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If you’re planning a trip to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, do yourself a favor and plan to grab lunch at Sea Salt Eatery while you’re there. The restaurant is literally right next to the falls, making it the perfect place to eat before or after exploring the park.
We stopped in during one of our visits to Minnehaha Falls and ordered the fried shrimp basket along with a Surly Furious IPA. It ended up being one of those meals that just fit the day perfectly—good food, a cold local beer, and a beautiful park all around us.
If you’re wondering whether Sea Salt Eatery is worth adding to your Minneapolis itinerary, here’s what our visit was like.
Sea Salt Eatery at a Glance
- Address: 4825 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417
- Located inside: Minnehaha Regional Park
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Best for: Lunch, outdoor dining, local craft beer, and a day at the falls
- Season: Open seasonally, generally from spring through fall
Sea Salt Eatery has been serving fresh seafood inside Minnehaha Regional Park since 2005. Because it’s located right in the park, it feels less like going to a traditional restaurant and more like finding a great place to grab lunch during a day outside.
Getting to Sea Salt Eatery
One thing that’s helpful to know before you visit is that Sea Salt Eatery is located inside Minnehaha Regional Park, not along a regular city street with its own parking lot.
There are several public parking lots throughout the park, and from there it’s just a short walk to the restaurant. As you make your way over, you’ll pass walking trails, picnic areas, and the sound of the waterfall gets louder as you get closer.
The restaurant sits just steps away from Minnehaha Falls, so it’s easy to combine lunch with a walk through one of Minneapolis’ prettiest parks. Whether you’re visiting the falls for the first time or just enjoying a nice summer afternoon, Sea Salt is in a great spot to take a break and grab something to eat.
If you’re visiting on a warm weekend, expect the parking lots to fill up fairly quickly. Arriving a little earlier in the day can make finding a parking spot much easier.
What to Know Before You Go
A couple of things are worth knowing before you head over.
Sea Salt Eatery doesn’t take reservations. Everything is first come, first served, and it’s not unusual to see a line during lunch or on nice summer weekends. The line moved steadily when we visited, and people seemed happy to hang out and enjoy the park while they waited.
If you’re bringing your dog, there’s good news. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on the outdoor patio, but pets aren’t allowed inside the restaurant itself. Since almost everyone ends up eating outside anyway, it’s a great stop if you’re spending the day at the park with your pup.
The Atmosphere
One of our favorite things about Sea Salt is how relaxed everything feels.
There are plenty of outdoor tables tucked under large trees, people enjoying lunch after walking around the falls, and families, couples, and groups of friends all taking advantage of a beautiful Minnesota day.
It doesn’t feel rushed or fancy. You order your food, find a table, and just enjoy being outside.
Honestly, the location is a big part of what makes this place special. Being able to hear the waterfall nearby while eating lunch is something you don’t get at many restaurants.
What We Ordered
Fried Shrimp Basket
After looking over the menu, we decided to go with the fried shrimp basket, and it ended up being exactly what we were in the mood for after spending time walking around Minnehaha Falls.
The shrimp were cooked just right with a light, crispy breading that added plenty of crunch without covering up the flavor of the shrimp. They were tender, fresh, and not greasy at all, which isn’t always the case with fried seafood. Every bite had that satisfying crunch followed by juicy shrimp, making it one of those meals that’s simple but really well done.
Instead of fries, the basket came with a side of creamy coleslaw and a few slices of fresh cantaloupe. We actually liked that combination. The cool, crunchy coleslaw and sweet cantaloupe helped balance out the fried shrimp and made the meal feel a little lighter—especially on a warm summer day.
What We Drank
To go with lunch, we ordered a Surly Furious IPA.
If you’ve spent much time in Minnesota, you’ve probably seen Surly beers around, and Furious paired really well with the shrimp. The citrus and hoppy flavor balanced out the fried food without overpowering it, making it a great choice for a warm afternoon at the park.
One thing we really liked about Sea Salt Eatery is that they don’t just have one or two local beers on tap. Their beer menu features a nice variety of Minnesota craft breweries, so there’s usually something for just about everyone. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, easy-drinking lagers, crisp pilsners, or seasonal brews, you’ll likely find a local option that sounds good.
We always enjoy trying local beers when we travel, and Sea Salt makes that easy. Pairing a Minnesota craft beer with lunch while sitting outside next to Minnehaha Falls just adds to the experience. Even if beer isn’t your thing, they also offer wine, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks, so there are plenty of choices for everyone in your group.
If you’re a fellow craft beer fan, take a minute to look over the tap list before you order. It’s a fun way to try something brewed right here in Minnesota while enjoying one of the city’s best outdoor dining spots.
Why We Think It’s Worth Visiting
Sea Salt Eatery is one of those restaurants that’s just as much about the location as it is about the food.
You’re already at one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, so being able to grab a good meal without leaving the area makes the whole experience even better.
After lunch, you can walk over to Minnehaha Falls, explore the trails along Minnehaha Creek, or simply relax in the park for a while. It turns a meal into a fun afternoon instead of just another restaurant stop.
Don’t Skip Minnehaha Falls
One of the best things about eating at Sea Salt Eatery is that it’s literally just steps away from Minnehaha Falls. If you’re already making the trip, I’d definitely recommend giving yourself some extra time to explore the park. It’s one of those places that’s easy to spend a couple of hours without even realizing it.
The waterfall drops about 53 feet, and it’s even more impressive in person than it looks in pictures. There are several overlooks where you can stop for photos, but if you don’t mind tackling a few stairs, I’d highly recommend walking down to the bottom of the falls. Seeing the water crash down from below gives you a completely different perspective, and it’s one of our favorite parts of the park.
Minnehaha Falls has been a favorite spot for visitors for well over 100 years. Back in the late 1800s, people traveled from all over to see it, and it quickly became one of Minneapolis’ most popular attractions. The falls also became well known thanks to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem The Song of Hiawatha. Even though the story itself is fictional, it introduced a lot of people to the name “Minnehaha” and helped make the falls a destination people wanted to see for themselves.
Today, the park has so much more than just the waterfall. There are walking and biking trails, picnic areas, lots of green space to relax, and paths that follow Minnehaha Creek toward the Mississippi River. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or want to spend the afternoon outside, it’s a really beautiful place to explore.
For us, that’s what made this stop so enjoyable. We weren’t just going out to eat—we got to spend time walking around the falls, enjoying one of Minneapolis’ prettiest parks, and then sit down with some fried shrimp and a local craft beer. It’s the kind of afternoon that’s hard to beat, especially during a Minnesota summer.
Tips for Visiting
- Go a little earlier if you’re visiting on a weekend.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the falls and trails.
- Be prepared for a short line during busy times since reservations aren’t available.
- Bring your dog if you’re planning to sit on the patio, as long as they’re well behaved and on a leash.
- Don’t forget your camera—the waterfall and park are beautiful.
Is Sea Salt Eatery Worth It?
We definitely think so.
The fried shrimp basket hit the spot, the Surly Furious was a great choice on a warm day, and you really can’t beat the location. Being able to enjoy lunch just steps away from Minnehaha Falls makes the whole experience feel a little different than your average restaurant visit.
If you’re already planning a visit to the falls, Sea Salt Eatery is an easy recommendation. We’d happily stop there again the next time we’re in Minneapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sea Salt Eatery?
Sea Salt Eatery is located inside Minnehaha Regional Park at 4825 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417, just a short walk from Minnehaha Falls.
Does Sea Salt Eatery take reservations?
No. Sea Salt Eatery is first come, first served and does not accept reservations.
Is Sea Salt Eatery dog friendly?
Yes! Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on the outdoor patio. Pets are not allowed inside the restaurant.
Is Sea Salt Eatery open year-round?
No. Sea Salt operates seasonally, usually from spring through fall.
What should I order at Sea Salt Eatery?
We really enjoyed the fried shrimp basket, and if you’re a craft beer fan, a Surly Furious IPA pairs perfectly with it.
Location
Sea Salt Eatery
4825 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
More Minnesota Restaurants to Check Out
If you’re looking for more places to eat around Minnesota, here are a few of our favorites:
- Pasquale’s Pizza (Rochester) – One of our favorite spots for pizza in southeast Minnesota.
- Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar (Excelsior) – Delicious wood-fired pizza near Lake Minnetonka.
- Dino’s Pizzeria (Mankato) – A local favorite with generous portions and classic pizza.
- Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies (Burnsville) – A Minnesota staple that’s always a solid choice.
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