Brave New Workshop


There are way too many restaurants to list within walking distance of the ETC but we've taken a shot at it any way. Just like our hotel list, we feel obligated to inform you that the descriptions are taken from restaurant websites and should in no way imply that we suggest you eat, drink, dance, or undress there.  In fact, we suggest you check out  Open Table for more informative reviews or to make reservations. Or take a peek at the downtown Minneapolis restaurant map on Google Maps

Atlas Grill and Clubroom http://www.atlasgrill.com/ | Mediterranean
Atlas Grill & Clubroom is an approachable, elegant downtown Minneapolis restaurant. Our chef and staff have received critical acclaim for our fine food and gracious, unobtrusive service from newspapers and event magazines alike.

B.A.N.K http://www.bankmpls.com/ | Contemporary American
Discover a modern American dining establishment where fresh, local ingredients combine with a historic, yet revitalized setting to form a truly unique dining experience.

The Bachelor Farmer http://thebachelorfarmer.com/ | Nordic
The Bachelor Farmer draws inspiration from contemporary Nordic cooking, which emphasizes simplicity and fresh ingredients of the highest quality, which often means buying from local farmers and purveyors.  We use organic products whenever possible and also grow our own herbs and vegetables on our rooftop farm, which is the first of its kind in Minneapolis.

Barrio Tequila Bar http://www.barriotequila.com/Barrio_mpls.html | Latin American
With a sultry and hip Latin-theme bar atmosphere, Barrio in downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall was named 2008’s “Best New Restaurant” by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

Basil's http://www.basilsminneapolis.com/ | American
Basil’s Restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a contemporary flare.  Experience both an imaginative and intensely flavored breakfast and lunch menu that features American cuisine from traditional to unique.

Bombay Bistro http://www.bombaybistromn.com/ | Indian
Bombay Bistro is where you’ll find uncompromising authentic Indian dining, traditionally prepared with passion & experience by chef and co-owner Malti Mehta.

Bradstreet Craftshouse Restaurant http://www.bradstreetcraftshouse.com/ | Contemporary American
In a captivating and modern rendition of pre-prohibition era grandeur, Bradstreet Craftshouse delights diners with innovative plates, classic mixology cocktails and specialty drinks made from artesian ingredients, hand-pressed juices & house-made bitters.

Brit’s Pub http://www.britspub.com/ | see name
Conquering the world one pint at a time, Brit's Pub in downtown Minneapolis first opened its doors in 1990. Since then it has grown from a small two-room tavern to now include a world-renowned English Garden Park, complete with a 10,000 square foot Lawn Bowling green, and a Veranda Bar with views of Nicollet Mall and Peavy Plaza

Cafe Lurcat http://www.cafelurcat.com/ | Contemporary American
Café Lurcat and Bar Lurcat are located at historic Loring Corners—a collection of galleries, shops and storefronts on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, adjacent to Walker Art Center. The Lurcat offers sophisticated comfort food, a contemporary vision of the Classic American fish and chophouse.

Capital Grille http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/Locations/Minneapolis/Main.asp | Steakhouse
Rich mahogany, sumptuous leather and cool marble set the stage for incomparable dining in the Hennepin Theatre District. (Hey, that’s where we are!)  Just blocks from the Target Center, you’ll find dry aged beef that’s always right on the mark. No wonder Zagat Survey wrote, “awesome steaks served by the pros are the order of the day.”

Conga Latin Bistro http://www.congabistro.com/ | Latin / Spanish
Come for the food, stay for the dancing. Conga Latin Bistro is the only restaurant in town specializing in "Nuevo Latino Cuisine" & Latin entertainment.  We feature dishes from Spain, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and South America.

Cosmos at Graves 601 Hotel http://www.cosmosrestaurant.com/ | American
Located in the heart of the Theatre District, and connected by skyway to all of downtown Minneapolis. Cosmos provides the perfect atmosphere, cuisine and location for your night on the town, your high powered lunch meeting, or your first meeting of the day over spectacular breakfast.

CRAVE http://craveamerica.com/location_lasalle.html | American
A dining experience where quality, locally sourced food, chic atmosphere, and diverse choices offer guests the opportunity to create their own unforgettable dining experience. With Mediterranean and Asian influences, CRAVE offers a vibrant menu, fresh sushi, and a sense of discovery around every corner.

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant http://dakotacooks.com/ | Contemporary American
Enjoy the cuisine from new chefs Drrik Moran and Kristin Tyborski paired with a celebration of Minnesota Music.

D'Amico Kitchen http://damico-kitchen.com/ | Italian
A casual, contemporary Italian concept located in Chambers Luxury Art Hotel– features dozens of items, including antipasti “small plates” priced from $8 to $12, as well as pizzas, an assortment of entrees and a well-heeled, global wine list. Chef John Occhiato, will run the kitchen and is known to create dishes around hand-selected organic ingredients from his southern Minnesota farm.

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar http://firelakerestaurant.com/ | American
The restaurant boasts two private dining rooms and an expansive exhibition kitchen where diners can watch Chef Paul Lynch and his team deftly coach the mesquite flames licking deliciously at thick-cut chops, steaks, and fresh fish while prime rib and chickens turn lazily on the hickory wood-burning rotisserie. A blend of classic Midwestern meets Mediterranean mix best captures the food at FireLake.

Fogo de Chao http://www.fogodechao.com/index.php?id=161 | Steakhouse  Brazilian
Located in the famous Hennepin Theatre District at City Center, and within walking distance of museums, art galleries and hotels, the Minneapolis Fogo® has become a downtown landmark. Using tableside service to deliver gaucho prepared meat, patrons use red/green cards to signal when they are ready to eat more meat.

Gluek's Restaurant & Bar http://www.glueks.com/index.html | Brewery
While the bar at Gluek’s remains as popular as ever, the restaurant is emerging as one of the most comfortable and satisfying dining experiences in the Warehouse District.

HauteDish http://haute-dish.com/ | American
April 2011 Mpls St Paul Magazine named HauteDish Twin Cities best restaurant. HauteDish is a unique culinary concept that both embraces and reinvents classic Midwestern cuisine. Housed in a charming turn of the century building in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, this moderately priced full service restaurant presents a casual dining atmosphere in an upscale setting.

Hell’s Kitchen http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/ | Contemporary American
In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately located in a beautiful underground space, you’ll discover a chef-owned restaurant known for its damn good food: unique but not fancy, interesting but not fussy. Almost everything at Hell’s Kitchen is homemade, including ketchup, mustard, tomato juice, iced tea, hot cocoa, and of course our raved-about peanut butter which we now send throughout the world.

Ichiban Steak House http://www.ichiban.ca/locat_minneapolis.php | Japanese
Dining options include teppanyaki (grill side) cooking, tempura, and All-You-Can Eat For One Hour sushi. A la carte sushi is available, also. The award winning sushi bar features boats carrying delicately prepared sushi. The delicious food and entertaining show have made Ichiban a favorite dinner destination in the Minneapolis area.

Ike's Food & Cocktails http://www.ikes.co/ | American
Description not available as the website is not quite done.

JD Hoyt's http://jdhoyts.com/ | Steakhouse
J.D. Hoyt's, the popular steakhouse, is located just two blocks from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, is a cozy spot with an extensive menu of fire grilled delights, a full bar and a wine list of extraordinary value.

Joe's Garage http://joes-garage.com/ | American
Featuring casual dining, a rooftop patio, and full bar, Joe’s enjoys beautiful views of Downtown Minneapolis, Loring Park and Basilica of St Mary.  

Kieran's Irish Pub http://www.kierans.com/ | Irish
Kieran's Irish Pub has been the original Irish experience in downtown Minneapolis since 1994. Whether you're looking for live music or a quiet corner to sip a dram of whiskey, our friendly staff will make you feel right at home. Stop in for a perfect pint after a hard day's work, a Corned Beef Reuben before a baseball game, or an order of our world-famous Fish & Chips when the mood strikes.

Kindee Thai Restaurant http://www.kindeethairestaurant.com/ | Thai
Kindee offers traditional Thai cuisine with a modern flair. Our menu offers a large variety of unique appetizers, delicious entrées, hot soups and crisp salads. Whatever your preference, we are sure you will find something on our menu that will satisfy your appetite.

King & I Thai http://www.kingandithai.com/ | Thai
Since King and I Thai first opened its doors in 1981, it has earned a reputation among Thai food enthusiasts as the place to eat in the Twin Cities. Chef and owner Bou Haanpaa adds a personal creative touch to the traditional recipes of her homeland, bringing you sensational food, abundant portions, and a great value.

Loring Kitchen and Bar http://www.loringkitchen.com/ | Contemporary American
Loring Kitchen & Bar features delicious food and an enticing bar. A neighborhood kitchen with destination appeal, we feature contemporary cuisine in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Manny's Steakhouse http://www.mannyssteakhouse.com/ | Steak
Whether you’re wining and dining clients or want to unwind and dine by yourself; whether you want to vanquish a lobster in the dining room or polish off a porterhouse in the bar, we focus on one thing: providing our guests with the quality, hospitality and service that have earned Manny’s a Top 10 national ranking from the Zagat Guide, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and a host of other accolades.

Masa http://www.masa-restaurant.com/ | Contemporary Mexican
Popularized by acclaimed chef Rick Bayless, contemporary Mexican food has found new recognition across the country, from small mom-and-pop shops to fine-dining urban establishments. In the latest addition to this growing trend toward contemporary Mexican cuisine, D’amico & Partners opened the doors to their newest restaurant, Masa, in Minneapolis.

McCormick & Schmick's http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/ | Seafood
Each McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant’s menu is printed twice daily, featuring the signature “Fresh List” highlighting an impressive number of fresh seafood varieties, in addition to aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. McCormick & Schmick's commitment to local freshness is apparent in the seasonally inspired dishes and regionally inspired preparations offered.

The Melting Pot http://www.meltingpot.com/minneapolis/specials | Fondue
At The Melting Pot of Minneapolis (Downtown), fondue becomes a memorable four-course fine dining experience where patrons can dip into something different. Guests enjoy a choice of four flavorful fondue-cooking styles and a variety of unique gourmet entrées combined with special dipping sauces. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

Mission American Kitchen & Bar http://www.missionamerican.com/ | American
Urban energy meets style and comfort at Mission American Kitchen & Bar. This contemporary American Restaurant is located in the beautiful IDS Center in Downtown Minneapolis. New York Times hails Mission “Top choice for contemporary American comfort food, as well as the power lunch capital of Downtown Minneapolis.“

Monte Carlo (no website available) | American
Online review, “Clubby and boisterous, casually elegant and comfortable, this historic workingman's bar and cafe is a real piece of Minneapolis. The first thing you see is the magnificent copper-topped bar, with bottles stacked to the pressed-tin ceiling. Framed photographs of TC notables cover the walls.”

The News Room http://thenewsroommpls.com/home.aspx | American
The News Room offers an American eclectic menu in a warm comfortable environment. Conveniently located on the Nicollet Mall strip in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

The Normandy Kitchen http://www.normandykitchen.com/ | American
The Normandy Kitchen has been serving the Minneapolis downtown area since 1941 and features the best traditions in America food.

Oceanaire Seafood Room http://www.theoceanaire.com/Locations/Minneapolis/Locations.aspx | Seafood
Sleek and sophisticated, The Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy the freshest seafood flown in daily from around the world.

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant http://www.panchovillasgrill.com/index.html | Mexican
Pancho Villa has a vast menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. From tacos and enchiladas to sopes and tamals, Pancho Villa’s has it all.

Porter and Frye http://porterandfrye.com/ | Contemporary American
Porter & Frye, bar and restaurant, captures the perfect balance of comfortable yet vibrant ambience with a contemporary flavor. A taste of the heartland and the sea with a sprinkling of international seasoning, uniquely positioned at the intersection of nightlife and business.

Rare Steak and Sushi http://www.rarempls.com/ | American
Premium grass-fed beef and sustainably sourced sushi. Food that tastes as good as it makes you feel. And a casual, yet upscale dining experience. It's rare. But you can find it here.

Restaurant Max http://www.thehotelminneapolis.com/dining/restaurant-max/ | Contemporary American
The restaurant Max features lifestyle cuisine highlighting the fresh seasonal offerings of the local region and is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 4th Street in downtown Minneapolis adjacent to The Hotel Minneapolis. Guests love restaurant Max's innovative yet approachable style as they relax in an atmosphere that is fresh and creative.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery http://www.rockbottom.com/minneapolis | American
A lively and casual dining experience, Rock Bottom Minneapolis features fresh, handcrafted beers brewed on the premises and an innovative made-from-scratch menu.

Ruth's Chris Steak House http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/3831/Minneapolis | Steak
Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs. Our Minneapolis steakhouse provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere.  

Saffron Restaurant & Lounge http://saffronmpls.com/ | Mediterranean
The critically-acclaimed and award-winning Saffron Restaurant & Lounge is the brain child of brothers Saed & Sameh Wadi. Opened in February 2007

Sanctuary http://www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com/ | American
New American cuisine deftly prepared and spiced with classic Mediterranean and Japanese influences.

Sapor Cafe http://www.facebook.com/saporcafe | Global, International
Sapor Cafe and Bar is a locally owned, chef-driven restaurant located in the North Loop district of downtown Minneapolis.

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant http://www.sawatdee.com/ | Thai
We bring fresh, authentic food from Thailand all the way to Minnesota. Sawatdee isn't just about great food (did we mention award winning?); it’s about exploring Thai culture.

Sea Change http://seachangempls.com/ | Seafood
2009 James Beard award winner Chef Tim McKee designed the core menu for Sea Change which focuses on sustainable seafood, highlighting fisheries that use environmentally responsible methods of gathering and farming seafood. The menu also includes a number of items under the heading “Not Fish” as well as late night offerings of small plates and raw bar selections.

Seven: Steakhouse, Sushi Ultralounge, and Skybar  http://www.7steakhouse.com/ | Steakhouse
Seven The Steakhouse is a renewal of the American steakhouse offering refined American cuisine, warm hospitality and unparalleled tableside service. Come down to Seven The Steakhouse for dinner and enjoy complimentary valet parking!

Skywater – Hilton http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/hotelpromo.jhtml?ctyhocn=MSPMHHH&promo=skywater  | American
The World at Your Plate A celebration of global flavors and greenmarket bounty, SkyWater showcases Chef Julian Grainger’s eclectic palate and greenmarket passion. Here regional specialties share a spotlight with international dazzlers. Refined service is augmented by Midwestern warmth. And a refreshingly comfortable, yet distinctly metropolitan setting complements the unforced sophisticated of Grainger’s cooking.

Solera http://www.solera-restaurant.com/ | Spanish
Featuring an evocative menu, authentically embracing the cuisine of Spain, Solera offers an unparalleled experience for social dining in a vibrant, Spanish-influenced atmosphere. In addition to spectacular dinner, dessert and late night menus, guests enjoy an extensive Spanish wine list, organized by region, expertly crafted cocktails and signature sangrias. Solera offers several inside dining spaces including a lounge area, main and private dining rooms, and a tapas bar along with outdoor patio dining on street level, a private veranda dining space on the second floor and a lively rooftop bar.

Spill the Wine http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com/ | American
Spill the Wine is located on 11th and Washington Avenue South in the theatre district. We feature two separate spaces, one as the dining room with an open kitchen. The other side features a lounge with full menu, televisions, oak handcrafted bar top and a wall displayed with regional wine. The menu highlights American Cuisine with continental influences.

Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen http://wondrousmpls.com/ | Asian
Where classic French techniques are used to bring together Azian spice and Minnesota nice. Where the design is both quintessential vintage Chinese and downtown glam. The music emanates throughout from the brightly colored cocktail bar to the traditional Japanese sushi bar and leads you to our turn of the century Shanghai-style lounge.

Vincent http://www.vincentarestaurant.com/ | Contemporary American
Located on Nicollet Mall, Vincent features French cuisine with a Contemporary American influence.

Zelo http://www.zelomn.com/ | Italian
Historical architecture meets funky décor in our downtown Minneapolis institution. This one-of-a-kind atmosphere sets the bar high for true hospitality, and great locally inspired food. Be here for our happening 4-5-6 attitude adjustment hour and the exciting new late night bar menu. Zelo, at 10 years old, is very comfortable in its sophisticated role amidst the downtown restaurant community.         

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