Surdyk's Flights now open at MSP

Surdyk's Flights has landed--but don't expect to pop a cork on the plane.

Surdyk's Flights, an airport outpost of the Northeast Minneapolis liquor store and gourmet shop, opened this Saturday in Terminal 1's main mall, just beyond security checkpoint 2. But don't get your hopes up about slipping into seat 13B and popping open a bottle of Hou Hou Shu sparkling sake just yet.

Hot Dish checked in with Surdyk's Flights and learned that purchased bottles may be carried on to the plane, but not be opened in flight or anywhere on airport property. (A bit of a bummer, but totally a understandable policy.) Still, the pretty little Shea-designed shop, has an eat-in cafe and mini version of the NE wine/gourmet shop, making it a huge boon for gift buying, as well as in-house and grab-and-go dining.

First of all, the only other place to buy off-sale alcohol at the airport is Duty Free, and you won't find nearly the well-curated selection of wines as at Surdyk's Flights. (Actually, just called DF and learned that alcohol and cigarettes may only be purchased by those headed on international flights, so domestic travelers are out of luck.) According to Flights staff, bottles retail for prices comparable to those at the NE, so you're not getting gouged for the sake of convenience. At Flights, you can drink wine by the bottle, glass, or their namesake flights (by region, like Spanish reds, or by type, such as Riesling). They have a full bar and lots of snacks, (breakfast items, light entrees, small plates, desserts) as well.

The food certainly ups the ante on airport fare. Baked goods such as muffins, bagels, croissants, etc. look far better than the typical coffee shop wares and are either made by Surdyk's or purchased from Rustica. There are sandwiches, including the Surdyk's panini, a large selection of cheeses and meats, some of which are compiled into a very civilized grab-and-go ploughman's platter. If you need a quick gift, they offer a small selection of packaged gourmet goods similar to those at the NE shop, including infused oils, flavored vinegars, jellies, etc.

Surdyk's Flights
MSP Airport Mall, Terminal 1
612-727-2323
Store Hours:
8 am - 9 pm, Mon-Sat;
10 am - 9 pm, Sun