A friend reached out the other day wondering if I could recommend a great place to take her husband for drinks and apps before his birthday dinner. She wanted somewhere cozy and warm, it should have dim lighting and great cocktails.
I knew exactly where to send her. Of the two places that came to mind, the downtown Minneapolis location would be better for them knowing their dinner reservations were downtown but depending on which direction you want to go, I’ve got a couple of ideas for you.
First, in downtown Minneapolis, in the basement of the Ivy Hotel, you’ll find Constantine. When you walk in and see the conference hall style carpeting leading your way, don’t turn around. Keep going, I promise, it’ll be worth it. You’ll find a dimly lit room with leather banquettes and dark wood. I love watching the bartenders make their craft cocktails, so my tendency is to grab a spot at the bar when I can. I recommend the Lumbersexual, a twist on the good old Cosmo (yes, they’re very early 2000s but I love them). And if you’re looking for a little snack, the house made pop tarts are incredible! If you’re interested in being able to make the cocktails at home, Constantine also offers cocktail classes.
Now, let’s head on over to the side of the river. The Mudd Room is a hidden gem in Mendota. When we pulled up to The Mudd Room, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect but my husband was excited about it, so in we went. Friends, I’m so glad we did. We went down a long flight of stairs into a dimly lit room where a Judy Garland movie was showing on a wall sized screen. This space is regularly filled with a band, so if you’re looking to pair your night with live music, be sure to check out Mudd Room’s calendar. If you’re looking for a cocktail, you can’t miss with the Pool Boy or the Hibiscus Rosemary Paloma. We ordered Dips, BLT Sliders, and Chorizo Croquettes (the Croquettes were my favorite!) and found we no longer had a need for dinner.
Do you have your own dark and cozy places you like to frequent or recommend when someone is looking for something special? Let me know, I’d love to check them out. Stay tuned for next month when we chat about our favorite “dive bars.”
