Southdale Center is the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall in the United States, opening in 1956. It is anchored by Macy’s, Kowalski's Market, and Life Time Edina, offering over 85 retail and restaurant options. Visitors can find apparel for women and men, jewelry, gifts, and popular brands like J.Crew, Sephora, Tory Burch, lululemon, Apple, and PXG. The mall features diverse dining choices, including sit-down restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, Yumi Sushi, Puttshack, and Peoples Organic, as well as quick bites like Shake Shack. For entertainment, there is a 16-screen AMC Megaplex movie theater. Located off 66th and France Avenue, the mall serves as a convenient shopping and leisure destination. Recent reviews highlight the variety of experiences at Southdale. The Cheesecake Factory offers large portions and a great menu, with a special mention of the filet mignon being especially good, although some find the green beans stringy. Kowalski's Market is praised for its extensive deli, gift items, and premade meals, with many noting its busy, vibrant atmosphere. The newly added Kowalski's is especially well-liked, with visitors appreciating the gift selections and samples available. However, the mall also faces challenges. Some reviewers express disappointment in the declining state of the mall, citing vacant storefronts, poorly maintained escalators and elevators, and inconsistent store locations. The food court is described as small and often not fully operational. The conversion of the north end into a Lifetime Fitness is seen as a practical use of space. Overall, while Southdale Center remains a historic shopping destination with a wide range of stores and dining options, ongoing maintenance issues and store closures have impacted its appeal.
Kinda mid, map of mall via thier website is inaccurate and list of stores as well. Nice high end stores and seem like classy guests and nice not trashy like Rosedale and Maplewood malls.
February 2026
Great stores, with a wide variety. The mall is kept really clean. Could use some more restaurants in the food court, but there’s plenty to do in the area, from Dave & Busters to AMC.
January 2026
Nice mix of middle/upper-tier retailers. Really impressed at how they are transforming the mall. Only disappointment was the food court. After buying my wife a $3k LV bag we were hoping to grab a fresh New York slice from Sbarro or Orange Chicken bowl from Panada express, the entire food court was empty!!
