Romantic Weekend in Minneapolis
It's time to indulge in a well-deserved romantic weekend in Minneapolis! We've got award-winning food, luxury hotels, and top-notch experiences. No matter the weather — rain, snow or shine — Minneapolis has got everything you and your honey need for the perfect weekend.
Where to stay: Hotel Ivy
Incorporated into a historic building, the hotel is walking distance from just about everything in downtown Minneapolis. In addition to the elegant, modern décor and the whitest of white sheets and towels, the Ivy’s above-and-beyond splurges include a full day spa and the wondrous menu at restaurant Breva. The perfect spot to treat yourselves to a special weekend stay!
Insider tip: South-facing rooms have outstanding views.
Alternative: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot - If you’d prefer to splurge on food and activities, the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, located between the Riverfront District and the downtown core, is a fabulous choice for a remarkable value.
Day One
Morning
Breakfast/Brunch: A quick 5-minute walk hand-in-hand will take you to Hell’s Kitchen, an iconic Minneapolis brunch spot! If you’re feeling thirsty, and not just for coffee or some morning orange juice, try out their famous build-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. With all the fixings to choose from, sometimes you can even make a meal of just that! But breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? So, we don’t recommend stopping there. Their menu is filled with delicious favorites, including dishes with their signature homemade peanut butter. Did we mention they also have live music?
Alternative: Known for its drag brunches, Union Bar & Grill boasts a rooftop patio with a glass cover, allowing you to enjoy the rooftop outdoor dining experience all year round.
Afternoon
Treat yourself to a well-deserved spa day. Mosey on over to the Four Seasons Hotel and visit the spa. Couples massage anyone? There’s really nothing better than a joint pampering experience to rejuvenate the mind and body. Rest up from your hearty breakfast and mentally prepare for your next meal and a night on the town at the indoor pool after your massage or facial.
Lunch: Now relaxed and rested, head on down to Backstory Coffee Roasters in the North Loop, just a 12-minute walk, 3-minute drive away. This gorgeous café is perfect for an afternoon or early evening pick-me-up, whether that’s a cup of joe or a flaky pastry to eat.
Evening/Night
Treat Yourself: to dinner and a show! The Dakota Jazz Club is home to the perfect date night vibe. The music venue/chef-driven restaurant combination was formerly a favorite hangout for none other than Prince. Check upcoming shows for tickets and enjoy a pleasantly intimate dining experience.
End your night: with a craft tequila cocktail and a late night snack at Hotel Ivy's intimate and cozy Masa & Agave for the ultimate cantina experience.
Day Two
Morning
Breakfast/Brunch: You’ve got to try Barbette. Located in Uptown, about a 15 minute drive from the hotel, Barbette’s French bistro breakfasts and brunches are a favorite for Minneapolitans. Dishes are lovingly enhanced with ingredients from farmers and producers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Big draws are their vegetable hash, buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, and an indulgent waffle menu. There’s nothing more romantic than stuffing your face before a long day!
Alternative: Classy breakfast is where it’s at. Kenwood Restaurant is upscale but not pretentious, and the service is always impeccable. The restaurant fills with sunlight each morning, which will make your day that much brighter.
Afternoon
Treat Yourself: to some quality time with your boo and Mother Nature. She’s a great third wheel. You’ve spent enough time inside being pampered yesterday, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. A short walk from the restaurants are the Chain of Lakes, offering activities for all types of people in all kinds of weather. There are bike and pedestrian paths, boating, kayaking, gardens, and picnic areas. If you feel inspired to get your heart rate up, you can rent wheeled or floating forms of recreation at Wheel Fun Rentals or try your ice-skating skills on for size at Lake of the Isles in the colder months.
Alternative: Too cold for you to enjoy the outdoors or just not feeling like much physical activity? We get it. Catch a mid-day movie at The Riverview Theater, featuring the latest movie releases in an retro style theater setting or Lagoon Cinema, which screens indie, foreign and avant-garde films along with new releases!
Lunch: Who can say no to ramen? Moto-i has Tokyo-style ramen noodles, house-made steamed buns, house-made sake and so much more. Enjoy whatever you order in a vibey booth or at a table on the rooftop. Stop by this welcoming neighborhood spot to fuel up before finishing out your day.
Evening/Night
Treat Yourself: to some hardcore fun and games at everyone’s favorite local barcade. At Up-Down you can choose from dozens of vintage arcade games, video games and consoles, pinball, skee ball, lifesize Jenga, shuffle board, and so much more. Drinks you ask? A full bar and array of craft beers on tap await you. Oh yeah, and they have pizza – can’t forget the pizza. (That salad/sandwich from earlier will be feeling like a good idea by now).
End Your Night: at Volstead’s Emporium. But keep it on the down low. This prohibition-style speakeasy is accessible only by the dark alleyway right behind Up-Down (on the South side of Lake Street between Lyndale and Aldrich Avenues). You may think you took a wrong turn. Head down the alley and take a left at the first parking area, keep going until you see the colored light, and often times a long line of people waiting. (You can also Google Map it)! If there’s no line, you’ll have to give the door a knock or two. Once you’re in, you’ll enjoy their intricately decorated cocktail room, cozy booths, and a list of drinks that are, dare we say, impossible to choose from. Okay, close to impossible. The hand-crafted cocktails are naturally a big draw, including their absinthe menu, and they also serve a well-received food menu. Volstead’s will make winding down your night a chill and delightfully intimate time.
