Scratch-made food & ice cream on Lake Nokomis



















"Offering prime real estate for that summer night or weekend day date, Sandcastle is situated on the beautiful western shore of Lake Nokomis in South Minneapolis. Enjoy scratch cooking on the beach, while indulging in fish tacos, a classic BLT, lavish hotdogs, and one of the city’s greatest pulled pork sandwiches. If the date is going well: Get on the water to keep the conversation flowing, both literally and physically, and rent a pedal boat or canoe and enjoy a colorful Minnesota sunset." - Megan Sheley

"When the Painted Turtle opened last summer in the former Sandcastle space at Lake Nokomis, its owners were surprised to learn they couldn't legally serve alcohol to lakeside diners because state and city laws require three walls and a roof for a liquor license; they've been working with the Minneapolis parks board to construct a compliant covered seating area, and a new state bill creates a potential workaround to the three-wall rule, so the restaurant could be serving wine and beer by sometime mid-summer once remaining hurdles are cleared." - Justine Jones

"This summer, the Painted Turtle has partnered with the uber-innovative Minnesota Dairy Lab to bring fresh cold scoops to the shores of Lake Nokomis. The summer menu is still being finalized, but expect creative flavors in the vein of koji caramel raspberry, malted hot chocolate, and paloma sorbet." - Eater Staff

"The Painted Turtle is taking over Sandcastle’s spot at Lake Nokomis." - Justine Jones

"This gorgeous concession stand and beer, wine and dog room on the patio. They're open at the edge of Lake Nokomis for lunch and dinner. Make a Friday night date with the once-weekly fried chicken special." - Joy Summers
