You wouldn’t drink a pumpkin spice latte in the spring, would you?
Or sip on some hot chocolate in the humid Minnesota summer?
Or eat ice cream in the freezing winter? Okay, actually that might be something you’ve done as a Minnesotan.
I guess what we’re trying to say is that the food you enjoy varies depending on the time of the year. Because of this, it makes sense that restaurants should alter their menus! There are some great restaurants here in the Twin Cities that incorporate prix-fixe menus — (menus that change based on the chef’s choice, seasonality, and availability of ingredients).
Here are 8 of our favorites!
Ekseker Grove is a renowned spot for good dining around these parts. They have the accolades to prove it. In addition to fantastic food, ranging from their delectable salmon toast to deliciously prepared duck, Esker Grove also has one of the coolest names out there. As they explain on their website, ‘esker’ is a long ridge of gravel where water from glaciers accumulates. They chose this word to represent the flow of guests between the Walker Art Center, Sculpture Garden, and Walker Shop —locations that are close to Ekser Grove. Anyone can appreciate it when someone puts a little thought into their name.
211 N 1st St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Those who have been to Spoon and Stable, whether they are locals or out-of-towners, can all agree that this is one of the top spots in the area. Boasting fantastic reviews, Spoon and Stabel’s cuisine is rooted in the seasonality of the Midwest. Fun fact: the restaurant is named for the fact that the building used to be an actual horse stable. Historical, great service, fantastic food. What more do you need?
5445 Eden Praire Rd
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Beets, crispy Brussels sprouts, and truffle fries are just a few of the many mouth-watering starters that The Copper Cow Kitchen & Bar offers. A newer restaurant, you’ll also have to make sure you try one of their staples on the menu, their donut burger. If that sounds like it will tickle your tastebuds, then you’ll also love one of their boozy shakes. Yum!
631 Snelling Ave S
Saint Paul, MN 55116
Five nights a week, Joan’s in the Park serves up some dynamite seasonal foods — just keep in mind that they appreciate business casual attire. With most of these spots, you should plan on making reservations well in advance, especially for Joan’s. They offer a four-course menu for a fair price. The first-course highlight is the sunchoke & pork belly, second-course the apple and manchego cheese, third-course potato gnocchi, and the fourth-course market fish. Oh, and for dessert, you cannot go wrong with the maple ice cream.
4300 Bryant Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55409
“A splendid time is guaranteed for all,” promises the good folks at Tenant. A small, quaint, and intimate dining experience is also what you’ll find here, as it is centered around an open kitchen and eight seat counters. Their six-course meal is at a price that is hard to beat, and while their limited list of beverage options is specially curated to fit whatever their current menu is, you can get some optional pairings for $25. They also play some vinyl records here, which is an added bonus.
112 N 3rd St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Described by patrons as the perfect date-night or anniversary spot, 112 Eatery has exceptional service to accompany the romantic ambiance. Their old-fashioned is one of the best around, and the 112 burger is a favorite of their patrons. Some of their other top dishes include scallops with oyster mushrooms, stuffed chicken wings, stringozzi with lamb, cauliflower fritters, and french fries. It’s safe to say you’ll leave the 112 Eatery full and satisfied.
2124 Marshall St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Another smaller space, The Sample Room is just that — a room. But that is certainly part of the charm and history of the restaurant. Back in 1893, Mathias and Rose Theis constructed the Thies Hotel and Sample Room. They rented out rooms on the second floor as they ran the saloon on the ground floor. Because they rolled kegs over from the nearby Gluek Brewery and sampled their beer at the saloon, it was nicknamed the Sample Room which eventually stuck. If that wasn’t enough for you, the late, great Anthony Bourdain also paid a visit to the Sample Room before his passing.
Courtesy of Esker Grove
