Check out these date night hot spots!
Everyone needs a little time with their significant other, especially if you have kids. Date nights are good for the soul and give you a chance to reconnect with the one you love without everyday distractions.
It can be easy to fall into the same routine of going out to the same places, so we compiled a list of 10 of the best options in and around the Twin Cities for your next night on the town. Be sure to book your babysitter or nanny well in advance so that you and your partner can enjoy some much-deserved one-on-one time.
Dinner at Tongue in Cheek
Address: 989 Payne Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55130
Hours:
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Brunch: Wednesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Dinner: Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. (dinner) | Friday & Saturday, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
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Happy Hour: Bar open daily, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 651-888-6148
This Saint Paul restaurant is a perfect place to bring the one you love for delicious food at a reasonable price. Tongue in Cheek’s date night deal began as a summer special, but it became so popular they now offer it year round. Sunday through Thursday, twosomes get two specialty cocktails, two teasers (one-bite snacks), four small plates, and two desserts for $69. The special is available in every part of the restaurant, including the cozy bar and the patio.
Address: 75 W. Fifth St., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 4:50 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Closed until Nov. 25)
Phone: 612-749-0435
Saint Paul’s outdoor, refrigerated ice rink in Landmark Plaza opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stays open until Feb. 1. And the best part is: the skating is free! Don’t worry if you don’t have your own ice skates. You can rent a pair for $4 per person.
Skaters are invited to experience the unique urban setting of downtown Saint Paul. Located in the heart of the city, Wells Fargo WinterSkate creates a fun winter experience perfect for a date night. The historic Landmark Center creates a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor rink, and when you’re finished, head to one of Saint Paul’s amazing restaurants like The Happy Gnome or Cosetta to warm up.
Romantic Evening at Café & Bar Lurcat
Address: 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Hours:
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Café: Monday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday, 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
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Bar: Monday – Thursday, 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 4:30 p.m. – midnight | Sunday, 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
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Happy Hour: Open daily, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 612-486-5500
Every Sunday night, Café Lurcat in Loring Park offers a date night special for $50 per couple for a three-course meal. Each diner chooses a starter, entree, and dessert from a select menu. They can also try half-price bottles of wine under $100.
The menu is second to none, with items like short ribs and sticky rice, grilled cauliflower, and miso sea bass that will melt in your mouth. Café Lurcat also has live music most weekends, so make sure you grab a spot in the sprawling bar or out on the patio overlooking Loring Park.
Bowling and More at Bryant Lake Bowl
Address: 810 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Phone: 612-825-3737
Bryant Lake Bowl has a Cheap Date Night that runs every Monday starting at 6 p.m. and includes two entrees, a bottle of wine or a few beers, and a round of bowling for just $28 per couple. A round of bowling in the old-school alley (yes, you have to keep your own score) is available for $6.50 per person (including shoe rental). Lanes are first come, first served.
If you are still up for more after dinner and bowling, Bryant Lake also has a theater. See the film schedule on their website. Patrons can eat and drink at their seats. Tons of delicious locally sourced, sustainably raised menu options, craft cocktails, and shareables are available, and their menu changes frequently to offer diners new and exciting options.
Climbing at Vertical Endeavors
Locations, Hours, & Phone: Click here for details on five area locations.
Looking to break a sweat on your date night? Then look no further than Vertical Endeavors. This Minneapolis hot spot has rock walls that bring the great outdoors indoors, which comes in handy during the winter months. Climbers pay $18 to get unlimited access for the day, as well as use of auto belays, top ropes, lead routes, and bouldering areas. Participants of all abilities climb throughout in a climate-controlled environment. Routes are available for all skill levels and offer a great workout, both physically and mentally.
With five locations in Minnesota, Vertical Endeavors is a short drive for anyone looking for a challenging place to bring their loved one. Once you are done, you’ll be ready to relax with drinks and dinner nearby.
Catch a Game With the St. Paul Saints
Address: 360 Broadway, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Hours: Click here for the game schedule.
Phone: 651-644-6655
The ballpark is a perfect place to sit back, relax, and watch some baseball on a beautiful summer night. The Saints are a professional team based in St. Paul, and home games are based on their “Fun is Good” attitude. Already in its 25th year, the team moved from its Midway stadium into the new CHS Field in 2015.
The Saints have been recognized locally and nationally for their creativity between innings, with fans experiencing everything from haircuts offered in the stands to sumo wrestling, tire races, usher training, and trivia contests. Grab some food and a cold beer with your partner and prepare to be entertained.
Cooking Class at Kitchen in the Market
Address: 920 E. Lake St., Ste. 107, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hours: Click here for class dates & times.
Phone: 612-568-5486
At Kitchen in the Market, located in the Midtown Global Market, you and your date can take classes from some of the top chefs in the Twin Cities. Classes are completely hands-on and offer inspired-by-the-season cooking with local, organic, and sustainable fare. Aside from being a great date night option, the classes give participants the skills they need to whip up tasty dishes at home for loved ones.
Five to nine classes are available at any given time, which gives you the ability to choose from themes like Wine and Dine, Psychic Supper (with psychic readings included), Meatless Monday, and Zombie Apocalypse for all your canned-good needs. (You know, just in case.)
Curling at the Four Seasons Curling Club
Address: 9250 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Hours: Call to schedule
Phone: 763-780-3328
Whether you are a novice or expert curler, check out Four Seasons Curling Club at Fogerty Arena in Blaine. They have ice time available year round, and for $50 a person for two hours, it can be a fun and unique way to spend a night out. If you’ve never curled before, they offer a Learn to Curl clinic to get your first exposure to the sport. Each lesson is a two-hour introduction and instructional session teaching the basics of curling.
A restaurant called Sticks & Stones is located at the arena and provides a full bar and grill to quench your thirst after an evening of curling. Make sure to dress in layers, as the arena temperature is only about 45 to 50 degrees.
Kayaking at Above The Falls Sports
Address: 200 N. Second St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
Hours: Click here to view & book tours.
Phone: 612-825-8983
If you want to see Minneapolis from the water, check out kayaking at Above the Falls Sports. For $60 – $95 per person, couples can spend two to four hours kayaking down the Mississippi River. Tandem and single kayaks are available, and the tour offers several meeting spots, depending on where you want to explore. Just remember to bring sunscreen and water.
Once back on dry land, it’s time to relax. Bring your partner to one of several nearby Minneapolis restaurants, like the Monte Carlo for appetizers or Black Sheep Pizza for a pie and a cocktail.
Grab Some Drinks & Take a Tour at Surly Brewing Company
Address: 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight
Phone: 763-999-4040
If you or your significant other is into craft beers, Surly is the place to go. The brewery used to be in Brooklyn Center but quickly reached capacity as its popularity grew. Now housed in a gorgeous building in Minneapolis, Surly is dishing up seasonal, anniversary, and year-round craft beer sure to please everyone.
They also offer a delicious food menu in the beer hall. This bustling venue has tavern nibbles to share and full meals as well as its own microbrews, plus an upstairs eatery with beer pairings. Surly also offers tours, so check online for days and times before you arrive.