Where to go when visiting the Twin Cities for the Big Game

If you’ve opted to stay at the W Minneapolis, you won’t have to go far for an incredible dining experience. Manny’s Steakhouse serves up 100% Black Angus beef, which is dry-aged and hand trimmed by master butchers. Manny’s prides itself on serving only the highest quality beef, a claim they feel confident making since they maintain complete control of the chain of custody of the meat they serve, from conception to cooking. In addition to a wide array of mouth-watering cuts, Manny’s has other traditional steakhouse favorites like lobster tail and lamb chops. Don’t miss their Maker’s Mark whiskey bread pudding for dessert!

Where: 825 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN

If you’re craving seafood, look no further than Stella’s Fish Café and Prestige Oyster Bar in Minneapolis’ uptown neighborhood. You’ll find all of the dishes you’d expect from a classic seafood restaurant plus an extensive raw bar. If you have a hankering for oysters, visit on Friday between 3pm and 6:30pm when they’re just $.99 each. If you’re dining with little ones, fear not, Stella’s has a kid’s menu with plenty of options for picky eaters.

Where: 1400 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN

Normally open only for dinner, Bar La Grassa will have special lunchtime hours during the ten days surrounding the Big Game. Located in the warehouse district, BLG has been serving up delicious, modern Italian since 2013. This lively restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to take shelter from Minneapolis’ frosty temperatures. Nothing will warm you up faster than one of their delicious pastas. Whether you are in the mood for classics like spaghetti carbonara and fettuccine Alfredo or something a bit different like their pasta negra with sea urchin chili, BLG has something for you. Happily, all of their pasta dishes are available in half portions.

Where: 800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN

One of the best things about Revival is they deliver through UberEats so you can enjoy this feast in sweats in the comfort of your hotel room! Their famed fried chicken comes in four variations— traditional, Tennessee hot, “poultrygeist,” and gluten-friendly. Chicken and waffles, smothered steaks, and shrimp and grits are also on the menu at the Minneapolis location while the St. Paul outpost offers an extensive BBQ menu. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed by the sides, which include black-eyed peas, collard greens, and mac and cheese. No Southern meal would be complete without dessert, and Revival’s banana cream pie is the stuff of legend.

Where: 525 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN and 4257 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Surly Brewing Company offers some of the best craft beer in Minnesota. The brewery itself is a great place for visitors to meet some locals and get a feel for Minneapolis’ hip, laid-back vibe. The brewery is massive, but the main room can fill up pretty quickly, so you’ll want to arrive early to secure a table. The beer hall offers a full menu with plenty of inventive shareables like hog frites, Thai Brussels sprouts, and roasted squash as well as a variety of cheese and charcuterie. If you’re looking for entrees, you’ll find pub favorites like steak and potatoes in addition to lighter fare like kale toast and a farro bowl. There are also at least 24 Surly beers on tap at any given time. From the aptly-named  double IPA, Abrasive, to the Surly Pils, there is something for everyone.

Where: 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN

In the mood for casual eats with enough choices to please everyone in your entourage? You can’t go wrong with Cowboy Jack’s. The menu includes all of your favorite bar fare like wings, pizza, and burgers as well as healthier options like their quinoa bowl and strawberry feta salad. There are happy hour specials every day from 3 – 6pm. Monday through Thursday, you get a second happy hour from 10pm – midnight. In addition to their extensive menu and full bar, Cowboy Jack’s offers several signature drinks like the Colorado Sidecar, small-batch Colorado whiskey with Jack’s own IPA.

Where: 126 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN

Located below Blackstock Brewing, Can Can Wonderland is not your typical mini-golf course. Each of the 18 holes was designed by a different mini-golf enthusiast and brought to life with the help of architects, artists, and visual engineers. Thanks to the variety of crazy themes, you’ll be putting into the mouth of a giant blue toad, around a tornado, even in Gramma’s living room. When you’re through with golf, you can hit the boardwalk, which features over 20 vintage arcade games and ping-pong. While tons of fun for the kiddos during the day, Can Can Wonderland is adults-only (21+) after 9pm.

Where: 755 N Prior Ave N, Saint Paul, MN

If you’re willing to brave the cold, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is well worth a visit. This 11-acre park is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country. Located near the Walker Art Center and recently reopened, the garden features 40 permanent art installations. Spoonbridge and Cherry is the park’s most iconic piece, and the massive red cherry balanced atop a bent spoon is even more striking when surrounded by a blanket of snow. When you’re ready to warm up, you can head into the galleries of the Walker Art Center. There is no charge to explore the park.

Where: 726 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN

The Como Park Zoo is open year-round, and winter is the perfect time of year to get up close and personal with Arctic animals. During the colder months, zookeepers host talks and special encounters with snow leopards, polar bears, and Arctic foxes. There is also a daily Gorilla Program where you can watch as primate keepers will interact with the apes, monkeys, and lemurs. The zoo is free to visit, although there is a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $2 for children.

Where: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN