Known for its stunning collection of lakes, eclectic music venues, and of course, some seriously beautiful (if not brutal) winters, Minneapolis is the perfect city to romance your sweetheart. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth date, there’s no need to settle for the tired old ‘dinner and a movie’ narrative. There are endless options when it comes to spending some quality time with your loved one in the Twin Cities. From budget-friendly fun to extravagant evenings out on the town, there’s no shortage of date ideas for spicing up your next date night in Minneapolis
Get kooky at Betty Danger’s Country Club
Kitschy, kooky, and charming as can be, Betty Danger’s Country Club fits the bill for a memorable date night in Minneapolis. Decorated from floor to ceiling in an ever-changing but never disappointing flourish, this country club serves up creative cocktails and entrees inspired by their current theme (which usually lasts a few months). If a dinner date here still feels too mainstream (trust us, it’s not), consider bringing your boo for a Drag Brunch, held on Sundays. Be sure to snag your tickets in advance to secure your spots!
Spend a date night at the Hewing Hotel
Splurge on a stay-cation in Minneapolis and book a night at the Hewing Hotel. This historic boutique hotel is located in the heart of the North Loop. It combines rustic Scandinavian style with modern luxuries like premium bedding, skyline views, and a farm-to-table restaurant located on-site. The best part? You and your sweetheart can head up to the rooftop to take in sweeping views of the city, bask in the hot tub, relax in the sauna, or grab a cocktail from the lounge, all from six stories above Washington Ave.
Check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
You and yours can check out the city from a unique vantage point at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This is one of the Twin Cities’ creative hubs, and the best part is that it’s completely free! Even if you’ve been here before, the art installations constantly change. Of course, some of the classics remain the same (we’re looking at you, Spoonbridge and Cherry), so you’ll be able to point out your favorites to your date as you stroll through the gardens.
Experience date night like a local at Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater
Bowling is a date night classic, but if you’re looking for a unique way to woo your date, take them to Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater. This vintage bowling alley is a neighborhood favorite, and the retro vibes are hard to match. So whether you decide to bowl the antique lanes, catch a show at the old cabaret theater, or simply grab a bite to eat with a local brew, this joint turns a casual date night into a truly special experience.
See the city from above at the Foshay Tower
The beautiful Foshay Tower is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Minneapolis, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on a hotel room to enjoy this historic building. Heading up to the rooftop observation deck is one of the cheapest Minneapolis date ideas (it’s free), but the views are worth a million bucks. If you do have some extra cash to throw around, take your date to the 27th floor on the way down and grab a cocktail at the speakeasy-inspired Prohibition bar.
Enjoy a “fika” at the Swedish Institute
Coffee meet-ups are the new ‘dinner and a movie’ when it comes to first dates. There’s not as much pressure, and if the vibe isn’t right, you can always get your latte to go. The FIKA Cafe at the American Swedish Institute is the perfect place to cozy up for a morning date. Share a delectable Swedish pastry with your date, or come back for dinner and a Scandi-inspired cocktail. If you simply can’t get enough of your new boo, you can always extend the date and explore the institute’s museum or peruse the gift shop together.
Rock out at First Avenue
Bonding over music is always a great way to connect with your loved one, and there’s no better place to catch a show in Minneapolis than First Avenue. Made famous for being the recording space for Prince’s iconic ‘Purple Rain,’ First Ave has been headlining everybody who’s anybody (and everyone who’s about to be) for over 50 years. With over 500 shows a year, you and your partner are sure to find at least one concert to jam out to.
Take a stroll across the historic Stone Arch Bridge
Spanning the Mississippi in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge offers up fantastic views of Saint Anthony Falls and the city beyond. You and your lover can walk hand in hand as you traverse the bridge, and if you’re not ready to end your date after the stroll, you can explore some of the trails and parks in the surrounding area. This date idea is arguably better suited for the summer months in Minneapolis, but nothing is stopping you from bundling up and enjoying a romantic winter outing!
Have some date night fun at Up-Down
Reconnect with your date and your inner child at Minneapolis’ favorite arcade bar: Up-Down. With over 50 vintage arcade and pinball machines, giant Jenga and Connect Four, Nintendo 64 gaming consoles, and skeeball alleys, a memorable date night is almost guaranteed at Up-Down. Add in a slice of homemade mac n’ cheese pizza and a pint of craft beer, and you’re sure to lock down a second date.
Go brewery hopping in Northeast
The worst part about brewery hopping is deciding who’s gotta drive. Luckily, there is a nice collection of breweries around Minneapolis’ Northeast neighborhood – meaning that you and your partner won’t have to draw straws for who has to be the sober cab. You can start just east of the Mississippi at Dangerous Man Brewing Company, then continue east to hit Able Seedhouse + Brewery and 612 Brew. For more fun, head north and have a pint at Bauhaus Brew Labs and Indeed Brewing Company. If craft beer isn’t really your thing, there’s always Sociable Cider Works and Tattersall Distilling located nearby.
Pamper your date at Anda Spa
Spend the day spoiling your loved one at the luxurious Anda Spa, located inside Hotel Ivy in the center of Minneapolis. You can splurge on personalized spa treatments like facials, ritual baths, massages, and more. Those who only want the best of the best for their partner (and themselves) can book a nighttime spa experience, complete with private use of the spa facilities along with massages, facials, exfoliating treatments, and more.
Laugh out loud at Acme Comedy Club
Laughing is one of the best ways to get over those first date jitters, and it’s even better when you can leave the jokes up to someone else. The Acme Comedy Club is one of the top five comedy clubs in the entire country, so you’re sure to get at least a few chuckles out of your beaux with this fun Minneapolis date idea. The club features national headliners every week, along with free open mic nights every Tuesday for those who want to show off their own comedy skills. You could also treat your date to an intimate dinner and a show to really amp up the romance.
Get lucky at the 1029 Bar
While Minneapolis is ripe with pubs touting bar bingo nights, few do it as well as the 1029 Bar. This retro Nordeast dive serves up award-winning lobster rolls, plenty of beer, and fun game nights that could earn you a serious wad of cash. Bring your date to smash down some lobster mac from the Smack Shack (featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives), then stick around for some evening entertainment. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, you have a chance to win $1,000 on coverall bingo – plenty of spending money to use on your next date night!
Take a romantic hike to Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a Minneapolis classic and a great place to take your date on a day out. The falls sit at the end of a short trail (.4 miles) and cascade over verdant limestone bluffs. There is also a lookout point above the path if you don’t feel like walking down to the falls. If you do enjoy hiking, there are two additional trails inside the park. The falls are beautiful in all four seasons, so there’s no wrong time to visit. That being said, seeing the falls frozen in mid-winter is something truly extraordinary, and you’re a lot less likely to have to share the view with other couples.
Catch a show at the Guthrie
If you are looking for classy Minneapolis date ideas, then look no further. The Guthrie Theater is a swanky spot that is sure to impress your sweetheart – there’s a reason this venue draws visitors from all around the country! The beautifully staged productions speak for themselves, and your date will appreciate the upgrade from catching the latest box office flick at some dingy theater. Not only does the Guthrie offer entertaining productions, but there is also a restaurant on-site, in addition to some seriously splendid views across the Mississippi River. Talk about putting on a show for your honey!