In January my mom will be coming to visit us in Mason City from Chicago, flying into MSP (tickets were stupid cheap, she didn't want to drive 6 hours alone). So, we will go up and meet her, get dinner and spend the night, coming home in the morning. We decided to make a fancy dinner her Christmas present, but I haven't really been to Minneapolis much other than for some shopping on Grand in about two years. What would be a good place to go, with a great beer selection, dinner about $20-$30/plate plus booze? We haven't picked a hotel yet, but closer to the south than farther would be good, proximity to a good beer store would be nice as well.
The Happy Gnome in Saint Paul is a great spot and not to far for the Airport. If you want to head to Downtown Minneapolis, Butcher and the Boar is one of the best restaurants out there. Awesome beers, whiskey/bourbon and great food! Those would be my top two places to check out.
Travail has a tasting menu on Tue-Wed at a reduced price, $60 a pair. It's still worth it to go on other nights at full price.
I second the Butcher and the Boar. There is also Busters on 28th...it is only like 5 minutes from the airport. Great beer list and the food is wonderful!
Lots of good options listed! Buster's on 28th, Happy Gnome, are all great options. Great Waters Brewery in downtown St Paul has great food/prices and some tasty brews as well! For a liquor store head to Ale Jail.
Second Travail. Amazing food (get the tasting menu) and home of the Fender. Think black and tan but with furious and bender.
If you're going to Travail, get there at least 30 minutes before they open, or be prepared to stand around enjoying your beer while you wait for what could be a very long time. Having said that, the food and experience at Travail is second to none.
More restaurants... you will probably want to try and make a reservation at one of them if you are looking to go. I know Butcher and the Boar fills up pretty fast and there aren't to many seats inside.
Another vote for Butcher and the Boar depending on were you are these are great shops Lyndale Liquors Zipps 4 Firkens France 44
Happy Gnome would easily be at the top of my list - 76 beers on tap and great food. Butcher and the Boar or Tilia would also be good options if the location works better for you.
Okay let me throw in a hotel. We will be spending the night, so how do the above mentioned sit relative to affordable but not run down hotel choices? There my thought drifts to the holiday inn next to town hall...
Haute Dish is about 1.5 miles west on Washington from there. They would be your best bet for great food and beer all in one place nearby. You could also go to Alma which is on University Ave just west of 35 and eat amazing food as well with some decent bottled beer choices and just go to Town Hall after.
