborhood itself earned a Silver in 'Best Shopping District,' improving from last year's Bronze. The improvement signals its increasing draw and influence as a premier destination.
Hewing Hotel
Best for: Luxury stays, social gatherings, boutique experiences
The Hewing Hotel offers a refined experience for travelers and locals. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere and top-tier service.
Strengths: Multi-category Gold winner; diverse appeal | Limitations: Higher price point | Price: Premium
Red Cow
Best for: Casual dining, happy hour, burger enthusiasts
Red Cow is celebrated for its gourmet burgers and excellent happy hour. It's a relaxed spot for a quick bite or an evening out.
Strengths: Gold winner in budget-friendly and specific food categories; consistent quality | Limitations: Focus on casual fare; can get busy | Price: Mid-range
North Loop Neighborhood
Best for: Shopping, dining, urban exploration
The North Loop boasts a vibrant mix of retail, restaurants, and entertainment. It truly serves as a central hub for city activities.
Strengths: Improving reputation as a shopping district; high concentration of award-winning businesses | Limitations: Can be crowded; parking challenges | Price: Varied
Rising Reputation: North Loop's Ascent
The North Loop's ascent as a premier destination is undeniable, especially in retail.
| Category | 2026 Result | 2025 Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Shopping District | Silver | Bronze | Indicates growing voter support and sustained positive perception. |
The North Loop's jump from Bronze to Silver in the 'Best Shopping District' category is a clear indicator of its rising popularity. The year-over-year progress confirms a sustained positive perception among Twin Cities readers and solidifies its growing influence.
Behind the Poll: How Winners are Chosen
Understanding the poll's robust process confirms the legitimacy of the North Loop's wins.
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's poll ensures impartiality through a third-party Processor, as detailed on Shopmnbest. The 2026 nomination period ran from January 5-21, followed by voting from February 1-25. Each category required at least five businesses to qualify, ensuring a competitive and legitimate ballot. This rigorous, multi-stage process means the North Loop's victories are a true reflection of reader preference, not just casual votes.
The North Loop's Unmistakable Reign
The North Loop's overwhelming success in the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine poll isn't just about individual wins; it signals a new era for 'best of' recognition.
With 16 businesses securing Gold in 25 categories, the North Loop's poll dominance suggests a shift: 'best of' awards may now reflect powerful localized community engagement and strong neighborhood branding more than city-wide consensus. The consistent, widespread success across diverse categories solidifies its status as a premier destination.
Other Twin Cities neighborhoods must take note. The North Loop's dramatic rise, from Bronze to Silver in 'Best Shopping District,' alongside the multi-category wins of anchors like Hewing Hotel (four Golds) and Red Cow (three Golds), shows that organized districts with diverse, high-quality offerings are setting a new standard. To compete, other areas need to actively cultivate and mobilize their local fan bases, or risk being overshadowed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Poll
Curious about the poll results? Here are the answers to common questions.
Who won Best of Twin Cities 2026?
North Loop businesses were the standout winners in the 2026 Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Readers' Poll. Sixteen establishments from the neighborhood earned Gold awards across 25 categories.
What are the top-rated businesses in the Twin Cities for 2026?
Hewing Hotel led with four Gold wins, and Red Cow secured three Gold awards. Many other North Loop businesses also received top honors for their diverse and high-quality offerings.
Where can I find the 2026 Twin Cities Readers' Poll results?
A summary of the 2026 results is available on the North Loop Neighborhood Association's website. For complete official results, visit Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's official website.
