Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Barrio925 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
612.333.9953
If an urbane all-night party is what you’re after, there’s no cooler place to be than Barrio. Billed as a tequila bar, the space feels more like a hip European-style club for the grown and sexy 25+ crowd. The kind you find on vacation with house music pumping out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and well-dressed revelers flirting happily with the assistance of free-flowing top-shelf spirits. Barrio has made-to-order guacamole and corn-tortilla tacos, but the star of this show is the vibe: a much-needed breath of funky-fresh air into downtown’s Nicollet Mall.
Best Cheap Date
Bryant Lake Bowl 810 West Lake St., Minneapolis
612.825.3737
The Bryant Lake Bowl, a longtime Uptown staple and home to the hippest bowling lanes in town, is an easy favorite. While you wait for a lane, try something from the unexpectedly inventive menu (the mock duck rolls are divine) or order a pint from one of the beautiful, offbeat tenders. Much of the menu is locally-sourced and sustainably harvested. The small Cabaret Theater also draws local thespians with plays, musical performances and film screenings most nights of the week.
Best Club
First Avenue & 7th Street Entry701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis
612.338.8388
San Francisco has the Fillmore Auditorium. New York has the Knitting Factory. And Minneapolis has First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry. Anyone who knows about music in this town will tell you that, for the last three decades, First Avenue has been integral to the Twin Cities' vibrant music scene.
From the avant garde to the mainstream, First Avenue is a music club committed to fostering the arts, music and entertainment excellence. There are a lot of people who care deeply about this club and have, in effect, made it their lives.
First Avenue is, quite simply, what a music club should be.
Best Creative Date
Aamodts Balloon Rides
Aamodts Apple Orchard, Stillwater
(651) 351-0101
Treat your sweetheart to an hourlong baloon ride. Upon your return, you will be greeted with champagne!
Best Place for a Laugh
Brave New Workshop
2605 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
(612) 332-6620
This is the longest-running original sketch comedy, music and comedy improvisation theater in the United States.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Zeno Caf, Dessert & Wine Bar
2919 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
(612) 746-4170
The desserts here are larger than life. Choose from an extensive wine list.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
Patina1009 W. Franklin Ave.
612.872.0880
Other locations: Highland Park, North East, Selby & Snelling, Shoppe Local.
If you see something you like her (and you will), by all means, treat yourself! But that's the delicious danger of this heaven-sent, last-minute-gift emporium. Patina offers perfect little things that make fabulous gifts: cool books, fanciful home and garden trinkets, funky jewelery, clever toys and unusual cards and gift wrap to pull it all together.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Saffron123 N. 3rd St.
Suite 101
(612) 746-5533
The dining room is a warm and inviting casual restaurant, great for a date - the Tasting Menu and Wine Pairings is adventurous and never disappoints!
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Caf Twenty Eight
2724 West 43rd St., Minneapolis
(612) 926-2800
Located in the historic Linden Hills neighborhood, this restaurant is in a converted firehouse with a cozy, intimate dining room.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Kincaids Fish, Chop, and Steakhouse
380 St. Peter St., St. Paul
(651) 602-9000
Other locations: Bloomington
This is a warm and upscale, yet reasonably priced fish, chop, and steakhouse.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
Sophia
65 Main St. S. E., Minneapolis
(612) 379-1111
Beautiful surroundings, located on the Mississippi riverfront with piano players nightly.
TOP FIVE DATES
Bay Watch
Everyone feels relaxed walking by the water. Its such a romantic setting! Walk, bike or Rollerblade on one of the many paths around Lake Calhoun or Lake Harriet.
Just For Laughs
Laughter is a natural aphrodisiac, so why not warm up the mood and make a night of it: Hey City Theater, ACME, Music Box Theater or stop by Nyes Polonaise Room.
Outdoor Movie
What could be better than to be sitting under the stars enjoying an outdoor movie? Pack a picnic and blanket for Loring Park, Stevens Square Park and many others.
Paddle your own canoe
Enjoy the great outdoors and see some beautiful scenery up in Taylors Falls while paddling your canoe on the St. Croix River.
Winery
The Alexis Bailey Vineyard in Hastings is the only vineyard around. Make it extra special by packing a picnic, picking up a bottle of wine and enjoying the sculpture park.