Shop, Sip, and Support: A Local’s Guide to Businesses Around Lake Minnetonka
There’s something special about the communities around Lake Minnetonka. Beyond the sparkling shoreline and winding trails, what truly gives this area its charm is the small businesses that bring heart and soul to every neighborhood—from Wayzata to Excelsior and everywhere in between.
Whether you're a long-time local, a new resident, or just spending a weekend on the lake, here's a guide to some of the must-visit spots that make Lake Minnetonka feel like home.
Boutiques + Local Finds
Gray Home + Lifestyle – Excelsior
A beautifully curated shop offering home décor, gifts, and cozy essentials with a modern edge. Whether you're refreshing your space or searching for a thoughtful housewarming gift, this is a local favorite for good reason.
Evereve – Wayzata
Though now a national brand, Evereve started right here in Minnesota. Their Wayzata storefront still feels personal and boutique-y—great for on-trend wardrobe staples and elevated casualwear.
Kisa Boutique – Excelsior
A gem for globally inspired fashion and accessories, Kisa offers handpicked items with a story. Perfect for finding that “where did you get that?” piece.
Cafés + Coffee Shops
The Grocer's Table – Wayzata
Half café, half wine bar, half boutique market (yes, that’s three halves—but it works). Grab a cappuccino, pick up some artisan cheese, or sit down for a full brunch with lake views. It’s a local lifestyle wrapped in one chic spot.
Licks Unlimited – Excelsior
When it starts to feel like summer, Licks is where the line forms. This ice cream shop has been a go-to since the 1980s—nostalgic, charming, and worth every scoop.
Mocha Monkey – Mound
Warm and quirky with a rotating art gallery, Mocha Monkey is a true community coffeehouse. They also have live music nights and a welcoming vibe for creatives and caffeine lovers alike.
Restaurants You’ll Crave Again
6Smith – Wayzata
Waterfront dining meets elevated comfort food. From oysters to wood-fired steaks, 6Smith is a go-to for a stylish dinner or happy hour with a view.
Coalition – Excelsior
Locally loved for its approachable yet elevated American fare. The kind of place where you'll come for the craft cocktails and stay for the short rib gnocchi.
Al & Alma’s – Cook’s Bay
A Lake Minnetonka classic. Whether you dock your boat for dinner or hop aboard one of their charter cruises, Al & Alma’s has been serving up lakeside tradition since 1956.
Wellness + Lifestyle
Spirit of the Lake Yoga – Excelsior
This cozy, light-filled studio is a serene place to stretch, breathe, and reset. They also offer paddleboard yoga in the warmer months—because where better than on the lake?
Lake Effect Chiropractic – Mound
More than just adjustments, Lake Effect focuses on total wellness with a warm, neighborly approach. Great for both chronic issues and that post-winter reset.
Why Supporting Local Matters
When you support a Lake Minnetonka business, you’re not just buying a coffee or a candle—you’re investing in a family, a dream, and a community. These businesses sponsor the little league teams, show up at the 4th of July parades, and remember your name when you walk through the door.
As the seasons change and visitors flock to the lake, let’s keep our community strong by showing up for the people who make it what it is.
Pro Tip: Make a Saturday out of it—start with coffee in Wayzata, stroll the shops in Excelsior, grab a lakeside lunch, and finish with an ice cream cone at sunset. The lake life isn’t just about the water—it’s about the people who make this place feel like home.
