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The date may be dull, but the destination won't disappoint.
The date may be dull, but the destination won't disappoint.
Katie Cannon

10 Minneapolis and St. Paul Restaurants for Those Awkward First Dates

There will be no interminable silences here.

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The date may be dull, but the destination won't disappoint.
| Katie Cannon

We've all suffered through the experience of shoving food in your face across from a complete stranger with conversation is so dry you're gulping water just for something to do. Save yourself the uncomfortableness of the evening with these ten perfect environments for getting to know someone new that serve up awesome food and fun activities. Even if you never want to see that face again, at least it wasn’t boring. Let’s make memories.

by Sarai Pak

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Pat's Tap

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In South Minneapolis on the newly hopping Nicollet Avenue, you’ll find a cool atmosphere and impressive menu that’s way more than bar food. Definitely start with a meat and cheese plate, then hit the Skee-Ball.

Pizzeria Lola

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Lola is the home of creative and delicious wood-fired pizzas. It’s a romantic, laid back space. Try the Sunnyside topped with two eggs or, if you’re feeling sassy, try the Lady Zaza that includes house-made kimchi in the toppings and take advantage of their outdoor seating. After a couple glasses wine, head back to the photo booth for some privacy.

Groveland Tap

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Not just a fried food and brew haven, this Saint Paul neighborhood bar has a game room with pool tables and other arcade games. Don’t miss out on the sweet potato tots or cheese curds. Nothing fancy, but a good time for sure.

Hoban Korean BBQ

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At last, Korean barbeque has arrived in Uptown ! Here, you get to grill it yourselves at the table. Pick the meats you want and enjoy it all with banchan, an array of flavorful pickled side dishes. There are also other dinner options on the menu and a full bar.

Travail Kitchen & Amusements

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The tasting menu at Travail is a memorable experience for people a little less picky and more adventurous about what they put in their mouths. The atmosphere is never dull and definitely worth the $60-96 a person (price will vary depending on the date and time of your reservation).
Stephanie A. Meyer

Bryant Lake Bowl

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Here’s an easy place to get to know a new prospect. Bryant Lake Bowl is an Uptown classic for good food, vibes, and bowling shenanigans. On Mondays from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. they a have a solid date night deal, two entrees, a bottle of wine or a few beers and a round of bowling for $28!

Rival House Sporting Parlour

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There are games galore at this sleek Downtown Saint Paul bar. Board games, bubble hockey, even ping-pong! Enjoy their upscale bar delights from artisan pizzas to fantastic cocktails. It also happens to be attached to the Double Tree Hotel – just saying.

Betty Danger's Country Club

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Now that the warm weather has arrived the mini golf course is open for business at Betty Danger's Pepto-pink country club. Amuse yourselves on the course, hug the massive gorilla statue, hit the Hamptons-Mex cuisine and if all else fails to spark fun, the drinks are wickedly strong.
Katie Cannon

Turf Club

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The Turf Club is an awesome first date venue to see a show. It’s more intimate, tickets are cheap, and the brownie ice cream sandwich is heaven. If things are going well and you want to actually hear what your date is saying, the lounge downstairs serves food and drinks at a much lower decibel.

Half Time Rec

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Since this classic dive bar got a menu upgrade from chef Jack Ribel, all of your fancies can and will be tickled here. There are pool tables, darts, bean bags, even bocce ball in the basement! Karaoke gets rolling every Thursday. There are epic meat raffles on Fridays at 5 p.m., and live bands play all weekend.

Pat's Tap

In South Minneapolis on the newly hopping Nicollet Avenue, you’ll find a cool atmosphere and impressive menu that’s way more than bar food. Definitely start with a meat and cheese plate, then hit the Skee-Ball.

Pizzeria Lola

Lola is the home of creative and delicious wood-fired pizzas. It’s a romantic, laid back space. Try the Sunnyside topped with two eggs or, if you’re feeling sassy, try the Lady Zaza that includes house-made kimchi in the toppings and take advantage of their outdoor seating. After a couple glasses wine, head back to the photo booth for some privacy.

Groveland Tap

Not just a fried food and brew haven, this Saint Paul neighborhood bar has a game room with pool tables and other arcade games. Don’t miss out on the sweet potato tots or cheese curds. Nothing fancy, but a good time for sure.

Hoban Korean BBQ

At last, Korean barbeque has arrived in Uptown ! Here, you get to grill it yourselves at the table. Pick the meats you want and enjoy it all with banchan, an array of flavorful pickled side dishes. There are also other dinner options on the menu and a full bar.

Travail Kitchen & Amusements

The tasting menu at Travail is a memorable experience for people a little less picky and more adventurous about what they put in their mouths. The atmosphere is never dull and definitely worth the $60-96 a person (price will vary depending on the date and time of your reservation).
Stephanie A. Meyer

Bryant Lake Bowl

Here’s an easy place to get to know a new prospect. Bryant Lake Bowl is an Uptown classic for good food, vibes, and bowling shenanigans. On Mondays from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. they a have a solid date night deal, two entrees, a bottle of wine or a few beers and a round of bowling for $28!

Rival House Sporting Parlour

There are games galore at this sleek Downtown Saint Paul bar. Board games, bubble hockey, even ping-pong! Enjoy their upscale bar delights from artisan pizzas to fantastic cocktails. It also happens to be attached to the Double Tree Hotel – just saying.

Betty Danger's Country Club

Now that the warm weather has arrived the mini golf course is open for business at Betty Danger's Pepto-pink country club. Amuse yourselves on the course, hug the massive gorilla statue, hit the Hamptons-Mex cuisine and if all else fails to spark fun, the drinks are wickedly strong.
Katie Cannon

Turf Club

The Turf Club is an awesome first date venue to see a show. It’s more intimate, tickets are cheap, and the brownie ice cream sandwich is heaven. If things are going well and you want to actually hear what your date is saying, the lounge downstairs serves food and drinks at a much lower decibel.

Half Time Rec

Since this classic dive bar got a menu upgrade from chef Jack Ribel, all of your fancies can and will be tickled here. There are pool tables, darts, bean bags, even bocce ball in the basement! Karaoke gets rolling every Thursday. There are epic meat raffles on Fridays at 5 p.m., and live bands play all weekend.

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