It may be time to close the doors on al fresco dining – unless you can find a patio with plenty of heat lamps and lap blankets – but in the Twin Cities our options for culinary adventures only multiply when we head back inside. We’ve put together a guide to some of our current favorite eateries in the cities. Visiting them all will keep you busy well into the winter.
Casual gone classy: Pizzeria Lola – 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis
Nothing says TGIF than a family night out for pizza, and for the lowkey foodie, Pizzeria Lola turns the Friday night pizza run into a gourmet experience. Order the Old Reliable for any picky eaters in your party and try the Korean-inspired pies if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. No matter what you pick, the chewy wood-fired crust sets Lola’s apart from your average neighborhood pizza joint.
Special occasion: Spoon and Stable – 211 First Street North, Minneapolis
It’s hard to decide which is more stunning at this new Minneapolis classic: the food or the space. Both were nominated for James Beard Foundation awards this year. Whether you visit for dinner or brunch, you’re in for an exquisite dining experience that romances you with its unfussy elegance. You’ll need a special occasion just to remind you to plan ahead—tables are booked weeks in advance.
Best Burger: Parlour – 730 North Washington Ave., Minneapolis
Victory 44 may claim the Perfect Burger, but Parlour’s is the one we can’t stop thinking about. The patties are made with a blend of ground sirloin, ribeye, and brisket that makes each bite more tender and flavorful than the last. Parlour itself is an intimate bar tucked into the lower level of the North Loop’s acclaimed Borough restaurant and no visit would be complete without trying one of their craft cocktails.
Happiest hour: Nightingale – 2551 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
Nightingale toes the line between cocktail lounge and restaurant, serving elegant small plates in their chic, dimly lit dining room that creates a classy happy hour vibe that lasts until they close their doors at 2am. But they also have one of the best happy hours for real every day from 4-6pm and 11pm-1am, offering their fancy cocktails for only $5 and rail drinks for $3. Enjoy a drink en route to another destination or settle in for the night—you can’t go wrong.
