Planners on the lookout for a Midwestern meetings locale focused on foodie fun should zoom in on the current dining scene in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, where farm-to-table temptations blend with global flavors for a deliciously diverse menu of offerings.
Whether your group is hungry to explore iconic local tastes and fabulously fresh fare or authentic ethnic tastes from points near and far, the region delivers compelling cuisine. Adding to the allure are a number of cool and colorful settings for group dining, as well as some edible explorations sure to make an impression on attendees’ taste buds.
Here’s a look at some of the very best dining diversions in this magnetic metro area.
Minneapolis
“We have a wealth of great places to dine for groups in Minneapolis,” says Kristen Montag, marketing communications manager for Meet Minneapolis, adding that fantastic food forays are also in abundance locally.
Among the stylish recent entries to the scene is Uptown’s Coup d’etat, boasting upper and lower patio levels and creative cuisine showcasing shared entrees. What’s not for groups to love there? The establishment hosts up to 300 and offers a semi-private space for larger groups. A small detail showing off big creativity is a selection of dessert cocktails, such as an Island Oasis featuring coconut rum, sweetened condensed milk, blackberry puree and mint.
Another red-hot venue is Hell’s Kitchen, an established restaurant that actually preceded the eponymously named TV series starring Gordon Ramsay. It completed a remodel earlier this year that enhanced its group dining spaces and was also an early key player in the “farm-to-fork” frenzy currently engulfing American cuisine.
“Hell’s Kitchen is one of the convention center’s favorite places to recommend for groups because we have a huge underground lair divided into many areas that can accommodate any size group from 12 to over 400,” says Cynthia Gerdes, a co-owner of Hell’s Kitchen. “In addition to The Minnesota Room, we have an adjacent Pub, and on the other side of our restaurant is our large Underground Room complete with a bar, dining areas and a stage with state-of-the-art AV equipment.”
For spicy flavors and an even spicier atmosphere, get your group to Chino Latino in Uptown, another establishment highly dedicated to group happiness.
“Chino Latino is about street food from the equatorial hot zones ranging from Cuba to Shanghai,” says Annie Halloran, sales and event coordinator at the venue. “Chino has always been about celebrations and cool after-work social and business gatherings.”
She adds that Chino Latino features “see-and-be-seen, semi-private spaces” and its Party Room for private events that benefits from audiovisual support. Group sizes range from 10 to 125 and Chino also showcases unique feasts such as the Tio Pepe’s taco bar or pig roasts, boosted by exotic tropical cocktails and large platters for sharing.
Montag also encourages an outing with Taste Twin Cities, with a variety of tasty treks delving into iconic food and drink faves about town. She also says planners should note that the Minneapolis Convention Center offers the new Craft Bar & Lounge, located above the visitor information center in the main lobby. The venue debuted in January and features Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild beer on tap and tasty food from Kelber Catering, Montag says.
Saint Paul
In the nearby state capital of Saint Paul, Tongue in Cheek is a fun and funky restaurant with a heart, embracing a sustainable mission that only uses products from animals raised in a humane manner. A whimsical menu presents what might be seen as highly elevated pub fare, with everything from cheeseburgers to pork belly to seared scallop. The innovative libations are another highlight, and where else can you sample a flight of high-quality “cocktail teasers” for a $12 price tag?
The caveat is the limited space for groups, and TIC generally limits communal parties to 12 guests on Fridays and Saturdays, but can field groups of up to 20 other nights.
Elsewhere in town, Allison Ryan with Visit Saint Paul recommends some great group-friendly options, like the Black Dog Cafe in Lowertown, with frequent live music; the nearby Public Kitchen + Bar, split between a snazzy open-kitchen and casual lounge; and Salt Cellar in the Selbey-Western neighborhood, a regally retro restaurant focused on local ingredients. Smaller groups seeking a charming breakfast or lunch outing should consider Ryan’s personal favorite foodie stop—the Buttered Tin bakery and cafe in Lowertown.
Minneapolis Northwest
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis Northwest offers some foodie venues that provide worthwhile group experiences, says Danielle Moon, sales and marketing manager for the local CVB.
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These include Sweet Basil, an Asian restaurant emphasizing Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai influences, and also hosting group cooking classes each Sunday at noon. Planners should note that advance registration is required for the two-hour courses.
Another intriguing option is Tiny Footprint Coffee in Brooklyn Center, a roaster that prides itself on being the world’s first “carbon negative” coffee according to Moon. Groups can come for a tour of the facility or partake in a unique barista training class that instructs attendees on everything from latte art to cupping techniques.
Moon also recommends the casual Fat Nat’s Eggs for groups gathering for breakfast or brunch, a local favorite that now has a few locations in the region, including a Brooklyn Park outlet. She also suggests checking out the farmers markets that are popular in the locale, generally operating June through early autumn and including Tuesday markets at Discover Church and Boerboom Park.
Bloomington
Just a 15-minute drive south of Minneapolis, Bloomington boasts the massive Mall of America, as well as some inviting dining choices.
Pam Joy, events, public relations and group travel manager for the Bloomington CVB, highly recommends the FireLake Grill House at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. Set in a sleek and modern yet comfortable space, the establishment showcases farm-to-table fare bolstered by creative flair and innovative presentation. FireLake offers two private dining rooms to host groups of up to 25 and offers a menu with plenty of group-friendly elements, such as charcuterie platters and small plates perfect for passing around.
Elsewhere in Bloomington, Joy recommends the Bloomington Chophouse—set inside the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington and focused on steak and seafood standbys, with several private dining spaces on hand. Joy also is a fan of Ciao Bella, a contemporary Italian dining spot, and Parma 8200, where she says the pan-seared halibut piccata with caramelized gnocchi is particularly amazing.
Discover St. Louis Park
Directly west of downtown Minneapolis, Discover St. Louis Park boasts a gamut of dining options, with a host of cool and casual restaurants ranging from popular chains like Applebee’s and the Olive Garden to plenty of local favorites.
One of the most popular group spots here is surely Crave, an American Kitchen & Sushi Bar with a passion for hosting groups and a diverse menu of tempting fare. A private dining room is available and planners are able to work with a special tiered menu, breaking down sumptuous three-course meals into three pricing options. Patio seating is possible in fair weather, and attendees can also pull up a seat at the sushi bar to watch some real pros in action.
Eagan
Just east of Bloomington, Eagan is a growing commuter town with some compelling group-friendly dining spots of various influences, according to Derek Ramthun, marketing manager with the Eagan CVB.
The newest arrival shows off flavors that will transport attendees to the heart of the South with one bite. Blue Stone Steak & Seafood showcases true Louisiana-style Cajun and Creole cooking, and also offers an extensive array of craft beers, cocktails and whiskey. It is family-owned and includes a semi-private room for group affairs.
Elsewhere in Eagan, Ramthun recommends Casper’s Cherokee, split between a high-quality steakhouse and nightlife hotspot, offering a 100-person banquet room for groups; Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill & Lounge, with live belly dancing and music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and Andiamo Italian Ristorante.
