Best Date Night Spots In Minnesota
Sometimes it's okay just to stay in and watch your favorite show together, and sometimes it is okay to hit your usual restaurant, you know the one that has that thing you really like. But when it comes to keeping a relationship fresh, or when trying to start a new one on the right note, you have to get creative. You can just do the "same old, same old."
Here are a few ideas for something a little different on the first, or the one hundred and first, date.
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerart.org
Whether you're just wandering hand-in-hand through the exhibits, taking a stroll through the sculpture garden during summer months, or taking advantage of one of the countless events hosted at this art and culture mecca (think movie nights, literary events, parties), this is a unique and always-fun option for date night. Make sure to check out the Walker on Thursdays, when admission is free and the museum stays open until 9 p.m.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 78th St. W.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(952) 934-1525
www.chanhassentheatres.com
This is not just dinner and a show. Well, okay it kind of is. But the always-interesting offerings on multiple stages located just outside of the Twin Cities is a date night that is sure to be a hit. Sit down for dinner before holiday shows, live music, modern interpretations of classic plays, or classic interpretations of Broadway musicals, comedy and plenty more. There's a New Year's Eve bash coming up to keep an eye on as well, as the picturesque theater is a great place to share that New Year's kiss.
Brewery Tour At Summit Brewery
910 Montreal Circle
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 265-7800
www.summitbrewing.com
There are plenty of amazing breweries dotting the Minnesota landscape. Surly's destination brewery isn't a bad idea either, or if you want to go full-on beer enthusiast you can hit all of the breweries along the metro's Green Line light rail (follow the link below). But for a date night, seeing the second largest brewery in Minnesota, complete with copper vats imported from Germany, a separate canning facility, and multiple tap rooms will make for the most comprehensive look at how beer is done (and done right). As an added bonus, founder Mark Stutrud is one of the best hosts you're likely to meet. Keep an eye out for events as well, like movies in the tap room and more.
Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater
810 Lake St. W.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 825-3737
www.bryantlakebowl.com
This Uptown institution is never a bad option for a fun night out, with late night happy hour specials Monday-Thursday, good food and interesting shows, and of course, bowling, but Mondays are the night you should keep open for a date night out. You and that special someone can get two entrees, a bottle of wine (or the equivalent in beer if you're not wine people), and a round of bowling for $28. It's cheap and fun, and even if you're not on a budget, it's a great way to spend the evening.
HUGE Improv Theater
3037 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 412-4843
www.hugetheater.com
Spontaneity is something that is important to every relationship. What better way to keep you both on your toes than to check out a night of improv, where literally anything can happen? Since 2005, the quick-thinking members of HUGE have been putting together long-form improvisational theater (no quick jokes and easy punch lines here) all week long, and the shows are nothing short of inspired. It might get a little weird, it might get a little funny, but it's sure to be a memorable date.
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
