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A fireplace with rich and ornate woodwork on the walls, candles in tall glass holders set in front of it and on the mantle, and a green leather chair to the right of the fireplace.
The Williamsburg Room at the Lexington.
The Lexington

10 Twin Cities Restaurants That Are Also Lovely Wedding Venues

Say ‘I do’ to these spots around Minneapolis and St. Paul

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The Williamsburg Room at the Lexington.
| The Lexington

With wedding season freshly upon us, future newlyweds have eyes peeled for suitable venues. Happily, Minneapolis and St. Paul have plenty of restaurants that make for excellent wedding locales — whether gorgeous scenery, a James Beard award-winning menu, or thoughtfully curated interiors take priority. Host an intimate dinner in Restaurant Alma’s elegant dining room, a breezy brunch at Nicollet Island Inn, or a relaxed reception at the funky, industrial-chic Market at Malcolm Yards. Here are 10 Twin Cities restaurants that make for great wedding venues.

Note that these restaurants are listed geographically.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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The Gnome Craft Pub

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The cozy room upstairs at The Gnome can hold up to 80 seated guests, or up to 100 for appetizers and socializing. This elegantly rustic venue boasts 70 tap lines, an impressive whiskey list, and a separate banquet menu that can be specially tailored per the couple’s request.

The Lexington

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Choose from five elegant rooms, with capacities ranging from 30 guests to 125. The Lexington has old-world class, from lush wood paneling and moody lighting to striking seafood platters piled high with oysters, shrimp, crab, and Lobster Louis. The restaurant’s cocktails center regional classics: Think mint juleps, grapefruit Negronis and Old Fashioneds.

A large room with gray walls and ornate and white trim, circular tables with dark grey table cloths, and plates, glasses, cutlery, and orange bouquets on the table.
The Lincoln Room at the Lexington.
The Lexington

Surly Brewing Company

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Scheid Hall, perched above Surly’s Beer Hall, hosts up to 175 guests in an industrial-chic space. The menu is as fun and varied as the one downstairs: Think Southern-style fried chicken, barbecue, tacos, and tiramisu. Note that only in-house beer can be served in Scheid Hall — but Surly offers more than 25 taps for guests to choose from, and beer cocktails can be added to the menu upon request.

O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

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One of the newest distilleries in town, O’Shaughnessy focuses on Irish American Whiskey crafted by world-renowned distiller Brian Nation. The distillery’s giant, gleaming copper stills are photoshoot-worthy, while the upstairs venue is at once cozy and refined, with cushy seating and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Market At Malcolm Yards

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For a memorable evening, rent a private or semi-private space at The Market at Malcolm Yards. The former Harris Machinery Company building turned food hall includes an industrial room aptly named The Machine Shop. Exposed brick walls and graffiti left behind from years of neglect (NSFW parts are covered up) lend a fun, funky vibe. The Blueprint Room is a larger, sun-drenched space with access to a private bar, with massive garage doors that roll up to a patio.

A large room with cement floors and exposed brick walls, a long thin table set with charcuterie, a green avant-garde sculpture, and greenery hanging from the ceiling.
The Machine Shop at the Market at Malcolm Yards.
The Market at Malcolm Yards

Restaurant Alma

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Restaurant Alma, located in a renovated 1905 fire house and run by James Beard award-winning chef Alex Roberts, has a stunning private dining space featuring a seasonal menu. Expect dishes like antipasti platters, plates of saffron rice and Pacific shrimp, or gorgeous raspberry eclairs with shaved white chocolate for dessert. As an added bonus, the honeymoon suite is just up the stairs.

A view of the dining room with warm wood, white walls, and navy blue seats
Restaurant Alma.
Katie Cannon / Eater Twin Cities

Nicollet Island Inn

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This charming, breezy restaurant on the Mississippi has long been a popular wedding destination with stunning city views, a delightful garden, and a classic American menu. Guests can retire upstairs after an evening of hors d’oeuvres like tenderloin skewers or mini crab cakes. A seated plated dinner and brunch buffet are also available.

Jax Cafe

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Steeped in almost 90 years of rich history, classic Jax Cafe is now run by the third generation of the Kozlak family. The restaurant offers several rooms for various party sizes — all have a stately, old-fashioned feel (think fireplaces and velvet curtains). Guests can indulge in classic American fare like pork medallions, herb-roasted halibut, or chicken with wild rice.

Cafe & Bar Lurcat

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With massive windows offering an expansive view of Loring Park, Cafe Lurcat’s scenic beauty and refined menu make it an exceptional venue for a wedding. Even a party of 100 guests feels intimate in the elegant space — whether it’s a seated dinner, cocktail soiree, or a luxurious buffet of roasted Amish chicken, poached oysters, and ample champagne.

Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge

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Few things are lovelier than a summer wedding on the lake. The stately Lake Room at Lord Fletcher’s is perfect for an intimate gathering of up to 60 guests, while Pike’s Place and the Paddle Club combined are more fitting for a cocktail reception for up to 200  guests. Thinking outside the box for a menu? Fletcher’s has been serving its acclaimed walleye and divine mud pie on Lake Minnetonka for over 50 years.

The Gnome Craft Pub

The cozy room upstairs at The Gnome can hold up to 80 seated guests, or up to 100 for appetizers and socializing. This elegantly rustic venue boasts 70 tap lines, an impressive whiskey list, and a separate banquet menu that can be specially tailored per the couple’s request.

The Lexington

Choose from five elegant rooms, with capacities ranging from 30 guests to 125. The Lexington has old-world class, from lush wood paneling and moody lighting to striking seafood platters piled high with oysters, shrimp, crab, and Lobster Louis. The restaurant’s cocktails center regional classics: Think mint juleps, grapefruit Negronis and Old Fashioneds.

A large room with gray walls and ornate and white trim, circular tables with dark grey table cloths, and plates, glasses, cutlery, and orange bouquets on the table.
The Lincoln Room at the Lexington.
The Lexington

Surly Brewing Company

Scheid Hall, perched above Surly’s Beer Hall, hosts up to 175 guests in an industrial-chic space. The menu is as fun and varied as the one downstairs: Think Southern-style fried chicken, barbecue, tacos, and tiramisu. Note that only in-house beer can be served in Scheid Hall — but Surly offers more than 25 taps for guests to choose from, and beer cocktails can be added to the menu upon request.

O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.

One of the newest distilleries in town, O’Shaughnessy focuses on Irish American Whiskey crafted by world-renowned distiller Brian Nation. The distillery’s giant, gleaming copper stills are photoshoot-worthy, while the upstairs venue is at once cozy and refined, with cushy seating and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Market At Malcolm Yards

For a memorable evening, rent a private or semi-private space at The Market at Malcolm Yards. The former Harris Machinery Company building turned food hall includes an industrial room aptly named The Machine Shop. Exposed brick walls and graffiti left behind from years of neglect (NSFW parts are covered up) lend a fun, funky vibe. The Blueprint Room is a larger, sun-drenched space with access to a private bar, with massive garage doors that roll up to a patio.

A large room with cement floors and exposed brick walls, a long thin table set with charcuterie, a green avant-garde sculpture, and greenery hanging from the ceiling.
The Machine Shop at the Market at Malcolm Yards.
The Market at Malcolm Yards

Restaurant Alma

Restaurant Alma, located in a renovated 1905 fire house and run by James Beard award-winning chef Alex Roberts, has a stunning private dining space featuring a seasonal menu. Expect dishes like antipasti platters, plates of saffron rice and Pacific shrimp, or gorgeous raspberry eclairs with shaved white chocolate for dessert. As an added bonus, the honeymoon suite is just up the stairs.

A view of the dining room with warm wood, white walls, and navy blue seats
Restaurant Alma.
Katie Cannon / Eater Twin Cities

Nicollet Island Inn

This charming, breezy restaurant on the Mississippi has long been a popular wedding destination with stunning city views, a delightful garden, and a classic American menu. Guests can retire upstairs after an evening of hors d’oeuvres like tenderloin skewers or mini crab cakes. A seated plated dinner and brunch buffet are also available.

Jax Cafe

Steeped in almost 90 years of rich history, classic Jax Cafe is now run by the third generation of the Kozlak family. The restaurant offers several rooms for various party sizes — all have a stately, old-fashioned feel (think fireplaces and velvet curtains). Guests can indulge in classic American fare like pork medallions, herb-roasted halibut, or chicken with wild rice.

Cafe & Bar Lurcat

With massive windows offering an expansive view of Loring Park, Cafe Lurcat’s scenic beauty and refined menu make it an exceptional venue for a wedding. Even a party of 100 guests feels intimate in the elegant space — whether it’s a seated dinner, cocktail soiree, or a luxurious buffet of roasted Amish chicken, poached oysters, and ample champagne.

Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge

Few things are lovelier than a summer wedding on the lake. The stately Lake Room at Lord Fletcher’s is perfect for an intimate gathering of up to 60 guests, while Pike’s Place and the Paddle Club combined are more fitting for a cocktail reception for up to 200  guests. Thinking outside the box for a menu? Fletcher’s has been serving its acclaimed walleye and divine mud pie on Lake Minnetonka for over 50 years.

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