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
Culture
Will there be a return of MABA: Make Architecture Beautiful Again?
Many modern government buildings with contemporary designs have come under criticism for being dull and drab.
December 6, 2024
Culture
Old lobby mailboxes reflect beauty of classic Minneapolis skyscrapers
The sturdy metal boxes were objects of beauty and functionality as a mail delivery system in tall buildings.
November 14, 2024
Culture
Minneapolis hotel lobbies offer grandeur, gilt and a vibe-y jumble
Downtown hotel lobbies offer a glimpse into the past as well as a view of humanity at a crossroads.
November 7, 2024
Culture
Northstar Cafeteria is back in downtown Minneapolis, and more upscale for a new generation
Its rebirth brings back memories of the heydays of cafeteria dining, 10-cent asparagus toasts at Miller’s and Forum’s lavish ad campaigns.
October 31, 2024
Culture
Oldest cemetery in Minneapolis has some stone-cold stories to tell
Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery has unmarked graves of soldiers and markers for children in a sparsely occupied setting.
October 29, 2024
Food & Culture
Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall stands tall at 50: How it went from curb to cube
The building went from being called “joyless” to being lauded for its acoustics and becoming a game-changer for the storied orchestra.
October 21, 2024
Culture
Minnesota had the most unusual gas station in the country in 1958. Why are they so dull today?
Frank Lloyd Wright made a monument to design. Phillips 66 used a bold-looking canopy. Now, gas stations are nondescript.
September 19, 2024
Home & Garden
The Minnesota governor's residence has lore galore, and a secret tunnel
It’s not called a mansion, and not every occupant was thrilled to live there.
September 14, 2024
Culture
Oldest cemetery in Minneapolis has some stone-cold stories to tell
Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery has unmarked graves of soldiers and markers for children in a sparsely occupied setting.
October 29, 2024
Food & Culture
Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall stands tall at 50: How it went from curb to cube
The building went from being called “joyless” to being lauded for its acoustics and becoming a game-changer for the storied orchestra.
October 21, 2024
Culture
Minnesota had the most unusual gas station in the country in 1958. Why are they so dull today?
Frank Lloyd Wright made a monument to design. Phillips 66 used a bold-looking canopy. Now, gas stations are nondescript.
September 19, 2024
Home & Garden
The Minnesota governor's residence has lore galore, and a secret tunnel
It’s not called a mansion, and not every occupant was thrilled to live there.
September 14, 2024