Dangerous Man Brewing Co.
If it's fall, that means Imperial Pumpkin Ale is on tap at this lively northeast Minneapolis destination, where the gourd that symbolizes Halloween is supplemented by Thanksgiving pie spice notes: nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger and allspice. For a special autumnal treat, stop in the brewery's growler shop for a bottle ($20) version that's aged six months in Cruzan rum barrels.
1300 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-236-4087, dangerousmanbrewing.com
The Malt Shop
Pick up variations on pumpkin ice cream at scoop shops all over the metro area, including Honey & Mackie's (16725 County Road 24, Plymouth, 763-225-6682, honeyandmackies.com) and Pumphouse Creamery (4754 Chicago Av. S., Mpls., 612-825-2021, pumphouse-creamery.com). Or stop into this funky, 43-year-old south Minneapolis staple for — what else? — a pumpkin malt.
809 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-824-1352, themaltshoprestaurant.com
Hot Plate
At this breakfast-and-lunch hot spot, go for the glorious collection of paint-by-number artworks, stay for the equally distinguished pumpkin waffle. Delicately crispy on the outside and hearty and filling on the inside, it's seasoned with all the right pumpkin pie spices and topped with candied pecans and a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.
5204 Bloomington Av. S., Mpls., 612-824-4794