Kids can take a toll on a marriage. And that makes time to really connect — and be away from the kids — extremely important.
But is Valentine’s Day the best time to do that? We think … not. Restaurants are busy (if not booked) and menus are often fixed price / prix fixe — and pricier.
We recommend you check out these date nights that won’t leave you dropping a hundo on food and drink in single visit.
These deals are, dare we say, date nights you could actually do on a semi-regular basis!
Hungry for more? See also date nights at Kafe 421 (Tuesdays), Rinata (Sundays) and Tracy’s Saloon and Eatery (Fridays!) — all in Minneapolis.
FANCY
Where: Lurcat, downtown Minneapolis, across from Loring Park
When: 5:30–9 p.m. Sundays
What: Each person gets their choice of starter (yes, including the restaurant’s famed apple, cheese and chive salad), a hearty entree and a desert (yep, two desserts).
Good to know: Reservations are recommended since this is a popular, well-known night. Bottles of wine are half off as long as you choose one that’s under $100. Ahem. This deal is available in the dining room and the bar, which is nice because the dining room is pretty. Meanwhile, the bar (pictured) is gorgeous and offers a daily happy hour (4:30–6:30 p.m.) if you want to get an early start.
Also: you can bring guests or extra friends. Finally, if you’re wondering how it’s pronounced, staff answer the phone with “LURR-COT.”
Details: 612-486-5500, lurcatminneapolis.com/menus
SEMI-FANCY
Where: Red Stag Supperclub, Northeast Minneapolis
When: 5–10 p.m. Tuesdays
What: Each person gets a choice of entree with sides and a dessert (yes, two desserts), plus a bottle of wine or two pints of beer.
Good to know: Here your entree choice is limited to two options (one for meat eaters, the other for vegetarians), so if you don’t like what’s on the menu, you’re out of luck. You can always order the insanely good burger and fries; you just won’t get the full deal. If the fries are an option as a side, always get the fries.
Details: 612-767-7766, redstagsupperclub.com
SEMI-CASUAL
Where: Broders’ Pasta Bar, Southwest Minneapolis
When: 8–9:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday; this option is for parents who don’t want to miss bedtime and who don’t mind a later night.
What: You get an olive appetizer and a salad to share, two classic pasta dishes and half a bottle of house wine.
Good to know: Broders’ date-night menu (which is listed online) is a pared down version, so you might not find your favorite dishes. (But don’t worry, the Bolognese is there.)
Details: 612-925-9202, broderspastabar.com
CASUAL
Where: The Lowbrow, Southwest Minneapolis
When: 6–10 p.m. Tuesdays
What: You get two dinners, two glasses of wine or two pints of beer and one dessert. If you’re looking for a homey, laid-back date, this is the place. We highly recommend the classic burger (Minnesota-grown and grass-fed, baby)!
Good to know: Though this place is famous for all its home-made desserts — omgoodness, the pies! — don’t miss the chocolate stout cake with ganache and cream cheese frosting.
Details: 612-208-0720, thelowbrowmpls.com
SUPER-CASUAL
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl, Uptown
When: 6 p.m.–midnight Mondays
What: You get a round of bowling (shoes included) — a no-planning-required activity! — plus two entrees, a bottle of wine or (get this) two tap beers each (four beers total).
Good to know: There’s only one choice of entree, though staff can make exceptions if you have dietary restrictions around dairy, gluten or other issues.
Details: 612-825-3737, bryantlakebowl.com
Need more ideas? Check out these local happy hours for kid-weary parents who need a break!
