Best Waterfront Dining In Minneapolis
With summer in full swing, there is nothing Minnesotans love more than soaking up the outdoor weather for all its worth. What could be better than sitting on an outdoor patio at your favorite restaurant, bathing in the sun and enjoying a wonderful waterfront view? Below is a list of some of the best waterfront dining spots in the Twin Cities.
The Tin Fish
3000 Calhoun Parkway E
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 823-5840
www.thetinfish.net
As one of the more casual waterfront dining spots in the Twin Cities, The Tin Fish is a wonderfully laid back eatery to stop at after a nice long walk around Lake Calhoun. While the fare may be cheap, don't be fooled. This fish tacos here are some of the best you'll find in the area. The a la carte menu allows patrons to have a few different entrees, although the employees say the local favorite is the walleye taco served with shredded cabbage, cheddar cheese, salsa, ranch dressing and hot sauce (an interestingly fantastic combination). While you are dining, enjoy the people watching along beautiful Lake Calhoun.
Vic's Dining
201 Main St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 312-2000
www.vicsdining.com
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this restaurant offers the perfect combination of city life and nature. Enjoy views of the Minnesota riverfront, St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge while you dine on filet mignon wrapped in Minnesota-raised bacon. One of the better features of the menu is the choice in sauce to accompany the steak. Choose between bernaise, demi glace or bleu cheese crusted. There is a great selection of burger entrees as well including kobe beef and bison burgers. Also, be sure to check out the great wine deals. Vic's has the best and most modestly priced wine in the city.
Related: Best Patios In Minneapolis
Nicollet Island Inn
95 Merriam St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 331-1800
www.nicolletislandinn.com
Want a more romantic restaurant scene? Nicollet Island Inn is sure to fit the bill with a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the Minneapolis skyline as well as the Mississippi river. The patio is beautifully decorated with a two-tiered garden as well as an outdoor fireplace for those cooler summer nights. Enjoy access to the full restaurant menu while on the patio, filled with plenty of steakhouse and seafood options. Or let the chef decide your meal by selecting one of the nightly tasting menus. If you are really in the mood to splurge, try the lobster newberg (butter-poached lobster accompanied by asparagus, truffled mash and carrots in a champagne-vanilla sauce). Can't get away for a lunch or dinner? The Inn's weekend brunches are fantastic – try the crème brulee French toast.
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
1900 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 788-9069
www.psychosuzis.com
For a more exotic dining experience, be sure to check out Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge. This tiki-inspired restaurant has a wonderful riverfront patio filled with views of the Mississippi River. The restaurant is known for its drink specials and menu, so be sure to try one of the many tropical cocktails available. The menu has options ranging from burgers, salads and sandwiches, but the pizza is the ultimate standout. Try the four barrel, a pizza with spicy fennel sausage, red onions, roasted red peppers and feta and mozzarella with the house red sauce.
Lord Fletcher's
3746 Sunset Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384
(952) 471-8513
www.lordfletchers.com
No waterfront dining list could be complete without including at least one Lake Minnetonka restaurant. Located about 25 minutes west of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is filled with waterfront dining locations. One of the most popular, Lord Fletcher's, includes an outdoor patio (called The Wharf) the size of a football field. This patio has live music every weekend and plenty of places to dock your boat off the lake. And don't forget about the menu. This restaurant is known for its walleye served three different ways across the menu: with crusted almonds, grilled in a wrap or cracker crusted.
Alicia Stewart, a clinical dietitian at a metro hospital in St Paul, MN, has the unique role of working both as an acute care clinical dietitian, as well as an out-patient counselor. She has worked with hundreds of clients on various health topics, including diabetes, weight management, family health, and other chronic health conditions that can be controlled and improved with the right food choices. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
