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
City Center today is downtown Minneapolis’ biggest mistake. But remember the block’s good old days?
It once featured architecturally diverse buildings, distinguished stores and grand theaters and hotels.
March 1, 2025
Culture
Minnesota needs more whimsy. Bring back the Happy Chefs and the Big Boys.
Minnesota cities would be more interesting if there were an abundance of smiling plastic statues trying to sell us hamburgers or car washes.
February 22, 2025
Culture
The names Minneapolis lost when the streets were renamed for presidents
Here’s the connection between our roads and the men for whom they’re named and why we we ended up with so many.
February 15, 2025
Culture
10 reasons we must embrace the Northwestern Life Insurance building in Minneapolis
The building has a Roman temple touch and is the brainchild of renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki.
February 8, 2025
Culture
Why do Twin Cities suburban car showrooms look like enormous meat lockers?
Dealerships used to have style, but that was when cars had cranks and running boards, or fins and shiny chrome.
January 29, 2025
Culture
Those faces carved in Minneapolis City Hall are absolutely grotesque
Meet the guy who’s been sticking out his tongue at government officials since the 19th century.
January 24, 2025
Culture
The elevator doors at these eight Minneapolis skyscrapers are works of art
Modernization of buildings has led to stripped-down looks and riders just want elevators to be functional.
January 10, 2025
Lifestyle
6 ideas to get Minnesotans to want to go to downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis may not see big changes in 2025 but it will be different by 2035, if imaginations take over.
January 3, 2025
Culture
Why do Twin Cities suburban car showrooms look like enormous meat lockers?
Dealerships used to have style, but that was when cars had cranks and running boards, or fins and shiny chrome.
January 29, 2025
Culture
Those faces carved in Minneapolis City Hall are absolutely grotesque
Meet the guy who’s been sticking out his tongue at government officials since the 19th century.
January 24, 2025
Culture
The elevator doors at these eight Minneapolis skyscrapers are works of art
Modernization of buildings has led to stripped-down looks and riders just want elevators to be functional.
January 10, 2025
Lifestyle
6 ideas to get Minnesotans to want to go to downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis may not see big changes in 2025 but it will be different by 2035, if imaginations take over.
January 3, 2025