Photo: Walter Bibikow (Getty)
Ah, the infamous third date. Expectations are high. You could chance it and cook for her yourself, but let’s be honest: this is a situation best left to the experts. If you’re in Minneapolis or St. Paul, there’s no shortage of swoon-worthy venues to satisfy your sweetheart’s hunger. Wow her with reservations at one of these fine dining establishments, then take her back to your place for dessert.
The Strip Club Meat & Fish
If you’re a meat-and-potatoes person with an appreciation of snarky innuendo, you’ll feel right at home at The Strip Club in St. Paul. Situated atop a hill in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood this gem of a venue has a homey, old-world charm. Chef J.D. Fratzke crafts steak, seafood, and small plates with heart and a side of sizzling attitude. Inventive specials change nightly; if lobster is offered when you’re in-house, order it, no questions asked. No matter what you eat at The Strip Club, you’re in for a memorable, sensual experience.
378 Maria Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-6247
domeats.com
The Bachelor Farmer
If there was such a thing as “dine cute,” this would be the place to do it. With its hip, rustic décor, it’s no wonder that couples have begun getting married on the second floor of the warehouse space that dates back to 1881. But that’s down the road. You’re just having dinner tonight, and it’s going to be one to remember. Chef Paul Berglund’s seasonal, Nordic-infused menu relies on uncomplicated, primarily organic fare sourced locally—sometimes as close as the restaurant’s own rooftop garden.
50 N 2nd Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-206-3920
thebachelorfarmer.com
Heyday
If you think dinner should be a gastronomic adventure, Heyday is right up your alley. A relatively new addition to the Minneapolis dining scene, this venue’s décor is as visually striking as the menu is imaginative. If you’re not intimidated by foods like roasted squab, guinea hen, or chicken liver tarts, the dainty portions of pretty cuisine will surely satisfy.
2700 Lyndale Ave
South Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-200-9369
heydayeats.com
Spoon and Stable
This newish North Loop restaurant, located in a former horse stable, is chic and subdued. Direct your attention to the “Land” section of the menu, where you’ll find mouth-watering offerings like roasted duck breast, grilled Colorado lamb, bison striploin and crispy suckling pork. James Beard award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen is behind what has been deemed as one of the hot spots of the 2015 dining scene, blending his Midwestern roots with French-inspired cuisine. This is your place if you want to see and be seen on your date.
“I love seeing people on dates here, whether it’s a first date or a night out for a married couple,” says Kaysen. “The space has great energy and we always aim to make it a special event when people come in for dinner.”
211 1st Street North
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-224-9850
spoonandstable.com
Butcher and the Boar
Can you say “sausage fest”? Meat is what this downtown eatery is all about. Featuring seasonal American cooking, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide between the sausage sampler (wild boar hot links, Texas beef Links, and Berkshire pork and cheddar links, made in-house) and the smoked beef long rib, glazed with molasses and Tabasco. Yes, this makes for messy date food, but if you don’t look good licking your fingers, we can’t help you. Indulge indoors, among industrial woodshop décor, or sit outside on the pretty patio.
1121 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-238-8888
Burch Steakhouse & Pizza
This sophisticated venue features perfect people-watching windows and a dark décor that lends gravitas and intimacy to your date night. Carnivores can choose from grass-fed beef, Niman Ranch or Creekstone Farms prime beef, or domestic wagyu, then further customize your order by selecting a steak size. The grilled button mushrooms with bacon and herbs are a sublime side. Pizza lovers will appreciate pies topped with creamed leeks, mushrooms, and truffled boschetto or roasted zucchini with squash blossoms, marinated cherry tomatoes, grana padano, and mozzarella. Save room for sweets like Madeleine cookies or Earl Grey crème brûlée.
1933 Colfax Ave
South Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-843-1515
burchrestaurant.com
Meritage
If you get a table at this upscale French bistro, you better order oysters. Meritage chef and owner Russell Klein is a bivalve connoisseur for whom freshness is paramount. Aphrodisiac seafood aside, this downtown St. Paul destination oozes romanticism and finery with warm wood and soft lighting. The terrace, open April through October, offers a prime view of nearby Rice Park.
Historic Hamm Building
410 Saint Peter Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-222-5670
meritage-stp.com
W.A. Frost
Nestled in the historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood, this old-fashioned, long-standing St. Paul restaurant will please mature diners. In summer, the al fresco dining area is downright stunning. Frost’s menu clearly highlights gluten-free items like maple braised pork cheeks and Wild Acres pheasant breast. An award-winning wine cellar, extensive cheese plate selection and chef’s tasting menu are among the reasons why this venue’s withstood thirty-five years.
374 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-224-5715
wafrost.com
Barbette
This Uptown Minneapolis staple specializes in locally sourced and organic fare. You can’t go wrong with pommes frites, asparagus risotto, or steamed mussels in white wine, lemon, and garlic. Whether you savor your meal in the art-packed dining room or sit on the sidewalk patio, this European-esque location is perfect for lingering. If you must surrender your table, mere blocks away is Lake Calhoun, a picturesque setting for a post-meal stroll.
1600 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-827-5710
barbette.com
Masu
If you like loud, bright, and colorful, this Japanese eatery in Northeast Minneapolis is just your style. Order off the Robata (Japanese grill) menu, and you’ll be presented with pop-able tidbits like hotate (scallops), tsukune (chicken meat balls), and buta no kakuni (pork belly) on sticks. Take this opportunity to teach your date how to use chopsticks or declare it finger food. The ramen is also amazing, though unless you can slurp sensually, don’t you dare.
330 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-332-6278
masusushiandrobata.com
