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The No-Reservations, Non-Prix-Fixe Guide to Valentine's Day Dinner in the Twin Cities

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Ah, Valentine's Day: quite possibly the most stressful dining-out day of the year. Around the Twin Cities, many restaurants have been fully booked weeks ahead for prix fixe (set menu) dinners. So, what if you want to go out—with friends, kids, by yourself, or, if you must, with a significant other—sans reservation? And, horror of horrors, order a la carte?

With that in mind, we present the no-reservations, non-prix-fixe guide to Valentine's Day dining in the Twin Cities. These ten spots are all no reservations (or have a special area reserved for walk-ins) and are offering their regular menu (some are also offering specials or, if you must, two-person prix fixe options). Plus, we've included a few recommendations on good places to take kids or for larger groups.

Did we miss your favorite no reservations spot? Let us know in the comments.


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According to the Linden Hills favorite's Facebook page: "On February 14th, we are open for business as usual. We are not at into the overblown hype of Valentines Day Rip-Off menus with over priced wine pairings that take 6 hours and leave you tired, drunk and ready for a cot. Instead we are doing what we do best: Serving good food and good drinks at fair prices." On the current menu, that means dishes like sablefish crudo, chicken liver custard, and scallops with black rice, plus all the Tilia menu standbys. No reservations.

Broders' Pasta Bar

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This Southwest spot is offering its regular menu or a four-course set menu ($60/couple). Get a front row seat to watch your housemade pasta cooking by pulling up a chair at the pasta bar, or go for a more intimate corner table. No reservations.

The Rabbit Hole

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This hot Midtown Global Market restaurant from the folks behind the Left-Handed Cook is already fully booked for Friday. BUT, they reserved a room for walk-ins, so take your chances and just relax with one of the excellent cocktails while you wait. They'll be serving up the regular Korean pub-influenced menu with a few extra specials.

Sonora Grill

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This relatively new stand-alone restaurant from the popular Midtown Global Market stand would be a great place to go with a Valentine's Day group. Cocktails, caramelos (tacos), bocadillos (sandwiches), and a big, messy piece of elote - an ear of roasted corn covered with crema, cheese, and hot sauce. No reservations.

Birchwood Cafe

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Get your last taste of the Birchwood before it closes for its Kickstarter-funded remodel. With current dinner options like pulled pork pizza and a squash handpie, this Seward cafe has some great healthier options and is also ideal for a Valentine's Day dinner with kids. Plus, they'll have some special desserts for the occasion. No reservations.

Modern Café

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Going beyond this Northeast cafe's famous pot roast, the menu is filled with options, from fresh pasta with cured pork belly to chicken confit with roasted apple dumplings and parsnip broth. They will be serving the regular menu with a few extra specials. No reservations.

Sample Room

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This Northeast spot is offering both its regular menu or a four-course set menu ($70/couple, plus a $25/person wine pairing available). Good for a couple or a small group of friends, the space offers lots of cozy seating, plus a charcuterie platter to share. No reservations.

Pig Ate My Pizza

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Sister restaurants Travail and the Rookery booked their Valentine's Day dinners in minutes, but if you still want a little Travail touch to your Valentine's Day, things will be business as usual at Pig Ate My Pizza. No reservations, lots of creative pizzas. A good place for Valentine's Day with a kid or two.

The Blue Door Pub

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If you want to escape Valentine's Day completely, a stuffed burger and a beer (or two) at Blue Door is probably the way to do it. No reservations.

Ward 6 Food & Drink

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This St. Paul under-the-radar hotspot is offering both its regular menu or a three-course set menu for two ($50/pair). Sticking to the regular menu is perfect for friends - or loved ones - who want some "food for drinking" (as the menu says). No reservations.

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Tilia

According to the Linden Hills favorite's Facebook page: "On February 14th, we are open for business as usual. We are not at into the overblown hype of Valentines Day Rip-Off menus with over priced wine pairings that take 6 hours and leave you tired, drunk and ready for a cot. Instead we are doing what we do best: Serving good food and good drinks at fair prices." On the current menu, that means dishes like sablefish crudo, chicken liver custard, and scallops with black rice, plus all the Tilia menu standbys. No reservations.

Broders' Pasta Bar

This Southwest spot is offering its regular menu or a four-course set menu ($60/couple). Get a front row seat to watch your housemade pasta cooking by pulling up a chair at the pasta bar, or go for a more intimate corner table. No reservations.

The Rabbit Hole

This hot Midtown Global Market restaurant from the folks behind the Left-Handed Cook is already fully booked for Friday. BUT, they reserved a room for walk-ins, so take your chances and just relax with one of the excellent cocktails while you wait. They'll be serving up the regular Korean pub-influenced menu with a few extra specials.

Sonora Grill

This relatively new stand-alone restaurant from the popular Midtown Global Market stand would be a great place to go with a Valentine's Day group. Cocktails, caramelos (tacos), bocadillos (sandwiches), and a big, messy piece of elote - an ear of roasted corn covered with crema, cheese, and hot sauce. No reservations.

Birchwood Cafe

Get your last taste of the Birchwood before it closes for its Kickstarter-funded remodel. With current dinner options like pulled pork pizza and a squash handpie, this Seward cafe has some great healthier options and is also ideal for a Valentine's Day dinner with kids. Plus, they'll have some special desserts for the occasion. No reservations.

Modern Café

Going beyond this Northeast cafe's famous pot roast, the menu is filled with options, from fresh pasta with cured pork belly to chicken confit with roasted apple dumplings and parsnip broth. They will be serving the regular menu with a few extra specials. No reservations.

Sample Room

This Northeast spot is offering both its regular menu or a four-course set menu ($70/couple, plus a $25/person wine pairing available). Good for a couple or a small group of friends, the space offers lots of cozy seating, plus a charcuterie platter to share. No reservations.

Pig Ate My Pizza

Sister restaurants Travail and the Rookery booked their Valentine's Day dinners in minutes, but if you still want a little Travail touch to your Valentine's Day, things will be business as usual at Pig Ate My Pizza. No reservations, lots of creative pizzas. A good place for Valentine's Day with a kid or two.

The Blue Door Pub

If you want to escape Valentine's Day completely, a stuffed burger and a beer (or two) at Blue Door is probably the way to do it. No reservations.

Ward 6 Food & Drink

This St. Paul under-the-radar hotspot is offering both its regular menu or a three-course set menu for two ($50/pair). Sticking to the regular menu is perfect for friends - or loved ones - who want some "food for drinking" (as the menu says). No reservations.

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