Minnesota has no shortage of unique dining spots, offering not just great food but also unforgettable atmospheres that elevate the dining experience. From themed eateries to hidden gems, here’s a guide to some of the most unusual restaurants in Minnesota where the ambiance is just as memorable as the food. So, whether you’re looking for a themed night out or a cozy escape, these spots are sure to provide a meal to remember.
1. Betty Danger’s Country Club
Location: Minneapolis
Kicking off our list is Betty Danger’s Country Club, a quirky and eclectic spot known for its “kitschy” take on a country club experience. This restaurant features a vintage Ferris wheel that gives diners views of the Minneapolis skyline while enjoying margaritas and tacos. The vibe here is part amusement park, part old-school country club, with funky decor and playful menu options that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe.
Must-try dishes: The Danger Dogs, loaded with creative toppings, and the avocado margarita are fan favorites. The restaurant also has a “putt-putt” mini-golf course, which adds a touch of fun to your dining experience.
2. Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
Location: Minneapolis
For tiki vibes and tropical cocktails, Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge is the go-to spot. This retro Polynesian-themed bar and restaurant transports you to a vintage tiki paradise, complete with bamboo decor, tiki statues, and colorful drinks. This spot is famous for its extensive cocktail menu, featuring drinks served in themed tiki mugs.
Must-try dishes: Try the Polynesian-inspired pizzas like the “Hawaiian Heat” or their “Booze-Soaked” nachos. For a full experience, grab a seat on the patio overlooking the Mississippi River for a relaxing evening escape.
3. Travail Kitchen and Amusements
Location: Robbinsdale
Travail Kitchen and Amusements is not your average dining experience. This chef-driven restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that is part dining and part performance art. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, creating an interactive experience that encourages diners to engage with the food and chefs. Travail is known for pushing culinary boundaries with innovative techniques, playful presentations, and whimsical flavors.
Must-try experience: Opt for their tasting menu to get the full experience. The dishes change seasonally and are always designed to surprise and delight.
4. The News Room
Location: Minneapolis
Step into the world of headlines and journalism at The News Room, a newspaper-themed restaurant with a unique twist. The decor is styled to look like an old newsroom, complete with newsprint walls, typewriters, and articles framing every inch. The ambiance provides a unique, media-inspired setting, and the food offers elevated American classics.
Must-try dishes: Try the flatbread pizzas or their signature burgers. For an interesting drink, the “Editor’s Choice” cocktail list is as creative as the restaurant’s concept itself.
5. Hell’s Kitchen
Location: Minneapolis
A Minneapolis staple, Hell’s Kitchen brings a dark, edgy vibe with its cave-like interior, red lighting, and funky artwork. The restaurant serves breakfast all day and has become famous for its peanut butter, lemon ricotta hotcakes, and made-from-scratch comfort foods. The dark aesthetic makes it a unique spot for brunch or a late-night bite with friends.
Must-try dishes: Order the lemon ricotta pancakes, Mahnomin porridge, and their famous bloody Mary. They also have a dedicated peanut butter section on the menu, which is a fun twist for PB lovers.
6. Nye’s Polonaise Room
Location: Minneapolis
Step back in time at Nye’s Polonaise Room, a classic supper club and piano bar known for its old-school charm. The place is famously retro, with vinyl booths, vintage decor, and nightly live piano music that invites everyone to sing along. It’s one of the few places where you can get a real sense of the Twin Cities’ culinary and cultural history.
Must-try dishes: The Polish specialties, like pierogis and kielbasa, are crowd favorites. Order a classic old-fashioned for the full supper club experience.
7. The Sample Room
Location: Minneapolis
For a cozy, intimate experience, The Sample Room offers a tasting-focused menu in a warm, rustic setting. Known for its charcuterie boards and small plates, this spot is ideal for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors. The Sample Room has a classic, wooden decor that creates an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere, and it’s one of the few spots in Minneapolis where you can try house-made charcuterie.
Must-try dishes: Try the rotating charcuterie board or smoked meats. The small plates are perfect for sharing, and they change seasonally, so you’ll always find something new to try.
8. Travail’s Rookery Bar
The Rookery is Travail’s adjacent bar space, designed for a more casual, fun take on cocktails and small plates. The Rookery has a playful vibe, serving elevated bar bites and imaginative cocktails that highlight local ingredients. The space is relaxed yet lively, perfect for winding down with friends or enjoying some bottle service jobs-style luxury.
Must-try dishes: Their cocktail selection is stellar, so try anything on their rotating drink menu. Pair it with small plates or unique bar snacks for a fun, memorable experience.
Dining in Minnesota isn’t just about good food—it’s about the experience. Each of these unique restaurants adds a different flavor to the local dining scene, whether through themed decor, creative menus, or immersive atmospheres. Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky country club, tropical tiki vibes, or an upscale tasting menu, Minnesota has a place for you.
From Betty Danger’s Ferris wheel dinners to the lively ambiance of The Rookery, these unusual spots make dining in Minnesota a true adventure.
