One Yoga
One Yoga is a nonprofit yoga studio in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Their mission is to improve health equity in the community through access to a broad range of teachings and practices of yoga. They break down social, cultural, and economic barriers to yoga. One Yoga is welcoming to all, offering a diverse schedule of in-person and virtual classes. In One Yoga classes,everyone is welcome, whether you’ve never tried yoga before or have been practicing for years. Class styles range from Hatha and Vinyasa, to Kundalini and Ashtanga, to Gentle Flow and Restorative. Check out their website for current pricing information, including a deeply discounted initial trial offer. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Bench Pressed Letterpress
Bench Pressed is a family-owned and -operated design and letterpress company. Started out of a spare bedroom in 2012, they now design, print and package their products in their shop in Seward. They love making hand-drawn and hand-printed letterpress cards & gifts that they like to call “tongue-in-cheek with a little sweet”. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Bolé express
An off-shoot of Bolé Ethiopian Cuisine in Como, Bolé Express is named after the neighborhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where co-owners Solomon Haile and Rekik Abaineh were born and raised. Bolé Express is located in the Seward community and is an extension of their passion and dedication to make the globally celebrated Ethiopian culinary culture more accessible to the community they serve. The express location is a quick-service restaurant that values authentic taste, speed of service & healthy options for our customers. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Boneshaker Books
Boneshaker Books is a volunteer-run, radical bookstore based in Seward. They aim to introduce readers to leftist politics, facilitate conversations, support ongoing movements, and collectively create a space that will grow, evolve, and respond to community needs and pressing issues. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Cafe Jote
A new addition to the West Bank, Cafe Jote serves coffee and a variety of breakfasts, which are famous worldwide beyond Ethiopia, including Chechebsa, Kinche, different croissants, light bits, and soft drinks. They also feature delicious vegan Ethiopian cuisine. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Cafe Racer
Café Racer serves delicious, healthy, Latin American cuisine. Through catering, they are able to expand our service concept by working with communities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals. They take great care in providing a product and service that is unique to every customer and event. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Cedar Cultural Center
Located in the heart of Cedar Riverside sine 1989, The Cedar presents 200+ shows a year featuring world legends to up-and-coming new bands. They are proud to present unique voices from around the globe and commission new artists to fulfill its mission of promoting intercultural appreciation through global music. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in the loop on upcoming events and announcements.
Code Blu Coffee
Code Blu, a down-to-earth independent coffeeshop and roastery, is the local answer to any and all caffeination needs in the Seward neighborhood. Fan favorites include the cold-press coffee and almond mocha, paired with a scrumptious fresh pastry. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Curry in a Hurry
Created by the owner who operated Gandhi Mahal starting in 2008, Curry in a Hurry has been serving delicious Indian dishes to the Seward neighborhood since October of 2020. Gandhi Mahal was burned during the uprising in May of 2020, but this did not stop the business’s service to the community. Curry in a Hurry continues to think globally and act locally. They work to respond to community needs and use food as a way to spark conversation and offer community support. From providing meals to Line 3 protestors to redirecting their liquor sales into the community, Curry in a Hurry has proven time and time again that they are more than just a restaurant, but rather an integral neighborhood partner. These examples are some of the many reasons that Augsburg Local is excited to partner with Curry in a Hurry. Not only is Curry in a Hurry an established community partner– their food has been voted the Best Indian Food in the city of Minneapolis. You can support their community efforts while enjoying the owner’s family recipes such as veggie curry or chicken tikka masala. To learn more about Curry in a Hurry, visit their Facebook page or stop in to taste the best Indian food in the city!
Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant
“Unlike the food of almost any other country, Ethiopian cuisine has grown in a vacuum, undiluted by outside forces. Its mountainous geography kept it largely isolated from its neighbors, and unlike other African countries, Ethiopia escaped European domination, except for a five-year Italian occupation/war with Italy. Only its position as a stop on ancient trade routes brought Ethiopia the cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric and other spices that are used so creatively.” Check out Dilla’s extensive vegetarian options, and don’t miss their weekly Thursday and Sunday lunch buffets. They’re also open every day until 2am for those late-night cravings and study breaks.
Feminist Book Club
Feminist Book Club offers a subscription-based book box on a different theme each month, including extras from other small woman- and queer-owned businesses. The book club meets on zoom each month, sometimes with special appearances from the authors. They also donate a portion of all sales to a different social justice organization each month, with an emphasis on smaller non-profits where their money can make a big impact.
Freewheel Bike Shop
In 1974 Freewheel Bike was founded by a small group of progressive bike nuts who were looking to challenge the norms of the 1970’s bike industry. With a loan of $600 dollars and an eagerness to change the world, this small group of cyclists started a movement. Paying a livable wage and creating a valuable resource for the dedicated cyclists of Minneapolis were at the heart of their mission. The Freewheel Bike Co-op was the first to offer a repair shop that was open to the public, and the first to see the value in offering repair classes. Teaching the newcomer how to spin the wrenches proved to be an excellent way to create new cycling fanatics. While the shop has evolved since those early days as a Co-op, that same spirit of community involvement lives on in the newest generation of Freewheelers. The knowledgeable and talented staff at Freewheel Bike offer a variety of services including a full range of repair services and the sale of a wide variety of bikes, bike parts, and cycling accessories.
Growing Lots Urban Farm
Growing Lots Urban Farm is a one acre market farm located in the heart of Seward. They occupy two previously vacant lots, both of which were former parking lots, and have transformed them into highly productive vegetable farms. They work with local wholesalers, chefs, CSA members and local farmer’s markets to sell and distribute their produce. They care for their soils by intensively composting local, organic waste streams, so not only are they small scale farmers, but small scale organics recyclers. Their compost consists of food scraps, wood chips from local tree services, shredded leaves from the neighborhood, plant debris from Mother Earth Gardens, rabbit manure, coffee chaff from local roasters and beer mash from local breweries. They even take in compost offerings from the households of their CSA members! Follow Growing Lots on Facebook and Instagram.
Jack’s Hardware and Farm Supply
Find “Everything you need to DIY your own Urban Homestead” at Jack’s, from standard hardware to gardening supplies to chicks and chicken supplies. Co-owned by lifetime Minneapolis residents Justin and Nancy, Jack’s Hardware and Farm Supply is built on a dedication to sustainability and empowering individuals, and they offer decades of urban farming knowledge in addition to high quality products.
Lucky Dragon
Lucky Dragon offers a wide array of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine and a classic all-you-can-eat buffet every weekday from 11:30-3. Try the beef tenderloin vegetable stir fry, pork peapod stir fry, or tofu spicy golden stir fry all day long or late into the night.
May Day Books
Located in the West Bank, May Day Books is a volunteer collective dedicated to selling left-wing literature. May Day provides a space for political education and camaraderie. They provide quality political books to the public, both fiction and non-fiction, sold at a discount rate of 15%-20% below cover price. Mayday Books is also a progressive political hub for educational events and information on social movements in the Twin Cities.
Midwest Mountaineering
Since 1970, the iconic Midwest Mountaineering has met Cedar-Riverside’s — and the broader Twin Cities Metro Area’s — outdoors gear needs. Not only will their expert staff, enormous inventory, and unbeatable prices add up to the ideal shopping experience, but they offer a variety of free and paid workshops, classes, and events as well. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.
Nomadic Oasis Barbershop
Nomadic Oasis is a five star barber lounge conveniently located on Franklin Avenue. Master Barber, Faysal Osman, opened the shop in 2018 with a vision to offer a high quality, comfortable experience to a diverse customer base. Nomadic Oasis Barber Lounge is more than just a place to get a haircut and shave. Osman says: “As nomadic people, we are used to being on the move. My business is an oasis were you can take a break, relax, and leave feeling restored.”
Northern Clay Center
Established in 1990, Northern Clay Center is an all-purpose ceramic arts organization. They offer free and paid workshops, lectures, classes, fellowships and residencies, publications, and a gallery/gift shop full of the delightful and the divine. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
Pow Wow Grounds
Pow Wow Grounds is a Native-owned coffeeshop and community hub located in the heart of the American Indian Cultural Corridor. Stop by early on Thursdays and Fridays for their famous fry bread tacos and fry bread pizzas! They also share space with the landmark All My Relations Arts gallery and the Four Sisters Farmers Market, which centers on Indigenous and hyper-local foods. Follow Pow Wow Grounds on Facebook and Instagram.
Rebecca’s Bakery
Rebecca’s Bakery makes Authentic Italian cakes, cookies, zeppole, bomboloni, ricotta, crostata, baklava, and much more. The bakery is named after an Auggie and owned by her mom! Stop by for a decadent treat or a simple breakfast, or order delivery to cater your party or event. Follow them on Facebook for updates and mouth-watering photos.
The Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant
Opened in 1990, the Red Sea was Minneapolis’ first Ethiopian restaurant, and is proud to continue to serve the best of traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, including a variety of vegetarian options. Attached to the historic restaurant is a full bar, stage, and dance floor, with a Happy Hour every day and performances from local bands and DJs.
Seward Grill
Located in the old Pita King building, Seward Grill offers a classic selection of halal Mediterranean food. Known for their delicious falafel, kofta, and fries, they’re open until 9pm to satisfy your late night cravings.
Shabelle Grocery and Restaurant
Shabelle Grocery and Restaurant is your one-stop shop for African cooking ingredients and fresh-cooked meals. They offer high-quality and authentic ingredients ranging from specialty meats and fish, grains, grocery, oils, fresh produce, and spices in addition to a full restaurant and deli. The grocery is open until 10pm and the restaurant and deli until 9pm daily to serve you the best anytime of day.
Shega Foods
Look no further for all your East African home cooking needs! Shega Foods provides authentic spices, injera, berbere, Ethiopian coffee beans, and much more. “Our story starts over 30 years ago, with the stories told by elders about our ancestors while cooking the foods that has formed the life we have today. Since arriving to America, we have worked hard to preserve these stories and formed that spirit into the Shega Foods we bring to you today.” Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
She Royal Bar & Bistro
She Royal’s mission is simple: To serve exceptional Ethiopian cuisine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located in Seward, they also have a mobile “Bar Stream” for events and catering. Follow She Royal on Facebook and Instagram.
Sisterhood Boutique
The Sisterhood Boutique was developed by East African women between the ages of 14 and 23 who reside in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and participate in the Brian Coyle Center Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Program participants decided they wanted to build something positive for 
girls and women in the neighborhood, and the Sisterhood Boutique was born. Young women involved with the program learn a variety of personal and professional skills from business development to event planning, while the colorful variety of clothing and accessories available at the shop provide affordable clothing options for residents of the neighborhood. Sisterhood Boutique is right across the street from Augsburg- stop by to shop, donate clothing, or learn about other ways to get involved!
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Soberfish
A collaboration between the owners of East Side Thai and Sushi Tango, Soberfish is a sophisticated yet affordable Asian fusion restaurant and bar. BIPOC- and FTW-owned, it’s perfect for happy hour appetizers with friends, a quick meal on your lunch break, or a luxurious dinner any night of the week.
Tamu Grill and Catering
“Bringing the flavors of Kenya and Africa to Minnesota,” Chef Jojo is giving new life to the historic Viking Bar space on Riverside Ave. and 19th Ave. S. “I grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, where I was exposed to Kenyan, Indian, and Middle Eastern food. I learned to make West African food at a restaurant I previously worked, my spouse is from Southeast Asia, and I now call Minnesota home. So, while my primary influence is Kenyan cooking, I incorporate all these other cultures that I have been privileged to be part of to create dishes that are uniquely a Chef Jojo creation and truly cross-cultural,” Chef Jojo writes. Call ahead or dine in for an exquisite and affordable meal that highlights foods’ natural flavors with subtle blends of spices.
Urban Jungle
This hip vintage seller stocks hand-picked items from Minneapolis and other cities around the country. They specialize in trendy t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and shoes, and are open for buying, selling, and trading seven days a week. If you prefer to stay socially distanced, browse and buy online, and be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on any special deals or events and get first dibs on prime new stock.
The Wienery
Since 2000, the Wienery has been the latest in a long and storied line of beloved neighborhood diners in its location on Cedar and Riverside. Their fresh and affordable fare includes a full breakfast menu as well as an array of burgers, dogs, and fries, with options ranging from the classic (pancakes, polish dogs) to the outlandish (Picnic Fries, Tasmanian Devil). Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
West Bank Diner
The West Bank Diner as been serving some of the best East African food to the Cedar Riverside neighborhood since they opened in 2012. Enjoy full or half orders of basmati rice with your choice of meat or veggies which are infused with authentic herbs and spices. The Diner also serves a traditional East African breakfast every day from 6am to 11am. Whether you are in the mood for a filling breakfast to start your day or a full order of rice to share with friends to end the day make sure you stop in to the West Bank Diner!