Minneapolis, Minnesota is where the city meets nature. From the lush parks to the bustling city center there is plenty to see and do during your stay in Minneapolis. There really is something for every type of traveler whether you’re looking for a bustling nightlife, adventure, live entertainment, sports, shopping, or hoping to submerge yourself in the arts culture of the city. That said, you’re bound to get hungry along the way.
Whether you’re looking for the best place to eat lunch in between exploring the city, looking for a fine dining restaurant for date night, or hoping to grab a drink at a casual restaurant with friends, Minneapolis has it all! Follow along and discover the best restaurants in Minneapolis that you don’t want to miss.
112 Eatery
If you’re seeking fine dining, excellent service, and of course delicious food, 112 Eatery is where you’ll want to eat. According to TripAdvisor, the restaurant ranks fourth out of the top restaurants in Minneapolis and boasts over 1,000 reviews with a whopping 4.5-star rating.
The restaurant offers dishes for everyone and accommodates many diets from vegetarian-friendly dishes to gluten-free and vegan options. Previous patrons have not only raved about the delicious food but the presentation too. Take a trip to 112 Eatery and you’ll quickly see why it is one of the best places to eat in Minneapolis.
Hai Hai
Whether you visit Hai Hai in the winter or summer you will always feel like you’re in tropical paradise right when you step in the door. The vibrant walls and lush plants will lure you in but the refreshing cocktails and delicious food will have you coming back for more.
Hai Hai is such a fun place to eat and serves delicious Southeast Asian street food. Previous guests have raved about their fern banana blossom salad as well as the turmeric and dill fish dish. But whichever dish you choose, you will not be disappointed! During the warmer months don’t miss your chance to sit on their big outdoor patio.
Rose Street Patisserie
Rose Street Patisserie is the perfect place in the Twin Cities to eat lunch! Sure you can get a croissant or treat anywhere but nothing quite compares to the homemade offerings they serve here.
The freshly baked bread is something every visitor needs to experience. Not to mention they offer delicious quiches and paninis. When you want to quench your sweet tooth craving be sure to try their fresh French pastries like eclairs, macarons, gateaux, and croissants. Guests can grab a seat indoors or enjoy the fresh air on their outdoor patio.
The Mystery Cafe
If you’re up for an adventure and like to be entertained you do not want to miss your chance to visit The Mystery Cafe. Here you will enjoy a delicious three-course meal all the while being entertained with a hilarious fictional crime story where you and your table are invited to solve the crime.
Each show features four acts and in between each act you’ll be given a course and a clue. Throughout the show, you’ll also be provided with “Mystery Money” so you can bribe the characters for more clues. Whether you solve the crime or not, you are surely going to be entertained and laughing all night long! You can learn more about their shows, ticket prices and you can book your reservation on The Mystery Cafe’s website.
Spoon and Stable
A James Beard award-winning chef, Gavin Kaysen brought his expertise and knowledge back to his hometown, Minneapolis, to open this top-notch restaurant. Spoon and Stable (which actually used to be a horse stable) offers you everything from an elegant night out to refreshing and intriguing cocktails as well as well-presented plates of food. It also happens to be conveniently located downtown.
Gavin Kaysen does a great job of combining classic home comforts with a touch of European flair. The French-inspired cuisine, the magazine-worthy atmosphere, and the attention to detail are just a few of the reasons why Spoon and Stable is one of the absolute best restaurants to eat in Minneapolis.
Tilt Pinball Bar
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis and have an appetite be sure to head to Tilt Pinball Bar. This fun location is one of the best bars in Minneapolis because it offers everything from exciting entertainment to delicious food and refreshing drinks.
The bar features over 20 vintage and modern pinball machines that will provide you with a unique experience you won’t get anywhere else. The menu features the most extraordinary lineup of hot dogs you’ve ever seen and they even offer a vegan option! In addition to delicious food and fun games, you will also enjoy their wide selection of craft beer and cocktails. Further, you can even visit during their happy hour which gets you $2 off all taps, rail drinks, and specialty hot dogs. Happy hour takes place Sunday through Thursday between 4 PM-6 PM as well as between 10 PM and 12 AM. Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends or date night you will not be disappointed with a visit to Tilt Pinball Bar.
Union
Nothing quite beats an outdoor patio, especially when the sun is shining! Luckily, Union not only features an outdoor seating area but it’s on the rooftop providing you the most breathtaking views of the city. In fact, Union is the only restaurant in Minnesota that features a year-round glass-enclosed and heated rooftop seating area. This means you can take in those marvelous views no matter what season it is. Guests can also choose to dine on the main level in the Union Bar and Grill.
In addition to the breathtaking views, Union also offers a delicious menu with top-notch American Fare. It’s worth noting, there are different menus for the rooftop and the Bar and Grill so you may want to look at that before arrival. Union Bar and Grill offers crave-worthy appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches whereas Union Rooftop offers chef-driven cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a great wine selection. You can view both menus on their website.
