James Lileks
Columnist
Food & CultureLileks, a Minneapolis resident since 1976: "I've never repeated myself once. I don't like to say I write a 'humor' column, since that's subjective. What might be amusing to me might leave you poker-faced. Let's just say my columns are not intended to be taken seriously." He also writes "Streetscape" pieces, which detail the delights and errors, past and present, of the Twin Cities urban environment. He's the author of four novels, four pop-culture "humor" books on vintage subjects and two collections of columns. "People who like my stuff will probably like lileks.com, and those who don't are probably grateful for the heads-up, and will avoid it," Lileks says.
Latest from James Lileks
7 surprising gems to seek in Doors Open Minneapolis
The free, weekend-long event offers historic and architectural insights into the city’s hotels, libraries, chapels and churches.
May 17, 2025
![A young boy stopped playing briefly to have his photo taken in front of the fountains at Peavey Plaza as they flowed over the reflecting pool Thursday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com Peavey Plaza's fountains are flowing again following after a $10 million restoration photographed Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IIVUAZCTPCJRS6RMQFZDTUBVMQ.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Minneapolis’ first maternity hospital in 1886 was a savior for unmarried mothers and unwanted babies
Founder Martha Ripley was not only an obstetrician but also a mother figure to the women and infants at the facility.
May 10, 2025
Returning snowbirds get a fresh perspective of Minnesota highways and streetscapes
From adorned bridges to colors to shopping centers to dense residential lots, there’s a lot to learn - and ignore - from the Southwest.
May 3, 2025
8 ways Minneapolis and New York are more alike than you’d think
They both have (or had) similar landmarks, with some inspired by the same famous architects.
April 26, 2025
St. Paul cathedral and Minneapolis basilica are different, but linked by more than just faith
The Roman Catholic churches were built around the same time by the same architect in differing styles.
April 19, 2025
Uptown movie theaters were once about facades, ceilings. Now they are about luxury chairs, cocktails
Minneapolis’ Lagoon Cinema is going for a face-lift to include a full-service bar, recliner seating and updated sound system.
April 12, 2025
People said these Minneapolis buildings weren’t worth saving — but they were wrong
The city would be more interesting if these old buildings had survived.
April 5, 2025
It’s the worst roadway in Twin Cities. And it’s at MSP Airport.
The pickup area on the lower level is almost always gridlocked, and nothing can be done about it for now.
March 29, 2025
St. Paul cathedral and Minneapolis basilica are different, but linked by more than just faith
The Roman Catholic churches were built around the same time by the same architect in differing styles.
April 19, 2025
Uptown movie theaters were once about facades, ceilings. Now they are about luxury chairs, cocktails
Minneapolis’ Lagoon Cinema is going for a face-lift to include a full-service bar, recliner seating and updated sound system.
April 12, 2025
People said these Minneapolis buildings weren’t worth saving — but they were wrong
The city would be more interesting if these old buildings had survived.
April 5, 2025
It’s the worst roadway in Twin Cities. And it’s at MSP Airport.
The pickup area on the lower level is almost always gridlocked, and nothing can be done about it for now.
March 29, 2025