It can be exceedingly lame to date in the time of coronavirus. The whole six feet apart thing doesn’t help, and neither do restaurant closures. Luckily for us all, some Minneapolis and St. Paul establishments have stepped up their creative take out game in terms of to go date night kits and options. Now, there are fun ways to enjoy a meal with your quarantine honey, on almost any night of the week. (What is time these days anyways?) Read on for some favorite ways to add a little romance to your life while still safely sheltering in place and supporting local businesses. Here are the Twin Cities great date nights options.
This South Minneapolis powerhouse earns extra points for a cutely named date package, the “Wine & Dine”. Eaters can expect three courses of goodness, with a shared salad, shared side offering (hello burrata) main dish, and dessert for a sweet finish. A bottle of wine to pair with your meal for two is included as well, with diners’ choice of the bubbly, white, or red categories. There are even some vegetarian picks for those who want a more plant-based evening. Upgrades like high quality olive oil, focaccia croutons, hot sauce flavored with Calabrian chiles, and a rustic loaf of bread make for unique add-ons. For those with an extra sweet tooth, consider ordering additional gelato from the ie pantry. Order online or by calling (612) 223-8504.
Jamie Malone’s downtown Minneapolis restaurant has, for now, become a seafood centric pop-up. Nothing is more romantic than nabbing some lobster and fries, or order up a whole ready made picnic to take down to the Mississippi River Mill City ruins or into the shade of the Guthrie theater. Available Thursdays through Fridays with online ordering.
Nothing says classic date night quite like a fine steak. So classic Minneapolis steakhouse Murray’s makes for a delightful romantic pick that’s easy to order online. Sundays only, there’s a decadent surf-and-turf for two option. Add a bottle of wine from their to go menu, most of which are in the $20-30 price range. With 72-hour notice, a raspberry pie and bottle of rosé package are another solid addition for those blessed with the gift of foresight. For extra ambiance, sometimes flowers are even available to order from Murray’s too!
Gavin Kaysen’s original restaurant in downtown Minneapolis remains the height of elegance, even when the food is carefully packed up to-go. Order the always gorgeous, seasonal food along with something sweet from pastry chef Diane Moua, along with something special from the wine cellar. The North Loop location makes it easy to grab dinner and take your date over to the parks near the Mississippi River, or for a stroll through the magical neighborhood on Nicollet Island. Order online.
Martina’s chef and owner Daniel del Prado Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities
Use easy online ordering at this Linden Hills hotspot. The “take and make for two” offers prime date night potential. The long celebrated Roman staple pasta of cacio e pepe is perfect in its simplicity and is extra fun since it offers the activity of cooking it together as a team. Add a bottle of fancy bubbly for an upscale twist; or, consider a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold red that would perfectly complement the cheesy peppery goodness of the pasta.
This neighborhood favorite offers both delivery (online) and pick up options using their walk-up window; for pick up orders, call the restaurant directly at 612-445-8822. Heather’s menu changes daily due to availability from local farm suppliers, but they always offer a dinner special each night. Wednesday nights are especially date-friendly, with the date night special of “buy any two mains and get a bottle of wine for 25% off”. According to Heather herself, her favorite main is the teriyaki salmon bowl, but there are tons of other solid choices.
This intimate Italian restaurant has been doing take out well since early in the pandemic. Chef/owner Andrew Kraft’s pastas travel beautifully, as do the affordable, occasion-worthy wines. Pack up for a picnic near the shaded splendor around Mississippi River Blvd nearby. Order online.
Plan a quick stop on Grand for a beautiful packed up picnic of Italian dishes from chef/owner Rikki Giambruno’s ever-evolving menu. Order pasta-to-go by calling (651) 478-1822 for $16 individual portions, for light eaters, or a proper $32 family-style meal. Wines available are equally inspiring and the staff is happy to suggest a pairing with take away with dinner. Wander through the nearby Crocus Hill neighborhood, that’s filled with magical little parks and stately historic homes. There’s a lookout park on Summit Avenue and Ramsey hill with sweeping views of St. Paul.
While not a set date night kit, Joan’s take out menu brings their romantic white tablecloth vibes to your home setting. Order the lobster toast appetizer for an elevated starter, followed by the organic cider-brined roasted chicken meal, which is designed for two to enjoy. Complete this multi-course decadence with the restaurant’s signature brown brown butter pudding dessert. Call 651-690-3297 Wednesday through Sunday, just be sure to order before 4pm. Impressive wine options are also available.
For some weekend brunching date vibes, look no further than St. Paul’s Augustine’s. The restaurant and bakery currently offers a fancy take home mimosa kit that includes a bottle of Cava, orange juice, pineapple juice, three mix-in flavors, and dehydrated citrus wheels to garnish. That boozy fun costs just $25 and can be paired with a variety of freshly baked goodies like scones, muffins, croissants, and more. Simply order by 5pm Wednesday for Saturday pick up by calling 651-447-3729.