Killer Apps and Nightcaps

The date is set. Your tickets are in hand. But where, you ponder, should we grab a bite before Osmo takes the stage? Here’s a list of some hot haunts that can help with your pre- and postshow buzz.

Venue: Walker Art Center
Before: Hitting one of the many concerts, openings, or films at the Walker? It has a built-in preshow spot in 20.21 (1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-253-3410), which offers Wolfgang Puck’s Asian–inspired appetizers and entrées, as well as a killer view of the park. Lurçat is also located just across the Siah Armajani pedestrian bridge, adjacent to Loring Park.
After: If you’re still going strong after the event, close out your night at another nearby hot spot, Temple (1201 Harmon Place, Mpls., 612-767-3770). Thom Pham’s French–Asian concept features a late-night lounge menu until 1 a.m. and dozens of out-of-the-ordinary cocktails. (Tip: Try the Witch’s Brew.)

Venue: The Guthrie Theater
Before: The riverfront restaurant Spoonriver (750 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-436-2236) is the place for a drink and a bite before the show. This sleek, warm space opened in 2006, offering patrons a menu filled with organic, locally sourced options. Check out the gourmet bar menu, featuring everything from quesadillas to lamb burgers, and the inventive signature cocktail list that includes the Strawberry Balsamic Martini.
After: When the show’s over, head downstairs to Cue (806 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-225-6499), the dramatic, blue-lit restaurant inside the Guthrie complex. The center bar has a late-night happy hour from 10 p.m. to close, featuring beer, wine, and cocktails for $3 to $5, as well as a late-night food menu that includes a cheese plate, olives, or the Cue burger.

Venue: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Before: With an expansive liquor collection, including hard-to-find brands of scotch, whisky, gin, and cognac, plus an impressive wine list, the St. Paul Grill (350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-224-7455) is a downtown favorite.
After: Before you head home, cozy up to the bar at Kincaid’s (380 Saint Peter St., St. Paul, 651-602-9000). The steak house’s happy hour runs from 10 p.m. to close and features half-priced apps and $3 drink specials. Or head to Pazzaluna (360 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-223-7000) for its
extensive wine list, as well as choice martinis and scotches.

Venue: Xcel Energy Center
Before: Warm up before the big hockey game or slip into a snug booth with your date for a preconcert dinner at Downtowner Woodfire Grill (253 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-228-9500). The restaurant is situated a few short blocks from both the Xcel and RiverCentre. Or try St. Paul’s new brasserie, Meritage (410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670), which offers pre-event menus from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Leave your car with the valet, have a course or two, head to your event, and find your car waiting for you at the end of the night!
After: For a nightcap, we love The Liffey (175 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-556-1420) for its lively atmosphere and authentic Irish décor. Excited fans pack the bar, toasting with Jameson or Guinness and munching on traditional Irish and American appetizers. Be sure to visit the rooftop deck in the summer.

Venue: Hennepin Theatre District
Before: When you’re in the always-bustling Theatre District, you have a number of great preshow options at your fingertips. But Cosmos (601 1st Ave. N., Mpls., 612-677-1100) makes it easy. Snug inside the Graves 601 Hotel, the restaurant offers a special pretheater menu featuring a three-course meal for $35 a person. No time for dinner? Slink into a sexy sofa in the lounge.
After: It’s hard to go home after a concert or show without stopping in at Minneapolis hot spot Chambers. But if you want to try something new, those-in-the-know head to MacKenzie (918 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-333-7268), where you can often find the actors and performers unwinding over the ever-changing imported beers and a game of pool. Or if you didn’t get a chance to grab dinner before the show, head to Solera (900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-338-0062), where the city’s best tapas are available (at happy hour prices) until 1 a.m.

Venue: Orchestra Hall
Before: You’re decked out in your finest attire, so where’s the best place to begin your night? Try the raw bar at The Oceanaire (1300 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-333-2277). The restaurant flies in fare from both coasts and beyond, including clams, lobster, and, of course, oysters. Or head to Vincent—A Restaurant (1100 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-630-1189), for its upscale happy hour, including escargots and beef tartar.
After: Shimmy up to the contemporary, yet comfortable bar at Mission American Kitchen (77 S. 77th St., Mpls., 612-339-1000) for an after-show cocktail and unique dessert (the pound cake with caramelized banana is to die for). A trendy, mature crowd frequents Mission on Friday and Saturday nights.