What’s better than a “best”? Multiple bests in one day, of course. Our picks for best family day, empty nesters, date night, girl’s night out, and guy’s night out.
December 2009
Family Day
For Starters: Good Day Café—because you deserve a good day every once in a while, don’t you?
Wander: The Bell Museum in winter or, if the sun’s out, Como Zoo.
Investigate: The kid’s book section at Minneapolis’s Central Library.
Dinner: Take advantage of the kids-eat-free clause at Bar Abilene. Or, if the troops must have pizza, try a Black Sheep pie.
Nightcap: Ice skating at Rice Park, or a kid (and wallet)-friendly movie at Riverview Theater.
Empty Nesters
For Starters: Patrick’s Bakery and Café—for eggs florentine and a mimosa (or two).
Wander: See Minnesota’s Greatest Generation at the Minnesota History Center, or visit the always-free Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Investigate: The toys, lotion, and unmentionables at Smitten Kitten. Dinner: La Belle Vie, because you can really appreciate it now.
Nightcap: A designer cocktail at Bradstreet Craftshouse.
Date Night (or Day)
For Starters: The Strip Club brunch—because you don’t want to start too early.
Wander: Tour Summit Brewing Co. or head to Chateau St. Croix for wine tasting.
Investigate: A Sunday matinee at the Guthrie.
Dinner: Barrio, where cozy tables and plates to share are perfect for two.
Nightcap: Stay where you are and really impress your date with a $95 shot of premium tequila.
Girls Night Out
For Starters: Sleep till noon in that nightie you got at Flirt.
Wander: Pretty much anywhere around 50th & France.
Investigate: The hot new shopping corner at Selby & Snelling in St. Paul.
Dinner: Head to D’Amico Kitchen for some adventurous Italian, or go for French at Meritage.
Nightcap: Seven Sushi Ultralounge. It’s sleek, the drinks are good, and the guys are on the prowl. Or if you just want to talk, Riverview Wine Bar is classy and low-key.
Guys Night Out
For Starters: Get an old-fashioned razor shave at Heimie’s Haberdashery.
Wander: Stock the fridge for game day with microbrews from The Four Firkins.
Investigate: The Triple Rock’s Gastro Non Grata, where you’ll find local microbrews, free food, good music, and the occasional female willing to talk to you.
Dinner: Fogo de Chão’s all-you-can-eat meat-fest is perfect for guys who embrace their inner carnivore.
Nightcap: Donny Dirk’s . . . it’s a Zombie Den . . . like Shaun of the Dead come to life. Enough said.
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